Introducing Toronto’s 2024 Best of the Best, where we’ve scoured the city to uncover everything from the coolest venues to the best pool halls, the sharpest tailors and the most talented tattoo artists. In this three-part series, we’re sliding into the third instalment: FUN! Whether you’re looking for the best place for live music or you’re searching for the city’s best bowling alley, this guide includes all the top spots you need to try right now.
BEST NEW MUSIC CLUB
GROUND CONTROL on Queen West hit the ground running at NXNE and is filling a void in spaces for new music. Plus the Panic! retro dance night is amazing. 1279 Queen St. W.
BEST COMEDY CLUB
ABSOLUTE hosts nightly standup shows featuring a mix of seasoned comedians and up-and-comers with a relaxing atmosphere and a lineup that always hits. 2355 Yonge St.
COMEDY BAR has a killer combination of top notch touring standups, local legends and a variety of creative sketch and improv shows. Plus the new Danforth club rocks. 2800 Danforth Ave. & 945 Bloor St. W.
BEST DRAG BRUNCH
GLAD DAY’S Sunday drag brunch is a truly magical experience. Enjoy brunch while a rotating cast of drag performers delights and entertains. 499 Church St.
BEST BOARD GAMES
The original SNAKES & LATTES continues to dominate the gaming scene, especially at its fantastic midtown location on two floors. A must-visit. 45 Eglinton Ave. E.
BEST ARCADE GAMES
ZED80, a cosy arcade bar, features over 35 arcade games for just $5 (or $10 on weekends). Enjoy great food on weekends, or bring your own snacks. 185 Danforth Ave.
BEST COOKING CLASS
Who doesn’t love a good cooking class? Well, there is no place better to indulge than EATALY, which has amazing hands-on pasta and pizza classes and more. 55 Bloor St. W.
BEST PIANO BAR
JEAN DARLENE PIANO BAR is a hidden gem where live music and a ’70s Hollywood vibe come together for an unforgettable night out. 1203 Dundas St. W.
BEST LIVE BAND KARAOKE
Kensington Market’s venerable SUPERMARKET is home to the best live band karaoke in the city. The next event is scheduled for Sept. 4. Don’t miss it! 268 Augusta Ave.
BEST PUBLIC ART
Monument to the War of 1812, by Douglas Coupland, is a striking and playful tribute in Toronto, featuring larger-than-life toy soldiers. So fantastic. 600 Fleet St.
BEST REP CINEMA
The FOX THEATRE takes the prize for its charm, its creative special events and its inventive programming that always seems to get it right. 2236 Queen St. E.
BEST MULTIPLEX MOVIE THEATRE
Although the competition is fierce, the SCOTIABANK reigns supreme thanks to its incredible IMAX screen and laser projector. Unrivalled. 259 Richmond St. W.
BEST GALLERY
The MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART is a dynamic cultural hub across multiple floors. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions and a vibrant space. 158 Sterling Rd.
BEST INDIE THEATRE
CROW’S THEATRE has been consistent in its unconventional and provocative productions and had the show of the year last season. What can they do to top it? 345 Carlaw Ave.
BEST MUSIC HALL
We are all in on the revival of the legendary CONCERT HALL. It has a great vibe, amazing sound and it’s just an epic room. It doesn’t hurt that it has a history that includes the first Canadian Led Zeppelin show, amongst other things. 888 Yonge St.
BEST BOOK SHOP
Serious readers and casual chapter sloths alike will love TYPE indie bookstore, with three locations in town, including one in Forest Hill Village. 427 Spadina Rd.
BEST LIT VIBES
The ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE ROOM at Toronto Reference Library is a hidden gem designed to mimic Holmes’ iconic 221B Baker Street apartment. Amazing. 789 Yonge St.
BEST FOR SPINS
Japanese-inspired listening lounges are having a moment in Toronto, and LITTLE JERRY got things rolling and still impresses with its audio bathing brilliance. 418 College St.
BEST ESCAPE ROOM
SECRET CITY ADVENTURES operates some massive escape rooms at both Casa Loma and Black Creek Pioneer Village, with live actors and immense theatricality. 1 Austin Terr. (Casa Loma).
BEST OPEN MIC
For 15 years, the PAINTED LADY has been hosting one of the best open nights anywhere. Hosted by Kunle, performers can showcase two songs and it is so good. 218 Ossington Ave.
BEST CLIMBING GYM
TRUE NORTH, at Downsview Park, is an awesome climbing experience that even boasts the world’s largest climbable stalactite wall, descending from the ceiling. 73 Carl Hall Rd.
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Wednesdays at LEFT FIELD BREWERY is always a popular spot for Brainbuster Trivia. It helps that Left Field has some of the best craft suds in the city and two fun locations. 36 Wagstaff Dr.
BEST BOWLING
Five-pin bowling was invented right there in Toronto, and one of the best places to partake is SHAMROCK BOWL. This joint dates back to the early ’50s and has been lovingly restored with purpose and intent to reflect that vibe. 280 Coxwell Ave.
BEST POOL
Most people know the legendary Queen West hot spot, RIVOLI, for its delish restaurant and live music and comedy in the backroom. But the upstairs pool hall is fantastic, and getting popular all of a sudden. 334 Queen St. W.