Toronto’s bar scene is catching some worldwide attention after five spots in the city were recognized among the best in North America.
The first of North America’s 50 best bars has dropped for 2025, and, I may be biased, but it comes as no surprise that a host of spots in Toronto have made the cut.
For the first time, the World’s 50 Best has released an additional ranking which honours the 51 to 100 best bars on the continent, with numbers 1 through 50 will be announced later this month and, if last year was any indication, we can expect to see some hometown heroes rank there, too.
As for the latter 50, five Toronto spots made the cut, and one even managed to weigh in at the very top of the list.
Library Bar
The Fairmont Royal York’s legendary Library Bar pulled in a 51st-place finish, earning points for beverage director James Grant’s new menu of cocktails inspired by literary and film classics, paired alongside the bar’s beguiling Art Deco design.
For any prospective visitors, the guide recommends the Birdbath Martini, made with local Ontario gin or martini and served with a signature theatrical flair, if you must settle for just one.
Civil Works
Not far behind, Civil Works, the latest venture from the team behind Civil Liberties (a regular on the top 50 list), located at Waterworks Food Hall, came in at number 55.
I’d assume that these people just have a thing for Art Deco architecture if I didn’t also happen to know that Civil Works is single-handedly churning out some of the most unique cocktails in the city — a sentiment echoed by World’s 50 Best.
Cry Baby Gallery
Cry Baby Gallery ranked in at 68, getting props for their speakeasy vibe, decor provided by local artists and their distinctive menu of cocktails crafted using out-of-the-box ingredients like beezwax mezcal, herb-infused cynar and kefir.
Simpl Things
Next up is Parkdale’s Simpl Things, which earned the distinction of “one to watch” at the 2024 North America’s 50 Best Bars ceremony.
The unpretentious-yet-stylish spot packs a major punch in the form of their 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. happy hour, which gives way to a menu of Asian snacks paired with refined cocktails pouring all night long.
Slice of Life
Rounding out the list is Slice of Life in Little Italy at 96, which made a near-instant splash in the city upon opening its doors in early 2024.
A full suite of produce and herb-forward cocktails sets Slice of Life apart from the noise, as the freshest ingredients pair with top-notch spirits to alchemical results.
The top 50 bars in North America are set to be announced at a ceremony in Vancouver on April 29, so keep your eyes peeled for even more local legends to get their well-deserved flowers.
Fareen Karim at Slice of Life
