The Best Cocktail Bars In Toronto

Cry Baby Gallery

The same team behind Le Tigre in Rosedale brings you Cry Baby Gallery on Dundas West, but you could hardly tell based on how different the vibes are. This sultry speakeasy looks like an unassuming art gallery from the street, but peek behind the curtain and you’ll find a chic industrial-inspired bar. The cocktail names are also comical, like the Lisa Needs Braces or the Big Bourbon Energy.

Where: 1468 Dundas St W, Toronto

Le Tigre

Malibu Barbie would love this Rosedale bar, with its neon pink hue, tropical plants, and intimate vibes. The drinks are equally as pretty, each served in a gorgeous glass that compliments the cocktail. For example, take the Ashley Madison, a watermelon and blood orange-flavoured Mai Tai presented bamboo stalk-shaped glass topped with mint and a decorative plumeria flower.

Where: 1060 Yonge St (Second Floor), Toronto

Prequel & Co. Apothecary

Reminiscent of a Parisian apothecary from the late 1800s, Prequel and Co. is an eccentric spot on Queen W brought to you by the same owners behind BarChef. The mixologists here are skilled in their craft, and will whip up some incredibly unique and complex cocktails using techniques from the Art Nouveau era. From grinding spices and muddling herbs by hand, Prequel and Co. is a must visit at least once!

Where: 1036 Queen St W, Toronto

Project Gigglewater

If you’re curious about the name, the term “Gigglewater” was slang for alcohol used back during the Prohibition Era. This cocktail bar on Dundas West is known for its surprising flavour combinations, particularly their savoury cocktails. For example, the “Pho Get About It” combines pho-infused rum, cilantro, basil, rice milk, and bean sprouts for a creation you’ve certainly never tried before!

Where: 1369 Dundas St W, Toronto

Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties on Bloor West was one of three Toronto bars to make 2024’s annual ranking of the top 50 best bars in North America, placing 21 on the list! It’s also the third consecutive year it made the ranking, so they definitely know what they’re doing. With no set menu, the bartender will customize each drink to the guest’s preferences, be it sweet, smokey, or whatever you wish.

Where: 878 Bloor St W, Toronto

Bar Banane

Found on Ossington Ave, Bar Banane ranked on Canada’s 100 Best list for 2024 and was commended for its poise and elegance among a neighbourhood “replete with bars”. The cocktails here are vibrant and have some fun names, like the Slap Dash which is their best-selling espresso martini or the Long Last Lassi, made with mango, pisco, saffron, amchoor, vanilla yogurt, and select 1910.

Where: 227A Ossington Ave, Toronto

Bar Mordecai

The last of the Toronto bars to make this year’s top 50 best bars in North America goes to Bar Mordecai, ranking 40th out of 50. With its imaginative Wes Anderson hotel lobby-inspired design, the cocktails here were praised for being “fun and focused”. Don’t miss the karaoke rooms downstairs!

Where: 1272 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Famous Last Words

Cocktail and book lovers have a spot for their worlds to converge at this cozy Junction bar, where even the menu is divided up into “chapters” of taste. Find light and refreshing beverages in ‘Chapter 1: Beach Reads’ or skip ahead to the stirred and spirit-forward concoctions in ‘Chapter 3: Epics’. Famous Last Words also has a monthly book club you can attend, as well as events like book-themed trivia or themed cocktail classes.

Where: 392 Pacific Ave, Toronto

BarChef

If you’re looking for a cocktail bar to truly wow your company, BarChef is it. This dimly-lit cocktail bar is an immersive and transportive cocktail experience brought to you by Frankie Solarik, who is also responsible for Prequel and Co. Apothecary. BarChef uses liquor infusions, syrups and bitters all made in house, which will truly blow you away in both taste and presentation. You’ll want to save this for a special occasion, however, with the cheapest option on the menu starting at $20.

Where: 472 Queen St W, Toronto

Bar Pompette

Also ranking on this year’s top 50 best bars in North America, Bar Pompette came 29th with its nod to French cafés. Using produce from local farms for seasonal ingredients, you’ll be treated with an inventive cocktail menu that serves classic to modern delights.

Where: 607 College St, Toronto

Info Courtesy Of: https://secrettoronto.co/