Underground bars in Toronto are some of the coolest spots in the city without even really trying. Whether you’re looking for a quieter speakeasy to have a nice drink with friends or a raucous dance party, you never know what you’re going to get until you walk down those stairs.

Here are some underground bars to check out in Toronto.

Capones Lounge

What was once Bar Lokys in Roncesvalles Village, Capones has turned the previous pub-style bar into a swanky speakeasy with a 1920s New York gangster theme. The stage changes depending on the day of the week, showcasing live jazz and DJs to enjoy while you’re having a cocktail.

Sous Sol

Behind a secret door in the basement of the historic C.H. Gooderham House under Maison Selby, this bar has a quaint vibe that's perfect for a chill evening with friends. They have an extensive upscale food menu with some elegant cocktails.

Sneak downstairs for a cocktail at Sous Sol. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Drake Underground

The basement of the Drake Hotel on West Queen West sees around 200 to 250 artists playing every year. The stage has been graced with acts like M.I.A., Sampha, Beck, Broken Social Scene and many other acts and DJs, making it a go-to spot for a night out.

Under The Alpine

Located literally under the Alpine in the Junction, this spot is the European-style bar's cooler brother, with pool tables, drink specials and live music.

Bistro 422

A staple of the Toronto bar scene and one of the cheap places in the city to get food and drinks, this spot at Bathurst and College is a classic must-visit for any local.

Bistro 422 is a Toronto institution. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Sub Division

Located under the South American restaurant Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!, this phone-free basement bar has a no photography policy. This venue also has local DJs stop by while you enjoy their drinks and Izakaya-inspired food menu.

XXX

Probably a speakeasy you shouldn't be googling, you'll need to talk to the staff at Little Sister's Portland location if you want to see what this bar has to offer.

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Sari NOT Sari

This Parkdale spot has quickly become a local favourite, with a focus on promoting Filipino culture. While its weekend nights are popping with some of the city's best DJs, you can head there for brunch to recover from your night.

Hank's Liquor

While Unlovable was, well, unlovable, the space has been taken over by the owners of Ted's Collision and given a revamp. They have cocktails for under $11, canned craft beer and an eclectic vending machine that's stocked with international snacks.

It's always a good night out at Hank's Liquor. Photo by Fareen Karim.

Bambi's

Tucked in a corner on Dundas and Dovercourt, Bambi's is a dive bar with a little more polish. It's always playing great music through its amazing sound system, which makes it a great spot for a night out without the club atmosphere.

The Dakota Tavern

Adding a little country to the city at Dundas and Ossington, this dive bar has been filled with some of the best acts from the genre in Canada since 2006.

Grab a seat and catch a live show at the Dakota Tavern. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

BSMT 254

A small little venue at College and Lansdowne that programs monthly music series which include reggae, underground hip-hop, contemporary jazz and singer-songwriters.