When Goodfoot closed earlier this year a sign for a liquor license application promptly went up in the window of 431 Richmond St. West. Months later the sign came down and a new streetwear shop surfaced behind the glass. What happened? It turns out that the clothing on the racks is little more than a mirage - a false storefront for the new bar lurking just behind it.

Read my review of the ultra-secret Goodnight bar in our bars section.

Open for about a month now, this new bar/lounge on Lower Ossington is definitely a contrast to nearby watering holes Crooked Star and Communist Daughter. There's no beer on tap, they have a signature "orange drink" and details like embroidered cushions and decorative vases give it a minimalist Moroccan feel.

Read my review of Our House in the bars section.

Earlier this year, just when the pace of openings started to slow in Bloorcourt, a new bar quietly surfaced near Bloor and Ossington. But unlike 3 Speed, Disgraceland and other popular drinking destinations in the area, this new bar also boasts an intimate live music venue and so far has featured live music or DJs regularly every week.

Read my profile of The Piston in our bars section.

Parkdale doesn't have a new place to spend the night, but it does have a new no-frills drinking establishment to compete with neighbours Salvador Darling and the Rhino. Out front a sign reads "prescriptions" and I suppose that's fitting if a $4 pint of PBR is the medicine for what ails you.

Read my full review of Motel in the bars section.

With beers like Okanagan Pale Ale and PBR on tap, The Savoy fits in just fine to the West Queen West bar scene. There's brunch on weekends and a full dinner menu the rest of the week but the focus here is what happens when the meal is over, the music is cranked and the serious drinking begins.

Read more about The Savoy in the bar section.

It may be four years old but start naming bars on West Queen West near the Drake and chances are UNIT won't be mentioned. Maybe that's because it's closed more often than it's open. Or perhaps it has something to do with its lack of exterior signage. Either way, it's a nice local hangout with interesting decor and a good spot to check out a new DJ. They don't have draft beer so all the more reason or order their special Dark N Stormy.

Read my profile of UNIT in our bars section.