Top 10 Bars On Queen West In Toronto, Canada

In the ‘pursuit of cocktail excellence,’ Rush Lane & Co. promises to create the finest, original cocktails in Toronto. You can sense the innovation once you walk through the door and take a seat in the comfy lounge areas with its minimal 70s-inspired decor. You can actually see innovation in effect through the window to the lab where the cocktail connoisseurs come up with their creations. Shelves of infusions and tables with flasks and evaporators show the science and creativity that goes into every cocktail. Try a cocktail from the lab, for an inventive spin to a regular night out. Or stick to house cocktails like the Bert n’ Ernie Juice: The Sesame Street Flip made with Brugal Añejo, Luxardo Apricot Liqueur, salted caramel syrup, sesame oil, and Angostura bitters. Rush Lane & Co. offers bar favorites from house-baked soft pretzels to grilled cheese. Add some spice to your night with options like thai coconut curry and jerk fried chicken. Served by smartly dressed servers, these cocktails must be both seen and enjoyed – down to the last smokey detail to the last mint leaf.

Tequila Bookworm is a charming little bar that offers a classic menu from chips and dip to burgers and sandwiches, along with a drink menu that is refreshingly focused on local beer, wine, and cider. With a cafe-type atmosphere, an afternoon of coffee (or wine) drinking and thesis writing can easily transition into a night full of drinks and talks. Tequila Bookworm also has an upper level reserved for events. Staying true to its name, you’ll find all the drinks you need, in a cozy setting. Its walls are lined with book shelves and there is ambient lighting.

The Horseshoe Tavern is a Toronto favorite and chock-full of history. Opened in 1947 as a live music bar for country artists, this bar has gone through many changes over the years. It has staged artists from Willie Nelson and Stompin’ Tom to The Police and The Rolling Stones. The venue is split into two areas – an intimate concert area and a bar area equipped with a pool table and an A&W’s delivery window. The ‘Shoe is a great place for some quality live music and affordable beers.

Looking for a ‘house party’ vibe, but don’t want to bother with party clean up? Apt. 200 is one of the newer bars along Queen West and has cool apartment-inspired decor. Set up with a pool table over a living room rug, a line of vintage arcade games on classic black-and-white kitchen tiles, and comfy couches with sports playing on a TV, Apt. 200 is the perfect place to hang out. The menu has a few select beers, but it’s their specialty cocktail that are a must-have drink. Apt. 200’s signature drink is the Cosmo T.O. – hibiscus vodka, Cointreau, lime and cranberry and… need we say more?

It’s all in the name. Food & Liquor is a Parkdale favorite to grab some great Asian-inspired snacks and local beers. Its rustic theme with exposed brick, high tables, and a patio covered with string lights give off a cozy vibe, perfect for a warm summer night. Snacks ranging from fresh peas in the pod to steak tartare go wonderfully with any in-house cocktails or wines. Locals love Food & Liquor for its selection of local beers, including Toronto-based brews such as Junction Conductor’s Ale and Hogtown Kolsch Ale.

The Black Bull opened in 1833 and has become a staple in the Queen St. West neighborhood. A dependable pub with a summertime-fine patio, The Black Bull is a great place to take a break from all that Queen St. shopping. A classic pub interior and decor – pool table included – it serves all requisite pub fare. From deep-fried favorites to burgers and sandwiches, they all go perfectly well with the wide selection of beers. Whether you’re in the mood for a draft beer, premium beer, domestic, or imported, name it and The Black Bull probably has it. From Frulis to Strongbows to Keiths to Guinesses, The Black Bull is one of those joints that never disappoints.

BarChef is special among the bars on Queen West and is home to Toronto’s artistically made cocktails. In its dim and intimate space, pure creativity and innovation are taking place in the form of alcohol. Although cocktails at BarChef range from $14 to $45, imbibers insist it is worth every dollar to experience the beautiful intricacy and devotion that goes into every creation. Have a classy night out with charcuterie boards and cheese boards or shrimp tacos. Try an original cocktail infused with in-house made bitters and syrups. It is an experience like no other.

Inspired by the Dada art movement, The Bovine Sex Club façade is recognizable to any Torontonian. A front sign consisting of recycled bicycle parts prefaces what can be found on the inside, with a continuation of this edgy design. It perfectly complements the live music offered. Local artists from genres like rock, punk, metal, British pop, and more collaborate with The Bovine to give off that bold street edge Queen St. West needs. It’s a fun and exciting atmosphere when the night calls for some great live music. And because it’s the little things that matter, their long bar makes grabbing a drink easily accessible during the live shows.

The entrance to Bar Fancy gives off a sort of speakeasy vibe. Located down an alley with a neon tiger head as its main signage, this bar actually has a casual and laid-back atmosphere like many of its hip Queen West counterparts. The brick walls and minimal lighting create a cozy space. Their open kitchen serves bar snacks like nachos and artichoke dip, and drinks like beer, cider, and wine. Beloved for their happy hour’s fried chicken and half-priced oysters, Bar Fancy is the perfect place to hit up after work to chill with a beer.