Top Six in the 6: Pre-Jays Spots

Pay homage to Joey Bats with Canteen's new Brat Flip. This ain't your average stadium hot dog... Canteen sources their bratwurst from ethical makers Seed to Sausage, meaning more local meat and fewer preservatives. Yum. The Brat Flip gets the gourmet treatment with lashings of Kozlik's mustard, spicy garlic pickle and onions braised in Mill Street Organic. Speaking of which, a pint of Toronto's first organic lager can be yours for the low price of $5 on game day. (That's about half the cost of a tall boy at the game, for those keeping score...) Brat Flips are also available to go, but you might have to endure a few jealous looks from fans stuck with run-of-the-mill street meat. 

There's something a little cheeky about Mascot Brewery's rooftop patio. With a patch of lawn turf and picnic tables shaded by bright patio umbrellas, it feels like a secret back yard for the city's condo dwellers. Well, not so secret... Come summertime, this place is packed thanks to its laid back vibe, excellent craft beer selection and the many Blue Jays fans among their clientele. (Lucky for you, they take group reservations.) Try their Mascot Pilsner or opt for one of the carefully crafted cocktails on tap. Bonus: if you don't have time to sample Chef Rory McGouran's awesome new menu, you can grab a sandwich to go—and save the cost of a Rogers Centre hot dog.

As if you didn't love Marky Mark enough... In a city bursting with burger joints, Wahlburgers delivers a little something different. There's the addictive Wahl sauce (think spicy goodness on a bun), the crunchy tater tots you'll want to order by the bucketload, and to wash it all down, the locally-made Walbrewski North. Conveniently located in the Soho Metropolitan on Blue Jays Way, it's an ideal fast casual spot to get you fed—and pretty well—before the game. Fancy a hot dog? You can top it off with tongue-tingling sriracha sauce. The salads get an honourable mention for their fresh, summery flavours. 

With 36 beers on tap, it's no surprise that Bar Hop is a favourite pre-game haunt for Blue Jays fans. You might not recognize half the craft brews on tap, but chances are you know where they came from; sipping local is very much the style here. The menu is all about pub food with a twist (think Ruffle-breaded fish and chips, and a brisket and chuck burger served with a healthy smear of bone marrow mayo). Even if you're saving room for stadium grub—hey, it's a legit guilty pleasure—you've gotta indulge in the garlic doughnuts. Word to the wise: this place is never not busy, so arrive early, especially if you want a spot on the patio. 

Location, location, location... and great beer: just a few of the reasons why Blue Jays fans flock to the Roundhouse before a game. Steam Whistle makes the most of their spot in the shadow of Rogers Centre with epic Jays Days parties (think live music, batting cages and happy hour prices on cans of their classic pilsner to sweeten the deal). Hang out by the patio bar, or grab some pre-game eats at one of the food trucks that rolls up for the occasion. Chances are, the party will still be going by the time you leave—Steam Whistle operates extended hours on Jays Days, so feel free to pick up where you left off...