Cocktail spots in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood
Whether you need a night out on the town or would rather spend a low-key evening at a local pub or restaurant, Leslieville has the cocktail bar for you. Toronto is known for its variety of watering holes and Leslieville doesn’t disappoint. There’s always a new place to explore in this neighbourhood! Here are the hippest hangouts for cocktail hour in Leslieville. [Image credit: iStock.com/Ezhukov]
Skin+Bones
980 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K1At first glance, the name might intimidate you. You might think of a grungy bar off some seedy downtown alley, but nothing could be further from the truth! Skin + Bones is a casual, family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant run by a husband and wife. Featuring industrial-style decor, it has a warm atmosphere and fresh, seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced products. Their brunch and lunch menus include a selection of innovative and classic cocktails and walk-in seating is available at their 40-ft. bar.
The Hitch
1216 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L7Don’t let the moose or rabbit head hanging on the wall throw you off – Hitch is a cozy, intimate place to chill out. Open seven days a week from 5 pm to 2 am, Hitch is a serious cocktail bar (Tip: Every mixed drink contains a double shot, so one might be all you need). Hitch also has a small snack menu with an assortment of affordable eats. With low music and intimate lighting, it’s the perfect place for a date.
Ascari Enoteca
1111 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K7Ascari’s namesake is Alberto Ascari, a 1950’s Formula One Italian racing legend. Ascari doesn’t hide its passion with its racing-themed decor, but still manages to maintain a casual, cozy feel. It’s an Italian restaurant featuring homemade pastas made in-house daily, and a high-quality wine selection from around the globe. Their customers love them, as they rave about Ascari being one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. A bonus: They also offer a wide selection of Italian-inspired cocktails during cocktail hour – or any hour, really.
Goods & Provisions
1124 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K8Hip and laid-back Goods & Provisions is an eclectic restaurant serving a wide selection of drinks and a small, global menu. The funky cocktail collection includes names like Siesta, Fall of Saigon and Dark and Stormy, to name a few. A complementary menu includes French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, East Coast and Asian-inspired fare, so you won’t lack for variety or go hungry. The brick and wood decor gives the place a cozy, rustic vibe that invites you to get comfortable and stay awhile. Cocktail hour is 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
