With both the Club District and large venues seemingly out of favour it took a lot of guts for someone to open a 120-seat dining and 550-person dancing capacity supper club at the corner of Drummond and Adelaide. And with $35 cocktails and $28.95 burgers it better continue to attract the Bay Street crowd that's been its bread and butter to date.

Today's essential bar: The Roosevelt Room

For our latest essential bar we make a stop at a watering hole that opened earlier this year on Dundas West. Go here for the rockabilly but stay for the Swanson TV dinners and pints of Pumpkin Ale.

Today's essential bar: The Black Dice

We head back to Kensington for our latest essential bar. A summer favourite for its front patio, this bar also makes for a worthy fall/winter retreat thanks to its good selection of beers on tap and definitely off the tourist-track sort of vibe.

Today's bar: Ronnie's Local

Photo by Yellow Bananas

Located behind the Winchester Hotel, our latest essential bar embodies old-world Russian glamour. One of the must-do drinking experiences here is to enter the large, wood-lined freezer behind the bar where you'll be provided with fur coats and hats and served food and vodka a la Russe.

Today's bar: Samovar Room

Our latest essential bar only opened in August but already it has carved out a niche as a quieter alternative to The Drake, The Gladstone and other nearby watering holes. There's no live music here and no bouncer. But there are 12 beers on tap, good snacks and a dive-bar-chic vibe.

Today's bar: Double Deuce Saloon

Located above a pet supply store in Leslieville, this essential bar is secretive, unusual and classy. One of the true delights here is the menu. Operating without a kitchen, the chef has created a selection of pates, spreads, and even desserts that are stored and served in tiny Mason jars, available for $6 each.

Today's bar: Swirl Wine Bar