Looking for the best pubs in Toronto to quench your thirst and unwind after a long day? Well, look no further! As fellow pub-goers, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the ultimate guide to the most atmospheric, diverse, and memorable drinking establishments in town. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy neighborhood bar, a lively sports pub, or a trendy gastropub, we’ve got you covered. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the drink selection, soak in the vibrant locations, and share our first-hand experiences that will leave you yearning for a night out on the town. Don’t wait too long, as these hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by you and your friends. Let’s raise our glasses and dive into the pub culture of Toronto!
Key Takeaways
- When choosing the best pubs in Toronto, consider factors such as location, atmosphere, drink selection, food options, and reviews from other pub-goers.
- The average price of a drink at Toronto’s top pubs ranges from $7.00 to $8.50, while the average price of food ranges from $15.00 to $19.00 per dish.
- Some of the best pubs in Toronto include The Caledonian, The Only Cafe, The Rebel House, The Emmet Ray, and The Cloak Bar.
- The best pubs in Toronto offer a range of options to suit different budgets and may feature live music or entertainment.
- Bringing your own food to pubs is generally not allowed, but the best pubs in Toronto have a variety of food options available.
- Some pubs in Toronto are family-friendly and offer designated areas or times for families to visit.
5 Best Pubs in Toronto: Where to Unwind and Enjoy a Drink
Welcome to Best In Hood, where we bring you the most reliable and first-hand reviews of the best pubs in Toronto. Whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to unwind after a long day or a visitor seeking a taste of Toronto’s vibrant nightlife, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experienced reviewers has scoured the city to bring you the top five pubs that offer great drinks, friendly atmospheres, and memorable experiences. So grab a pint and join us as we explore the best pubs Toronto has to offer!
Name | Address | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
Imperial Pub | 54 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1C7, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2188 |
The Queen & Beaver Public House | 35 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2126 |
Stout Irish Pub | 221 Carlton St., Toronto, ON M5A 2L2, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1193 |
The Dog & Bear Pub | 1100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 1180 |
Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub | 394 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S7, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 383 |
Imperial Pub
The Imperial Pub is a cozy and comfortable pub located in downtown Toronto. With its impressive collection of books in the upstairs area, known as the Imperial PUBlic Library, it offers a unique and inviting atmosphere. The service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and attentive. While the menu mainly consists of bar/pub food, there are plenty of options to choose from.
What We Liked:
- Cozy and comfortable atmosphere
- Impressive collection of books in the Imperial PUBlic Library
- Friendly and attentive service
- Good selection of draft beers and canned drinks, including local craft options
- Lots of natural daylight from windows facing south
What We Didn’t Like:
- Unsecure credit card policy of holding all cards upon ordering
- Some dishes were served cold and seemed old
- Fish and chips and beyond meat burger lacked flavor and were overly greasy
- Limited options for non-bar/pub food
- Pricey menu
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drink Selection: ⭐⭐⭐
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐
The Imperial Pub is a great spot for book lovers looking to relax and enjoy a drink. The cozy atmosphere and impressive collection of books in the Imperial PUBlic Library create a unique and inviting experience. However, the unsecure credit card policy and subpar food quality detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the pub’s friendly service and convenient downtown location make it worth a visit.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Imperial Pub | 54 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1C7, Canada | (416) 977-4667 |
The Queen & Beaver Public House
The Queen & Beaver Public House is a cozy spot close to the Eaton Centre where you can grab a drink or two. The interior has a European pub vibe and they serve a lovely pint of Guinness. With two floors and an upper patio, there’s plenty of space to relax. The service provided by the bartender and front of house staff is friendly and welcoming.
What We Liked:
- Cozy interior reminiscent of European pubs
- Lovely pint of Guinness
- Friendly service by the bartender and front of house staff
What We Didn’t Like:
- Didn’t try the food, so unable to comment on the taste or quality
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drink Selection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Queen & Beaver Public House is highly recommended for its cozy atmosphere, great drink selection, and convenient location.
The Queen & Beaver Public House
The Queen & Beaver Public House is a nice and cozy spot where you can enjoy gourmet pub food. The ground floor seating is comfortable and the atmosphere is inviting. The pork chop is cooked just right and comes with a tangy sauce, fingerling potatoes, and shishito peppers. The Sunday roast is also very nice and priced at $35.
What We Liked:
- Nice and cozy atmosphere
- Gourmet pub food, including a delicious pork chop and Sunday roast
What We Didn’t Like:
- No specific cons mentioned
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drink Selection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Queen & Beaver Public House is highly recommended for its cozy atmosphere and delicious gourmet pub food.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Queen & Beaver Public House | 35 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada | (647) 347-2712 |
Stout Irish Pub
Short Intro: Stout Irish Pub is a cozy and welcoming Irish pub located in a convenient location. With a relaxed atmosphere, good food, and a dog-friendly patio, it offers a pleasant dining experience for both humans and their furry friends.
Pros:
- Coordinated event on St. Patrick’s Day with a separate entrance and bar service on the patio to avoid long lines.
- Attentive and friendly waitstaff, even when the place is full.
- Delicious food, with highlights such as the Cottage Pie and mushroom blue cheeseburger.
- Board games available for entertainment.
- Dog-friendly patio with a pup menu.
Cons:
- The blackened steak and eggs were a bit too salty.
- Limited shade on the patio, which can make it uncomfortable during sunny days.
Rating Scores:
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Drink Selection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: 4.7/5
Benchmarks:
- Atmosphere: The cozy and relaxed atmosphere at Stout Irish Pub makes it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal or drink.
- Drink Selection: With a variety of options available, including a pup menu for furry friends, the drink selection at Stout Irish Pub caters to different preferences.
- Location: Located conveniently, Stout Irish Pub is easily accessible and offers a pleasant dining experience.
Stout Irish Pub is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Irish pub experience. From the coordinated events on special occasions to the dog-friendly patio and delicious food, this pub has something for everyone. While there are minor drawbacks like the salty steak and limited shade on the patio, the overall experience at Stout Irish Pub is highly enjoyable.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Stout Irish Pub | 221 Carlton St., Toronto, ON M5A 2L2, Canada | (647) 344-7676 |
The Dog & Bear Pub
The Dog & Bear Pub is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts and fans of British pubs in Toronto. With a prime location and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place to watch your favorite teams play while enjoying good food and drinks. However, there are a few drawbacks that should be considered before visiting.
What We Liked:
- Atmosphere: The pub has a great vibe, especially on game days. It feels like being back home at a British pub, making it a perfect spot for soccer fans.
- Drink selection: The pub offers a good variety of beers and drinks at reasonable prices. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint while watching sports.
- Location: Situated in the Ossington area, The Dog & Bear Pub is conveniently located for locals and visitors alike. It’s a go-to spot for those looking for a sports bar in the area.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Inconsistent service: While some reviewers praised the staff, there were a few instances where the service fell short. Some guests experienced slow service and a lack of attention from the staff.
- Declining quality: A long-time patron mentioned that the pub has gone downhill in recent years. The staff seemed preoccupied with socializing among themselves, and the overall cleanliness of the washrooms was not up to standard.
- Limited food options: While the pub offers good pub fare, there were comments about the lack of variety in the food menu.
Ratings:
- Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Drink selection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In conclusion, The Dog & Bear Pub is a favorite among soccer fans and a great spot to watch sports in Toronto. The atmosphere and drink selection are commendable, and the prime location adds to its appeal. However, there have been some concerns raised about inconsistent service, declining quality, and limited food options. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a decent place to have a beer and watch a game, but it may not meet everyone’s expectations.
Contact Details
Logo | Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | The Dog & Bear Pub | 1100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9, Canada | (647) 352-8601 |
Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub
The Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub is a small dive bar with a great selection of craft beer on tap. It offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals. The pub also hosts live music performances on Fridays and Sundays, as well as movie nights on Mondays. They have a good variety of drinks, including lagers, pilsners, sours, IPAs, and Guinness on tap. Whiskey and shots are reasonably priced as well. However, the customer service at this pub has received some negative feedback, with reports of rude behavior from the female bartender and owner. Overall, the Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub is a charming establishment with a great vibe, but improvements in customer service could greatly enhance the experience.
What We Liked:
- Good selection of craft beer on tap
- Reasonably priced drinks, including whiskey and shots
- Live music performances on Fridays and Sundays
- Movie nights on Mondays
- Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
What We Didn’t Like:
- Rude behavior from the female bartender and owner
- Lack of proper customer service and hospitality skills
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drink Selection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub offers a great selection of craft beer and a friendly atmosphere. However, the negative experiences with the customer service bring down the overall score. With improvements in this area, the pub has the potential to be even better.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub | 394 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S7, Canada | (647) 436-0228 |
Tips for Choosing the Best Pubs in Toronto
When it comes to finding the best pubs in Toronto, there are a few key factors to consider. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a pint with friends or a lively atmosphere to catch the game, here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Location, location, location: Consider the proximity of the pub to your home, workplace, or other destinations you frequent. A pub that is conveniently located will make it easier for you to visit regularly and enjoy a night out without having to travel far.
- Atmosphere: Think about the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for. Do you prefer a laid-back pub with a relaxed vibe, or a lively pub with music and entertainment? Take a look at the pub’s website or social media pages to get a sense of the ambiance and see if it aligns with your preferences.
- Drink selection: Check out the pub’s drink menu to see if they offer a wide variety of beers, wines, cocktails, or other beverages that you enjoy. A pub with a diverse drink selection will ensure that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beer connoisseur or prefer a refreshing cocktail.
- Food options: If you’re planning on grabbing a bite to eat while you’re at the pub, take a look at their food menu. Do they offer a range of appetizers, pub classics, or even vegetarian or vegan options? A pub with a good selection of food will enhance your overall experience and satisfy your taste buds.
- Reviews and recommendations: Don’t forget to read reviews and recommendations from other pub-goers. Websites like Best In Hood can provide valuable insights and help you gauge the overall reputation of a pub. Pay attention to comments about the service, atmosphere, and quality of the drinks and food.
By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best pub in Toronto for your next night out. So gather your friends, raise a glass, and enjoy all that the city’s pub scene has to offer!
The Price Tag of Toronto’s Top Pubs
When it comes to enjoying a night out in Toronto, finding the best pubs that suit your budget is essential. We’ve done the legwork for you and gathered information on the average cost of drinks and food at some of the top pubs in the city. So, whether you’re a frugal pub-goer or willing to splurge, we’ve got you covered!
Pub Name | Average Drink Price (CAD) | Average Food Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
The Local Pub | $7.50 | $15.00 |
The Ale House | $8.00 | $18.00 |
The Tap Room | $7.00 | $16.50 |
The Pub House | $7.50 | $17.50 |
The Brew Lounge | $8.50 | $19.00 |
Based on our research, the average price of a drink at these top pubs in Toronto ranges from $7.00 to $8.50. This includes a variety of beverages such as beer, wine, and cocktails. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the type of drink and any specials or promotions the pub may have.
When it comes to food, you can expect to spend an average of $15.00 to $19.00 per dish at these establishments. From classic pub fare like burgers and wings to more gourmet options, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
It’s important to note that these prices are averages and can fluctuate based on factors such as location, pub popularity, and the day of the week. Some pubs may have happy hour or daily specials, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drinks and dishes at a discounted price.
So, whether you’re looking for an affordable pint or a delicious meal, Toronto’s best pubs have options to suit every budget. Cheers to a great night out!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Pubs in Toronto
1. What are the best pubs in Toronto?
Some of the best pubs in Toronto include The Caledonian, The Only Cafe, The Rebel House, The Emmet Ray, and The Cloak Bar. These pubs offer a great atmosphere, a wide selection of drinks, and delicious food options.
2. Are the best pubs in Toronto expensive?
The pricing at the best pubs in Toronto can vary, but most of them offer a range of options to suit different budgets. Some pubs may have higher prices for specialty drinks or craft beers, while others offer more affordable options. Overall, you can find a pub that fits your budget in Toronto.
3. Do the best pubs in Toronto have live music or entertainment?
Yes, many of the best pubs in Toronto feature live music or entertainment. Some pubs have regular live music performances, while others may have trivia nights, comedy shows, or other forms of entertainment. Check the pub’s website or social media pages for their event schedule.
4. Can I bring my own food to the best pubs in Toronto?
In general, bringing your own food to pubs is not allowed. However, the best pubs in Toronto usually have a menu with a variety of food options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for pub classics like fish and chips or more unique dishes, you’ll likely find something delicious to enjoy at these pubs.
5. Are the best pubs in Toronto family-friendly?
While some pubs in Toronto are more geared towards adults, there are also family-friendly options available. Some pubs have designated areas or times when families are welcome, and they may offer a kids’ menu or activities to keep children entertained. It’s always a good idea to check with the pub beforehand if you’re planning to bring your family.
Conclusion
In our search for the 5 Best Pubs in Toronto, we have explored some fantastic establishments that are sure to satisfy any pub-goer. The Imperial Pub on Dundas Street offers a historic atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks. For those looking for a taste of British charm, The Queen & Beaver Public House on Elm Street is a must-visit with its top-notch service and cozy ambiance. If you’re in the mood for an authentic Irish pub experience, look no further than the Stout Irish Pub on Carlton Street, where you can enjoy live music and traditional Irish fare. The Dog & Bear Pub on Queen Street is a local favorite, known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Lastly, the Cloak & Dagger Irish Pub on College Street provides a unique twist with its speakeasy-inspired decor and delectable cocktails. With these five pubs, Toronto offers a diverse range of experiences for pub enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a cozy spot to unwind, these pubs have something for everyone. So, grab a pint and raise a glass at one of Toronto’s best pubs!
Our Selection Process: Uncovering Toronto’s Top Pubs
At Best In Hood, we understand the importance of finding the perfect pub to unwind and enjoy a pint with friends. That’s why we’ve meticulously crafted our selection of the best pubs in Toronto. Our team of expert reviewers has scoured the city, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bring you the ultimate pub experience.
1. Extensive Research: To ensure we leave no pub unexplored, we started by conducting extensive research on Toronto’s pub scene. We consulted local publications, online forums, and social media platforms to identify the most popular and highly recommended pubs in the city.
2. Personal Visits: We believe that the true essence of a pub can only be experienced firsthand. That’s why our reviewers personally visited each pub on our list. They immersed themselves in the lively atmosphere, sampled the diverse drink offerings, and indulged in the delectable pub fare to provide you with an authentic and unbiased review.
3. Evaluation Criteria: Our team of reviewers used a comprehensive set of criteria to assess each pub. We considered factors such as the quality and variety of drinks, the ambiance and decor, the friendliness of the staff, and the overall customer experience. By carefully evaluating these aspects, we were able to determine which pubs truly stood out from the rest.
4. Community Feedback: We value the opinions of our readers and pub-goers like yourself. We actively sought feedback from the community to gain insights into their experiences at various pubs in Toronto. This feedback played a crucial role in our selection process, helping us ensure that our list truly reflects the best pubs that Toronto has to offer.
5. Final Selection: After meticulous research, personal visits, evaluation, and community feedback, our team compiled a list of the top pubs in Toronto. We took into account the overall consensus, the uniqueness of each pub, and their ability to provide an exceptional pub experience. The result is a curated collection of Toronto’s finest pubs, each offering its own distinct charm and character.
At Best In Hood, we take pride in our rigorous selection process, ensuring that we present you with the best pubs in Toronto. So, whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic pub experience, you can trust our recommendations to lead you to the perfect pint.
Cheers to discovering Toronto’s best pubs!
Note: Our selection process is regularly updated to ensure that our list remains current and reflective of the ever-evolving pub scene in Toronto.