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1
Eat My Martini
648 College, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1B8This bar specializes in the type of juicy, liqueur-heavy martinis that brought Western civilization to the brink of diabetes in the 90s. Classic cocktail enthusiasts should interpret the “martini” in the bar’s moniker non-literally: these are of the flavoured ilk – 130 varieties, to be exact.
Here’s the real sell: the booze is cheap (check out Thirsty Thursdays, when house martinis are $5), and there’s something naughty and nostalgic about getting sloshed on electric-green jungle juice sipped from a glass designed to be the world’s sloshiest.
Hours Sunday to Wednesday 6 pm to 1 am, Thursday and Friday 6 pm to 2 am, Saturdays 10 am to 2 am.
Access One step at the entrance, washrooms in basement.
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2
The Black Dice Cafe
1574 Dundas W, Toronto, Ontario M6K 1T8Running with what is by far the coolest theme on this list, this Japanese rockabilly bar (and probably the best spot in Toronto to drink delicious Japanese whisky) is where you go to forget about everything except jukebox oldies, tournaments on an ancient pinball machine and your immediate company. Perhaps the otherworldly green-blue glow of retro table lamps causes temporary amnesia, or maybe you just don’t care to be anywhere else but here. In the summertime, keep an eye out for custom bikes parked outside – it’s a motorcycle-style café, after all.
Hours Daily 7 pm to 2 am.
Access Entrance barrier-free, washrooms in basement.
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3
Pravda Vodka Bar
This Soviet-styled bar specializing in the obvious (vodka, bro) has to be one of the most audaciously themed bars in the city. Pravda’s interior is lavish with red brocade, and portraits of grim-faced Communist leaders judge you icily as you get shitfaced with suits, PYTs and well-to-do Russians. Spring for a vodka tasting, which can make for one helluva Friday night. But if you really want the full experience, bottle service might be the way to go. Nostrovia!
Hours Monday and Tuesday 4 pm to midnight, Wednesday to Friday 4 pm to 2 am, Saturday 6 pm to 2 am, private events available.
Access Entrance barrier-free, washrooms in basement.
