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The Best Bars for a First Date in Toronto
Written By
Posted Sep 08, 2021
The Best Bars for a First Date in Toronto
Written By
Posted Sep 08, 2021
Best Bars for a First Date in Toronto: Top Spots for Drinks and Great Conversations.
Wondering where to go on a first date in Toronto? While movies and dinners are classic options, a bar offers a relaxed setting where you can unwind and connect over drinks. Whether you're looking for a cozy vibe, creative cocktails, or stunning views, the right bar can help take the edge off and set the perfect tone for your date.
Alcohol is often part of the equation, but it’s not just about having a drink. The ambiance, presentation, and unique flavour combinations of cocktails can enhance the experience, helping you make a lasting impression. From intimate settings to lively spots, the bars on this list are perfect for a first date in Toronto.
Here’s a roundup of the best bars for a first date in Toronto, offering everything from sophisticated sips to playful atmospheres that will make your date unforgettable.
Little Portugal
1321 Dundas St W
The Opium Bar
A snack bar serving pan-Asian plates & signature cocktails in Little Portugal with exposed brick & paper lanterns for a rustic and warm aesthetic.
The Opium Bar
Little Portugal
1321 Dundas St W
A snack bar serving pan-Asian plates & signature cocktails in Little Portugal with exposed brick & paper lanterns for a rustic and warm aesthetic.
Queen Street West
576 Queen St W
Short Turn
This restaurant is "meant to feel like a streetcar ride in a perfect Toronto", and with their cocktail list and popular snack, you'll be able to romanticize Toronto in no time.
Short Turn
Queen Street West
576 Queen St W
This restaurant is "meant to feel like a streetcar ride in a perfect Toronto", and with their cocktail list and popular snack, you'll be able to romanticize Toronto in no time.
West Queen West
1090 Queen St W
Bar Poet
Pizza
Dreaming of dining under the stars? Check out Bar Poet's twinkle-adorned trees which in combination with affordable eats provide an experience fit for a late-night picnic.
Bar Poet
West Queen West
1090 Queen St W
Dreaming of dining under the stars? Check out Bar Poet's twinkle-adorned trees which in combination with affordable eats provide an experience fit for a late-night picnic.
Pizza
Fashion District
619 King St W
KISSA
A multi-level listening longe (vinyl only) combine with a perfect cocktail list makes KISSA the perfect sensory experience.
KISSA
Fashion District
619 King St W
A multi-level listening longe (vinyl only) combine with a perfect cocktail list makes KISSA the perfect sensory experience.
Dundas West
1272 Dundas St W
Bar Mordecai
Inspired by vintage hotel lobbies, this unique, pink-hued bar serves nostalgic snacks and cocktails.
Bar Mordecai
Dundas West
1272 Dundas St W
Inspired by vintage hotel lobbies, this unique, pink-hued bar serves nostalgic snacks and cocktails.
Yorkville
158 Cumberland St
Bar Reyna
Mediterranean
Mediterranean snacks and signature cocktails served in a sophisticated space with an all-season patio.
Bar Reyna
Yorkville
158 Cumberland St
Mediterranean snacks and signature cocktails served in a sophisticated space with an all-season patio.
Mediterranean
Queen Street West
874 Queen St W
Mother Cocktail Bar
Inventive cocktails and ever-changing snacks featuring foraged ingredients are served in an intimate room with comfy chairs and mood lighting.
Mother Cocktail Bar
Queen Street West
874 Queen St W
Inventive cocktails and ever-changing snacks featuring foraged ingredients are served in an intimate room with comfy chairs and mood lighting.
Little Italy
612 College St
Birreria Volo
In Little Italy, this bar and bottle shop is serving up imported bottled beers and rustic Italian snacks in a narrow, exposed brick setting.
Birreria Volo
Little Italy
612 College St
In Little Italy, this bar and bottle shop is serving up imported bottled beers and rustic Italian snacks in a narrow, exposed brick setting.
Junction Triangle
2952 Dundas St W
Hush Hush
Located near College and Bathurst, upon entering this bar, you will pass through a sneaky freezer door that opens up to a cozy, neon-lit outpost for cocktails and craft beers.
Hush Hush
Junction Triangle
2952 Dundas St W
Located near College and Bathurst, upon entering this bar, you will pass through a sneaky freezer door that opens up to a cozy, neon-lit outpost for cocktails and craft beers.
Good Fortune Bar
Tucked in the downstairs space at La Carnita Uptown, this bar is warm and inviting with pink stucco, terracotta and palm leaf wallpaper against green leather couches and neon for a nostalgic Miami Beach clubhouse type feel. The menu boasts a selection of burgers and crinkle-cut fries, that pair excellently with their selection of seasonal cocktails.
Good Fortune Bar
Tucked in the downstairs space at La Carnita Uptown, this bar is warm and inviting with pink stucco, terracotta and palm leaf wallpaper against green leather couches and neon for a nostalgic Miami Beach clubhouse type feel. The menu boasts a selection of burgers and crinkle-cut fries, that pair excellently with their selection of seasonal cocktails.
Mrs. Robinson
Serving up modern soul food and drinks, this hip bar in Little Italy plays host to a number of live bands playing old-school grooves, so you can enjoy some tunes and cocktails while getting to know your new date.
Mrs. Robinson
Serving up modern soul food and drinks, this hip bar in Little Italy plays host to a number of live bands playing old-school grooves, so you can enjoy some tunes and cocktails while getting to know your new date.
Dundas West
1468 Dundas St W
Cry Baby Gallery
Bar
Located behind a contemporary art gallery on Dundas Street West, this industrial dimly-lit cocktail and oyster bar with illuminated circular mirrors and salvaged warehouse windows is a perfect low-key first date spot, unlike anywhere else in the city.
Cry Baby Gallery
Dundas West
1468 Dundas St W
Located behind a contemporary art gallery on Dundas Street West, this industrial dimly-lit cocktail and oyster bar with illuminated circular mirrors and salvaged warehouse windows is a perfect low-key first date spot, unlike anywhere else in the city.
Bar
Leslieville
1471 Gerrard St E
Lake Inez
This quirky yet refined space on Gerrard Street East is serving up creative Asian-inspired dishes and an extensive beer list. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer a mystery patio tasting menu which can be reserved ahead of time on their website.
Lake Inez
Leslieville
1471 Gerrard St E
This quirky yet refined space on Gerrard Street East is serving up creative Asian-inspired dishes and an extensive beer list. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer a mystery patio tasting menu which can be reserved ahead of time on their website.
Leslieville
1026 Gerrard St E
Pinkerton's Snack Bar
This happening east end snack bar has a cozy vibe with exposed brick and a super knowledgeable bar team. Sip on one of their house-made canned cocktails or snack on or two one of their famous baos for a unique and finger food-filled first date.
Pinkerton's Snack Bar
Leslieville
1026 Gerrard St E
This happening east end snack bar has a cozy vibe with exposed brick and a super knowledgeable bar team. Sip on one of their house-made canned cocktails or snack on or two one of their famous baos for a unique and finger food-filled first date.
West Queen West
1084 Queen St W
Bar Piquette
European
Open seven days a week; this laid-back buzzy Queen West haunt with both indoor and outdoor seating, is serving up an innovative selection of wines, and European-inspired small plates that are constantly in rotation.
Bar Piquette
West Queen West
1084 Queen St W
Open seven days a week; this laid-back buzzy Queen West haunt with both indoor and outdoor seating, is serving up an innovative selection of wines, and European-inspired small plates that are constantly in rotation.
European
Bloorcourt Village
878 Bloor St W
Civil Liberties
Bar
Founded on the basic principle that no two guests are alike, there is no cocktail menu at this bar. Instead, guests can rely on the expertise of their highly trained bartenders to help discover their new favourite or forgotten classic.
Civil Liberties
Bloorcourt Village
878 Bloor St W
Founded on the basic principle that no two guests are alike, there is no cocktail menu at this bar. Instead, guests can rely on the expertise of their highly trained bartenders to help discover their new favourite or forgotten classic.
Bar
Entertainment District
270 Adelaide St W #300
Melrose on Adelaide
Cocktail Bar
Located in the Entertainment District, this bar has the perfect atmosphere for a first date. With candles, string lights and a moderate music level, so you can uphold some excellent conversation while sipping on one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails or treating yourself to a light bar snack.
Melrose on Adelaide
Entertainment District
270 Adelaide St W #300
Located in the Entertainment District, this bar has the perfect atmosphere for a first date. With candles, string lights and a moderate music level, so you can uphold some excellent conversation while sipping on one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails or treating yourself to a light bar snack.
Cocktail Bar
Dundas West
146 Ossington Ave
Paris Paris
Canadian
Having recently moved to 146 Ossington Avenue, this unpretentious wine bar has an extensive selection of wines by the glass, plus an internationally inspired snack menu. Be sure to check out their new space with tropical greenery, expansive skylights and neon lighting.
Paris Paris
Dundas West
146 Ossington Ave
Having recently moved to 146 Ossington Avenue, this unpretentious wine bar has an extensive selection of wines by the glass, plus an internationally inspired snack menu. Be sure to check out their new space with tropical greenery, expansive skylights and neon lighting.
Canadian
Dundas West
923 Dundas St W
Cocktail Bar
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, this cozy locale on Dundas Street West is perfect for getting to know someone new while sipping on a meticulously made beverage whipped up by one of their highly skilled bartenders.
Cocktail Bar
Dundas West
923 Dundas St W
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, this cozy locale on Dundas Street West is perfect for getting to know someone new while sipping on a meticulously made beverage whipped up by one of their highly skilled bartenders.
Dufferin Grove
797 College St
Bar Isabel
Spanish
Located on College Street, this Spanish-influenced bar has creative plates and craft beers in a warm and cozy space with an old-world vibe.
Bar Isabel
Dufferin Grove
797 College St
Located on College Street, this Spanish-influenced bar has creative plates and craft beers in a warm and cozy space with an old-world vibe.
Spanish
Parkdale
1378 Queen St W
The Shameful Tiki Room
Polynesian
This lively Parkdale haunt has a tropical vibe offering Polynesian-inspired food, exotic cocktails, and live music for a memorable and unique first date experience.
The Shameful Tiki Room
Parkdale
1378 Queen St W
This lively Parkdale haunt has a tropical vibe offering Polynesian-inspired food, exotic cocktails, and live music for a memorable and unique first date experience.
Polynesian
Ossington
136 Ossington Ave
Reposado
Mexican
A chic, dimly-lit watering hole dedicated to top-shelf mezcal and tequila, Reposado is the place for Mexican tapas and live music. Have a seat indoors, or while the weather co-operates, on either their front or back patios for a guaranteed good night.
Reposado
Ossington
136 Ossington Ave
A chic, dimly-lit watering hole dedicated to top-shelf mezcal and tequila, Reposado is the place for Mexican tapas and live music. Have a seat indoors, or while the weather co-operates, on either their front or back patios for a guaranteed good night.
Mexican
Ossington
218 Ossington Ave
Painted Lady
An Ossington strip staple, this cheeky saloon-style Burlesque bar is serving up clever nibbles and craft beer on their extensive CaféTO patio.
Painted Lady
Ossington
218 Ossington Ave
An Ossington strip staple, this cheeky saloon-style Burlesque bar is serving up clever nibbles and craft beer on their extensive CaféTO patio.
Bar Volo
Located in a speakeasy-like alleyway, this cozy rustic bar has an array of rare and imported craft beers, as well as house-brews on tap that pair beautifully with their Southern Italian-inspired snack menu.
Bar Volo
Located in a speakeasy-like alleyway, this cozy rustic bar has an array of rare and imported craft beers, as well as house-brews on tap that pair beautifully with their Southern Italian-inspired snack menu.
Little Italy
505 College St
Bar Raval
Spanish
This Barcelona-inspired pintxo bar has a variety of curated small plates to share, hand-crafted cocktails, beers, and fortified wines that you can enjoy either on their sprawling patio or in their swanky award-winning interior space.
Bar Raval
Little Italy
505 College St
This Barcelona-inspired pintxo bar has a variety of curated small plates to share, hand-crafted cocktails, beers, and fortified wines that you can enjoy either on their sprawling patio or in their swanky award-winning interior space.
Spanish
Juice
Located at College and Ossington, this multi-faceted barber shop and café by day becomes a vibey bar at night, boasting an extensive selection of natural wines, beers and cocktails.
Juice
Located at College and Ossington, this multi-faceted barber shop and café by day becomes a vibey bar at night, boasting an extensive selection of natural wines, beers and cocktails.
Queen Street West
472 Queen St W
BarChef
Bar
This dark, intimate hangout on Queen Street West is a Toronto staple, offering creative cocktail experiences, with over 5000 house-made bitters and a snacking menu with sliders, charcuterie and Japanese fried chicken in case you’re feeling peckish.
BarChef
Queen Street West
472 Queen St W
This dark, intimate hangout on Queen Street West is a Toronto staple, offering creative cocktail experiences, with over 5000 house-made bitters and a snacking menu with sliders, charcuterie and Japanese fried chicken in case you’re feeling peckish.
Bar