The top 5 underground bars in Toronto

Underground bars in Toronto allow you to indulge your inner goth and hide from natural light. Whether you feel like hiding from the street or want get social with a game of bocce ball, these basement haunts have got you covered. If you like your bars on the more hidden/exclusive side, this list might help you find a new favourite.

Here are my picks for the top underground bars in Toronto.

Unlovable
Blink and you might miss Unlovable as you walk along Dundas West. It's jammed on weekend nights, which brings the temperature up and makes for long walks to the washroom, but the kitschy decor and upbeat Smiths jangles always make for a fun time. If it gets too packed for your taste, you can always walk across the street to sister bar Loveless.

Track & Field
If you're in the mood for something a little more than the average night of drink-guzzling, Track & Field is the spot. Offering bocce ball, shuffleboard, and crokinole, this lawn game mecca is might be Toronto's best theme bar. There are also top notch cocktails and craft beer, which doesn't hurt either.

Bistro 422
Bistro 422 is like a singing siren to the student crowd that dominates College St. at night. Significantly cheaper than neighbouring venues like Nest and Sneaky Dee's, Bistro serves up pitchers of Amsterdam Blonde for under $10. Plus, if the cozy basement space gets a little too cozy, you can always take advantage of their back patio.

Junction City Music Hall
Tucked away down a narrow hallway and a steep set of stairs on Dundas west of Keele, you'll find Junction City Music Hall. The bar serves up themed cocktails and snacks as well as a number of craft beers. As the name implies, you can also catch live music most nights of the week, often performed by Junction locals.

The Libertine
This underground speakeasy is a touch classier than your average underground joint. You'll find a menu flush with eats like fried chicken and artichoke heart salad, plus a few masterfully-crafted libations that are sure to hit the spot. If you want to find this covert watering hole, don't look for a sign declaring its name - it runs under the alias of a tarot reading shop.

What did I miss? Add your favourite basement bar in the comments.

Photo of Junction City Music Hall by Jesse Milns.

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO