You’ve spent the last four years in Kingston or Montreal—or, if you slacked hard in high school, maybe London—and the last time you’ve been in Toronto in the fall for anything other than Thanksgiving you were eighteen, and probably thinner.
The bar scene has changed, you’ve changed. Whether you’re new to the city or the type I’ve just described, you would benefit from a (re) introduction to Toronto’s night life. Remember, law school is serious stuff. You’ll spend a lot of time in the library. But there is a life beyond Bora and a city full of places to explore. Let me take you on a quick tour!
The Casual Pint. It’s Tuesday night and Bora is about to close, where do you go to grab a quick pint with a few friends? These venues are close to the faculty, reasonably priced, offer decent food, a broad selection on tap, good patios and a relaxed feel. You’ll probably meet a guy named Andrew Robertson. Examples: Bedford Academy, Duke of York, Hemmingway and The Pilot.
It’s Still Undergrad. You’re friends are in town for a big weekend. Undergrad only finished five or six months ago, why not keep being awesome? These spots are popular amongst the Trinity College crowd and recently-graduated-from-Queen’s-Commerce types. You’ll almost certainly go home with run into MPG. Examples: Madison Avenue Pub, Gracie O’Malley’s, Cabin Five and Brunswick House.
Stay Classy. You just finished December exams and a group of your fellow 1Ls are looking for an aggressive night. This destination is a church of poor decisions, a temple of excess and the supposed resting ground of Bacchus himself. It enjoys a sort of cult following, those who like it, love it. Don’t just drink the cool aid, spike it with something strong, grab someone who looks good in the dark and go dancing. You’ll meet McLean there. He won’t remember it. Examples: Dance Cave, everything else is secondary.
Actually Classy. You met someone and suggested a drink. They said yes. You were surprised—this rarely happens—and you want to make a good impression. These spots offer a wide selection of mixed drinks, a great atmosphere and bar tenders that make their job seem truly artisanal. Examples: Bar Chef and No One Writes to the Colonel.
Different. Going to Western—sorry, ‘Ivy’—for four years was rough, that 14 hour torts binge even worse. You want to go somewhere that offers something different, something with character. These venues throw down a bit of entertainment, whether it comes from the staff, the music or the ambience. You’ll meet Kitz there. He’ll tell you about this time he was backpacking in Nicaragua, how rolled tobacco is so much better and why Brooklyn is way more authentic than Manhattan and blah, blah, blah. Examples: Stones Place, Dakota Tavern and Guu.
Bottle Service. You missed Tomorrowland because you had a job and don’t have your priorities in order. These clubs offer your standard mix of house, rap and top-40 with the occasional big DJ. Grab some heels, grab a suit and throw down some Scotia dollars. Examples: Hoxton, Brasaii, Cube, Thompson Hotel, etc.
Enjoy!