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Sitting on one of Toronto’s best patios, enjoying cocktails and appetizers sounds like a pretty happy time to us. Add in the cheap eats and drink deals during happy hour, though, and you’ve really got yourself a party. In case you hadn’t noticed, happy hours in Toronto have exploded as of late, and there are more great restaurants and top-notch bars offering happy hour deals than there are days of the week. Many of the best deals are in the city's beating heart, at Toronto's best downtown restaurants.
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up the best Toronto happy hours by day of the week, so all you have to worry about is choosing between a margarita or a glass of rosé, and whether to order one plate of fries or two (two, obviously).
Like apps and tipples, variety is the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to mix it up and try your fill. From discounts on snacks and martinis at swish steakhouses to out of this world deals at intergalactic cocktail bars, here’s where to enjoy the best happy hours in Toronto.
The 25 best happy hours in Toronto
1. Biff’s Bistro
Every day, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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The only thing we love more than a modern Parisian bistro serving impeccable fare and craft cocktails, is one with happy hour deals. Enjoy your own little slice of Europe in the swish space or on the enchanting street-side terrace and sip on $12 “Biff’s Favourites” cocktails every day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On weekdays from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., they offer a menu of wallet-friendly bar bites like truffle baked brie for $21 and a raclette-topped burger and fries for $26. Slurp back $2 oysters with the purchase of a bottle of wine Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
Every day, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. – close
Subterranean stalwart Liberty Commons gives Liberty Villagers two chances to enjoy happy hour drink specials, every day. Scoot on down to the dog-friendly, below-street-level patio for the mid-day window from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., then mosey into the elevated-pub interior for the late-night stretch from 9 p.m. to close.
During happy hour, 16 oz signature beers are only $6.25. With a host of options brewed at the neighbouring Big Rock Brewery, we’ll always reach for a pint, but you’ll find deals on wine, a sweet spiked lemonade and peppery jalapeño margarita, too.
3. O&B Yonge & Front
Every day, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Wrapping around the northeast corner of Yonge and Front Street, O&B Café Grill is a buzzy, sophisticated spot frequented by the smartly-dressed Bay Street after-work crowd. Its spacious patio, with both seats and standing room, is one of the best in the Financial District for date night or knocking back ice-cold brews with colleagues.
Every day from 2 to 5 p.m., enjoy prices that will have you calling for another round. Feature beers are $6.95, stunning cocktails are $12 and five-ounce glasses of select wines are $9. It's just down the street from Union Station, so you won’t need to worry about missing your train, either — but we wouldn’t blame you if you decide to stay a bit longer to feast on artfully-presented Canadian cuisine and catch the next train.
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4. Black + Blue
Every day, 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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This Vancouver export has finally touched down in Toronto, taking up residence in the old Toronto Stock Exchange space. As you might expect, Black + Blue has plenty of steak (its Himalayan salt aging room is full of meat), but you'll also find seafood towers, pasta dishes and a sushi selection.
The mega three-storey space — with a stunning dining room and rooftop terrace — is really something to see. But it's the ground-level heated patio where you'll find us sipping on $13 martinis, $10 cocktails and $8 house wine and beer from 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. all summer long. Their happy hour includes food features, too, with crispy calamari, steak tartare bites and maki rolls all under $20.
5. Melrose on Adelaide
Every day, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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The service at this small Entertainment District spot is never speedy, but who cares when you’re drinking $7 glasses of wine? Dimly lit and decorated with fake vines and string lights, Melrose is a sexy, down-to-earth drinking den equally worthy of date night or girls’ night — especially during their happy hour.
Every day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. find food deals like the $20 charcuterie board, along with $5 beer, $7 red or white wine and $9 rosé or sparkling. On Wednesdays, bottles of wine are half-price all night. Sunday scaries are no match for buck-a-shuck oysters and $45 bottles of bubbly.
6. Hy’s Steakhouse
Weekdays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and after 9 p.m.
Weekends, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and after 9 p.m.
There’s something about an old-school steakhouse — with the velvet booths, classic cocktails and tableside caesar salads delivered by waiters in crisp whites — that makes us feel like James Bond. And, while we’re not sure if 007 ever took advantage of Toronto’s best happy hours, we think it’s a pretty baller way to spend your evening. Hy’s Steakhouse has two happy hours, both offering 30 per cent off bar bites, 40 per cent off sparkling wine, plus wine and beer discounts. Feature cocktails are also on the table — we’ll take ours shaken, not full price.
7. Folly Brewpub
Every day, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
On the outskirts of Little Italy, Folly Brewpub slings crushable crowd-pleasers along with more unique brews in their relaxed brewpub and bottle shop. During happy hour from 4–7 p.m. daily, you can take down their lager, IPA or pale ale, along with house wine and premium bar rail for just under $6 — cheaper than a latte in this city. The elevated pub food here is better than you would expect from a casual brewery. For more deals, opt for daily specials like wing Wednesday or taco Saturday.
8. La Chingada
Every day, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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This Dundas West Mexican street food restaurant makes everything from scratch. They import corn from Mexico, which they ground and knead into authentic tortillas. But did you know that they also have one of the best happy hours in Toronto? Every day, including weekends (no, really) you can grab sweet $5 food deals from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m featuring tasty tapas style Mexican classics like spicy ceviche tostadas, fried chicken tacos, and chorizo and cheese empanadas. Double down with deals on tall boys and half-price margaritas, including a classic marg or signature flavours like habanero, tropical heat and strawberry. On Thursdays, stuff your face with all-you-can-eat tacos for $29.
9. The Cottage Cheese
Monday to Friday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ananta Gulati
We'd make a trip to The Cottage Cheese's cozy Kensington Market nook any time of the day to indulge in chef Vikash Chhetri's artfully presented, urban Indian eats. During their new happy hour, though, we'll be able to sample even more delectable dishes at a reasonable price tag. Grab a seat in the humble dining room; teeming with greenery and fairy lights dangling from the ceiling, it's a whimsical space perfect for indulging in Indian eats in Kensington.
Sink your teeth into small plates like their iconic pink samosa chaat, crispy okra with chermoula sauce or the sheermal amritsari taco with sundried mango and avocado salsa, all starting at a very wallet-friendly $10. Pair your flavourful feast with mocktails, starting at $8, or select beers and cocktails at $9, to wash it all down.
10. Canteen
Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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Keep your eyes peeled for movie stars while you sip on a crisp glass of vino on Canteen's buzzy patio next to TIFF Bell Lightbox. Their patio is covered, so even if there's a little drizzle you'll be right as rain, especially with their casual menu of fresh, feel-good bites like crispy fried calamari and the smashed Canteen burger wth "swanky" sauce. During happy hour, sip on $5 bar rail, $6 seltzer, $7 pints and $8 wine. See what they did there?
11. Leña
Monday to Saturday, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’re going to shop until you drop, we can’t think of a better place to recharge your post-retail batteries than at Leña on the corner of Saks Fifth Avenue on Richmond Street. Grab a spot at the Insta-worthy central bar and treat yourself to a wallet-friendly drink or two. The teal bar stools, Moroccan-style tiles and menu of South American small plates, apps and entrées all provide a visually stunning afternoon — but why not top it off with $8 glasses of wine, $10 cocktails and beer and bar rail spirits for $6?
12. Luma
Tuesday to Saturday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gaze out over the downtown hubbub from the floor-to-ceiling windows at this hotspot on the second-floor of the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Chef Michael Wilson’s menu of seafood-driven bar bites like sizzling garlic shrimp and piri piri spiced cod empanadas bring global flavours to local ingredients, but their happy hour is where to net a great deal.
Luma’s Magic Hour is one of the city’s best deals with select cocktails for only $8. Enjoy tipples that are every bit as tasty as they are whimsically named like The Wolf of King Street ($8) and Raider of the Lost Grapefruit ($12). Enjoy wine, beer and cocktails in the bar, the dining room or on the terrace overlooking King Street.
13. Chotto Matte
Monday to Friday, 3 p.m - 5 p.m.
Mere steps from Union, this is the absolute best spot to take out-of-town friends before a concert or night out. Serving a blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavours (known as Nikkei), Chotto Matte in the Financial District continues to impress us with their excellent bites and sips. Their new Chotto Hour menu lets you explore chef Jordan Sclare's bold menu at a discount. Small bar bites range from $4 to $13, and three fruit-forward cocktails are two-for-one. Portions are definitely snack-size, but will practically have your eyes rolling back in your head with complex, vibrant flavours and satisfying textures.
14. Sap
Tuesday to Saturday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Yes, Canada knows a thing or two about maple syrup, but there's more to our regional food than the sweet, sticky stuff. Sap is a playful ode to the country's rich culinary history, from the smoked salmon bannock to the "Torontréal" smoked meat sandwich with gooey swiss cheese, sauerkraut and ballpark aïoli. Stop by on the weekend for brunch with a side of Canadian comfort food. During their happy hour, pair $1-an-ounce wine, $5 Kölsch, $5 bar rail and $10 cocktails with their Canadian classics.
15. Pablo’s Snack House and Baro Rooftop
Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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As the name suggests, there are plenty of snacks to be had on the second floor of Baro on King Street West. Luckily for lovers of happy hours in Toronto, during Fiesta Hour, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, you can indulge in $5 beer, wine and chef Steve Gonzalez’s Latin American-inspired snacks, plus $20 pitchers of sangria. On the Baro Rooftop, Fiesta Hour runs Monday to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with cocktail deals and food features hot off the rooftop grill.
16. The Rabbit Hole
Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 p.m.
The Rabbit Hole in the Financial District is a prime spot for after work drinking with colleagues and friends, but if you’re on the hunt for happy hours in Toronto, we’ve got a couple more reasons to visit. The Rabbit Hole lets you kickstart an afternoon session early with happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and then another from Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30 p.m. Enjoy specials on wine and beer, plus a selection of $12 tipples. We recommend crushing a Blushing Bunny, made with Dillon’s Selby Berry Bliss Liqueur and Cave Spring Rosé. We’d call that a pretty hoppy hour.
17. Jump
Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
One of Oliver and Bonacini’s most longstanding spots, Jump, is every bit as much of a destination today as it was when it first opened. Grab a seat at the downtown restaurant’s wraparound bar and sample flavourful cuisine and classic cocktails underneath its sky-high atrium. Although, there’s no bad spot to enjoy $2 oysters and happy hour bar bites like poutine ($12) and fried ricotta ravioli ($16) — this summer, Jump’s oasis of a patio is calling your name. Don’t miss the amazing happy hour specials on local and international glasses of wine for $9, plus a Campari and orange cocktail for $10.
18. Oretta
Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
For an airy Italian dream dotted with pastel hues, head to either of Oretta’s locations for aperitivo hour, Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Skip off from work early and spend the afternoon lounging in the light-filled space or on the greenery-lined sidewalk patio and tucking into a menu of very reasonably priced sips and bites. During aperitivo hour, you’ll find glasses of wine for $6, Aperol spritzes and a selection of pizzettas for $9, and sangrias and snackies like calamari and veal meatballs for $12.
19. Mademoiselle Raw Bar & Grill
Monday to Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
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You might not be expecting fine dining at this former strip club located in a part of town better known for its out-there indulgence and bottle service. But step past the Parisian-inspired awning on King West, and underneath the chandeliers you’ll find a menu that wows. Lamb that slips right off the bone, sushi topped with caviar and Hennessy from sushi chef Daniel Ken, and mini lobster rolls are just a few of the happy hour highlights. Pair it with signature cocktails or a glass of rosé and just see where the evening takes you.
20. Piccolo Caffé E Vino
Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Often, a happy hour is just that — 60 minutes to guzzle and snack on as many discounted items as humanly possible (just us?). Piccolo Caffé E Vino, on the other hand, offers up FIVE prime hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., FIVE days of the week to enjoy refreshing cocktails like Aperol spritzes for a tenner, and half-price share plates like antipasti platters, mussels arribiata and truffle fries. If apertivos aren’t your thing, sip on buck-an-ounce house red and white or sample their feature orange or rosé wine ($11).
21. Bar Poet
Monday to Friday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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This Dovercourt fave offers another wide session to sate your happy hour cravings, with beer, wine and food deals to dive into every weekday. Settle yourself underneath the twinkling lights and indoor-outdoor vibes at Bar Poet and make the most of their $5 Bar Poet Lager, $6 Poet IPA or shots for $5. Wine on tap is $1 an ounce — the perfect pairing with your choice of any pizza plus a caesar or garden salad for $25.
22. Islas Filipino BBQ & Bar
Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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This Parkdale spot for Filipino fare is offering up plenty of reasons to book yourself an early weekday dinner. Choose from starters like marinated BBQ chicken for $5 or shareable plates like crispy pata, a pork hock fried three times and served with dipping sauce ($21). There are also deals on cider, seltzers and beer, including tall cans of Filipino beer, Red Horse for $9.
23. Liberty Soho
Monday to Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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King West’s popular Ruby Soho branched out with their Liberty Soho outpost in (you guessed it) Liberty Village. If you’re looking for cocktails and vibes aplenty, head to 139 East Liberty Street weekdays between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. for drink deals and snacks for the table. For $10, you can get bites like ribeye quesadillas, kale caesar salad and nachos supreme; plus a selection of shots, beer and wine are under $10; and cocktails are $2 off. Happy hour(s) indeed.
24. Casa Madera
Tuesday to Friday, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This fancy spot in the Fashion District is the place to see and be seen (Drake has been known to make an appearance here) but it doesn’t come cheap. We’ll take all the help we can get on our bill, and from Tuesday to Friday, there are plenty of deals to be had. Enjoy duck tacos and half a dozen oysters on special, plus reduced prices on cocktails like the Tepache, with house-made charred pineapple tepache, mezcal and lime ($14). Wine and beer is also available for under $10 — but with only an hour to save, you’d better make it count.
25. Offworld
Wednesdays, 5 p.m. – close.
Even with the best bartenders in the city, sometimes happy hours in Toronto still just aren’t heavenly enough. In times like these, why not turn to Offworld for celestial, other-wordly libations? The futuristic space bar on Queen Street West is operated by Vancouver-based game developer and entrepreneur Jason Kapalka and the team behind “nerd bar” Storm Crow Manor. Sip on Earth-classic cocktails like margaritas and sazeracs for $10 every Wednesday evening. And if you have any special requests, just ask your, ahem, pilot.
