Here are my picks for the coziest bars in Toronto.
Ronnie's Local
This Kensington patio hot spot is also prime for winter dwelling. Its bar stools are almost always packed with regulars and the back room is decorated with scenes of lush woods and images of deer. The plain wooden tables and booths tucked into this small space are typically as busy as the bar, and it kind of seems like everyone's a friend.
The Yukon
The Parkdale bar's old-timey décor, ornate tin ceiling, and rustic wooden stools and tables make for a low-key evening in what feels like a throwback to the '30s. Walls are lined with built-in box shelves that hold hundreds of records and give off that intimate feeling of being in someone else's home.
Cocktail Bar
With Cocktail Bar, Black Hoof's Jen Agg has created a space that balances a laid-back vibe with sophisticated, upscale mixology. The Dundas West bar is small enough that a seat at the bar is an optimal choice, and you might find yourself wanting to cozy up near the service staff to inquire about the made-in-house ingredients and techniques on the cocktail menu.
Communist's Daughter
On a cold night, Communist's Daughter's vintage upholstered kitchen chairs and candlelit tables can soothe just about anything that ails you: homesickness, the winter blues, mourning for eras passed. Its white string lights and run-down 1950s-style character harken back to a simpler time. Sometimes, that - and a stiff drink - are all you need.
Wallflower
Wallflower's vintage furnishings and calm lighting - three-armed lamps, candles on tables, pendant lights - are reminiscent of grandmothers' kitchens. Flowers sit in tall vases on tabletops while floral curtains and wallpaper line the interior for guests stopping by to enjoy a tumbler of wine or deviled eggs. In the summer months, be sure to check out their super romantic patio.
Midfield Wine Bar
The key to Midfield's cozy feeling is its combination of low light and lots of warm-hued wood. Throw in the 50 some-odd candles that due duty across the place, an Old World-heavy wine list, and sumptuous winter food like their braised short rib and deep fried cauliflower, and you've got a perfect winter hideout. Bonus points for discrete staff who know when to leave you alone.
1602
This Brockton bar is gently illuminated with the dim glow of candles and red lamps and decked out in homey vintage furniture. Doodle on the chalkboard in the back of the shop while quaffing something off their solid bourbon list, or a classic cocktail (house favourites include the Old Fashioned and Manhattan).
The Gaslight
The owners of the Communist Daughter and the County General blended the best of both worlds in this spot on a quiet stretch of Bloor. The church-pew seating and low tables invite guests to huddle together for some quiet, intimate conversation.
C'est What
Nothing says cozy like a brick-walled basement outfitted with a fireplace, couches and a pool table. The warren-like C'est What, located at Front and Church, has more than enough soul-warming stouts and ales on offer (42 taps), as well as a menu of stick-to-your-ribs faves like shepherd's pie.
The Cavern Bar
The thought of a bar inside a hostel sounds less "cozy night out" and more "$10 for three-shot drinks in a jug". Luckily, the Hostelling International in-house bar does offers both, living up to its name with low, sloping exposed-brick walls and long communal tables.
Did I miss any? Leave your picks for the coziest bar in Toronto in the comments.
by Alex Brown via blogTO
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