Bloor Street. You’ve been there before and you’ll go there again because let’s face it: it’s a prime location in Toronto to enjoy some drinks with friends after a long day in the 6. Fortunately for you, there’s always a new spot (or nine) on the strip to enjoy a craft brew or unique cocktails with pals. [Feature Image: The Gaslight]
As a new low-key local addition to the Bloor Street strip, Penny’s is a self-described dive bar with a touch of class. They offer a variety of Ontario brews on tap to choose from, making it a great place to kick back with friends.
If you’re looking for a place to go have some beers in your track pants and flannel, Wenona Lodge is your best bet. And if cocktails are more your thing, try their signature drink, Muskoka ice tea, while you enjoy some tasty Octo-dogs.
Burdock has joined the Bloor-Street scene and it’s run entirely by a group of musicians and music lovers, featuring four nights of live music per week. The place is part restaurant and bar, one part music hall, and one part micro-brewery (and bottle shop opened ‘til 11 pm). Need we say more?
Immerse yourself in the speakeasy world of the 1920s as you step into this beautifully decorated bar, complete with a vintage piano. They also don’t have a menu (because they’re cool like that), so be ready to tell them what you want and they’ll whip up a cocktail just to your liking.
The spacing might be a wee compact at this new Bloor Street bar, but its casual setting basically makes it the perfect new local hangout (think the bar in How I Met Your Mother). They’re big on cider, have three of their own classic cocktails, and an abundance of Mediterranean-inspired food. Bartenders are known to whip up made-for-your cocktails after asking what kind of spirit you like, and what kind of day you had.
Make your way to the quieter side of Bloor for a cozy evening at Gaslight – a new pub mostly lit by warm candlelight (and sorry, but what could be better on a blistery winter evening). Their main focus is craft beer, but they have a great selection of Canadian whiskey and tequila. And if you find yourself puckish while sippin’ your drink, don’t miss out on the broccoli poutine.
Lovers of craft beer, meet your new hangout spot. The small space makes for a friendly environment, and is complete with a team of bartenders who really know their stuff. There’s always something new to try on the beer menu, and if you’re in the mood for something virgin, the owner also makes a variety of gourmet sodas and iced teas!