In a city known for its diversity, you can taste the world while staying up past bedtime at these five late-night Toronto bars.
Say goodbye to mundane mozzarella sticks and hello to saltfish fritters, Jamon croquetas and poke wonton tacos the next time you pull up a barstool in the city. With one of the most diverse culinary scenes on the planet, Toronto has a long list of bars and restaurants that proudly serve up bites with an international spin.
So, the next time you head out for a night on the town, why not take a virtual jaunt around the globe via your taste buds? To inspire your journey, I've rounded up five local spots that will whisk you away with their ambience and surprise your palate with tantalizing bar bites.
Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen
Enter this tropical escape and head straight upstairs for one of the most vibrant bars in Toronto. Order the spicy jerk chips, saltfish fritters and pepper shrimp and put out the "fiyah" in your mouth with a bottle of Red Stripe.
If beer isn't your drink of choice, the signature cocktails are impressive—My Blossom, Calabash Bay and Island Thyme are crowd favourites. The slow-baked jerk wings are some of the city's best if you're craving wings. Did I mention that Chubby's also serves 10 of the world's best rums? One thing is for sure: their "likkle bites" and drinks will have you feeling alright in no time.
416 Snack Bar
This lowly-lit restaurant creates the perfect atmosphere for good chats and good snacks. For those who are craving late-night Asian-influenced small plates, draft brews and cocktails, 416 Snack Bar is for you.
This bustling hangout is open until 2 a.m. nightly and offers small plates where the food is meant to be eaten with your hands. The menu is constantly changing, but try their General Tso Fu and Spicy Tuna Handroll.
Bar Raval
There's nowhere else like Bar Raval in the city—it's jaw-droppingly gorgeous and a great place to mingle with old and new friends over Spanish bites. Wander inside this Gaudí-esque bar on College, and you'll feel like you've been transported to Barcelona.
The pintxos and tapas that line the bar are so appetizing that you'll likely have a hard time deciding what to order. My picks? The stracciatella & boquerones, mushroom tower and the Galician octopus. Don't shy away from the conservas (tinned seafood)—the razor clams and smoked mackerel are exceptional here.
El Rey
If tacos and mezcal bring a smile to your face, this popular Mexican bar in Kensington Market is the watering hole for you. Although the menu at El Rey is limited, the tacos and snacks will hit the spot as you sip on refreshing margaritas.
The shishitos and tacos al pastor are musts. It's the place you'll want to visit with friends for drinks and a few bites (preferably in the summer when their patio is open).
Miss Thing's
This Hawaiian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar will have you saying aloha in no time. Expect over-the-top and highly Instagrammable drinks dreamt up by head barman Robin Wynne and contemporary Hawaiian and Asian fare from Chef Michael Sutherland.
Order the Total Eclipse Of The Shark cocktail and nibble on small plates like the pineapple jicama salad and poke wonton tacos. If you've never tried Hawaiian beer, grab a pint, sit at the bar at Miss Thing's and enjoy lively conversations and fun bar bites.
