The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns took a toll on the nightlife industry in Toronto. This resulted in the closure of some of the city’s beloved LGBTQ spaces, including the west-end watering hole, the Beaver.
Luckily, there has been a resurgence of queer refugees back in 2022. And this brings us to this list of the top 5 incredible and inclusive new venues where queers and members of the LGBTQ community can hang out.
These are as follows:
Paradise Grapevine
Nice Nice wine bar’s monthly Queer Wine Night relocated to the patio of Paradise Grapevine back in 2022. This instantly turned the cozy Ossington wine bar into a vibrant west-end queer hub.
Hosted by Paradise server Maria Lykouris, the event is dedicated to bringing niche and organic wines to the queer and BIPOC communities. With lineups regularly stretching down the block, we highly advise that you arrive here early as the venue can easily get packed with people.
Tammy’s Wine Bar
Adding to Roncesvalles’ Tommy’s Wine Bar is Tammy’s Wine Bar which has found its place in Parkdale.
This minimalist bar and café which opened in December 2021 has quickly become a community hub. The staff, consisting of women, nonbinary, and queer individuals, contributes to the inclusive atmosphere, along with a lively events lineup curated by radio host Joey D’Angelo and Kathleen Barrett.
On Sundays, Tammy’s hosts “Everybody Flirts,” which is a queer karaoke event that draws a huge and lively crowd late into the night. The approachable natural wine program is curated by Lexi Wolkowski, who brings over 10 years of wine experience from Bar Raval.
Tammy’s Wine Bar is not just a place to enjoy great wine, it’s also a community space where everyone is welcome.
Lavender Menace
Lavender Menace is named after a group of lesbians who advocated for recognition in the ’70s feminist movement, and it stands out as a unique addition to the Village gay bar scene.
This relaxed cocktail bar exudes a cozy retro vibe and offers uniquely crafted themed cocktails, like the Votes for Women featuring butterfly pea-infused gin, rose liqueur, and thyme honey syrup.
Owners Vivian Lynch and Agnes Lee, who are both known for Gerrard Street’s Yard Sale Bar, organize special events, including DJ patio sessions, drag nights, Chatty Thursdays inspired by Fleabag, and a monthly dance night for queer women.
Avling
Avling is a stylish open-concept taproom in Leslieville that serves as the venue for a monthly Queer Beer Night featuring $6 pints and dumplings (both veggie and meat options available).
Each edition of this event supports a different charity. Avling Brewery stands out by sourcing ingredients for its beers and dishes, such as lamb dumplings with a celery-and-chive vinaigrette, from its sustainable 4,000-square-foot rooftop garden.
Here, you can enjoy great beer and delicious food. You can even support a good cause at Avling’s Queer Beer Night.
Houndstooth
Lastly, we have Houndstooth in Bickford Park which is an eclectic and unpretentious spot that draws in goths, punks, and artists with its affordable drinks and rentable rehearsal spaces.
Serving as a neighborhood coffee shop by day and transforming into a lively bar at night, Houndstooth hosts a diverse range of entertainment, including DJs, bands, and movie nights, reflecting its varied staff and clientele.
Monthly, DJ Sofia Fly spins house and trap music, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. The roster of musicians is equally diverse, featuring the likes of DJs Eytan Tobin and Geezr, indie band Westelaken, and bluesy singer Curt James.