Whether you’re a Caesar newbie or someone who marks National Caesar Day as a national holiday (because, technically, it is), Toronto’s got you covered.
In Toronto, the Caesar holds elite status—a cocktail everyone knows and many adore. Not all Caesars are created equal. Some keep it simple, others go bold. And many use the classic as a creative jumping-off point, making each rendition worth a try.
What is a Caesar cocktail?
For the uninitiated, the Caesar is a winning (if slightly unexpected) combo of ingredients that somehow just work. The pillars: vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, Clamato juice, and often a celery spear, lime wedge, and something pickled.
Sometimes, bartenders swap in other spirits like gin or tequila. And while it sounds similar to a Bloody Mary, the key difference is the Clamato—a blend of clam and tomato juice. The drink was first mixed by Walter Chell in 1969 at The Calgary Inn (now The Westin, home to a location of The Keg).
Clamato is easy to find at most grocery stores across Canada, and the mix (plus the toppings) is what really makes a Caesar sing. Often called Canada’s national cocktail, here are 15 of the best Caesars in Toronto, ranging from classic to suped-up.
The Good Fork
Beloved for their menu of “Meze,” “Brunchy,” and “Lunchy” eats, The Good Fork puts their own special spice on the Caesar—literally. Their version features a generous spread of house-smoked spice blend down one side of the glass, showing off a signature rimmer.
The “Not Your Average Caesar” includes Grey Goose vodka, salagam (fermented purple carrot, turnip, and bulgur), hot sauce, Worcestershire, Walter’s Craft Caesar Mix, pickles, and that signature smoked spice rim.
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
At Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Liberty Village, we’re talking one of the most elevated Caesars in Toronto.
The Bungalow Island Caesar features Local Spirit Distilling Co.’s Small Batch Craft Vodka, Walter’s Classic Craft Caesar mix, a drop of Red Hot Millie Peppers hot sauce, Worcestershire, freshly grated horseradish, and thin, curly celery ribbons.
Once you see this Caesar hit someone else’s table, it’s almost impossible not to order one—the celery alone is a showstopper.
Rodney’s Oyster House
Rodney’s on King Street West wears many hats as a restaurant and seafood wholesaler, and everything they serve is a chance to show off that bounty.
Their Caesar is no exception. Featuring a juicy Gulf shrimp on top, it’s made with Spring Caesar mix and loaded with fresh horseradish—calling to mind the zesty vibe of a shrimp cocktail.
Score On King
Not one, not two, not three—Score On King in Old Town has a whole Caesar menu with nine variations and some of the most over-the-top garnishes in town. Expect everything from tempura shrimp and bacon-wrapped scallops to tater tots.
The first seven versions feature “entry-level” garnishes like the “Scorn Dogg,” which features mini corn dogs, dill hot mustard, and onion rings. But if you’re going all in, order “The Checkmate” or “The Grande”—each a full themed meal (plus dessert!) stacked on top.
BB’s Diner
In the heart of Parkdale, BB’s Diner is a true dining destination in Toronto’s West End. Known for modern Filipino brunch and dinner dishes, the cocktails get equal care and attention.
Their “Tito Caezar” puts a fun spin on the classic with vodka, Clamato, tamarind, horseradish, and hot sauce, garnished with extreme beans and pickled onion.
The Federal
The Federal is always worth visiting. It is a cozy brunch-and-dinner spot on Dundas West in Little Portugal. Their “dressed up” Caesar is all about the details—two Dorito chips delicately perched on gherkins and a mix of vodka, Walter’s Caesar mix, and Marie Sharp’s hot sauce.
Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine
Need a little heat in your life? The Harissa Caesar at Tabule delivers. Balancing spice and freshness, it features Sobieski vodka, Walter’s Caesar mix, Worcestershire, harissa, lime juice, and fresh basil, with a sumac and za’atar rim.
While the Riverside patio is a personal fave in summer, you can enjoy this Caesar at all three Tabule locations.
ALSO READ: Dig into Middle Eastern Food on the Danforth
Hunter’s Landing
We can’t talk over-the-top Caesars without mentioning Hunter’s Landing. Their “Landing Cure” is massive—and made to handle the mother of all hangovers.
Built with booze and brunch in mind, it’s topped with a pizza slice, poached shrimp, fresh veggies, chorizo sausage, bocconcini, and mozzarella arancini.
Hogtown Vegan
Everyone should be able to enjoy Caesars, including vegans and vegetarians. Since 2017, Hogtown Vegan on College has been serving Southern-style comfort food and a plant-based take on the Caesar.
Instead of Clamato, theirs uses tamari and a vegetarian juice blend for that signature umami. Add in hot sauce, pickled beans, olives, celery, lemon, and lime—and you’re set.
Rogers Centre
Take me out to the ball game, but make it a Caesar! The Famous Keg Caesar is available across Rogers Centre. It’s served in a to-go mason jar with celery, lime, and a spicy bean garnish.
Bonus: Try the Caesar Dog at Schneider’s Porch—yes, it’s a hot dog topped with Caesar fixings.
ALSO READ: Explore Toronto’s Epic Sports Scene
Lobster Burger Bar
With a “East Coast to Table” philosophy, this King West spot serves up fresh Canadian lobster—and Caesars to match. The Lobster Burger Bar’s “Oyster Shooter” is a spicy vodka Caesar topped with an oyster to slurp. Wild and delicious.
Pogue Mahones
Pogue Mahones is a traditional Irish pub that serves three different brunch Caesars: the classic “Straight Up,” a vegan version made with Walter’s plant-based Clamato, and the standout Dill-Icious Caesar: vodka, Tabasco, pickle juice, lime, Clamato, a dill pickle slice, and a dill salt rim. Pickle-lovers, this one’s for you.
Hair of the Dog
Located in Church-Wellesley Village, this gastropub is your go-to for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their signature “Hair of the Dog” Caesar is fully loaded: vodka, horseradish, Frank’s hot sauce, Worcestershire, Clamato, and a celery salt rim—topped with grape tomato, olive, pickle, pickled bean, cucumber, and lime.
Cocktail Emporium
While not a restaurant or bar, Cocktail Emporium is a Caesar-lover’s dream. It’s your one-stop shop for cocktail gear, ingredients, rim salts, and more.
Whether you’re making Caesars at home or shopping for a gift, pick up a Spicy, Classic, or Kimchi Booster Trio and just add vodka.
Roses Cocina
Bottomless alert! This bright, lakeside restaurant at Hotel X offers bottomless Caesars as part of their brunch drinks menu, alongside mimosas, margaritas, and mules.
Enjoy yours with vodka, tequila, or gin, paired with a chilli-salt rim and a view of the water. Value meets vibe at Roses Cocina.
Also read: 5 Hotel Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views of Toronto
Pearl Diver
Tomato and clam juice go hand-in-hand with seafood, so it’s no surprise Pearl Diver in Old Town offers a stellar Caesar. The “PD Caesar” at this seasonal seafood restaurant is made with house seasoning, horseradish, and topped with a freshly shucked oyster—simple, salty perfection.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in May 2023.
