Grab a drink at these Bloordale Village bars in Toronto
This once-grimy part of town is on the upswing thanks to the hip storefronts and bars popping up along Bloor Street. Dive bars are no longer the only option when it comes to drinking in this neighbourhood — you’ll now find plenty of craft beer and complicated cocktails to be had between Dufferin and Lansdowne. Check out these neighbourhood watering holes next time you’re in Bloordale.
Bar Neon
1226 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N3The secluded back patio at this Bloor Street bar is a local secret that you’ll definitely want to share. Adorned with string lights and casual picnic tables, the outdoor space is the ideal spot to commune with friends on a muggy summer evening. It’s just as cozy inside and the space is marked with comfy booth seating, glowing candles at each table and colourful murals that adorn the walls. Bartenders serve up craft beers, stiff cocktails and affordable Mediterranean-style snack plates. On weekends, visiting DJs play crowd-pleasing tracks that have been known to inspire impromptu dance parties.
Holy Oak
1241 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N6You’ll find Bloordale locals hanging out at this hybrid café from morning to night. During the day, freelancers hunker down with their laptops to enjoy free Wi-Fi and soy lattes made with Intelligentsia espresso beans. After the sun goes down, the laidback space transitions as late-night revelers crowd inside to partake in boozy drinks and live music. Bartenders are friendly and the cocktails are as diverse as the nightly events, which range from bingo sessions to acoustic guitar performances to Honky Tonk open mic nights.
The Four Seven
1211 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N4This local bar might have a dark, gritty vibe (it’s next door neighbor is a strip club, after all) but Chef Daniel Usher takes a high-minded approach to his creative food and drink menu. Behind the bar, the taps feature a who’s-who of local small-batch brewers: Bellwoods Brewery, Beau’s and Junction Brewery — there’s even one tap dedicated to Ontario ciders. Non-beer drinkers can imbibe in a good selection of wine and handcrafted cocktails. The kitchen is open nightly until 2 a.m., ushering out gourmet snacks (Italian-style grilled squid or mushroom and pecorino gnocchi) to satisfy late night cravings.
Pennys
1306 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N9If you’re looking to down a pint within stumbling distance from Lansdowne Station, this low-key watering hole is definitely your best bet. This local spot bills itself as Bloordale’s friendly neighbourhood dive bar with a touch of class. Regulars love the unpretentious vibe and live music performances. The drink menu features local craft beers from Left Field Brewery and ciders as well as some classic house-made cocktails and, if you’re hungry, the food menu features tasty simple snacks like pork sliders.
The Gaslight
1426 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 3L5A bit off the beaten track, this dimly-lit bar at Bloor and Symington is a welcome respite along a rather derelict stretch of the city. Couples sit at cozy booths with church pew seating, sip on draught beers from local breweries and nibble on charcuterie over candlelight. The bar is also stocked with a respectable selection of Canadian whiskey and tequila.
The 3 Speed
1163 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M9You can wet your whistle without breaking the bank at this Bloordale watering hole where you’ll find nightly drink specials and micro brews on tap. The patio out back is a hidden gem (although not exactly a secret among the locals) with lush greenery that’s illuminated after sundown with hanging lanterns and pretty string lights. Show up early if you want to snag a spot – seating is limited (especially on the aforementioned patio space).
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