Top Six in the 6: Best Bars to Escape Winter
With pints of porter or drams of whisky, find a comfy nook or warm fireplace in these bars, pubs and restaurants to fight back winter's worst.
Ceili Cottage
1301 Queen St. E.
Most recently known for its headline-grabbing wintertime yurt (that has since been nixed by an unhappy landlord), the cozy cold-weather spirit lives on within the Ceili Cottage’s interior. Well-worn wood flooring and beams dominate while fairy lights strung up along the ceiling contribute to its charm. In lieu of a real fireplace, a video of glowing logs might be found on its flat screens while the cottage stew (made with Guinness, of course) helps to warm the soul. If all else fails, Ceili has a deep collection of Irish whiskies.
Lake Inez
1471 Gerrard St. E.
To escape winter’s worst in the east end, head to Lake Inez on the quickly gentrifying Gerrard Street East. Floral wallpaper, quirky antiques and plenty of wood accents give it an intimate, pub-like feel. Robbie Hojilla’s Asian-influenced menu features heartwarming items such as fish curry and a risotto-like porcini and rice dish. There’s also a decent list of craft beers and hard-to-find orange wines to help ease the winter blues.
C’est What
67 Front St. E.
Since 1988, this St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood bar has been promoting local breweries before the term “craft beer” took hold. They’re still one of the few spots in the city with solid cask program, pulling from seven pumps at any given time. C’est What’s subterranean setup makes for the perfect place to escape the cold and we like to do a preliminary wander through its two bars and multiple seating areas before picking a spot as each has a slightly different vibe. Seats near one of its fireplaces are understandably in high demand over the winter season while a dedicated stage with live music over the weekends helps distract you from the weather outdoors.
Cloak Bar
488 Wellington St. W.
Somewhat hidden beyond the hedges of its sister restaurant Marben, the Cloak Bar’s handsome, speakeasy vibe makes it a fun wintertime escape, especially if you’re leading friends and guests who have never been before. Low ceilings, well-worn rugs and comfy booth seating are all conducive to a cozy evening out. The cocktail menu here is top-notch – inventive and intimidating at first glance but it’s all organized by base spirit and Cloak’s friendly bartenders are happy to help you navigate.
The Library Bar
100 Front St. W.
Hotel bars aren’t the default go-to as a wintertime escape but the Fairmont Royal York’s Library Bar is a worthwhile retreat that lives up to its name. Carpeted flooring, lush drapery (complete with tasselled tie-backs) and, of course, shelves of classic leather-bound books evoke the feeling of a grandfather’s reading room. The Library Bar’s afternoon tea service has long been a popular weekend activity.
Queen & Beaver
35 Elm St.
The Queen & Beaver fills two storeys of a handsome, Victorian-style townhouse. The main floor dining room exudes a quirky elegance, decked out with mismatched furniture and portraits of British royalty. The upper level feels more like an English-style sports bar with its cushy chairs and a big flat-screen TV tuned to Premier League matches. Both areas have a homey charm that’s perfect for relaxed gatherings with friends. Add in the bar’s classic British eats and solid list of beers, wines and cocktails and you’ve got plenty of reasons to stay for a while.
