Ian CheesemanThe 13 Best Spots for a Night Out in Toronto’s East End
Toronto's nightlife scene is very diverse, reflecting the city's multicultural population. You can find bars and clubs in every corner that cater to every taste, whether it’s Latin, Caribbean, or Asian.
Heading to Toronto’s east end for some nightlife? Read our guide and find the best bars and pubs within the area.
The 13 Best Spots for a Night Out in Toronto’s East End
Mom’s Basement Inc.
Website: http://www.momsbasement.ca
Address: 1430 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1N4
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday – 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Known for its friendly atmosphere and fun games, Mom’s Basement Inc. is a retro-themed bar decorated with memorabilia from the 80s and 90s such as VHS tapes, iconic arcade games, and old video game consoles.
They have a large selection of craft beers and cocktails, but people flock to the bar for its various events throughout the year. They hold trivia nights, karaoke nights, and live music.
Pro tip:
This bar is kid-friendly. Don’t hesitate to bring your kids so they can enjoy retro games and activities.
The Wren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewrendanforth/
Address: 1382 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M9
Contact details: +1 647-748-1382
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Dennis Kieda and his wife Rhonda opened The Wren in 2013. With Kieda’s then-newly acquired carpentry skills, they designed and renovated the space themselves to transform it into the laid-back neighbourhood pub loved by many today.
Rhonda wanted the place to be the kind of bar where you can spill your beer on the floor and no one would bat an eye. But who would want to spill their delicious craft beer made by local breweries such as Muddy York, Left Field, and Godspeed?
Pro tip:
The place is always crowded, especially at night. Go early and secure a table or be ready to wait around 20 minutes in line.
Linsmore Tavern
Website: https://www.linsmoretavern.com
Address: 1298 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M6
Contact details: +1 416-466-5130
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM
- Saturday & Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Since its conception in 1934, Linsmore Tavern has become an institution among locals and tourists. Its rustic wooden furniture and decades-old couches give it an old-fashioned vibe ideal for people who want to chill and have a few drinks with friends.
The bar is known for its draft beer that only costs $1.15 per glass! Regulars will invite you to play darts and share exciting stories you’ll only hear from locals.
Pro tip:
The bar only accepts cash payments, so have some on hand before your visit.
Rails and Ales
Website: https://www.railsandales.ca
Address: 1106 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M3
Contact details: +1 416-462-9555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 2:30 PM to 2:00 AM
A family-run business that started in 1996, Rails and Ales had to move their operations across the street in 2002 after the landlord sold their original spot. In 2011, they had to move again and continued to serve their local customers in a new location further east.
The famous pub has a wide selection of beers on tap, with over 30 different variants to choose from. People come to the place to play billiards, have drinks, and eat classic pub food such as burgers, wings, and fries.
Pro tip:
They have a television where you can watch sports, just ask the bartender if you want the channel changed for a specific game.
Bar Hop Session
Website: https://www.barhopbar.com
Address: 681 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2
Contact details: +1 416-461-2035
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday – 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Located in Toronto’s Greek Town, Bar Hop Session was opened in 2018 by founders Jim MacDonald and Rob Pingitore, the same team behind the famous Bar Hop. Their goal was to open a spot with a more casual and relaxed atmosphere.
They source fresh and unique beers from local Ontario breweries. They also have an extensive selection of natural wines, ciders, and delicious cocktails.
Pro tip:
Ask the bartender for a recommendation on cocktails, and they might make you something off the menu.
Pinkerton’s Snack Bar
Website: http://pinkertons.ca
Address: 1026 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z5
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Monday – Closed
Named after a former police detective known for his fondness of snacks, Pinkerton’s Snack Bar is a vintage bar and restaurant that serves various small plates such as fried chicken, poutine, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Behind the bar is owner Marc Baglio who serves drinks and shares interesting anecdotes about his journey.
Chef Andy Wilson has full control of the kitchen. He hand-picks ingredients at the store and lets his haul decide what’s on the menu.
Pro tip:
They have a deal on Tuesdays that lets you pick three dishes off the menu for only $33.
Poor Romeo
Website: https://poorromeo.ambassador.ai
Address: 1029 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z6
Contact details: +1 416-551-7839
Operating hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – Closed
Owned and run by the same people behind Pinkerton’s, Poor Romeo is an American rock n’ roll bar across the street from the famous snack bar. The name is a nod to a Thin Lizzy song, showing the owners’ love and passion for American rock n’ roll music.
The place boasts dark wood furniture, exposed brick walls, and a jukebox that keeps the atmosphere gritty yet lively. The space might get a little tight on busy nights, but the delicious food and good vibes will keep you in your seat for hours.
Pro tip:
The place can get noisy, especially on busy nights. Sit out on the patio for a quieter atmosphere.
The Dive Shop
— From: @clemnlem
Website: https://thediveshopsto.com
Address: 1036 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z5
Contact details: +1 416-897-4125
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Monday – Closed
Known for hosting live music events that feature local musicians, The Dive Shop is a surf-themed bar located in the heart of Leslieville. They also hold open mic events and fun trivia nights.
You can rent the entire venue or the beach patio for private events and enjoy their signature cocktails such as the coconut margarita, espresso martini, and Woodford old fashioned.
Pro tip:
They occasionally serve brunch during summer. Hit the bar early on a weekend and you just might catch it!
The Comrade
Website: https://comradetoronto.com
Address: 758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4
Contact details: +1 416-778-9449
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Sunday – Closed
The Comrade is a laid-back neighbourhood pub opened by Nikki and Dean Fletcher in 2006. With enormous deer heads and antlers hanging on the walls, the bar’s vintage aesthetic is emphasized further with rustic bookshelves and wooden furniture.
Their expert bartending shines brightest during their happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Bartender and co-owner Jess Toombs isn’t afraid of trying new things to elevate their cocktails and provide customers with unique drinks.
Pro tip:
The place gets loud, so it might be a little tricky to have conversations with your friends.
Goods & Provisions
Website: https://goodsandprovisionsrestaurant.com
Address: 1124 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K8
Contact details: +1 647-340-1738
Operating hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
In 2011, The Comrade’s owners branched out and decided to open Goods & Provisions, a bistro filled with antique fair finds and salvaged treasures. Every piece of taxidermy on the wall has a story behind it; just ask the manager and she’ll be happy to expound.
They serve old fashioned for $10 during happy hour, and the bartender never puts out drinks without exercising her strong arms with her trusty shakers. They also serve remarkable pub food, from intricate cheese boards to juicy diver scallops.
Pro tip:
The bartenders show artistry and finesse when making their cocktails. Sit at the bar for an excellent view.
Aura
Website: https://www.auraofficial.ca
Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Contact details: +1 416-465-2872
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Monday – Closed
Turkish brothers Andi and Arda Arking opened Aura to fulfill their childhood dreams of living in a different country together. It’s a cocktail lounge known for its theatrical cocktails and tasty snack plates.
Musicians play live music on the back patio every Wednesday and Thursday night. One of their signature drinks, the Scottish Kiss, is made with scotch, lemon, and syrup topped with Tabasco for a hint of spice in every sip.
Pro tip:
They excel in handling special events and put great effort into customizing every aspect of the experience to fit the client’s needs and budget.
Chez Nous Wine Bar
Website: http://www.cheznouswinebar.ca
Address: 798 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4
Contact details: +1 416-781-4743
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday- 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Monday & Tuesday- Closed
Chez Nous Wine Bar’s owner Laura Carr spent most of her life travelling around the world to find the best wines she could get her hands on. The place’s design is simple yet elegant, ideal for wine enthusiasts looking to test their palates in peace.
If you’re looking for cocktails or draft beer, you won’t find any in Chez Nous. They’re locked in on serving customers sophisticated wine bottles from Ontario producers and tasty snacks that pair well with various flavour profiles.
Pro tip:
They allow outside food, so keep it in mind if you want to enjoy your wine with something they don’t have on the menu.
Lloyd’s on Queen
Website: https://lloydsonqueen.ca
Address: 1298 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C4
Contact details: +1 416-551-8158
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Named after the bartender from The Shining, Lloyd’s on Queen is a humble and homey bar known for their creative cocktails (some named after The Shining’s other characters) and classic pub food.
They serve basic snacks, like hotdogs and burgers, with a focus on feeding hungry customers instead of presenting a unique taste. The interior is dominated by a long bar where most people sit and socialize, making the overall vibe cosy and friendly.
Pro tip:
The movies they show on screen can have explicit content, so keep that in mind if you want to bring your kids.
