Do you enjoy spending time in a whisky bar? As Canada’s brisk autumn weather arrives, there’s no better way to warm up and unwind than with a glass of brown spirits. There are plenty of luxurious whisky bars in Toronto to choose from.
Whether it’s for a fixing of whisky, scotch, or bourbon, these five locations know their booze. They provide all their guests with top shelf spirits and opulent comfort.
Related: Four new premium scotch whisky releases for the fall
CC Lounge and Whisky Bar – 45 Front St. E.
This scotch whisky bar located in the heart of downtown Toronto will transport guests back in time to the prohibition era. Decked out with huge leather booths, disco chandeliers, and exposed brick, CC Lounge and Whisky Bar is every drink enthusiast’s dream.
The downtown Toronto bar is inspired by the whisky tunnel used by Hiram Walker, the founder of Canadian Club, and his family to transport booze to the likes of Al Capone in the United States. CC Lounge has its own whisky tunnel which houses over 300 different whiskys from around the world.
CC Lounge specializes in North American brown spirits. However this bar also boasts beverages of all kinds and delicious pub fare like wings and pizzas. An in-house whisky historian is also available on weekends and special occasions to offer private and interactive whisky tasting tours.
The Caledonian scotch whisky bar – 856 College St.
The Caledonian brings all the comfort and ease of a traditional Scottish pub right into Ontario’s capital. Guests of this bar in downtown Toronto can practically feel the highland breeze as they taste from one of the world’s largest whisky lists. That features over 500 malts and blends. Guests lounge in a cozy, rustic pub.
Traditional Scottish fare like scotch eggs, steak pies, and haggis are prepared fresh using local ingredients. The Caledonian also offers custom tasting flights and tutored whisky tastings in groups from two to 50. That’s for those less experienced with the drink.
The Emmet Ray – 924 College St.
There may be no finer pairing than good drink and music, and that’s exactly what jazz bar The Emmet Ray does well. They offer a whisky list of nearly 300 options and live musical performances. Guests at The Emmet Ray are able to relax and unwind, with traditional pub fare served between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
A cozy patio is also available for those who visit The Emmet Ray during the warmer weather. Plus, the bar offers delivery through UberEats. They feature live streams of their jazz performances on their Facebook page, all for those who prefer to indulge at home.
Allen’s – 143 Danforth Ave.
At the east end of the Danforth, Allen’s, an upscale Irish saloon, boasts a list of 340 whiskies alongside some delicious pub fare. Opened in 1987, Allen’s is the perfect spot for those looking to indulge in great food, drink, and friendly company.
Using only locally sourced meats and produce, Allen’s serves up snacks, brunch, lunch, and dinner to pair well with any brown spirit. Guests are encouraged to sit on the cozy patio of this whisky bar in Toronto and indulge, weather permitted.
BarChef – 472 Queen St. W.
If you’re in the company of someone who doesn’t share your palate for brown spirits, BarChef is the perfect in-between. They offer new and eclectic cocktails alongside their extensive whisky and scotch lists. This bar in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood is the perfect location for intimate conversation.
The dimly lit, stylish scotch whisky bar is a popular choice for those seeking a new luxury experience. BarChef also offers a small selection of snacks for those also feeling peckish, like smoked mackerel rillettes and Japanese fried chicken.
You will definitely find a favourite whisky bar in Toronto!
TOP IMAGE: CC LOUNGE AND WHISKY BAR INSTAGRAM PAGE
Sarah Do Couto is a Toronto-based writer interested in people, art, and internet culture. She is the former chief copy editor at the Ryerson Review of Journalism and the former editor-in-chief of Her Campus Ryerson.
