Thanks to the tireless efforts of our frontline heroes, Ontario is able to enter into Stage 3 of its reopening plan on Friday, July 16 – almost a week earlier than planned. What does this mean? Indoor dining is back with no limits to the number of patrons per table. Bar hopping has officially returned! If you are as eager as I am to get back to experiencing fun with friends and family, here are five amazing Yonge & St. Clair bars.
Boxcar Social
While Boxcar Social has become a well known name throughout Toronto, this Summerhill location is the one that started their magical reputation. There truly is something for everyone at Boxcar Social. There is an expansive back patio, a main bar with an energetic hum and a remodelled cafe for those who are looking to hideaway to a quiet place during the day.
Bar Batavia
Bar Batavia is a hidden bar without the speakeasy feel. In order to find the bar, go inside Little Sister and go up the stairs and follow the red lights. Start your night with delicious Indonesian food and finish it with no-nonsense cocktails made with precision and quality ingredients.
For more on life in Yonge-St. Clair check out any of these blog posts:
- 5 Best Restaurants at Yonge & St. Clair
- Best Yonge and St. Clair Condos
- Yonge-St. Clair Neighbourhood Guide
Bar Centrale
Bar Centrale is a wine bar situated below Terroni Price and is part of the Terroni family. Opened in 2010, this spot was inspired largely by the way that so many beautiful train stations in Italy are located in the city centre and are an engrained part of the regular comings and goings of people as they go about their day. This is especially fitting as Bar Centrale is located steps away from the Summerhill LCBO which used to be the main train station in Toronto until it closed in 1930.
The Pilot
The Pilot is one of Toronto’s oldest bars. A three story establishment, you can enjoy classic tavern fare, live music, and sports from their main floor, street side patio and their Stealth Lounge (second floor). My personal favourite is their rooftop patio called The Flight Deck – which is one of the most sought after rooftop patios in all of Toronto!
El Pocho Antojitos Bar
El Pocho has an atmosphere unlike any other bar in the Yonge and St. Clair area. It makes you feel like you are spending the night in Mexico rather than making the most of the pandemic. In Mexican Spanish, “antojitos” translates to “little cravings” and is synonymous with the fast foods prepared in market stalls and on the streets of Mexico. Whether you are looking for a raft beer, or rum and tequila cocktails, make sure you are pairing it with antojitos. Best of all? El Pocho offers a covered and heated patio – so even if the weather is disappointing, your time at El Pocho will not be.
Do you know any other Yonge & St. Clair bars that belong on this list? Please reach out to me here. I would love to add them to the list and share your recommendations with everyone!
