The top bars and pubs on Bloor St. range from slick microbreweries and concert venues to traditional neighbourhood pubs. While the competition for trendiest concept tends to take place elsewhere, the drinking establishments here have great staying power. The rise of bars in a place like Bloordale, for instance, has continued strong for about five years now.
These are our picks for the top bars and pubs on Bloor St.
3 Speed
3 Speed is cozy spot that's been around much longer than many of the bars that have recently burst onto the scene in Bloordale. Ever popular among locals and those who come for its backyard patio complete with a wood burning oven. Not a spot for fancy cocktails, it does, however, boast a solid beer list.
Bar Neon
Bar Neon was the epitome of cool when it opened back in 2011, but it's stayed a neighbourhood mainstay on account of its solid menu, daily specials, and top notch cocktails (that Boulevadier is still excellent). There isn't any pub-grub in sight. Instead you'll find inventive fare with a Mediterranean twist.
Bryden's
Bryden's is a solid pub in Bloor West Village that attracts a loyal following of neighbourhood folks. The main draw is the beer selection, which boasts 17 draught options, a number of which showcase local craft beers on a rotating basis. Food-wise the menu is all over the place, featuring everything from pad Thai to butter chicken to pulled port sandwiches.
Burdock
Burdock is perhaps the most exciting of the newer crop of bars in and around Bloordale on account of its gorgeous room, adjacent concert venue, and the on-site microbrewery. This is a place that wants to do it all, and it looks like it just might be able to pull it off. After lots of early menu changes, the comfort-food focus is on point and the beer list is spectacular.
Civil Liberties
My friends call it the "pineapple bar" after its exterior signage, though you're not going to find a whole lot of fruity drinks here. The cocktails are of the traditional bent, though you could probably ask for anything you want and one of the bartenders would make it. Food-wise, the charcuterie boards are the way to go.
Clinton's Tavern
For a 78-year-old establishment, Clinton's sure knows how to show guests a good time. Think of it as a mohawk with a low-key bar and restaurant in the front and a venerable dance and concert hall in the back. Whether you stop by for greasy food, a local band or a '90s-style dance party, a night at Clinton's is always a good idea.
Drift
Drift can almost get lost is the sea of surrounding bars that have transformed Bloorcourt/dale over the last five years or so, but it's got plenty of merits, the most notable being that it doesn't try to be particularly cool or trendy. The short menu captures the spirit of bistro cooking perfectly.
El Furniture Warehouse
The Annex location in this chain of "premium dive bar" offers all of its food items for $4.95. Once you've had your fill, enjoy beer, cocktails or shooter. If you're up for an adventure, you can take a group shot off of a ski.
The Gaslight
You can find this cozy, candle-lit space in the Bloor section of the Junction Triangle. Feast on heightened comfort food as you sip cocktails and beer. In the summer, you take the fun outside on the Gaslight's Patio.
Mugshot Tavern
Mugshot Tavern is a local favourite among High Park residents. It touts an excellent burger, decent beer selection, and a lovely rooftop patio. This is one of the better pubs on the western section of Bloor.
Northwood
Located across from Christie Pits park at Bloor and Crawford, Northwood is a cafe by day and a romantic cocktail and craft beer bar by night. Spend an evening sipping handcrafted drinks or draft beer and then grab a bottle of the owners' signature Two Bears cold brew to revive yourself in the morning.
The Piston
This Bloorcourt bar has a large backroom and hosts regularly features live music and weekly dance parties. When you get tired, there's a smokehouse BBQ menu filled with savoury treats for you to snack on.
Wenona Craft Beer Lodge
As its name suggests, Wenona harkens back to lazy days at the cottage. Its campfire-inspired menu is filled with simple dishes such as octo corndogs. With an extensive beer list, featuring many local favourite for you to choose from, you'll be feeling relaxed in no time.
Whelan's Gate
This Irish-style pub changed owners earlier this year. However, it has a menu chock-full of made-in-house goodies inspired by the Emerald Isle. Irish beers, such as Guinness, Kilkenny and Smithwick's, are on tap along with local brands. If you're not up for a pint, you can always choose from one of the bar's signature cocktails.
Wise Bar
Wise Bar is an unassuming and laid back beer bar that's just a nice place to spend time. The staff are always friendly, there's an obvious passion for craft beer on display in the menu but also the enthusiasm bartenders have in discussing what customers should order.
What did we miss? Add your favourite Bloor St. bars in the comments.
Writing by Amy Grief and Derek Flack.
by Staff via blogTO
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