With bars back open for dine-in and Valentine's Day fast approaching, you and your significant other are likely champing at the bit to toast the occasion outside the confines of your home this year. Whether you're raising a glass to a new partnership, tried and true love, a first date or celebrating with your closest friends, Toronto has plenty of cocktail bars, dimly lit wine bars and lively breweries to celebrate. Here is a list of the most romantic bars in Toronto.
612 College St
Birreria Volo
Bar Volo's beer-focused sister is located on College Street with the same sophisticated warmth of Bar Volo, except with a focus on their beer offering.
700 Queen St E
Eastbound Brewing
When a brewery also holds weddings, you know it's a romantic space, and Leslieville's Eastbound Brewing Co. is just the brewpub to take your date. They have a full dinner and takeout menu with treats like beer pickled eggs that would pair nicely with their "Backpacker Blonde" ale.
928 College St
Folly Brewpub
Folly Brewpub has a sufficient amount of string lights, candles and cozy seating to be romantic, but with a fun-loving atmosphere and super friendly clients and staff. They also have a fantastic menu and bottle shop, making it a great place to spend an evening out.
1144 College St
Laylow Brewery
Laylow is exactly as the name describes; it's an intimate candlelit space (allegedly Toronto's smallest brewery) to bring a date that evokes feelings of sitting in a café in Denmark and ordering a "Born Sinner" Berliner Weisse.
2876 Dundas St W
Indie Alehouse
Indie Alehouse is a special west end gem with exposed brick walls, industrial fixtures and a fantastic beer and food menu your date will love. If you're feeling fun, make sure to order their "Love Triangle" IPA over some rosemary garlic popcorn.
1184 Bloor St W
Burdock Brewery
Burdock is as romantic as a brewery can get, with string lights, candles, live music, and plants. Perfect for a beer-loving date, you can even see glistening brew kettles in the back. Burdock is also a great place to come hungry, as they have a full-service dining menu.
124 Ossington Ave
Bellwoods Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery is almost synonymous with Ossington and is normally associated with a bustling patio, but their interiors are just as charming. You can sit on their balcony and people watch as you nibble on olives and sip a few glasses of their Roman Candle IPA.
592 Sherbourne St
Sous Sol
There is something inherently sexy about a speakeasy bar, and Sous Sol has everything that you'd want if you want to pretend you're on a sneaky moonshine date in the 1920s. Sitting on the lower level of Maison Selby, there are taper candles, soft red lighting, abstract nudes painted on the walls, and a perfect tequila cocktail called "Truly Madly Deeply."
923 Dundas St W
Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar is as mysterious as the name suggests, with a white brick façade and only a little red sign saying "cocktail bar" to indicate this is in fact, Cocktail Bar. The mystery, candles reflecting on mirror-covered walls, it's a romantic little hub where you can subtly drop hints by ordering their house Electric Relaxation and Absinthe Whip cocktails.
1124 Queen St E
Goods and Provisions
A Leslieville speakeasy with warm globe lights strung on the ceiling, oak barrels, and black and white check floors is a perfect date-night setting.
913 Dundas St W
Northern Belle
Fresh flowers in amber jars and sparkling votive candles are just a little touch of what makes Northern Belle a romantic date-night cocktail spot. Treat your date to their excellent charcuterie board and the "Northern Belle Manhattan."
1090 Queen St W
Bar Poet
Straight out of a scene from a "Midsummer Night's Dream" with green foliage and fairy lights (and pizza), Bar Poet is an inspiring date night spot with a cocktail menu that has subcategories like "Fairytales" and "Poetry" -- if I were on a date here "Cinderella's Carriage" pumpkin whisky tipple is the way to go!
392 Pacific Ave
Famous Last Words
If your date loves reading and cocktails, Famous Last Words is the perfect date night spot to get a tipple, a book recommendation and maybe even accidentally join a book club together (is this a romcom?). Their menu is separated by different chapters like "Adventures" and "Beach Reads."
815 Bloor St W
Northwood
Reflective of a European-café, Northwood is a snug Christie Pits cocktail bar with fresh flowers, luscious plants and some of the prettiest cocktails in Toronto. Try "And Heaven Too" with Aperol, cava, cinnamon, and cardamom or "Lady Grey Sour," which is a glass of earl grey rye, lemon and black pepper.
1276 Dundas St W
Mahjong Bar
The famous black and white check floors and tropical wallpaper are dimly lit with globe lights. If you don't get distracted by the beautiful pink bodega storefront, Mahjong Bar hidden in the back is a portal to romantic delights like the "Layover in Tokyo" gin and vermouth cocktail.
874 Queen St W
Mother Cocktail Bar
Mother Cocktail Bar has a warm and intimate atmosphere with swinging Edison bulbs and sexy cocktails. Their snack and cocktail menu is constantly rotating with romantic drinks that roll of the tongue like "Winter Soft Rosita" (think warm spices, tequila, and rosewater) and "Claire de Lune" (gin, cocoa butter wine, and vanilla cordial).
505 College St
Bar Raval
Bar Raval's gorgeous interiors look like something out of Spanish architect Gaudí's dreams; if you want to transport your date to a warm European night, take them to Bar Raval for tapas and their house "Magic City" cinnamony, lemony, absinthe and sherry cocktail.
100 Front St W
Clockwork
Located inside the Fairmont Royal York, Clockwork Bar is a place that oozes luxury and romance; it's a perfect swanky place to dress up and people-watch with your date over a few glasses of "Meet Me at the Clock."
472 Queen St W
BarChef
This is the spot you go when you want to impress your date with $30-$40 cocktails sitting on tabletop waterfalls. The dim, candlelit interiors with sparkling bottles is the perfect setting for sharing fascinating cocktails and discussing their 3-page cocktail menu.
394 King St E
Henrietta Lane
A sweet little spot in Old Town that operates as a café by day and cocktail bar by night, Henrietta Lane is a romantic gem that you could imagine meeting your soulmate at in a novel. They have seating in the front, a general store in the back, and a delicious cocktail called "Smooth Like Butter, Cool Shade Stunner" you have to try.
1084 Queen St W
Bar Piquette
Bar Piquette is a sweet little wine bar with fresh flowers and candles on every table to guarantee a romantic evening, although the stunning and unique wine list and delicious small plates might also help.
909 Dundas St W
Archive
Archive is a wine bar that stays true to its name with a wine listing that covers pages and pages. It's a cozy candlelit space with thoughtful service that makes you feel like you could be at a friend's house (that happens to be a wine expert).
17 St Nicholas St
Bar Volo
A bar, restaurant and bottle shop, Bar Volo is an unforgettable space sitting on a laneway with a significant wine offering (and beer and cocktails). The interiors are a bit steampunk, a little rustic European and a big guarantee of a lovely night.
133 Yorkville Ave
Cibo Wine Bar - Yorkville
Cibo wine is a small chain of authentic Italian wine bars with locations downtown, Yorkville and Midtown. The King West location is extra romantic with arched brick walls; you could pretend you're sitting in a Medieval Italian Tuscan town. You can get dinner here with an extensive Italian menu and wine pairings that fit every budget.
146 Ossington Ave
Paris Paris
Paris Paris wine bar has skylights and large windows dotted with thriving plants and perfect wine pairings (the low red lights come out at night to romanticize the atmosphere); it's a wonderful place to have a bite of food and some great glasses of largely biodynamic and natural wines.
1434 Dundas St W
Midfield
Midfield has a 350+ international bottle list with their cozy, old-world interiors reflective of their diverse (and low-intervention) wine offering. If you really love a bottle, you can grab it from their bottle shop on your way out to continue the party with your date.
225 Ossington Ave
Salt Wine Bar
Focusing on Spanish and Portuguese wines paired with Iberian/Canadian tapas, Salt is an intimate space featuring golden chandeliers and ceiling-to-floor shelved bottles to enjoy a great glass of vino (including a sparkling red!).
With bars back open for dine-in and Valentine's Day fast approaching, you and your significant other are likely champing at the bit to toast the occasion outside the confines of your home this year. Whether you're raising a glass to a new partnership, tried and true love, a first date or celebrating with your closest friends, Toronto has plenty of cocktail bars, dimly lit wine bars and lively breweries to celebrate. Here is a list of the most romantic bars in Toronto.
612 College St
Birreria Volo
Bar Volo's beer-focused sister is located on College Street with the same sophisticated warmth of Bar Volo, except with a focus on their beer offering.
700 Queen St E
Eastbound Brewing
When a brewery also holds weddings, you know it's a romantic space, and Leslieville's Eastbound Brewing Co. is just the brewpub to take your date. They have a full dinner and takeout menu with treats like beer pickled eggs that would pair nicely with their "Backpacker Blonde" ale.
928 College St
Folly Brewpub
Folly Brewpub has a sufficient amount of string lights, candles and cozy seating to be romantic, but with a fun-loving atmosphere and super friendly clients and staff. They also have a fantastic menu and bottle shop, making it a great place to spend an evening out.
1144 College St
Laylow Brewery
Laylow is exactly as the name describes; it's an intimate candlelit space (allegedly Toronto's smallest brewery) to bring a date that evokes feelings of sitting in a café in Denmark and ordering a "Born Sinner" Berliner Weisse.
2876 Dundas St W
Indie Alehouse
Indie Alehouse is a special west end gem with exposed brick walls, industrial fixtures and a fantastic beer and food menu your date will love. If you're feeling fun, make sure to order their "Love Triangle" IPA over some rosemary garlic popcorn.
1184 Bloor St W
Burdock Brewery
Burdock is as romantic as a brewery can get, with string lights, candles, live music, and plants. Perfect for a beer-loving date, you can even see glistening brew kettles in the back. Burdock is also a great place to come hungry, as they have a full-service dining menu.
124 Ossington Ave
Bellwoods Brewery
Bellwoods Brewery is almost synonymous with Ossington and is normally associated with a bustling patio, but their interiors are just as charming. You can sit on their balcony and people watch as you nibble on olives and sip a few glasses of their Roman Candle IPA.
592 Sherbourne St
Sous Sol
There is something inherently sexy about a speakeasy bar, and Sous Sol has everything that you'd want if you want to pretend you're on a sneaky moonshine date in the 1920s. Sitting on the lower level of Maison Selby, there are taper candles, soft red lighting, abstract nudes painted on the walls, and a perfect tequila cocktail called "Truly Madly Deeply."
923 Dundas St W
Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar is as mysterious as the name suggests, with a white brick façade and only a little red sign saying "cocktail bar" to indicate this is in fact, Cocktail Bar. The mystery, candles reflecting on mirror-covered walls, it's a romantic little hub where you can subtly drop hints by ordering their house Electric Relaxation and Absinthe Whip cocktails.
1124 Queen St E
Goods and Provisions
A Leslieville speakeasy with warm globe lights strung on the ceiling, oak barrels, and black and white check floors is a perfect date-night setting.
913 Dundas St W
Northern Belle
Fresh flowers in amber jars and sparkling votive candles are just a little touch of what makes Northern Belle a romantic date-night cocktail spot. Treat your date to their excellent charcuterie board and the "Northern Belle Manhattan."
1090 Queen St W
Bar Poet
Straight out of a scene from a "Midsummer Night's Dream" with green foliage and fairy lights (and pizza), Bar Poet is an inspiring date night spot with a cocktail menu that has subcategories like "Fairytales" and "Poetry" -- if I were on a date here "Cinderella's Carriage" pumpkin whisky tipple is the way to go!
392 Pacific Ave
Famous Last Words
If your date loves reading and cocktails, Famous Last Words is the perfect date night spot to get a tipple, a book recommendation and maybe even accidentally join a book club together (is this a romcom?). Their menu is separated by different chapters like "Adventures" and "Beach Reads."
815 Bloor St W
Northwood
Reflective of a European-café, Northwood is a snug Christie Pits cocktail bar with fresh flowers, luscious plants and some of the prettiest cocktails in Toronto. Try "And Heaven Too" with Aperol, cava, cinnamon, and cardamom or "Lady Grey Sour," which is a glass of earl grey rye, lemon and black pepper.
1276 Dundas St W
Mahjong Bar
The famous black and white check floors and tropical wallpaper are dimly lit with globe lights. If you don't get distracted by the beautiful pink bodega storefront, Mahjong Bar hidden in the back is a portal to romantic delights like the "Layover in Tokyo" gin and vermouth cocktail.
874 Queen St W
Mother Cocktail Bar
Mother Cocktail Bar has a warm and intimate atmosphere with swinging Edison bulbs and sexy cocktails. Their snack and cocktail menu is constantly rotating with romantic drinks that roll of the tongue like "Winter Soft Rosita" (think warm spices, tequila, and rosewater) and "Claire de Lune" (gin, cocoa butter wine, and vanilla cordial).
505 College St
Bar Raval
Bar Raval's gorgeous interiors look like something out of Spanish architect Gaudí's dreams; if you want to transport your date to a warm European night, take them to Bar Raval for tapas and their house "Magic City" cinnamony, lemony, absinthe and sherry cocktail.
100 Front St W
Clockwork
Located inside the Fairmont Royal York, Clockwork Bar is a place that oozes luxury and romance; it's a perfect swanky place to dress up and people-watch with your date over a few glasses of "Meet Me at the Clock."
472 Queen St W
BarChef
This is the spot you go when you want to impress your date with $30-$40 cocktails sitting on tabletop waterfalls. The dim, candlelit interiors with sparkling bottles is the perfect setting for sharing fascinating cocktails and discussing their 3-page cocktail menu.
394 King St E
Henrietta Lane
A sweet little spot in Old Town that operates as a café by day and cocktail bar by night, Henrietta Lane is a romantic gem that you could imagine meeting your soulmate at in a novel. They have seating in the front, a general store in the back, and a delicious cocktail called "Smooth Like Butter, Cool Shade Stunner" you have to try.
1084 Queen St W
Bar Piquette
Bar Piquette is a sweet little wine bar with fresh flowers and candles on every table to guarantee a romantic evening, although the stunning and unique wine list and delicious small plates might also help.
909 Dundas St W
Archive
Archive is a wine bar that stays true to its name with a wine listing that covers pages and pages. It's a cozy candlelit space with thoughtful service that makes you feel like you could be at a friend's house (that happens to be a wine expert).
17 St Nicholas St
Bar Volo
A bar, restaurant and bottle shop, Bar Volo is an unforgettable space sitting on a laneway with a significant wine offering (and beer and cocktails). The interiors are a bit steampunk, a little rustic European and a big guarantee of a lovely night.
133 Yorkville Ave
Cibo Wine Bar - Yorkville
Cibo wine is a small chain of authentic Italian wine bars with locations downtown, Yorkville and Midtown. The King West location is extra romantic with arched brick walls; you could pretend you're sitting in a Medieval Italian Tuscan town. You can get dinner here with an extensive Italian menu and wine pairings that fit every budget.
146 Ossington Ave
Paris Paris
Paris Paris wine bar has skylights and large windows dotted with thriving plants and perfect wine pairings (the low red lights come out at night to romanticize the atmosphere); it's a wonderful place to have a bite of food and some great glasses of largely biodynamic and natural wines.
1434 Dundas St W
Midfield
Midfield has a 350+ international bottle list with their cozy, old-world interiors reflective of their diverse (and low-intervention) wine offering. If you really love a bottle, you can grab it from their bottle shop on your way out to continue the party with your date.
225 Ossington Ave
Salt Wine Bar
Focusing on Spanish and Portuguese wines paired with Iberian/Canadian tapas, Salt is an intimate space featuring golden chandeliers and ceiling-to-floor shelved bottles to enjoy a great glass of vino (including a sparkling red!).
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