New bars in Toronto are offering up more than just somewhere to go and drink booze . Whether it's interesting decor, quality caffeine or even bocce ball, these watering holes are getting creative to draw in patrons, making it an exciting time to go drinking in this city.

Here are my picks for the top new bars in Toronto.

Track & Field Bar
This surprisingly large subterranean space in Little Italy wins major points for originality as Toronto's first lawn games bar. Cocktails - on tap or made to order - and craft beer, bocce ball and shuffleboard lanes...sounds like the perfect recipe for a fun night out to me.

Loveless
A more grown-up and mature sibling to equally musically inclined Unlovable across the street, Loveless is a cafe by day and bar by night. With a rotating roster of draft beer, expertly made cocktails and a sweet side patio (not to mention beef patties to snack on), this spot makes for the perfect all-day hangout.

Boxcar Social (Riverside)
Fans of third wave coffee culture and small-batch whisky on the east side have reason to rejoice, as this cafe and bar that originated in Summerhill has now come to Riverside. In addition to bourbon and Scotch, beers focus on local microbrews, and the wines - including a sparkling on tap - are all from the New World.

Lucky Shrike
Strange wordplay aside (a shrike is a bird that likes to impale its prey on sharp objects), this joint that was formerly the Press Club is an easy place to stop into for a low-key hang on a week night. Its back patio is a hidden gem, and the salvaged red oak church pews and Mexican talavera tiles inside add to the quirky charm of the bar.

Northern Belle
From the owners of Bloorcourt fave Northwood, this corner beauty brings its successful cafe-bar hybrid to Dundas West. Boasting cocktails influenced by classics and great craft beers, plus a cute side patio, it's easy to see why it's becoming a popular stop before or after a visit to Trinity Bellwoods.

This post was brought to you by Heineken.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new bar to the comments.

Photo of Loveless by Jesse Milns.