The best weekend-worthy bars in Parkdale

Alright, alright, you’ve finished another perfect dinner at Chantecler, Raca or Grand Electric, and you’re ready for a mingle-worthy bar that’s nothing short of #LIVE. If you find yourself in Parkdale this Friday or Saturday looking for fellow party-minded folk, try one of these cocktail spots, pubs, music venues, or dance bars on Toronto's West Queen West strip. [Image credit: iStock.com/ AleksandarNakic]

By Alexandra Caufin

The Great Hall

1

1087 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H3

• Phone Number
  • 416-792-1268Primary
• Directions

A historic dance hall turned event venue, The Great Hall is one of Queen West’s most unique party venues. Perched at the corner of Queen and Dovercourt, the sprawling space acts as host to everything from fashion events to flea markets to live music shows, so it’s worth checking what’s on the roster if you’re in the neighbourhood. Once a month, they host the now-famous Long Winter music and art party – although you’ll want to be sure you line up for this one as it draws quite a crowd.

Drake Hotel

2

1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

• Phone Number
  • 416-531-5042Primary
• Directions

There’s something on every night at The Drake Hotel, from whiskey competitions to weekday trivia to festival afterparties to DJ nights to buzzworthy concerts, so it’s no wonder they like to call themselves Queen West’s hotbed for culture. If you’re looking for Friday night festivities in the hood, check out what’s on at this boutique hotel, either in the cocktail lounge on the main floor, the SkyYard on the roof, or the Drake Underground in the basement.

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Dog And Bear

3

1100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9

• Phone Number
  • 647-352-8601Primary
• Directions
• Menu

If the oft lengthy line outside this Parkdale pub didn’t get across its undying cool-guy status, a wander inside the lively interior – hosting everyone from vintage-clad fashionistas to suits hailing from the Financial District – certainly will. Toronto’s pub-seeking population found its paradise at the more-hip-than-your-average-pub Dog and Bear, from the owners of Parts and Labour and The Hoxton. Come for the beer, the vibes, and the company, but arrive early if you want to avoid the weekend line-up.

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Wayward

4

1096 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9

• Phone Number
  • 416-551-4692Primary
• Directions

For a dinner-and-party option that involves a minimal commute (and by commute, we mean, a journey up a flight of stairs), we suggest The Good Son for your dinner pre-game and the second floor-dwelling Wayward for the party proper. If you’re looking for the club vibes in the way of bottle service and plenty of dancing, Wayward is probably your best bet in Parkdale, however, the charming antique interior (complete with chandeliers and parlour-style leather couches) honours the alternative neighbourhood in which it finds itself.

More from Alexandra Caufin

Alexandra is a writer and was formerly YP's Toronto City Editor. She will most likely be found playing pool in dives, eating one too many tacos, or hanging with the Highland cattle (to which she is probably overly attached) at the High Park zoo. Alexandra is also at work on her first novel via her Master's at the University of Toronto, and if you ask her how it’s going, she’ll bite your head right off.

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