Food & drink
Bar Raval features an
otherworldly interior
Where to sip the city’s most unforgettable cocktails, beer, spirits and wine
Civil Liberties
Adventurous imbibers will love
the concept of this cool Bloorcourt
spot: there’s no menu, and no
sign. Instead, look for the door
with a pineapple overtop, waltz
in and strike up a chat with
the barkeep to have a customized
tipple prepared to your tastes
and mood. 878 Bloor St. W.,
civillibertiesbar.com
SpiritHouse
In a neighbourhood known for
long lineups, SpiritHouse is a
hidden gem. The Prohibition-style
room (operated by the Toronto
Institute of Bartending) usually
has plenty of space for those in
search of the perfect old fashioned
or five-spiced Bloody Caesar. Ask
about the “secret” menu of barrel-
aged spirits. 487 Adelaide St. W.,
spirithousetoronto.com
Grey Gardens
Jen Agg’s new wine bar builds
on her reputation for casual
perfection—the airy Kensington
ambiance seems effortless, but
meticulously crafted plates and a
highly curated list of private-order
wines and ciders scream otherwise.
199 Augusta Ave., greygardens.ca
Birreria Volo
40 where
EssEntial toronto
The One Eighty
The One Eighty sits atop the
51-storey Manulife Centre and offers
a plush, leather-clad environment to
By Shazia Khan
match the dramatic vista it over-
looks—long touted as one of the best
views in the city. High-end cocktails,
like the sour cherry Negroni, are
the specialty here. 55 Bloor St. W.,
the51stfloor.com
Birreria Volo
This is where Toronto’s craft-beer
elite go to splurge. Barrel-aged,
sour and Belgian styles are
emphasized on the 26 taps, while
the cellar is a treasure trove of
exclusive imports sourced from
all over the U.S. and Europe.
612 College St., birreriavolo.com
Bar Raval
This Spanish tapas hub has cracked
the list of Canada’s 100 Best Res-
taurants two years running, thanks
to spectacular pintxos and award-
winning architecture. Still, it’s first
and foremost a bar—home to dozens
photography;
Bars and Lounges