The Best Speakeasies & Hidden Bars in Toronto

No.1

Bar• Entertainment District

A Toi

“The entrance mechanism and the stunning interior make this an unforgettable date spot.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Hidden behind the bustling, bubbly-focused facade of Coffee Oysters Champagne on King Street West, À Toi is a masterclass in atmospheric design. This speakeasy transports you directly into a fictionalized 1920s Parisian hotel lobby, complete with rich jewel tones, plush velvet seating, and an air of illicit glamour that feels worlds away from the Entertainment District’s usual neon-soaked chaos. It is a space built for lingering, where the staff’s period-appropriate attire and the carefully curated, moody soundtrack set a tone of sophisticated intrigue. While it has become one of the city's more well-known "secrets," the immersive experience remains remarkably consistent, making it a reliable choice for those looking to escape the street-level noise for a few hours of old-world escapism. For a first-timer, the cocktail program is the main event; the mixologists are highly skilled and more than happy to guide you through their menu of elevated, classic-leaning drinks based on your personal palate. While the food menu offers refined bites, the focus here is firmly on the liquid craft. It is on the pricier side, fitting for a premium cocktail lounge, so come prepared for a splurge. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the space is intimate and fills up quickly. A quirky house rule to keep in mind: they generally discourage photography of the bar itself to maintain the mystique, so put your phone away and just soak in the atmosphere.

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No.2

Bar• Trinity Bellwoods

Gift Shop

“You literally walk back through an active barbershop to find this incredibly cozy, high-quality cocktail bar.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked behind an unmarked door at the back of a barbershop, this intimate speakeasy offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and world-class cocktails, making it a favourite among industry professionals.

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No.3

Bar• Dundas West

Mahjong Bar

“The transition from tiny fake bodega to massive neon-lit lounge never gets old.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Hidden behind a plain pink storefront, this speakeasy-style bar offers a stunning, thoughtfully designed interior with a Chinese-mid-century vibe, serving creative cocktails and delicious Chinese small plates.

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No.4

Bar• Downtown Core

Sous Sol

“A true cellar speakeasy prioritizing dark corners and perfectly balanced drinks.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away in the basement of the historic C.H. Gooderham House, Sous Sol is a masterclass in atmosphere, operating as the moody, subterranean counterpart to the bustling Maison Selby upstairs. The space is tiny—barely seating 26—and leans heavily into a French boudoir aesthetic, complete with velvet couches, fringed lampshades, and walls that feel like they hold a century of secrets. It is the kind of place where the lighting is intentionally low to encourage intimate conversation, making it a perfect spot for a date or a quiet nightcap. The vibe is sophisticated yet unpretentious, feeling more like a private club for those in the know than a standard downtown bar. When you visit, skip the standard menu and trust the bartenders; they are exceptionally skilled at balancing complex flavours and are more than happy to guide you toward a cocktail that suits your palate. While the drink list is the main event, they do offer a small, curated selection of elevated bar bites—the calamari with yuzu mayo is a surprising standout, and the charcuterie is always a reliable choice. It is a small venue, so if you are planning a weekend visit, arrive early to secure a seat, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quickly. Expect to pay premium prices for the high-quality mixology, and keep an eye out for the subtle, almost hidden entrance that makes finding it half the fun.

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No.5

Bar• College Street

LoPan

“Incredible cocktails paired with some of the best dim sum snacks in the city.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Perched directly above the acclaimed DaiLo in Little Italy, LoPan serves as a sophisticated, moody sanctuary from the College Street chaos. Opened in 2014 by Chef Nick Liu, this intimate space channels a distinct "shabby Chinoise" aesthetic, featuring gold accents, teal tones, and neon lighting that feels like a stylized nod to 1980s cinema. It is the kind of place where the atmosphere shifts seamlessly from a relaxed pre-dinner cocktail spot to a high-energy late-night den. The bar has long been a playground for some of the city’s most creative bartenders, resulting in a cocktail program that isn't afraid to play with Asian-inspired ingredients, aromatics, and whimsical presentations. It’s an essential stop if you appreciate a bar that takes its atmosphere as seriously as its drinks. When you visit, the Big Mac Bao is non-negotiable; it is a playful, indulgent staple that perfectly balances the bar’s snack-focused menu. Pair it with the KFC popcorn tofu or the Hakka wontons for a proper spread. The cocktail list is inventive, so don't hesitate to ask the staff for their current recommendations based on your palate. Prices are on the higher side, reflecting the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience. It’s a popular spot, so booking a table is wise if you’re planning a weekend visit. Be prepared for a flight of steep stairs to reach the entrance, and keep in mind that the vibe is best suited for dates or small groups looking for a polished, late-night bite.

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No.6

Bar• Dundas West

Cry Baby Gallery

“The stark contrast between the white-walled gallery and the dark bar in back is thrilling.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Conceived by The Minister Group’s Rob Granicolo alongside co-owners Stephen and Mike Gouzopoulos, Cry Baby Gallery is a masterclass in atmospheric contrast. Located in the heart of Dundas West, the space functions as a legitimate, rotating art gallery by day, showcasing local talent curated by director Mony Zakhour. However, the real draw is the transition: push past the bright, white-walled gallery space and through the heavy curtain at the back to discover a dark, moody, and seductive cocktail bar. The vibe is intimate and sophisticated, anchored by a stunning curved bar and a well-stocked, softly backlit backbar that feels worlds away from the street outside. It is a seamless blend of Toronto’s gritty art scene and high-end mixology, perfect for those who appreciate a venue that feels like a well-kept secret. When it comes to the drinks, the menu is adventurous and technically precise, with a strong emphasis on whisky, agave, and amari. If you are feeling indecisive, the bartenders are exceptionally skilled at crafting something tailored to your palate, though the Zombie is a standout for those who enjoy a complex, rum-forward punch. The bar operates on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, so do not bother looking for reservations—just show up early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot at the bar. Prices are reflective of the quality and the experience, making it a solid choice for a date night or a late-night drink. Don't forget to check out the artwork-covered basement washrooms before you leave; they are as much a part of the venue's personality as the cocktails themselves.

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No.7

Bar• King West

The Cloak Bar

“A sophisticated escape from King West serving excellent historical-inspired cocktails.”

— Very Toronto Editors

The Cloak Bar was a quintessential King West destination, operating as a moody, subterranean speakeasy tucked away beneath the beloved Marben restaurant. Opened in 2016, it quickly established itself as a serious cocktail den, defined by its intimate, lounge-like atmosphere and a commitment to high-level mixology. The space was known for its British-inspired influences and a rotating menu of inventive, spirit-forward drinks that often featured unique ingredients like lapsang souchong tea, turmeric, or house-made bitters. It was the kind of place where the lighting was low, the velvet curtains were heavy, and the vibe was consistently focused on sophisticated revelry rather than the typical high-energy chaos of the surrounding neighbourhood. For those who frequented it, the experience was as much about the hospitality as the drinks. The bar was notable for its progressive no-tipping business model, which aimed to provide stable, professional compensation for its staff. While it was famous for its bespoke cocktails, it also served elevated, comforting bar snacks like sausage rolls and shepherd’s pie croquettes. It was an ideal spot for a late-night drink or a quiet conversation, often best enjoyed mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds. Sadly, The Cloak Bar closed its doors in January 2023 alongside Marben, marking the end of a 16-year run for the restaurant and its iconic basement companion.

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No.8

Bar• Little Portugal

Project Gigglewater

“Not deeply 'hidden', but serves speakeasy-quality cocktails in a completely relaxed dive-bar atmosphere.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Named after a Prohibition-era term for booze, this casual Dundas West spot offers unpretentious, handcrafted cocktails with surprising flavour combinations and a fun-loving, experimental nature.

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