The Best Places to Cool Off & Grab a Drink in Toronto

July 29, 2019

Nothing says summer like a sweating glass of your favourite ice cold beer, and there’s no better place to enjoy this bit of liquid nirvana than in one of the best Toronto bars. These are the fine establishments where you can come to cool down, chill out, kick back–no hosting, no cleaning required. Whether you live in the city or are visiting The Six, no summer frolic through T-dot is complete without visiting the best bars in Toronto.

Stroll in for a pint, or pull up a chair on the patio. These Toronto bars are home to all the chill vibes this summer. Soak ‘em in!

The Beirgarten

255 Bremner Blvd.

Our very own Beirgarten is already one of the hottest spots to stay cool in the city. Featuring freshly poured pints of Steam Whistle, Von Bugle, Fat Tire and a mouthwateringly authentic German-inspired menu with a modern twist, the Beirgarten is conveniently located in the heart of the city, for all your feasting needs. Communal dining and a bright, open space conspire to create an atmosphere where memories and friends are made. It’s camaraderie over exceptional food and drink: it’s everything we stand for! Check out our menu and be sure to visit our Toronto bar this summer.

Harvest Kitchen

124 Harbord Street

People of the plant-based diet persuasion, rejoice! This fun, inviting and environmentally-conscious Toronto bar delivers on sumptuous vegan and vegetarian food that will have even the most devout red meat eater seeing green. And, if you’re hankering some red-blooded protein, they have delectable meat dishes too. With a cool dining area to escape the heat as well as a treetop rooftop patio to soak it in, Harvest Kitchen makes our list of the best summer bars in Toronto.

Hemingway’s

142 Cumberland Street, Yorkville

There’s a reason Hemingway’s usually makes the list of the best Toronto bars: it actually is one of the best!! This New-Zealand style pub also has a rooftop patio, ample indoor dining in the comfortably cool dining room, two dozen draft beers, and all your favourite pub grub–plus some new eats you’ll definitely want to sink your teeth into. Open mic and music trivia nights are a regular fan favourite, and one of the reasons this Toronto bar enjoys its reputation as a Toronto institution.

Steam Whistle Brewery

255 Bremner Blvd.

Come for a tour of our historic brewing facility–stay for a freshly poured pint of our crisp, refreshing beer and some quick and tasty eats. Our brewery tap room is the perfect place to relax after learning about how our beer is made, and it’ll give you the relaxing atmosphere you deserve to fully enjoy your pint in all its glory. We’re right downtown, across from the CN Tower and Rogers Center, making us a perfect place for a pit stop, or to enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the rich heritage of The Roundhouse Park.

The Thompson Lounge

550 Wellington St W.

What now? You didn’t know we had a swanky side too, huh? The uber chic among us love to enjoy the city from the rooftop lounge of the ultra-luxe Thompson hotel. This is alfresco tippling at its finest, affording the discerning guest stunning 360 views of the city, a full bottle menu and some super inspo cocktails.

3 Speed

Location

Let’s shift gears! Our inner (and outer) hipsters love 3 Speed. They take traditional bar food and then kick it up a notch, serving an inspo array of great eats and treats, like samosa wraps and maple bacon donuts. The vibe is warm and inviting, and super casual, so you can come as you are, and relax all you like. If you’re out for adventure, then you gotta try this Toronto bar.

Fort York Tavern

92 Fort York Blvd.

If you have a gaggle of a group you’re looking to facilitate in a Toronto bar this summer, check out Fort York Tavern. Overlooking Canoe Landing, this Toronto bar boasts a sophisticated rooftop patio, an incredible brunch on Saturday and Sunday and an impressive lineup of 16 brews on tap.

El Catrin

The Distillery District

This is one of those Toronto bars that’s even better by night, featuring lulling al fresco chandelier lighting and an equally mellow vibe that’s begs you to come in and cool off. Oh, and the food! It’s estupendo, serving up exquisite traditional Mexican fare that’ll keep you coming back again and again.

Undoubtedly, there are other Toronto bars worthy of a visit this summer, but, if you’re looking for solid recommendations from folks who have been around the ol’ patio slabs a time or two, then these are great picks. Check ‘em all out, but be sure to make visiting us a priority of frosty pint-size proportions!