We can’t tell you how excited we are that the Raptors have finally made it to the NBA playoffs. Possibly more incredible than the way Kawhi carried us this far, is the way that people from all over the city (and outskirts) have come together to show our Toronto pride.
Here are our top places to cheer on the Raptors during the playoffs. We the North!
Cineplex Theatres
You might have to travel outside of the downtown core for this one, but it’s well worth it to see the Raptors crush the Golden State Warriors on the big screen. Cineplex and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment have teamed up to show the first four games of the series for free at 33 Cineplex theatres across Canada.
Upper Deck by Fran’s
With an all-season rooftop patio, two bars and an abundance of seating, this is an ideal spot to watch the Raptors game with your friends. Serving up house-made burgers, French bread pizza and Korean beef tacos, Upper Deck by Fran’s has all your pub fare needs met. We recommend grabbing one of their “the 6ix” burgers to cheer on the Raptors!
The Commoner
Out in the Roncesvalles Village, the Commoner offers a slightly more refined pub atmosphere to cheer on the Raps. Their menu includes upscale items like dry-aged steak with duck fat fries and they boast a whopping 28 taps.
Rec Room
This sprawling arcade bar just west of Scotiabank Arena is the perfect place to go if you can’t make it into Jurassic Park. Chow down on the Rec Room’s elevated Canadian pub fare while you watch the game on a sizeable screen during their Raptors Playoff Rally event series.
Dog & Bear
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Chock full of TV screens, this traditional British pub is a classic spot for watching sports over nachos or wings and a few pints. The crowd at Dog & Bear gets zoned in to the games so prepare for an electric atmosphere while the Raps take on Golden State.
Nightowl
Cheap drinks and vintage arcade games are just a few reasons why Nightowl should be your go-to bar for sports and live events. Their revolving menu of pub fare is consistently satisfying; this week, you can order the chicken shawarma poutine, fried cauliflower and chicken tacos. In addition to their enticing eats, Nightowl’s boozy floats and drinks named after Toronto neighbourhoods (matching the characteristics of each neighbourhood) make it the perfect spot to show some Toronto pride.
