7 Best Bars in Toronto in the Winter

The pop-up Christmas-themed bar in Toronto that was all the rage last year has found a new home for the holidays this winter. Miracle on Queen St. has transformed into Miracle on Ossington (it’s a miracle!) at 146 Ossington Ave, just north of Queen. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and ‘all the nostalgia of the best office party you’ve ever been to’ (as they describe it), Miracle claims to make even the grouchiest Grinch glow with the holiday spirit. For large parties (15+), be sure to make your reservations ASAP – it will be in high demand this season. Miracle runs November 25 to December 26.

Overlooking a bustling stretch of West Queen West, the Drake Sky Yard is a warm rooftop oasis that sits perched above The Drake Hotel in the heart of downtown. It’s a great place to sample locally-sourced food (made from scratch at Drake Commissary) as well as a slew of finely-crafted cocktails. It’s an equally great place for both late-night cocktails and weekend brunches, which is why it made our list of the best bars in Toronto.

At home in a 127-year-old historic landmark with a rich and storied past, The Broadview Hotel offers boutique guestrooms with luxury linens, a vinyl record player and a mini-bar stocked full of locally-sourced goods. But the place you really want to haunt is the Rooftop Bar. (Yes, even in winter!) It offers amazing views of Riverside and a wide selection of locally-themed cocktails. But, the main bar is also fabulous. So, if you prefer to be all sheltered and warm in the inside, The Broadview has you covered.

BarChef is famous for its drinks, which is what put it on our list of best bars in Toronto. Co-owners Frankie Solarik and Brent VanderVeen have created a unique journey for the five senses. It’s a dimly-lit, intimate environment that offers a selection that includes more than 5,000 oz of bitters – ranging from cherry and vanilla to rosemary and lavender – all aged for a minimum of three months. The bar itself is lined with fresh herbs and bottles, filled with all the components necessary for any cocktail. The staff is knowledgeable and the food and spirits menus are well worth exploring.

It’s described as ‘a speakeasy in the heart of Toronto.’ Located downtown, D.W. Alexander is a purveyor of fine cocktails inspired by the Toronto Industrial Era. (In his time, D.W. Alexander was an esteemed dealer in leather and hides.) A blend of the past and the present, this lounge offers more than 40 cocktails, not to mention local, domestic and imported beer selections. And, don’t miss weekday Cocktail Hour.

You’ll find one of the best spots you can haunt in the heart of Toronto’s quirky Kensington District. Grey Gardens, and its expansive Wine Bar – headed up by sommelier and GM Jake Skakun and bar manager David Greig – offers a wine list that overflows with things you need to try. (We strongly recommend the Orange fermented Grey Gardens '18 Skin Fermented Pinot Gris…) Settle in for a great meal and a signature drink, and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

Reviews of Suite 114 describe it like ‘a secret bar during prohibition.’ And, there’s a good reason for that. Tucked away on Dundas West, it has one of the most innovative and creative drink lists in the city. Consider creations like French Toast & Cigarettes (bourbon-based), Doctor's Orders (sherry), Perfect Storm (rum), Downtown Dublin (whiskey) as well as the vodka-based Pearl Necklace. It’s the kind of place you visit and just kinda forget to leave.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best bars in Toronto to visit during the winter and are able to find some warmth during those cold nights!