Aliu IsaA friend of mine, who just moved to Toronto, asked me to meet him at a cool bar he ‘discovered’ (Tsk, tsk, how cute). Sure, it was shiny and new, but the drinks were overpriced, the vibe was flat, and the music? Terrible.
The following weekend, I decided to return the favor and invited him to a dive bar I love. We played pool with some local guys, chugged down several bottles of cheap beer, vibed to retro music, and had delicious nachos and sliders.
In short, we had an absolute blast—it just goes to show that you don’t need a ton of cash to have fun in the 6ix.
So, here’s my complete guide to the best dive bars in Toronto that’ll have you downing pints like a local in no time!
Sneaky Dee’s
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheSneakyDees/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesneakydees/
Address: 431 College St
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 3 AM
Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 3 AM
Contact: (416) 603-3090
One of the most iconic dive bars in Toronto is Sneaky Dee’s, a punk rock institution covered in graffiti (drawn by real people, not designers). If you like downing cheap beers with Tex-Mex cuisine, this is your spot.
Speaking of which, make sure to order their crowd fave, King Crown’s nachos. This mountain of corn tortilla chips comes loaded with salsa roja, frijoles, ground beef, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, tons of melted cheese, guac, and sour cream.
And yes, cheap pitchers of beer are a go-to here; they’ve got your usual suspects on tap and behind the bar. If you’re skipping the booze, don’t worry—they also serve iced teas, sodas, and even old-school milkshakes.
Most nights feature live music upstairs, and there’s also a dedicated dance floor. So, don’t be shy—grab a drink, catch a band, or show off those moves!
Pro Tip:
On a budget? Mark Tuesdays on your calendar since it’s Fajita Night, where you get sizzling platters for half the price.
Bovine Sex Club
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Website: https://www.bovinesexclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bovinesexclub/
Address: 542 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 504-4239
Don’t let the name fool you—Bovine Sex Club is one of Toronto’s beloved rock bars, not some sleazy adult venue. Tucked into the always cool Queen Street West, this dive has been going strong since 1991.
Inside, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a dive bar: loud music blasting and a dark and gritty vibe. In fact, it’s famous for its lineup of rock and punk shows, with live bands taking the stage most nights—I love that cover charges are often only $5 to $10.
As for the crowd, you’ll see tattooed punks, hip tourists, off-duty bartenders, and longtime regulars—all mingling under the same dingy roof.
Go upstairs and get a kick out of their rooftop tiki bar! You can grab a rum cocktail, relax under the string lights, and enjoy the fresh air before diving back into the scene below.
Pro Tip:
Want to stay in the loop? Make sure to follow Bovine Sex Club’s Instagram (@bovinesexclub)—you’ll find last-minute show announcements, special events, and set times there.
Done Right Inn
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057378163210#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedonerightinn/
Address: 861 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 2 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 364-9102
Done Right Inn is a no-frills bar known for its friendly staff and cheap beers. Here, you’ll find $4.50 bottles of domestic beers and $6 pints.
Inside, there’s a salon-style seating area with cozy chairs, a classic pinball machine, and shelves stocked with whiskeys and beer.
But the real hidden gem is out back; step past the bar and you’ll see a super cool backyard patio, shaded by a giant tree. It’s a peaceful hideaway that’s perfect for catching up with friends, under the sun or twinkly lights.
Keep in mind that they don’t serve full meals, but they do have bar snacks like nachos, bagels, and even vegetarian chili. Even better—you’re welcome to bring your own food, so grab some takeout from one of Queen West’s many restaurants.
Pro Tip:
During summer, Done Right Inn’s popular patio is almost always full. I suggest grabbing some dinner, heading there early, and claiming a seat before it fills up!
Sweaty Betty’s
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Website: https://sweatybettysbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatybettysbar/
Address: 13 Ossington Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 3 PM – 2 AM
Sat – Sun: 1 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 535-6861
Sweaty Betty’s is a long-standing quirky Ossington favorite, which is totally welcoming, especially to the LGBTQ+ crowd.
The drink menu here is ever changing—you might find yourself sipping on a Brickworks 1904 or a Creemore Lager. I recommend trying their daily specials.
And if you’re feeling kinda hungry, they’ve got chips like Doritos and Fritos behind the bar.
Another thing I love here is their awesome hidden patio at the back. It’s strung with twinkle lights—perfect for a group hang or a low-key date.
Fun fact: Drew Barrymore once bartended here during TIFF (way back in her Whip It days), which pretty much cements its cool status.
Pro Tip:
Sweaty Betty’s welcomes outside food, so I recommend grabbing a hot dog from Kung Fu Dawg next door and snagging a table on the patio. Don’t forget to wash it down with their daily special!
Ted’s Collision & Body Repair
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ted’s%20Collision%20and%20Body%20Repair/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teds-collision-and-body-repair/
Address: 573 College St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 3 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 530-7569
Ted’s Collision & Body Repair is a gritty gem that stubbornly held its ground while the neighborhood around it is slowly becoming gentrified. It’s dark and moody inside, with dim red lighting, flickering candles, and a jumble of old, mismatched furniture.
This spot has a solid rep for cheap drinks, especially beer and mixed drinks. I can definitely stretch my dollar here, whether I’m pregaming or just looking for a laid-back night out with friends.
As for the music, it leans toward rock and roll, with a slightly rowdy edge.
And I really love the bar’s cool crowd. Don’t be surprised if you end up having a random convo at the bar or near the pool table—this spot has that friendly-but-grimy charm that keeps locals loose and chatty.
Pro Tip:
Ted’s Collision fills up really fast on weekends. Head there earlier in the evening, grab a cheap pint, and claim your spot before the college and weekend crowd rolls in.
Wide Open
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/WideOpenBarToronto/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wideopenbar/
Address: 139A Spadina Ave.
Hours: (416) 551-7099
Contact: Mon – Fri: 4 PM – 2 AM
Sat – Sun: 6 PM – 2 AM
Wide Open is a narrow, dingy bar that’s as fun as hell. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the cheapest bars in the city, offering $4 drinks on Mondays and Wednesdays, $2.75 drinks on Thursdays (5 PM – 8 PM), and $5 Jim Beam shots all day, every day.
Despite the tiny space, you’ll find a fun, after-work crowd most evenings (unlike other bars that have huge college student followings). It’s a go-to for people who want to unwind after a chaotic work day or week without spending a fortune.
Also, there’s no need to dress up here. You can seriously show up in pajamas and still have a blast—just bring your friends and grab a pitcher (I recommend the Big Wheel Deluxe Amber Ale).
While there’s no food on the menu, you can bring in outside snacks or meals, or simply hit up one of the many nearby food spots (Turquoise Restaurant for Turkish food or Cheffry’s Bistro for fusion fare).
Pro Tip:
Follow Wide Open on Instagram—they post flash promos and drink specials that aren’t advertised elsewhere. I mean, you never know when they’ll drop a one-night-only $3 tequila deal!
Grossman’s Tavern
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Website: https://www.grossmanstavern.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grossmanstavern/
Address: 377 Spadina Ave.
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11 AM–2 AM
Contact: (416) 977-7000
Grossman’s Tavern is not only one of the city’s longest-running bars, but it’s also one of the best blues bars in Toronto. Those who love jazz or the blues, along with cheap beer, would enjoy this grimy spot.
Up front, you’ve got a bright bar where regulars hold down the fort. Towards the back, there’s a pool table and a few old couches—plenty of space to chill.
Food here stays in classic dive territory—stuff like chicken fingers, burgers, fries, or a bag of chips for two bucks. Everything pairs perfectly with an ice-cold pint.
People like me mainly go here for the live music. On any given night, you might stumble into an amazing set of jazz, roots, or blues from some of Toronto’s finest musicians.
Pro Tip:
Looking for a specific jazz or blues band? Check out Grossman’s Tavern’s socials. They post their live calendar regularly, so watch out for your faves.
The Imperial Pub
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Website: https://imperialpub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimperialpub/
Address: 54 Dundas St E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 3 AM
Contact: (416) 977-4667
Just east of Yonge lies The Imperial Pub, a downtown dive bar that’s low-key legendary for its affordable beer and one-of-a-kind upstairs lounge. The main floor looks classic, too—dim lights, sticky tables, and an actual jukebox.
I love their unique Library Lounge, where you can sip a cold pint surrounded by mismatched armchairs, dusty bookshelves, and antique lamps.
Drinks are blessedly reasonable, with pints regularly going for under $7. There’s a decent selection of domestic brews on tap, plus a few spirits if beer isn’t your thing.
And if you’re hungry, they offer basic bar fare like wings, burgers, and sandwiches. You can bring your own snacks, too.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting The Imperial Pub during the day, I suggest grabbing a booth by the window upstairs. You’ll enjoy natural lighting and people-watching, plus it’s the perfect perch to sip and read.
Farside
Media credit: farsidetoronto
Website: https://www.farsidebar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farsidetoronto/
Address: 600 Gerrard St E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 347-743
Farside is a retro dive bar that feels like you’re hanging out in your art nerd friend’s living room. With its mix of secondhand furniture, moody lighting, and funky knick-knacks, this spot oozes personality.
The drinks they offer include local craft beers, creative cocktails, and cheeky combo shots. If you get the munchies, you’re free to bring in outside food, which is cool since there are plenty of delicious eats nearby in East Chinatown.
Inside, there’s a wall dedicated to projecting VHS movies, usually something wonderfully weird or nostalgic. And out back, they feature a quirky little patio with string lights and picnic tables.
One of the best things I appreciate here is their safety culture, especially for women and marginalized folks. Their washrooms are clearly marked with info on safe words and discreet help signals you can use to alert staff if you feel uncomfortable.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on the bar’s socials. Farside, a legit neighborhood hub, occasionally hosts themed nights, art pop-ups, or film screenings.
The Hole in the Wall
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/HoleInTheWallTO/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholeinthewallto/
Address: 2867A Dundas Street West
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 883-7781
The Hole in the Wall is a blink-and-you’ll miss-it spot (literally feels like a hole in the wall) along Dundas Street West (in the Junction). It offers a narrow, cozy lodge cabin-style interior.
They’ve got a great selection of craft beer, rotating regularly, along with cocktails that are surprisingly solid for a divey joint. Plus, the food leans toward global comfort dishes—you might find oysters and frites one day and a killer burger the next.
Speaking of food, don’t miss brunch time, served daily from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Live music is another draw here. The space might be small, but that just makes live performances feel more intimate and memorable.
Pro Tip:
Seating is limited at The Hole in the Wall, and they don’t take reservations. So, show up early if you’re going during peak hours.
Swan Dive
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/SwanDiveTO/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swandiveto/
Address: 1631 Dundas St W
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 7 PM – 2 AM
Fri – Sun: 6 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 347-0099
Swan Dive is a beautifully chaotic bar that wears its weirdness proudly—and that’s what I love about it.
From the outside, it looks like your standard Toronto brick bar, but step inside, and you’ll see arcade games, pinball machines, a pool table, and a giant Connect Four. There’s also mismatched wood furniture and shelves of bar games (and free pool!).
As for drinks, they offer pints and tallboys around the $6 to $8 mark—you can sip them while watching classic films or bizarre old videos on the screen. Just remember that this spot is cash-only, so hit the ATM before heading over.
Hungry? Note that there’s also an ever-changing menu of comfort food like Texas jerk chicken and slices of strawberry pie (great for soaking up your drinks).
Pro Tip:
Swan Dive often hosts local musicians, so keep an eye on the current or upcoming lineup on their social media accounts.
Wheatsheaf Tavern
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Website: https://www.wheatsheaftavern.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheatsheaftavern
Address: 667 King St W #2
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 504-9912
Sitting proudly at the corner of King and Bathurst since 1849, Wheatsheaf Tavern is officially Toronto’s oldest bar. It has dark wood interiors, a long bar, and a warm pub feel that hits just right.
This spot is all about the classics—wings, ale, and hockey. And when Tuesday rolls around, locals know what’s up: half-priced wings! Pair those with a cold pint or one of their many whiskies, and you’re golden.
Sports fans would be at home here, with TVs all over the bar. In fact, it’s one of the best places to catch a Leafs game.
Not into sports? No problem—the tavern also features nightly live music.
Pro Tip:
Wheatsheaf Tavern’s 1200-song jukebox is one of the best in the city! If the live music hasn’t started yet, grab a seat near the jukebox, throw in a few bucks, and curate the vibe yourself.
