Brianna HarrisonAh, the East End—known for its beautiful beaches and trendy restaurants. But where do you go when the sun starts setting?
As a certified East Ender who loves the nightlife, let me give you the inside scoop on the killer scene we’ve got here.
So how do you like to clock out of that 9 to 5? Whether you like to dance or just quietly enjoy the night away, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve listed down all the hottest places from chill cocktail spots to raging nightclubs here at the East End.
Live Music Venues
Linsmore Tavern
Media credit: linsmore tavern
Website: https://www.linsmoretavern.com/
Address: 1298 Danforth Ave (At Greenwood Subway Station)
Phone: 416-466-5130
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM-2 AM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM-2 AM
This East End favorite is a classic in the Toronto music scene! Whether you’re there to find new music or cheer on your favorite local act, you’re in for a memorable night.
One thing I love here is that they support local bands and up-and-coming artists. The hype crowd makes it feel super homey too.
By the way, there’s no food here, but that just makes it perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying the live tunes—it’s all about the vibes and the sounds.
The Duke
Media credit: theduketoronto.com_
Website: https://theduketoronto.com/
Address: 1225 Queen Street East
Phone: 416-466-2624
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM-2 AM
Live music, pool tables, and a cold beer—what more could you ask for?
They’ve got all that at The Duke. It’s a cool space where the vibes are great and the regulars are always friendly.
Plus, they’ve got this awesome patio where you can just chill and enjoy the cool night air. Life doesn’t get any better than that.
If you’re looking for a lively night, they also have a bunch of different events and performances every week so check out their socials. Definitely hit them up on Fridays for karaoke night!
The Reservoir Lounge
Media credit: reservoirlounge
Website: https://www.reservoirlounge.com/
Address: 52 Wellington Street E
Phone: 416-955-0887
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 7:30 PM-2 AM
Looking for a spot where you can actually hear your friends? Well, this place is the East End’s original speakeasy.
The overall vibe is just immaculate—imagine dim lights and elegant interiors. The cherry on top is the quality jazz playing in the background.
It’s definitely got a classy feel that’s perfect for bringing a date or catching up with an old pal you want to impress.
The food and drinks are also heavenly. You just have to try the Strawberry Coconut Martini and Prosciutto Crispy Thin Crust Pizza.
Cocktail Bars
Poor Romeo
Media credit: poor_romeo_bar
Website: https://poorromeo.ambassador.ai/
Address: 1029 Gerrard Street East
Phone: 416-551-7839
Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 5 PM-1 AM
- Wednesday to Friday: 5 PM-2 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM-2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM-3 PM
What’s your drink of choice? A negroni…sbagliato…with prosecco in it.
I’m channeling my inner Emma D’Arcy with a few drinks after a long day and this place is just perfect for it.
Try the El Diablo for a mellow tequila with a bit of spice or the Gin Lizzy for something more sweet and refreshing!
And if you’re looking for something to munch on, their oysters are always fresh, and they’ve got a killer selection of fusion food on the menu.
The Dive Shop
Media credit: thediveshopto
Website: https://thediveshopsto.com/
Address: 1036 Gerrard St. East
Phone: 416-897-4125
Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5-11:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5 PM-2 AM
- Sunday: 1-11 PM
I’m a cocktail girl all the way—and this place really hits the spot.
I just love the tropical beach-themed vibes on the patio. Plus, who doesn’t like drinks that taste great AND look cute too?
Even better than a cocktail in a glass is a cocktail in a tower. Choose from their elegant French 75 tower or their 12-layer Espresso Martini tower (hopefully you aren’t finishing this alone).
And if that’s not enough, they also serve cocktails in cans. Check out the “Bee’s Knees”—it’s gin with local honey. Talk about options!
Mom’s Basement
Media credit: momsbasementtoronto
Website: http://www.momsbasement.ca/
Address: 1430 Danforth Ave
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 PM-2 AM
- Saturday: 4 PM-2 AM
- Sunday: 6 PM-2 AM
A total blast from the past! This retro bar’s got arcade games, VHS tapes, and all kinds of ‘80s memorabilia that’ll make you feel nostalgic.
It’s like hanging out in your mom’s basement, but without having to sneak the booze.
Even their drink names are throwbacks. They’ve got a rotating menu, but definitely try to catch the “Laura Palmer” or the “Jason Takes Manhattan.”
I absolutely loved taking a few pictures here — it’s definitely an Instagrammable spot.
Dance Venues
Bambi’s
Media credit: bambistoronto
Website: https://linktr.ee/bambistoronto
Address: 1265 Dundas St W, Toronto
Phone: 289-845-9200
Hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 9 PM-2:30 AM
While I’m up for a wild rave now and then, I also love just vibing out and dancing in a smaller, chiller space.
Bambi’s has a real “underground” feel and is way cozier than the big nightclubs around here.
The diverse crowd is awesome for meeting new people, and the sound system is top-notch. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re low on energy but still want to party.
VERTIGO Toronto
Media credit: vertigotoronto
Website: https://vertigo.komi.io/
Address: 66 Gerrard St E
Phone: 416-362-6060
Hours:
- Saturday to Sunday: 1-7 AM
VERTIGO Toronto is for people who like to dance till the sun comes up.
The energy is electric and the DJ always spins great tunes. It’s perfect for when you’re just not ready to call it a night!
The crowd here never disappoints and the staff are amazing.
They don’t serve alcohol, so it’s all about connecting with people and soaking up the vibes.
No worries about waking up hungover here!
Track and Field
Media credit: trackandfieldbar
Website: https://www.trackandfieldbar.com/
Address: 582 College Street
Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 5 PM-12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM-2 AM
Ever thought about playing Bocce or Shuffleboard while sipping on a drink? Maybe not, but you should give it a shot!
This outdoor bar mixes drinks and music with some fun games. Bring a competitive friend to make your night even more interesting.
Around 10 or 11 PM, the space takes on a more club-like vibe that’ll make you forget about that game you probably just lost.
