There’s always been something thrilling about finding a secret door or whispering a password to enter a hidden cocktail spot. It feels creative and special. And Toronto's speakeasy scene is where this city really shows its creative side.
There’s so much more to the best speakeasies in Toronto than cool entryways and innovative mixology. Each one offers something unique in a city already full of interesting nightlife options.
So, whether you’re planning a date night or looking to catch up with friends, here’s a guide to some of Toronto's hidden bars worth checking out.
Don’t drink? No problem! These spots all offer mocktails that are just as impressive as their boozy offerings.
Bar 404
Location: 85 John St., Entertainment District
The Secret: Behind a faux candle shop
The fake-out entrance here is brilliant. You walk into what looks like a peaceful candle shop near TIFF Lightbox, tell the person at the counter you’re there for Bar 404, and watch as they reveal a hidden door to a surprisingly stunning and spacious dimly-lit room.
The golden circular bar is a beauty for design lovers like me. And the noise level? Perfect for having a conversation without shouting.
What to order: The Strawberry Shortcake cocktail is my go-to recommendation for first timers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Sip in Theatre. It’s an Old Fashioned variation with corn butter bourbon that tastes like an Oh Henry bar. Non-drinkers, just ask for their alcohol-free versions; they’re crafted with the same care.
Insider tip: Save the 10 minutes trying to find your way out before realizing the exit is completely separate from the entrance. Save yourself the confusion and ask for directions when you're ready to leave!
Secrette
Location: 111C Queen Street East, above GEORGE Restaurant
The Secret: A discreet stairway above a Michelin-recommended restaurant
After visiting Paris, the owner of GEORGE Restaurant was so inspired by a speakeasy there that she transformed a spare room upstairs into this elegant hidden bar. Secrette has become a go-to spot when you actually want to hear your friends talk without shouting.
What to order: Their Cranberry Mary Old Fashioned with burnt rosemary is chef’s kiss. If gin is more your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Pea Flower G&TGIF. Still can’t decide? Let the team behind the bar surprise you. Haven’t been disappointed yet.
Insider tip: You can order small plates from GEORGE downstairs until 10 p.m. I suggest starting with dinner there and then heading up for drinks to make a night of it.
A Slice of Life
Location: 409 College Street, Little Italy
The Secret: An unassuming entrance with a name subtly etched in the window
Look for their name delicately etched on the window. So many people walk right past A Slice of Life three times on their first visit.
Once inside, you’ll walk right into that Instagram-famous incredible mirrored hallway with LED lighting that immediately shifts your mood! The cozy 45-seat space has gorgeous red booths that would look perfect in any dream apartment. And if the team looks familiar, it’s because they’re used to being behind the bar at another speakeasy.
What to order: The White Miso Espresso Martini ($24) with mezcal, ice wine, absinthe, and other ingredients is a standout. If that’s too adventurous, try the Cold Toddy ($22) with lapsang souchong tea. Their seasonal mocktails use the same premium ingredients and get the same beautiful presentation.
Insider tip: They source ingredients from within 100km when possible. So you’re basically drinking local!
Prequel & Co. Apothecary
Location: 1036 Queen St. W., West Queen West
The Secret: A meticulously detailed apothecary-themed entrance
The sheer amount of detail they’ve put into creating a very real-looking 1890s Parisian apothecary is beyond impressive. They have everything from dried herbs hanging from the ceiling and vintage vials on the shelves. I’ve been tempted to ask for potions on many occasions at Prequel & Co. Apothecary.
Only one group at a time gets to explore this entrance before heading into the main bar. The gorgeous lounge would make any interior designer jealous. It gets busy and loud—but that’s the thrill of being in a speakeasy in Toronto.
What to order: Everything here is made right in front of you. The Cedar and Neroli Boulevardier and the Champagne and Absinthe with fennel are standouts. Their mocktails get the same treatment with just as much attention to detail.
Insider tip: When you’re ready to leave, don’t try the entrance. Ask the team, and they’ll show you the back door to an alley, which feels perfectly prohibition-era.
After Seven
Location: 50 McCaul St. Unit 101, Art District
The Secret: Concealed behind Kome Yogurt shop
After Seven might be the most surprising secret entrance in the city. Head to Kome Yogurt and ask for a “#8 on the menu.” They’ll activate a hidden mechanism that reveals a stylish Japanese-inspired bar that feels worlds away from the bright yogurt shop front.
What to order: The High Tea ($27) comes in an adorable cat-shaped teapot that’s almost too cute to drink from. If you’re a whisky fan, don’t miss their Japanese Whisky flights. They come paired with chocolate from Mary’s Brigadeiro that matches each whisky perfectly. Non-drinkers should try their yuzu, matcha, or pandan drinks.
Insider tip: There’s a one-drink minimum (or a $15 seating fee), and reservations are definitely recommended. When they ask for the passcode, think about what comes after seven numerically!
Cry Baby Gallery
Location: 1468 Dundas St. W., Little Portugal
The Secret: Behind an art gallery
After exploring the bright, white-walled art gallery, look for the heavy black curtain to find a dark bar that feels like stepping into another dimension. In my opinion, Cry Baby Gallery is the most dramatic transition in Toronto's speakeasy scene.
The place is industrial-chic, with concrete, exposed pipes, and a cool curved bar with round mirrors. Even the bathrooms are covered in works of art, including pieces from artists who’ve shown in the front gallery.
What to order: The Golden Sombrero ($16) is a favourite because it comes with a massive crystal-clear ice cube that keeps it from getting watery. The team is also very creative with their mocktail offerings for those abstaining.
Insider tip: The art doesn’t stop at the curtain. Be sure to check out the reflective wallpaper in the bar area that hides images that appear at certain angles.
Jean Darlene Piano Room
Location: 1203 Dundas Street West, near Ossington
The Secret: Located down an alleyway behind KFC
Yes, it’s named after the Portuguese clothing store that used to be here, but there’s something else that makes this spot totally unique to Toronto's nightlife. Live piano karaoke! The first time you’re led down the alley behind KFC, it might seem like a prank, but Jean Darlene Piano Room is absolutely worth the strange journey.
Inside feels like a ’70s Hollywood lounge with a stunning gold 1920s Heintzman piano where the resident pianist can play pretty much anything you can think of.
What to order: The George, made with Jameson, Montenegro, lime, and ginger beer, is one of the memorable drinks from our nights there. They also make great mocktails if you need to keep your wits about you for your performance!
Insider tip: There’s a cover charge of $10–15, depending on the night. And don’t stress about your singing voice because the crowd is there to have a good time!
Bar XXX
Location: 102 Portland Street, underneath Little Sister Food Bar
The Secret: A neon XXX sign and card system for entry
Named after Amsterdam’s coat of arms (not what you might be thinking!), this intimate 16–20 seat speakeasy has one of the most unique entry systems in the city. Guests need to get playing cards from the upstairs bartender at Little Sister. These tickets serve as your ticket when space becomes available at Bar XXX.
Flash your cards at the sliding panel window to enter a space with ’70s modern Nederland design elements and perfectly curated music (mostly ’90s hip-hop and indie dance).
What to order: Try the XXX, their reimagined Porn Star Martini with Grey Goose Citron, passionfruit, vanilla, and mixed peppercorns, served with a side of sparkling Brut. Feeling adventurous? The Ants on a Log cocktail actually contains South American black ants that add a surprising lemony flavour!
Insider tip: They don’t take reservations for regular service (Thursday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.), but the space can be booked for private events.
Bar Bowie
Location: 180R Ossington Avenue
The Secret: Hidden beneath a laundromat
Despite its self-designation as “not a speakeasy,” this basement-level bar hidden beneath a laundromat definitely has secret spot energy. Look for the alley entrance and head downstairs to find this hideaway.
What to order: The namesake Bowie martini and their well-crafted pisco sour are must-tries. The food menu has bar snacks and small plates ($8-15), including charcuterie boards, garlic prawns, sea bream crudo, and their standout pistachio tiramisu for dessert (a must if you ask me!).
Insider tip: Bar Bowie was named after the bow tie (“a formal yet silly piece of attire”), not David Bowie, though the music selection might make you think otherwise.
What makes Toronto's hidden gems so special is how each spot has its own unique personality. You won’t find two secret bars with the same experience.
