The Toronto Maple Leafs have once again made it into the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Questions are bound to be asked — is this finally their year? — but to us, there’s a much more important query: Where are the best sports bars in Toronto to watch the Maple Leafs in the playoffs?
Whether you’re in the mood for Toronto's best pizza on game day, or just looking to grab a cheap and cheerful bite, there’s a sports bar in Toronto for you. From Toronto sports bar institutions like The Dog & Bear Pub to drinking dens that just so happen to have some well-positioned screens, we've got a winning list of Toronto's best sports bars for playoff season, baby! Plus, these sports bars in Toronto play the game with the sound on, so you can zone in for the full spectacle.
Too nervous to watch? Sidestep the stress with attractions (and distractions) in the form of arcade games, housemade wings or signature cocktails that could rival libations at the best bars in Toronto. Toast to your victories (or commiserate those tough Ls) at these awesome sports bars in Toronto.
The best sports bars in Toronto
1. Real Sports
15 York St.
BEST FOR: The view — RS has a massive 39-foot HD screen
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Tucked behind Scotiabank Arena on York Street, Real Sports promises a front row seat to the action in front of one of its many TV screens. Snack on delicious eats like Top Cheddar Burger (a 7 oz chuck burger with peameal bacon and BBQ pulled pork), dunk wings into the "Leafs on Fire" spicy blue cheese sauce, and satisfy your sweet tooth with the deep-fried OREOS, while keeping your eyes on the prize. On the drinks side of things, you'll find plenty of local tall cans, pints and schooners — plus there's a sizeable cocktail and shots list, if there's something to celebrate (not that we're jinxing it or anything).
2. The Dog & Bear
1100 Queen St. W.
BEST FOR: The sweaty, heart-thumping atmosphere
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For a rowdy ambience to go with your pounding heart, The Dog and Bear on West Queen West is the primo option on game day. This popular Toronto sports bar, decorated with international flags, offers British pub grub and live sports at all times of the day. Catch international soccer (cough, FOOTBALL) in the early hours, plus Raptors and Leafs playoff games across the bar's many screens. It's first come, first served, and big game days will see large lineups, but the electric atmosphere is well worth the wait.
3. The Pint Public House
277 Front St. W.
BEST FOR: Late-night entertainment and dancing post-victory
You can't get much closer to the action than at The Pint Public House, which could basically serve as target practice for dingers flying out of The Rogers Centre. Grab caesars, local brews and some delish housemade wings at one of the most conveniently located sports bars in Toronto, then head upstairs for a party at The Upper Deck. Win, lose or draw, you can still hit the dancefloor or play pool, air hockey and pinball in the kitchy space upstairs.
4. Rec Room
255 Bremner Blvd.
BEST FOR: Arcade games, hoops and other welcome distractions
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This sprawling arcade bar just west of Scotiabank Arena is the perfect place to go if you can’t make it to a live game. Calm game-day nerves with burgers, poutine, pizza, and Canadian fare at The Shed or Three10. Alternatively, head to the arcade floor to show the pros how it’s done: Shoot hoops, get in the driving seat on a race car simulator or shoot pool and play shuffleboard.
5. The Queen’s Head Pub
Multiple locations
BEST FOR: Comfort food classics like burgers and wings
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The Queen’s Head Pub supplies eastenders with watering holes and TVs aplenty — choose from their Leslieville or Scarborough locations for your next sporting event. Whether you’re looking for a sports bar to catch UFC, hockey or the playoffs, this British-ish pub has a seat for you. The cuisine skews from Thai to Indian, but you can still grab wings and snackier bites if you just need something to do with your hands during a nail-biter.
6. King Taps
100 King St. W.
BEST FOR: Gourmet pizza like the Stinging Bee, with salami and honey
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With a casually sophisticated ambiance and an impressive tap list, this Toronto sports bar fits seamlessly into its Financial District setting at First Canadian Place. As the name suggests, beer is a big focus here, but signature cocktails are also in supply. Grab a brewski and perch in front of its many flat-screen TVs. Snack on pizza, truffle fries and tacos while you root, root, root for the home team.
7. The Dock Ellis
1280 Dundas St. W.
BEST FOR: Chill vibes during tense games
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There is something so comforting about this no-fuss, slightly sticky Dundas West sports bar with sneaky good food. You can always count on the Dock for late-night bites (they're open to 2 a.m. every day), craft beer, cocktails and prime sports viewing. Wednesday is wing night, where you can get a pound of their housemade wings (spicy maple soy sauce is our new fave) and a half pint for less than 15 bucks. Psst, they take reservations. Winning!
8. The Mugshot Tavern
1729 Bloor St. W.
BEST FOR: Rooftop patio on sunny spring days
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This neighbourhood spot is worth a visit, on game days or just a weeknight when that pint is calling your name. The Mugshot Tavern has several screens to catch the big game on, as well as a good selection of craft beers. Plus, the cozy rooftop patio is shielded from the sun — whenever it decides to reappear.
9. The Wheatsheaf Tavern
667 King St. W.
BEST FOR: A slice of history
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Kill two birds with one stone and catch the playoffs at one of the best sports bars in Toronto, and one of the oldest. Toronto's oldest tavern is always a fun time, with live music, traditional Sunday roasts and cocktails to keep you coming back. It's also a great place to watch all of the big sports games on its many screens with a lively King Street West atmosphere.
10. SOCO Kitchen + Bar
75 Lower Simcoe St.
BEST FOR: Charcuterie deals and CN Tower views
This downtown drinking den, just steps from the Scotiabank Arena, is the perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks during big sports games. The diverse dining options are always a fixture at this popular Harbourfront District restaurant, but during the playoffs, there's even more to enjoy. Order two Stella pints and a charcuterie board for $60 (regularly $72) throughout the Toronto Maple Leafs' run.
11. Sportsnet Grill
1 Blue Jays Way
BEST FOR: Watching the ballgame without a ticket
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Sportsnet Grill, located inside the Rogers Centre, had to make the list because of its incredible location. And, while it's a better bet for a Blue Jays game, given its position overlooking centre field, it's also a great place to catch other big playoff moments. Sip on $8.99 pints from local spots like Left Field Brewery and Lost Craft, be entered into game day giveaways, and catch the game from various angles across its many screens. Go Leafs, Go!
12. Saint John's Tavern
117 John St.
BEST FOR: Drink deals and vibes in the Snug
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Head to the Snug at this iconic spot on John Street. Not only are playoff vibes immaculate, but Saint John's Tavern will also be giving a shot to anyone wearing a jersey and playing the games with the sound on. If that's not enough, you can get a flight of four Jameson whiskies for $30. After all, you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don't take, right?
13. The Bottom Line
22 Front St. W.
BEST FOR: All-out hockey nostalgia
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This legendary Toronto sports bar, owned by former NHL goaltender Wayne Cowley, is just steps from Union Station and a five-minute walk from the Scotiabank Arena, so you can enjoy pre- or post-game beverages. With over 55 large screen TVs (all with the sound blasting) and hockey memorabilia decking out the space, there's no bad seat at The Bottom Line — and you can even make a reservation online. Book now and all you need to worry about before the next big game is which sliders and shareables you're going to order.
