Best of Toronto
The Best New Bars in Toronto, 2012
The best new bars in Toronto in 2012 marked a continuation of Dundas West's seemingly unstoppable boom, with a disproportionate number of top bars cropping up in the area. 2012 was also the year of the craft beer bar, and saw the opening of a slew of establishments that touted local microbrews on tap.
Several popular bars also brought off-shoot (or drastically different) projects to other areas of the city. From casual, sit-down spots for drinks and the odd antipasto platter after work, to easy-on-the-wallet pints, to full-fledged dance floors, Toronto's diverse tastes continue to promise that we'll find something to quench our thirst around every corner.
Here is the list of the best new bars in Toronto in 2012.
See also:
The best new bars in Toronto, 2011
The best new bars in Toronto, 2010
Bellwoods Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery might toe the line between bar and gastropub, thanks to its meat-heavy food offerings such as duck heart and sausages. It’s no secret, though, that the big draw at this Ossington spot is its range of beers brewed on site, including go-bold-or-go-home offerings like the Witchshark IPA (coming in at a whopping 9%). The patio ain't too bad, either. More »
Get Well
Get Well boasts 12 constantly rotating local craft brews on tap (beer enthusiasts rejoice, although they also have wine and cocktails), as well as a dim, spacious interior that’s nicely suited to a lively, intoxicated go at their row of pinball machines in the back. More »
3030 Dundas West
3030 Dundas West is the Junction’s resident catch-all bar. They do everything from weekend brunch, to 16 rotating, hyper-local craft brews on tap (but not in pitchers), to board and arcade games, to frequent live music. As an added bonus, their cocktails are nothing to scoff at, and their kitchen churns out inventive, bite-sized snacks. More »
Mr. Pong's Bar
Much-touted for being helmed by the owners of Cold Tea, Mr. Pong’s is a very different venture. Squirreled away on Dundas West, the small space sports comic-style graffiti that's violent and tongue-in-cheek, cheap drinks ($4 cans and shots), rowdy DJ nights, and truly gourmet egg rolls. And yes, there’s a “multi-purpose” cage in the basement. More »
Handlebar
Kensington Market’s Handlebar comes to you courtesy of the Avro’s owners, and it has the same eclectic charm; from the mismatched retro furniture and bicycle-themed decor, to the long bar and attentive but laid back staff. Although their beer selection might leave something to be desired, they’ll gladly whip you up a cocktail (the Old Fashioned is tops, especially when the red-haired guy makes it). More »
Midfield Wine Bar
Already Toronto's best wine bar, Midfield filled a major gap in the city's drinking scene when it opened up on Dundas West early last year. Thanks to chalkboard menus, casual seating, rustic all-wood decor, and a surprising lack of wine snobbery, Midfield is a decidedly unstuffy place. And their new tapas-based menu (think braised beef tongue, mussel escabeche, and charcuterie) makes this is a good while-away-your-evenings spot. Restaurant industry types tend to flock here for last call. More »
Wallflower
The Wallflower is yet another recent opening on Dundas West, taking over Naco Gallery’s three-room space, and transforming it into a cozy, vintage den of years gone by, with floral accents, a surprisingly satisfying wine list, and craft beers on tap. This eclectic, laidback spot from the owners of the 3 Speed has a snack menu to match (lamb scotch eggs, anyone?). More »
The Yukon
The Yukon is a small, narrow bar that’s eye-achingly dim and easily missed on a streetcar ride through Parkdale. Venture inside, though, and you’ll find a casual spot, with a small list of draught beers, a selection of well-priced and well-made (albeit not especially bountiful) nibbles, that’s made for after-work cocktails and leisurely get-togethers. More »
Thirsty & Miserable
Don’t go to Thirsty and Miserable expecting polished banquettes and somnolent background music. This new addition to Kensington Market is more reminiscent of the area’s past (and refreshingly so), with a dim dive vibe, aggressive black and red colour scheme, and a selection of microwaveable meals. That said, it boasts a great selection of craft brews sourced locally and from abroad. More »
Riverside Public House
Brought to you in part by Nav Sangha of Wrongbar, Riverside Public House offers a well-executed blend of upscale comfort food (thanks to Top Chef Canada alumnus Dustin Gallagher), live music venue, and specialty-cocktail-slinging bar. With its exposed brick and checkerboard tile flooring, and local microbrews on tap and in bottles, it’s a hybrid that works. More »
Bambi's
Bambi’s is dark. Don’t let its doe-eyed Disney moniker fool you; this subterranean Dundas West bar turns its music up loud (with tunes that run the gamut from punk to karaoke), and its industrial interior is marked by exposed brick and pipes. A short draught list, “occasionally available” snacks, and laidback clientele round it out. More »
Church on Church
Church on Church is a (secular) new spot in the Village, with haphazard references to its name evident in everything from the white, pew-like benches scattered around the bar’s perimeter to the cocktail list. The fluorescent lasers start spinning and the dance floor fills up just before midnight. More »
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Derek, if I'm saying that there're all white people in the photos of the bars that you've mentioned, then how is that not "keep[ing] it focused on the bars in question"?
It's sad that the editor of BlogTO wants to remain willfully blind.
Go ahead, BlogTO. Delete my comment, so you can continue living in your bubble.
I purpose that we meet in a "central" location and try to squash this beef before anything worse happens
(Taverns are places where people drink at tables (usually with food) - thus drastically reducing social interaction with anyone you don't already know. Very Puritan.