Toronto Nightlife Tips by lohki

The Bedford Academy: Sounds like a Prep School for Beer Drinkers.

This Annex mansion is the former home of the Toronto's Ladies Club but since 1996 The Bedford Academy has been pouring pints and serving snacks to anyone and everyone.

The house is beautifully restored and maintained and the many differnt rooms allow for larger groups to make this a great spot to get together. I've had pizza and nachos and other assorted finger foods here and been pleased with both taste and price.

All and all a great option for eating and drinking after a day at the museums, especially if the pricey cafes of Yorkville are not your style. The Bedford Academy is within walking distance of The Bata, Gardnier and ROM museums.

** There is a neat little wine cellar at the bottom of the stairs, make sure to look for it on your way to the washrooms**

Dress Code: Casual, urban chic.

Address: 36 Prince Arthur Avenue

Directions: TTC: St. George Station, use the Bedford Rd. exit and walk one block south

Phone: 416-921-4600

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Website: http://www.thebedfordacademy.com/index.html

Drake Hotel: The Man Cave!

Usually "French Kiss Thursdays" are my choice when coming to the Drake. A veritable man cave, this place always seems to be filled with a great selection of friendly guys, from suits to grunge, take your pick. (Don't fret gentleman, we know this little fact!)

I usually start the evening downstairs in the lounge but in the hot summer months Sky Yard is the place I usually end up.

The rooftop patio is often crowded so if you want a seat at the bar, one of the tables or a coveted couch lounger you better arrive early!! Often "uber chic" hot spots in a city can be pretentious and lame, the Drake is not one of them. I always have a blast when I come here but I usually stick to week nights to avoid huge lines and cover charges.

Dress Code: This is definitely the *IN* crowd here... that being said I have seen jeans and t-shirts, ball caps and sparkly club clothes, all on the same night. Of course each and every one was totally an "outfit" regardless of the style genre.

Best advice, dress hip, whatever that means to you.

** Ladies make sure you wear high heels that you can walk in!! There are metal stairs, wooden stairs, steep back stairs and a variety of different floor surfaces to navigate here. All of which I have learned can be challenging when accompanied by liquor!**

Address: 1150 Queen Street West

Directions: West of Ossington but east of Dufferin, on the north side of Queen Street.

Not on the subway line, but you can take the Queen Streetcar, it zips right past the Drake.

Other Contact: 1-866-372-5386

Phone: 416-531-5042

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Website: http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/home.asp

The Victory Cafe: Victory in Beer Eating and drinking Review

I have included Victory in both restaurants and nightlife because those of us in the 'hood use it as both.

When I am heading out for a quick pint this is usually where I end up. It is a great kick back, mellow out, kind of place. In the summer the patio is often jammed until well after midnight.

The service CAN be a little slow (not always) but most of the regulars here are not in a hurry so it doesn't really matter.

The Victory Cafe is always always busy, even in terrible weather, of course most of the patrons probably live down the street!

Usually I sit at the bar and drink a beer, or two...

Dress Code: Casual, comfortable, you could wear whatever you want here!

Address: 581 Markham Street.

Directions: One block south of Bloor Street, one block west of Bathurst.

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Website: http://www.victorycafe.ca/

Club Zanzibar: Girls, Girls, Girls Adult spot Review

Okay… so I confess I have never actually been INSIDE Club Zanzibar, but it is a Toronto institution!

I adore that they have kept the old sign and spruced up the front of the club and it wasn’t always a strip joint.

Some very, VERY famous musicians have played here back when it was a live music venue.

I am not positive but I think you can EAT here?

Uhhhh do people really eat burgers and fries while watching the peelers?

Dress Code: Again… I have never actually been here

–BUT-

I have been to the Brass Rail…. (Hee hee hee, in my wilder 20’s) which is also on Yonge

Street and they do have a dress code! So don’t arrive in dirty cut off shorts without a t-shirt!

Address: 359 Yonge Street

Directions: North of Dundas on the East side of Yonge Street.

Theme: Adult Spot