Irish pubs in Toronto make it so that, no matter what neighbourhood you find yourself in, there’s a perfectly-poured pint waiting for you.
St. Patrick’s Day may be coming up, but I’m of the opinion that there’s no wrong time to visit an Irish-style pub, whether you’re in the market for a casual dinner or a rowdy night out.
Luckily, whether you’re in the north, south, east or west corners of the city, you’re in luck: there’s an Irish pub for you.
Here are 20 of the best Irish pubs in Toronto by neighbourhood.
Annex
Though it’s not strictly an Irish pub, more of an amalgamation of Irish, British and Scottish influences, Pauper’s Pub at the corner of Bloor West and Lippincott always hits the spot.
Beaches
Coming from a team behind a growing number of Irish pubs in the city (but more on that later), the Wolfe Tone checks all the boxes one looks for in such an establishment. Cozy interiors? Check. Proper pours of Guinness? Check. Friendly faces among staff and clientele alike? Check and check.
Bloorcourt
Remember what I said about The Wolfe Tone? Well, you can now access a similar vibe near the intersection of Bloor and Dovercourt at Michael Collins, which is owned and operated by the very same team.
The Stout Irish Pub. Photo by Hector Vasquez.
Cabbagetown
Where better to order a round of stouts with your crew than at a pub named specifically after the stuff? Stout Irish Pub has been a local staple for nearly a decade, lauded as one of the city’s best.
Church-Wellesley Village
The city’s preeminent (and, perhaps, only) gay Irish pub, O’Grady’s guarantees a good time, every time, whether through bingo, live music, or its iconic drag brunches.
Danforth
Though this neighbourhood on the east side of the city recently got a shiny, new location of Dublin Calling, there’s really no competition. Noonan’s or bust.
Noonan’s is an undeniable local staple on Danforth. Photo by Fareen Karim.
Danforth East
Further down the street, Kilt & Harp is a staple sports bar that leans into Irish ephemera with its casual, neighbourhood interiors, though their food offerings are uniquely diverse.
Entertainment District
This downtown hub boasts a number of Irish pubs, but any Toronto resident who’s put in their 10,000 hours partying in the city will tell you that Grace O’Malley’s takes the cake, even when you’re well past your days as a student, which the pub is particularly popular with.
Alternatively, you can set your sights north to Adelaide and visit the no-fail Dublin Calling.
Etobicoke
This neighbourhood is home to a surprisingly impressive lineup of Irish pubs, but St. James Gate, named for the location of the Guinness brewery in Ireland, is one of the best. The Galway Arms is an equally great option.
It’s always Guinness Time at P.J. O’Brien. Photo by Fareen Karim.
Financial District
With its unmistakable yellow-and-blue exterior and legendary Guinness clock, P.J. O’Brien is both one of the longest-standing and most iconic Irish pubs in the city. It’s a no-fail option.
High Park
Whelan’s Gate has been the neighbourhood’s go-to local for more than 30 years, and there’s good reason for that. Its rustic interiors and hearty food menu, paired with cold draught beers and good vibes, make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
King East
Despite the relatively uninspiring surroundings of King East and Church, McVeigh’s has been a local staple for more than 60 years, proudly sporting 6-foot Guinness murals on its exterior walls.
King West
Though it doesn’t specifically bill itself as an Irish pub, The Wheatsheaf, established by an Irishman back in the mid-1800s and therefore the oldest bar in the city, is more than deserving of a spot on the list.
Liberty Village
There’s a non-stop party going on at the Brazen Head, a two-storey pub with a bountiful roster of special events, pub food favourites and beer on tap.
Little Italy
Though it may be smaller than some of the more expansive entries on this list, you can’t deny the charm of Cloak & Dagger. With over 20 local craft beers on tap, karaoke and live music nights and a friendly atmosphere, a pint at this staple is always a good call.
Riverside
Another entry from the team behind The Wolfe Tone and Michael Collins, The West Cork is a cozy yet spacious neighbourhood hangout that oozes unpretentious, friendly vibes.
The pours are perfect at West Cork. Photo by Fareen Karim.
Scarborough
A long-held hidden gem, Tara Inn boasts a welcoming community energy, a bevy of beers on tap and, arguably, the main event: surprisingly tasty chicken wings made fresh to order.
Weston-Mount Dennis
One of the neighbourhood’s longest-standing establishments, Irish Rose is an unexpectedly sweet spot with a big supply of local and imported beers, live music and dartboards.
Yonge & College
Despite its, ahem, cheeky name, Pogue Mahone is a well-oiled machine from the team behind Brazen Head. While there’s not much to point directly to an Irish theme, its name, and the fact that it celebrates St. Paddy’s Day all March long is more than enough.
Yonge & Eglinton
While locals continue to hold out hope that, eventually, the long-shuttered Harp Tavern will actually reopen from its years-long “renovations,” you can pick up a frothy pint at the very charming Celtic Irish Pub.