The best bars for a first date in Toronto are cool and casual and will make you feel comfortable as you meet your new prospects for the first time in person. With so much uncertainty on a first date, it is of utmost importance that the atmosphere radiates a vibe that will allow you to present as your best self. This means choosing a spot that’s not too loud, so you don’t have to shout, but not so quiet that all you can hear is yourself think.
Preferably, the bar will boast an extensive drink menu that will help strike up good conversation and keep some of the first date jitters at bay. From swanky wine bars to speakeasies to dimly lit cocktail havens, the best first date bars in Toronto will make it oh-so-easy for you to have a great time and make a positive, long-lasting first impression.
874 Queen St W
Mother Cocktail Bar
Inventive cocktails and ever-changing snacks featuring foraged ingredients are served in an intimate room with comfy chairs and mood lighting.
612 College St
Birreria Volo
In Little Italy, this bar and bottle shop is serving up imported bottled beers and rustic Italian snacks in a narrow, exposed brick setting.
2952 Dundas St W
Hush Hush
Located near College and Bathurst, upon entering this bar, you will pass through a sneaky freezer door that opens up to a cozy, neon-lit outpost for cocktails and craft beers.
130 Eglinton Avenue East Lower-Level
Good Fortune Bar
Tucked in the downstairs space at La Carnita Uptown, this bar is warm and inviting with pink stucco, terracotta and palm leaf wallpaper against green leather couches and neon for a nostalgic Miami Beach clubhouse type feel. The menu boasts a selection of burgers and crinkle-cut fries, that pair excellently with their selection of seasonal cocktails.
574 College St
Mrs. Robinson
Serving up modern soul food and drinks, this hip bar in Little Italy plays host to a number of live bands playing old-school grooves, so you can enjoy some tunes and cocktails while getting to know your new date.
1468 Dundas St W
Cry Baby Gallery
Located behind a contemporary art gallery on Dundas Street West, this industrial dimly-lit cocktail and oyster bar with illuminated circular mirrors and salvaged warehouse windows is a perfect low-key first date spot, unlike anywhere else in the city.
1471 Gerrard St E
Lake Inez
This quirky yet refined space on Gerrard Street East is serving up creative Asian-inspired dishes and an extensive beer list. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer a mystery patio tasting menu which can be reserved ahead of time on their website.
1026 Gerrard St E
Pinkerton's Snack Bar
This happening east end snack bar has a cozy vibe with exposed brick and a super knowledgeable bar team. Sip on one of their house-made canned cocktails or snack on or two one of their famous baos for a unique and finger food-filled first date.
1084 Queen St W
Bar Piquette
Open seven days a week; this laid-back buzzy Queen West haunt with both indoor and outdoor seating, is serving up an innovative selection of wines, and European-inspired small plates that are constantly in rotation.
878 Bloor St W
Civil Liberties
Founded on the basic principle that no two guests are alike, there is no cocktail menu at this bar. Instead, guests can rely on the expertise of their highly trained bartenders to help discover their new favourite or forgotten classic.
488 Wellington St W
The Cloak Bar
One of Toronto’s best kept secrets on Wellington Street, this dimly lit subterranean hideaway with craft cocktails and elevated bar snacks is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to plan your date accordingly!
270 Adelaide St W #300
Melrose on Adelaide
Located in the Entertainment District, this bar has the perfect atmosphere for a first date. With candles, string lights and a moderate music level, so you can uphold some excellent conversation while sipping on one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails or treating yourself to a light bar snack.
146 Ossington Ave
Paris Paris
Having recently moved to 146 Ossington Avenue, this unpretentious wine bar has an extensive selection of wines by the glass, plus an internationally inspired snack menu. Be sure to check out their new space with tropical greenery, expansive skylights and neon lighting.
923 Dundas St W
Cocktail Bar
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, this cozy locale on Dundas Street West is perfect for getting to know someone new while sipping on a meticulously made beverage whipped up by one of their highly skilled bartenders.
797 College St
Bar Isabel
Located on College Street, this Spanish-influenced bar has creative plates and craft beers in a warm and cozy space with an old-world vibe.
1070 Queen St W
Bar Fancy
This upbeat, rustic-modern snack bar is serving up some of the city's best fried chicken, wine, beer and a thoughtful array of cocktails. Follow the neon tiger, and grab a seat on their cozy CaféTO patio, where their staff will take excellent care of you.
1378 Queen St W
The Shameful Tiki Room
This lively Parkdale haunt has a tropical vibe offering Polynesian-inspired food, exotic cocktails, and live music for a memorable and unique first date experience.
136 Ossington Ave
Reposado
A chic, dimly-lit watering hole dedicated to top-shelf mezcal and tequila, Reposado is the place for Mexican tapas and live music. Have a seat indoors, or while the weather co-operates, on either their front or back patios for a guaranteed good night.
218 Ossington Ave
Painted Lady
An Ossington strip staple, this cheeky saloon-style Burlesque bar is serving up clever nibbles and craft beer on their extensive CaféTO patio.
17 St Nicholas St
Bar Volo
Located in a speakeasy-like alleyway, this cozy rustic bar has an array of rare and imported craft beers, as well as house-brews on tap that pair beautifully with their Southern Italian-inspired snack menu.
505 College St
Bar Raval
This Barcelona-inspired pintxo bar has a variety of curated small plates to share, hand-crafted cocktails, beers, and fortified wines that you can enjoy either on their sprawling patio or in their swanky award-winning interior space.
426 Ossington Ave
Juice
Located at College and Ossington, this multi-faceted barber shop and café by day becomes a vibey bar at night, boasting an extensive selection of natural wines, beers and cocktails.
472 Queen St W
BarChef
This dark, intimate hangout on Queen Street West is a Toronto staple, offering creative cocktail experiences, with over 5000 house-made bitters and a snacking menu with sliders, charcuterie and Japanese fried chicken in case you’re feeling peckish.
The best bars for a first date in Toronto are cool and casual and will make you feel comfortable as you meet your new prospects for the first time in person. With so much uncertainty on a first date, it is of utmost importance that the atmosphere radiates a vibe that will allow you to present as your best self. This means choosing a spot that’s not too loud, so you don’t have to shout, but not so quiet that all you can hear is yourself think.
Preferably, the bar will boast an extensive drink menu that will help strike up good conversation and keep some of the first date jitters at bay. From swanky wine bars to speakeasies to dimly lit cocktail havens, the best first date bars in Toronto will make it oh-so-easy for you to have a great time and make a positive, long-lasting first impression.
874 Queen St W
Mother Cocktail Bar
Inventive cocktails and ever-changing snacks featuring foraged ingredients are served in an intimate room with comfy chairs and mood lighting.
612 College St
Birreria Volo
In Little Italy, this bar and bottle shop is serving up imported bottled beers and rustic Italian snacks in a narrow, exposed brick setting.
2952 Dundas St W
Hush Hush
Located near College and Bathurst, upon entering this bar, you will pass through a sneaky freezer door that opens up to a cozy, neon-lit outpost for cocktails and craft beers.
130 Eglinton Avenue East Lower-Level
Good Fortune Bar
Tucked in the downstairs space at La Carnita Uptown, this bar is warm and inviting with pink stucco, terracotta and palm leaf wallpaper against green leather couches and neon for a nostalgic Miami Beach clubhouse type feel. The menu boasts a selection of burgers and crinkle-cut fries, that pair excellently with their selection of seasonal cocktails.
574 College St
Mrs. Robinson
Serving up modern soul food and drinks, this hip bar in Little Italy plays host to a number of live bands playing old-school grooves, so you can enjoy some tunes and cocktails while getting to know your new date.
1468 Dundas St W
Cry Baby Gallery
Located behind a contemporary art gallery on Dundas Street West, this industrial dimly-lit cocktail and oyster bar with illuminated circular mirrors and salvaged warehouse windows is a perfect low-key first date spot, unlike anywhere else in the city.
1471 Gerrard St E
Lake Inez
This quirky yet refined space on Gerrard Street East is serving up creative Asian-inspired dishes and an extensive beer list. If you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer a mystery patio tasting menu which can be reserved ahead of time on their website.
1026 Gerrard St E
Pinkerton's Snack Bar
This happening east end snack bar has a cozy vibe with exposed brick and a super knowledgeable bar team. Sip on one of their house-made canned cocktails or snack on or two one of their famous baos for a unique and finger food-filled first date.
1084 Queen St W
Bar Piquette
Open seven days a week; this laid-back buzzy Queen West haunt with both indoor and outdoor seating, is serving up an innovative selection of wines, and European-inspired small plates that are constantly in rotation.
878 Bloor St W
Civil Liberties
Founded on the basic principle that no two guests are alike, there is no cocktail menu at this bar. Instead, guests can rely on the expertise of their highly trained bartenders to help discover their new favourite or forgotten classic.
488 Wellington St W
The Cloak Bar
One of Toronto’s best kept secrets on Wellington Street, this dimly lit subterranean hideaway with craft cocktails and elevated bar snacks is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to plan your date accordingly!
270 Adelaide St W #300
Melrose on Adelaide
Located in the Entertainment District, this bar has the perfect atmosphere for a first date. With candles, string lights and a moderate music level, so you can uphold some excellent conversation while sipping on one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails or treating yourself to a light bar snack.
146 Ossington Ave
Paris Paris
Having recently moved to 146 Ossington Avenue, this unpretentious wine bar has an extensive selection of wines by the glass, plus an internationally inspired snack menu. Be sure to check out their new space with tropical greenery, expansive skylights and neon lighting.
923 Dundas St W
Cocktail Bar
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, this cozy locale on Dundas Street West is perfect for getting to know someone new while sipping on a meticulously made beverage whipped up by one of their highly skilled bartenders.
797 College St
Bar Isabel
Located on College Street, this Spanish-influenced bar has creative plates and craft beers in a warm and cozy space with an old-world vibe.
1070 Queen St W
Bar Fancy
This upbeat, rustic-modern snack bar is serving up some of the city's best fried chicken, wine, beer and a thoughtful array of cocktails. Follow the neon tiger, and grab a seat on their cozy CaféTO patio, where their staff will take excellent care of you.
1378 Queen St W
The Shameful Tiki Room
This lively Parkdale haunt has a tropical vibe offering Polynesian-inspired food, exotic cocktails, and live music for a memorable and unique first date experience.
136 Ossington Ave
Reposado
A chic, dimly-lit watering hole dedicated to top-shelf mezcal and tequila, Reposado is the place for Mexican tapas and live music. Have a seat indoors, or while the weather co-operates, on either their front or back patios for a guaranteed good night.
218 Ossington Ave
Painted Lady
An Ossington strip staple, this cheeky saloon-style Burlesque bar is serving up clever nibbles and craft beer on their extensive CaféTO patio.
17 St Nicholas St
Bar Volo
Located in a speakeasy-like alleyway, this cozy rustic bar has an array of rare and imported craft beers, as well as house-brews on tap that pair beautifully with their Southern Italian-inspired snack menu.
505 College St
Bar Raval
This Barcelona-inspired pintxo bar has a variety of curated small plates to share, hand-crafted cocktails, beers, and fortified wines that you can enjoy either on their sprawling patio or in their swanky award-winning interior space.
426 Ossington Ave
Juice
Located at College and Ossington, this multi-faceted barber shop and café by day becomes a vibey bar at night, boasting an extensive selection of natural wines, beers and cocktails.
472 Queen St W
BarChef
This dark, intimate hangout on Queen Street West is a Toronto staple, offering creative cocktail experiences, with over 5000 house-made bitters and a snacking menu with sliders, charcuterie and Japanese fried chicken in case you’re feeling peckish.
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