Cocktail spots in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood
Whether you need a night out on the town or would rather spend a low-key evening at a local pub or restaurant, Leslieville has the cocktail bar for you. Toronto is known for its variety of watering holes and Leslieville doesn’t disappoint. There’s always a new place to explore in this neighbourhood! Here are the hippest hangouts for cocktail hour in Leslieville. [Image credit: iStock.com/Ezhukov]
Skin+Bones
980 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K1At first glance, the name might intimidate you. You might think of a grungy bar off some seedy downtown alley, but nothing could be further from the truth! Skin + Bones is a casual, family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant run by a husband and wife. Featuring industrial-style decor, it has a warm atmosphere and fresh, seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced products. Their brunch and lunch menus include a selection of innovative and classic cocktails and walk-in seating is available at their 40-ft. bar.
WAYLA Bar & Lounge
996 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K1This eclectic, upscale bar is adorned with local art and hanging chandeliers. Designed by Stephen Pouquet, the bar was inspired by France’s nightlife scene and the underground clubs of NYC. Wayla takes pride in being an all-inclusive hangout spot for anyone that enjoys a good time. The high-energy bar is hopping every night with scheduled theme parties like Golden Girls, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Random Play 70s & 80s, to name a few. Wayla’s full bar serves cocktails, wine, and select beers on tap.
The Hitch
1216 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L7Don’t let the moose or rabbit head hanging on the wall throw you off – Hitch is a cozy, intimate place to chill out. Open seven days a week from 5 pm to 2 am, Hitch is a serious cocktail bar (Tip: Every mixed drink contains a double shot, so one might be all you need). Hitch also has a small snack menu with an assortment of affordable eats. With low music and intimate lighting, it’s the perfect place for a date.
Ascari Enoteca
1111 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K7Ascari’s namesake is Alberto Ascari, a 1950’s Formula One Italian racing legend. Ascari doesn’t hide its passion with its racing-themed decor, but still manages to maintain a casual, cozy feel. It’s an Italian restaurant featuring homemade pastas made in-house daily, and a high-quality wine selection from around the globe. Their customers love them, as they rave about Ascari being one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. A bonus: They also offer a wide selection of Italian-inspired cocktails during cocktail hour – or any hour, really.
Goods & Provisions
1124 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K8Hip and laid-back Goods & Provisions is an eclectic restaurant serving a wide selection of drinks and a small, global menu. The funky cocktail collection includes names like Siesta, Fall of Saigon and Dark and Stormy, to name a few. A complementary menu includes French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, East Coast and Asian-inspired fare, so you won’t lack for variety or go hungry. The brick and wood decor gives the place a cozy, rustic vibe that invites you to get comfortable and stay awhile. Cocktail hour is 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
