Taking a page from New York City’s book, a handful of speakeasies and hidden bars have emerged in Toronto in recent years to cater to the discrete set of discerning cocktail sippers. From Gerrard to Ossington, these unique spots sit hidden from the streets and feel decidedly special and mysterious upon entry – if you can find them in the first place. Of course, you need to be in the know. And we can help. Here are the best speakeasies and hidden bars in Toronto (you’re welcome).
10 of the Best Speakeasies and Hidden Bars in Toronto
1. Mahjong Bar
Located behind an unassuming pink bodega, Dundas West spot Mahjong Bar offers laid back vibe and serves up a variety of cocktails, beers (both draft and bottle), and casual Asian-inspired tapas – all behind the guise of a storefront. Address: 1276 Dundas St. W. Find more info here.
2. À Toi
Tucked away behind a wall of champagne inside Coffee, Oysters, and Champagne, à toi is designed to look like a historic Parisian lobby bar. It brings both the vibes of the roaring 20s and the city’s sophisticated set of King West cocktail sippers. Address: 214 King Street W. Find more info here.
3. The Vatican Gift Shop
In the east end, you’ll find all the moody speakeasy vibes your heart could desire at the Vatican Gift Shop. Hidden behind a storefront that sells religious merch, this spacious spot is known for its kitschy religious nods, free flowing cocktails, and Neapolitan pizzas. Address: 1047 Gerrard Street E. Find more info here.
4. Sub Division
At Sub Division, one the city’s newer hidden bars, phones and photos are strictly forbidden. Instead, guests are encouraged to enjoy the underground electronic music and interact with fellow humans at the sexy spot, which sits underneath Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! Address: 461 King St. W. Find more info here.
5. XXX Bar
Discreetly located below Dutch Indo food bar Little Sister on Portland Street, XXX Bar — named after the Amsterdam Coat of Arms — brings sultry Canal Street vibes and high-end cocktails. With seating for just 20 people, the intimate spot is refreshingly tiny and only identifiable by a neon “XXX” sign above its entrance. Find more info here.
6. Cry Baby Gallery
Hidden behind an actual art gallery on Dundas West, Cry Baby Gallery offers unique drinks, snacks, and a NYC-style atmosphere. A simple but satisfying menu is limited to olives and East Coast oysters (so eat dinner beforehand). Address: 1468 Dundas St. W. Find more info here.
7. Bar Sous Sol
Visit the celebrated Maison Selby dinner and stay in to discover the speakeasy vibes offered at secret downstairs spot Bar Sous Sol. The dimly lit underground cocktail bar features a curated list of cocktails and wine. Address: 592 Sherbourne St. Find more info here.
8. The Libertine
Identifiable by its red “tarot reading” sign outside, Dundas West’s The Libertine has been a speakeasy staple for nearly a decade. Downstairs, the underground spot offers basement dance party on the weekends, with special guest DJs. Address: 1307 Dundas Street W. Find more info here.
9. Gift Shop
Gift Shop sits behind the back of a barber shop on the Ossington strip. A light and lineup gives the otherwise discreet spot away. Once inside, the speakeasy features a moody vibe and leans heavily into cocktails and whisky. If you’re looking for vodka, however, you won’t find it here (seriously). Address: 89-B Ossington Ave. Find more info here.
10. LoPan
Located above beloved College St. restaurant DaiLo – offering a perfect spot for post-dinner cocktail sipping. The secretive cocktail bar offers creative libations and an assortment of Asian-inspired snacks from famed Chef Nick Liu, like his famous Big Mac Bao. Offering an intimate vibe, this place is best for on-one-one meals or small groups. Address: 503 College St. Find more info here.
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