3 Best Bars in Toronto: A Connoisseur's Guide to the City's Finest Watering Holes

Toronto's nightlife pulses with a distinctive energy that reflects the city's multicultural tapestry. As Canada's largest metropolis, it boasts an impressive array of drinking establishments that cater to every taste imaginable. From dimly lit speakeasies to boisterous taverns filled with live music, the city's bar scene offers an enticing spectrum of experiences for the discerning traveler.

Having traversed the vibrant streets of this cosmopolitan hub numerous times, I've developed a particular fondness for establishments that transcend the ordinary drinking experience. The most memorable Toronto bars don't merely serve drinks; they craft moments, cultivate atmospheres, and create spaces where strangers become friends over carefully crafted libations.

Whether you're visiting Toronto for business or pleasure, taking time to explore its remarkable bar scene provides insight into the city's character that few other activities can match. As you plan your Canadian adventures—perhaps before heading east to explore Nova Scotia's breathtaking Cabot Trail or west to experience the natural splendors of British Columbia—consider these three exceptional establishments your essential Toronto nightlife itinerary.

Drom Taberna: Eastern European Soul in the Heart of Toronto

Nestled on Queen Street West, Drom Taberna transports visitors to a rustic Eastern European tavern the moment they cross its threshold. The name "Drom" derives from the Romani word for "journey," an apt description for what awaits inside this remarkable establishment. Dark wood furnishings, exposed brick walls adorned with vintage photographs, and the soft glow of amber lighting create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously foreign and welcoming.

What truly distinguishes Drom from Toronto's myriad drinking establishments is its unwavering commitment to live music. On any given night, the bar reverberates with the sounds of Eastern European folk music, Balkan brass bands, or gypsy jazz ensembles. Musicians perform on a small stage that places them at eye level with patrons, dissolving the boundary between performer and audience in a way that encourages spontaneous dancing and celebration.

The drink menu at Drom pays homage to Eastern European traditions while incorporating contemporary twists. Their house-infused vodkas deserve special attention, particularly the horseradish and dill variations that complement their food offerings perfectly. The bar also boasts an impressive selection of Eastern European beers rarely found elsewhere in Toronto, including obscure Czech pilsners and robust Hungarian lagers.

Speaking of food, Drom's kitchen produces hearty fare designed for sharing. Platters of cured meats, pickled vegetables, and freshly baked bread provide the perfect foundation for an evening of drinking. More substantial offerings include pierogies with caramelized onions, cabbage rolls simmered in tomato sauce, and tender lamb kebabs served with tzatziki. These dishes reflect the diverse culinary traditions of Eastern Europe while using locally sourced ingredients.

The crowd at Drom tends toward the eclectic—artists, musicians, and curious travelers mingle with Toronto locals seeking something beyond the ordinary bar experience. Conversations flow easily here, perhaps encouraged by the communal seating arrangements and the infectious energy of the live performances. It's not uncommon to arrive alone and leave having shared drinks, stories, and dances with newfound friends.

Civil Liberties: The Art of Bespoke Cocktails

Hidden away on Bloor Street in Toronto's Koreatown neighborhood, Civil Liberties announces its presence with nothing more than a small pineapple sign above an unassuming doorway. This deliberate discretion sets the tone for what awaits inside—an intimate cocktail sanctuary where customization and craftsmanship reign supreme.

The interior eschews the typical trappings of speakeasy-inspired bars. Instead of affected vintage décor, Civil Liberties embraces a warm, lived-in aesthetic with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and an impressive bar that dominates the space. Behind this bar stands a team of mixologists whose knowledge and creativity form the establishment's true foundation.

Most remarkable about Civil Liberties is its complete absence of a cocktail menu. Instead, bartenders engage patrons in brief conversations about their preferences, moods, and adventurousness. These exchanges might begin with simple questions about preferred spirits or flavor profiles, but quickly evolve into discussions of obscure ingredients, historical drinking traditions, or personal memories associated with particular tastes.

From these conversations emerge cocktails tailored precisely to individual preferences. A casual mention of enjoying both mezcal and autumn flavors might result in a smoky concoction enhanced with maple, cinnamon, and apple, garnished with a torched sage leaf. Express fondness for gin and floral notes, and you might receive a delicate creation featuring house-made lavender syrup, elderflower liqueur, and fresh citrus, topped with an edible flower.

While drinks take center stage at Civil Liberties, the bar does offer a small selection of carefully curated snacks. The cheese and charcuterie boards feature local Ontario products, while more substantial offerings might include deviled eggs topped with caviar or warm spiced nuts. These simple yet refined options complement the cocktails without competing for attention.

The atmosphere at Civil Liberties strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. The background music—often vintage jazz or soul records—remains at a volume that encourages conversation rather than shouting. Bartenders remember returning patrons and their preferences, creating a sense of belonging that keeps locals coming back and makes visitors feel instantly welcomed.

PrettyUgly: Minimalist Aesthetics, Maximalist Flavors

Located in Toronto's trendy Parkdale neighborhood, PrettyUgly embodies the creative contradiction suggested by its name. The bar's aesthetic could be described as deliberately unpolished—concrete floors, sparse furnishings, and muted colors create a canvas where the drinks themselves provide vibrant focal points. This design approach reflects the philosophy behind the cocktail program—stripping away unnecessary elements to highlight quality ingredients and precise technique.

Founded by a collective of industry veterans, PrettyUgly approaches cocktail creation with scientific precision and artistic flair. The bar's signature drinks showcase unusual ingredient combinations that challenge conventional flavor expectations. Take, for instance, their renowned "Bitter Giuseppe"—a seemingly simple mixture of Cynar (an artichoke-based amaro), sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and salt that achieves remarkable complexity through perfect proportions and technique.

PrettyUgly distinguishes itself through its extensive collection of craft spirits, particularly amari and other bitter liqueurs from around the world. Many of these bottles represent small-batch producers whose products rarely appear on Canadian shelves. The bartenders' encyclopedic knowledge of these spirits allows them to guide patrons through tasting experiences that expand drinking horizons beyond familiar territory.

While cocktails remain the primary focus, PrettyUgly has developed a food program that reflects the same commitment to quality and creativity. The menu changes frequently based on seasonal availability, but might include dishes like whipped ricotta with fermented honey, house-made charcuterie with pickled vegetables, or sourdough flatbreads topped with unexpected combinations of local ingredients.

The atmosphere at PrettyUgly tends toward the serious without becoming pretentious. Patrons speak in hushed tones, creating an environment conducive to appreciating the subtleties of complex drinks. The lighting—dim but focused on each table—creates intimate islands throughout the space. Weeknights offer the best opportunity to engage with bartenders about their craft, while weekends bring a livelier energy as Parkdale's creative community gathers to socialize.

For travelers who have spent days hiking Newfoundland's rugged trails or exploring the urban delights of Montreal's bars, PrettyUgly offers a distinctive Toronto drinking experience that showcases the city's contemporary cocktail culture at its most refined.

The Spirit of Toronto in Three Glasses

These three remarkable establishments—Drom Taberna with its exuberant Eastern European hospitality, Civil Liberties with its personalized approach to mixology, and PrettyUgly with its minimalist aesthetic and flavor-forward creations—represent different facets of Toronto's diverse drinking culture. Each offers visitors a unique lens through which to experience the city's character, creativity, and cosmopolitan spirit.

What unites these seemingly disparate bars is their authentic commitment to crafting memorable experiences. None relies on gimmicks or trends; instead, they focus on quality, atmosphere, and the fundamental pleasure of gathering with others to share drinks and conversation. In doing so, they embody the best aspects of Toronto itself—multicultural, creative, and genuinely welcoming.

For travelers exploring Canada's varied landscapes and urban centers, documenting these experiences becomes part of the journey itself. Tools like Borderly AI help adventurers visualize their travels across this vast country, from sampling Canada's hidden gems to tracking which airlines and aircraft have carried them to their destinations. This digital record becomes a treasured souvenir, allowing travelers to revisit their journeys long after returning home.

As you plan your Toronto itinerary, consider setting aside several evenings to explore these exceptional establishments. Begin with hearty food and live music at Drom Taberna, continue to Civil Liberties for personalized cocktail creations, and conclude your night at PrettyUgly for a final sophisticated nightcap. Through these experiences, you'll discover aspects of Toronto's character that remain invisible to travelers who never venture beyond standard tourist attractions.

The true measure of a city's soul often resides in its gathering places—the corners where locals come together to celebrate, commiserate, and connect. In Toronto's finest bars, you'll find not just exceptional drinks but windows into the city's heart. Whether you're visiting Toronto as part of a broader Canadian adventure or focusing solely on urban exploration, these establishments deserve places of honor on your itinerary. Your future self, reminiscing about Canadian travels while reviewing your Borderly AI travel visualization, will thank you for these memorable nights in Toronto.