Parkdale hotspots to hit with the boys
The 501 streetcar is iffy at best, the weather doesn’t always co-operate and it’s hard aligning schedules for an awesome guys’ night out. But if there’s one thing you can count on, it’s Parkdale providing loads of entertainment every night of the week, especially at these hotspots.
Cadillac Lounge
1296 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4You may know it as a music venue, but the Caddy has a lot more to offer. Each week, they have a variety of events where you can lose yourself, like Simpsons trivia, rock star tribute shows and karaoke, which you can enjoy with some downright legendary nachos. Live music is the number one attraction here and you can catch some of the city’s best blues, rock, country, soul and Cajun musicians. You can also sign up to perform yourself.
The Parkdale Drink
1292 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4It has one of the best patios in Parkdale, with a sizeable space that’s green, regularly features live music and has a natural stone waterfall. When the weather’s not so agreeable, head inside and chill out on the comfy leather chairs. There’s also a waterfall inside, although it’s actually a funky piece of art made out of glass. If you really want to make an experience out of it, order bottle service and relax to the sounds of DJ Tabs.
Grand Electric
1330 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4When you want to challenge the boys to an eating contest but still get great nosh, there’s no better place to head to than Grand Electric. Specializing in Mexican food, the prices are affordable and you can easily order (almost) everything off the menu in a bid to be crowned rey. The patio is definitely where you want to take your tacos and cervezas, with strings of lights and gorgeous wooden picnic tables. Arrive early to stake out a spot.
Rhino Bar & Grill Inc
1249 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5Awesome hangouts tend to draw crowds and there are only two ways to combat that: find a joint that’s still under-the-radar or one with a patio large enough to handle everyone. The Rhino is one of the latter, with a spacious patio that’s more than equipped to handle any group. With hundreds of beers from which to choose, drinking options are never a problem. Top things off with a tune from the jukebox and your boys will never want to leave.
Miss Things
1279 Queen St W, Main, Toronto, ON M6K 1L6Everything’s just right at Wrongbar, one of the best spots in Parkdale to catch sharp local bands, groove to the beats of DJ Nasty Nav and toss back a cold one. It has that perfect combination of edge, sleaze and throwback fun. There is a strong focus on punk and electronic music, so you’ll want to loosen your ties before heading in for maximum fun. It’s also a venue low on pretenses and high on friendliness.
Not My Dog
1510 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6R 1A4Like Pac-Man? Great, they’ve got an arcade-style version where you can rack up high scores to your heart’s content. You may have to wrestle an adorable kitty out of the way first, as the unofficial Not My Dog mascot likes to nap on the screen. If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, they also play plenty of live music. If you want to show off your skills, make sure to come on an open mic night.
