Une soirée entre amis à Toronto, ON

Toronto’s nightlife seems to centre on the bar scene and the trendiest bourbon of the year. It’s not so easy to find lively spots to hang out after work or catch up with friends if you don’t drink. Why not kick off your second wind with a little caffeine instead? Here are some hotspots for a sober-friendly night out on the town.

Tiki is in, gin joints are out – that’s how Toronto’s bar trend skews. Whether you’re looking for a new locale to wet your whistle on a weekly basis or out to annex a portion of your liver to the city’s most visionary cocktails creators, for richer or for poorer, here are Toronto’s best new and notable bars for 2016. [Image courtesy of Track & Field Bar]

Torontonians east to west know well that they have the privilege of being surrounded by some of Canada’s most lauded kitchens. What they may not know is that a growing number of those kitchens are home to some of the most critically acclaimed female chefs in the country. If you’re looking to do some tasty reconnaissance, here are some of the top women-led kitchens to visit in TO.

The Niagara region is one of TO’s go-to getaways for the fam. We’ve got the goods on where to make your resos on-the-lake or in the city proper, whether your kids are toddlers looking for a little fun to go with their dinner, or grown-ups in hot pursuit of a glass of locally produced wine.

Home to the Blue Jays, the Maple Leafs and The Raptors, Toronto is a city that cares about its teams, and we've got a slew of sports bars across town to prove it. On Grey Cup weekend, these will be some of the best restaurants and sports bars in Toronto to catch the excitement. 

Whether you’re hosting an intimate birthday bash with close friends, a celebratory dinner party with family, or a large-scale business meeting, TO is well equipped with envy-inspiring private rooms catering to those with a penchant for top grub. These local spots will hook you and your crew up with stress-free atmospheres and prix-fixe or family-style dining options. [Photo by @hypebelly; courtesy of Hopgood's Foodliner]

Bloor Street. You’ve been there before and you’ll go there again because let’s face it: it’s a prime location in Toronto to enjoy some drinks with friends after a long day in the 6. Fortunately for you, there’s always a new spot (or nine) on the strip to enjoy a craft brew or unique cocktails with pals. [Feature Image: The Gaslight]

This year, skip the Valentines-Day flowers and candlelit dinner and hit the town with a group of pals. Our list of Love Week hotspots has you covered from Kensington to Riverside, from dance parties to laid back locals. Check out OKStupid at Handlebar for hilariously awful online dating conversations read live or hit up the Wavelength music festival and discover Canada’s best new underground music. Who needs Cupid, anyway?

When choosing a restaurant feels more akin to choosing what to watch on Netflix (read: an hour or two of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling), be thankful that maxed-out, relaxed-out dining is something that Toronto does best. With an emphasis on soulful, filling food and chill vibes, surprisingly free of pretense, put on your best fashion sweats and check out some of the city’s best spots for a casual dinner date.

2015 was a busy year for Toronto’s east end, from Riverdale to Cabbagetown to the Distillery. Fresh new businesses are popping up everywhere, and among them are some of the finest eateries in the city. Whether for brunch with pals, a dinner date, or dessert, there are many places to indulge without the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Toronto’s coffee scene has experienced a surge of newcomers this year, from east to west. It’s one of the things I love about the city. You can find some of the coolest cafés in odd areas and quiet corners, and busy neighbourhoods alike. From old, rundown spaces revitalized, to beautiful environments that make grabbing a cup of Joe a luxurious pastime, here are my favourite cafés that opened in 2015.

As winter rears in the 6, Torontonians cower to their couches, armed with an extra wool blanket and a space heater close by. But with the city’s blossoming selection of restaurants and watering holes offering fireplaces, crushed velvet sofas, and lively, rosy-cheeked crowds to rub elbows with, there’s no reason to retreat into solitude this winter – these resto-bars will keep you plenty cozy. [Photo courtesy of Kanpai]