7 bars to take a whiskey lover in Toronto
Some like tequila, others like beer, but let’s not forget about the whiskey lover. We all know that person who prides themselves at the bar on being a whiskey connoisseur. If you want to take them to get their Jack Daniel’s on, or for a sampling of something a little more rare, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list of the best places to take a whiskey lover in Toronto. [Feature image: Boxcar Social]
Boxcar Social
1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1With locations in Summerhill and Riverside, Boxcar Social offers the thirsty in the six a little bit of everything. Café by day and watering hole by night, the saloon-style spot hosts a serious selection of whiskey, scotch and bourbon in addition to its beer and wine selections. With tasting flights and a knowledgeable bartending staff that’s ready to talk everything brown liquor, it’s pretty much a whiskey connoisseur’s paradise, and with its inspired modern-meets-prohibition interior, it’s not a bad pick for date night, either.
The Caledonian
856 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A2Whether you’re new to the world of whiskey or a seasoned professional, This Dufferin Grove Scottish pub is a great hangout spot. They’ve got all the traditional menu items of a true Scottish eatery – haggis, steak pie, fish and chips, the scotch egg, you name it. And of course, they’ve got pages and pages of whiskey. If straight-up is a little hard on your palette, try one of the delicious whiskey-based cocktails instead.
Black Dice Café
1574 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8This Brockton Village bar has a pinball machine, a jukebox, and an excellent selection of Japanese whiskeys (in other words, what more could you ask for?). In the way of interior, the Japanese rockabilly theme and neon lights add the lively feel of a charming dive bar – but the selection of sake-based cocktails, draught sake, and Sapporo specials will make you feel like you’re somewhere truly distinct.
Communist's Daughter
1149 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X3Picture this: old-school vinyl filling the air on a Saturday night, dim lighting, eccentric family portraits covering the walls, and a whiskey neat in your hand. Sounds perfect, right? At the Communist’s Daughter, one of Dundas and Ossington’s most beloved watering holes, both the jukebox and the whiskey selection is well stocked. If you’re feeling like a snack, they’ve got a snacky-meets-hearty food menu.
The Bar Hop Inc
391 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1Three words – garlic parmesan donuts. This bar and brewpub in the downtown core is everything you didn’t know you needed in your Toronto nightlife. Despite Bar Hop’s conventional name, this place avoids the pretentious (and expensive) vibe in lieu of a casual, neighbourhood-spot feel. They have a stellar beer selection, but if you’re a whiskey lover, you’re going to be even more impressed. It’s not everyday that you find Pappy Van Winkle or Eagle Rare in the 6, but these guys have it every time.
Cc Lounge
45 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B3This downtown St. Lawrence lounge is no secret to Torontonians, but it seems like a crime to leave it off our whiskey list. The décor of this place is sure to make you feel fancy and important – think: huge chandeliers, low elegant lighting, and a birdcage by the front entrance with a cabaret dancer. Stunning interior aside, CC Lounge also hosts a top-notch and moderately priced whiskey selection. Hot tip: On Thursdays, stop by and enjoy their buck-a-shuck oysters.
Toronto Temperance Society
577A College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2Should you find yourself in Little Italy with a hankering for some whiskey, stop into the Toronto Temperance Society. This place is a little on the pricey side – with memberships at $285/year – but if you have a friend with one they can bring along three guests. With its speakeasy décor and lovable bartenders, the TTS will make you feel like you’re at a Gatsby party. Don’t forget to try their delectable cheese platters and their diverse whiskey list.
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