WHAT TO DO, EAT, AND DRINK ON A WEEKEND TRIP TO TORONTO
Only have 48-72 hours in Toronto? I’m here for it! Given the short window, I’ve curated a list of options that are all located in the downtown area for ease of access. And, this also gives you a chance of actually covering a good part of the list.
It’ll be harder to hit all the food options, as one can only eat so much, but I recommend the one-drink-and-then-we-move-on strategy to try out as many bars as possible, and it helps to pace your drinking so you don’t wake up in a hollow tree.
I’ve categorized things as attractions, food, drinks, and steak (as steak deserves its own category).
Steak
(Harbour 60 Steakhouse)
Steak lovers will be satisfied with any of these delicious options:
Barberian’s is my favorite, followed closely by Harbour 60. There are no doubt cooler and newer joints in town, but these spots have been around for decades for a reason, and in the case of the Barberian’s it has been serving the city’s best steaks for over 60 years!
The Keg is a chain of Canadian-owned steakhouses, and while they are not particularly remarkable, they do serve consistently good food at a fair price. But, the main reason I’ve included them is because The Keg Mansion location is unique in that it is located in an old historic mansion. This building is an architectural treasure and notoriously haunted, so be sure to tip extra if you get a supernatural surprise with your meal.
Food
(Assembly Chef’s Hall)
Assembly Chef's Hall - Want a place with lots of options? Try this upscale food hall in the financial district.
Canoe - One of the best restaurants in the city and it has incredible views of the downtown core. I highly recommend the tasting menu if you have the time and the money. Try to get a seat by the window, and if you don’t have time for a full meal, just drop into the bar for a quick drink and soak in the views from the 54th floor.
Alo - Your parents should have put your name down at birth in the hopes you’d have a reservation by the time you’re old enough to drink. It has consistently been named the best restaurant in Canada and it's well deserved. If you don’t want to wait years for a dinner reservation, try dropping by and asking if they have room at the bar.
Aloette - This spot is located under Alo and was opened as a consolation prize to the folks who couldn’t get into Alo. Still amazing because it was created by the people behind Alo, but obviously nowhere near as magical as the original.
Smoke's Poutinerie - No trip to Canada is complete without eating the unofficial national dish called poutine. It’s cheese curds and gravy on french fries, otherwise known as deliciousness, eh!? Smoke’s does additional things with this dish that only make it more delicious, eh!
St. Lawrence Market - Since 1803, this market has been feeding the citizens of Toronto and you’ll find lots to chew on here too.
The Chase - This is where you go to impress and ruin your taste buds for any other restaurant. They also have one of the nicest rooftop patios in the city.
Queen and Beaver - Best modern English Pub in the city. Catch Premiership matches on weekends on the second floor.
Edulis - Go here for a Michael Bolton-style romantic evening, and for amazing food that will change your life.
California Sandwiches - This Toronto institution has been serving their irresistible veal sandwiches since the 1960s. If you’re looking for a quick, cheap, casual bite, get one of their famous veal sandwiches and enjoy some Toronto history.
Get a hot dog from a street vendor - The hot dogs in Toronto are grilled, which I find superior to the boiled hot dogs that you find in New York City. Yes, I said it. I love you NYC, but your street meat needs a reboot.
Bar Isabel - There are lots of places in the city to get Spanish food, but none of them are like this place. Reservations are mandatory!
The Burger’s Priest - The burgers at this local chain are not healthy at all. I highly recommend having as many as you can eat!
El Catrin - There are better Mexican restaurants in town, but the decor at this place beats them all by a mile and it’s in the Distillery District which you should see if you’re in town.
Richmond Station - Opened by a Top Chef Canada winner, and while there are lots of delicious things on the menu, I highly recommend the burger.
O.Noir - Looking for a unique dining experience? Go here and dine in the dark. Like, seriously, it’s so dark that you won’t even be able to see your hand in front of your face. The unique concept is staffed by blind servers who are there to help you with anything you need. Dining in the dark is meant to make you more aware of your other senses while eating. Warning: If you’re claustrophobic, you might want to skip this as total darkness provokes the same sensations as being trapped in a small space. My date found that out the hard way…
Sap - What is Canadian comfort food? Go here to find out and feel your arteries clog. I highly recommend their tourtieres (meat pies).
Kost - The draw here are the views from the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel. I’d go for breakfast, but that’s about it.
(The Famous Burger at Odd Burger, also known as their fake vegan Big Mac.)
Attention, vegans and vegetarians!
I didn’t forget about y’all. Here are some great options that even a carnivore like me has enjoyed over the years:
Planta - Multiple locations that span from formal to casual to suit your mood, and all are delicious.
Fresh on Front - This place even serves a vegan version of poutine, and is super popular with the vegetable crowd in Toronto.
Odd Burger - If you like fun with your veggies, this place makes vegan versions of your favorite fast food items.
The Hogtown Vegan - Traditional comfort food, but meat-free! I know many non-plant-based people just got chills down their spine, but I promise it’s ok.
Attractions
(Distillery District)
Toronto Island - There’s a small amusement park on the island, but most Torontonians who don’t have kids go there to do some bike riding (you can rent them on the island). There’s also a haunted lighthouse on the west end of the island and a nude beach, which some have stumbled upon by accident and are still haunted by what they saw. (I’m talking about the beach and not the lighthouse.) You have been warned.
Distillery District - Canada’s most used filming location and a cool spot with lots of unique shops and restaurants. This site was formerly a distillery that opened in 1832 and looks nothing like any other area in the city.
CN Tower - No longer the tallest structure in the world, but still really tall. If you insist on visiting, consider making a reservation at the restaurant. The price of admission is about $50, which is waived if you have a dinner reservation, so why not just invest that in a meal? You will also have access to the observation decks after your meal. Those looking for something to really get the adrenaline going might want to check out EdgeWalk which allows you to walk and dangle outside of the tower.
Rogers Centre - If you’re a baseball fan, check to see if the Blue Jays are in town!
Scotiabank Arena - This is where the Raptors (NBA) and the Maple Leafs (NHL) play.
Kensington Market - A bohemian area of town that has an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and everything in between. Lot’s of thrift shops too, if you’re into vintage clothing.
Hockey Hall of Fame - A must for any die-hard hockey fans.
Casa Loma - One of the few castles you’ll find outside of Europe and the only one in Toronto. During the summer there are outdoor symphony concerts on the grounds that will make you feel like you’re in Paris rather than Toronto. <Insert your own “Emily in Paris” joke here.>
Graffiti Alley - For something a bit different, drop by to experience graffiti art that reflects the mood of the city. Fans of Banksy should also note that there are a number of his pieces in the city. They’re not in Graffiti Alley, but they’re in the downtown core, so just Google it if you’re interested.
OCAD - Check out the unique building that is the Sharpe Centre for Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) that looks like it’s sitting on stilts.
Bata Shoe Museum - There are lots of museums in the city, but this is the only shoe museum in the city and possibly the largest in the world. It features famous shoes from historical figures and celebrities like: Queen Victoria, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and the Dalai Lama. A must-see for shoe lovers.
Wander the “Second Coolest Neighborhood in the World” according to Vogue in 2014 - West Queen West (Queen Street West between Bathurst and Dufferin Streets).
Ripley’s Aquarium - I’m told that this is one of the nicer ones in the world by aquarium enthusiasts. All I can say is that I enjoyed my visit there and became really obsessed with the glowing jelly fish.
Steam Whistle Brewery Tour - Sample some beer at one of the first craft breweries in the city.
Yorkville - Spend all your money or just people watch in Toronto’s version of Rodeo Drive.
(CN Tower and Rogers Centre)
Drinks
These are all good casual drinking spots to relax:
Bellwoods Brewery - Tasty creative beers brewed on-site.
AAA Bar - Good selection of bourbons.
Boxcar Social Harbourfront - Every location of this local chain of bars is cool, but their Harbourfront location next to the lake is my favorite.
Trinity Common - There is often live music on weekends, a good selection of beers, and it’s in Kensington Market which you should visit anyways during your trip.
Belfast Love - A pub in the heart of Toronto’s nightlife district of King West.
El Rey Mezcal Bar - Casual Mexican-inspired bar.
The Slip - Great views of the lake at this outdoor patio bar.
Spin Toronto - If you're looking to play ping pong drunk.
Craft Beer Market - They have over 100 beers on tap.
Shameful Tiki Room - Just fun and silliness.
Horseshoe Tavern - Good spot for live music.
(Enjoying some drinks by the lake at The Slip)
These are drinking spots if you’re looking for a fancier vibe:
Bar Chef - Really creative cocktails.
Bar Raval - It feels like you’re having drinks in Barcelona.
Clockwork - This bar in the lobby of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel is a great spot to take lots of pictures for your Instagram followers.
Harriet's Rooftop - Pretty and fancy spot, just don’t fall in the pool.
Lobby Shangri-La Hotel - For fancy drinks that are also casual, if that makes any sense to you, LOL!
Drake Sky Yard - This rooftop patio is located at the Drake Hotel which is a pretty cool spot to check out too.
Mahjong Bar - A speakeasy located behind a fake convenience store.
Cocktail Bar - Cozy spot for some fancy cocktails. Would also make a good date spot.
Gift Shop - Speakeasy behind a barber shop.
(Neo Coffee Bar)
Local coffee spots, if you’re looking for alternatives to Starbucks:
Dineen Coffee - French-inspired cafe.
Neo Coffee Bar - Japanese-inspired cafe.
Fika - Swedish-inspired cafe.
Pilot Coffee Roasters - Just some local kids roasting some delicious, ethical, direct trade coffee, and building transparency in the process from farm-to-cup.
Tim Hortons - I wouldn’t normally include this in a list, as I don’t think their coffee is very good, but it is a Canadian thing, so go enjoy a coffee there if you want to do something Canadian. I will now go prepare myself for all the people who will come after me for disrespecting Tim Hortons coffee.
There are obviously lots of great spots that didn’t make it on my list, so feel free to do your own research to fill in the gaps, and let me know what you come up with so I can add them to the list.