With winter weather bearing down on city streets, there has never been a better time to find a cozy pub to warm up your insides with a choice beverage, while a nearby fireplace takes care of the rest. We recommend settling into one of these fireside eateries until it’s time to start working that patio tan again.
C’est What, 67 Front Street E.,416-867-9499
Snagging a seat next to the fire on a cold day is a challenge even in the largest venues, but you have a solid chance of finding room in C’est What’s spacious 19th century cellar. Choose from 42 craft beers and an extensive VQA wine list.
Dora Keogh, 141 Danforth Ave., 416-778-1804
Go for the authentic Irish experience at the sister pub of the Danforth's famous Allen’s. Dora Keogh offers a solid selection of Irish beer and regularly features live Celtic music. Watch out for the Gaelic labeling on the washroom doors.
The Caledonian, 856 College St., 647-547-9827
For larger gatherings, ask for The Caledonian’s Burns Room to keep you and your friends toasty. The Caledonian claims to be the only real Scottish pub and restaurant in the city. You might feel like you don't need a jacket after sampling from their award-winning whisky list of over 150 malts and blends.
The Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt, 4 Avenue Rd., 416-924-5471
The Roof Lounge is a great place to sink into a plush chair and look down on the frozen masses from 18 floors above Yorkville, while you enjoy your fireside seat and take in a stunning view of the skyline.
Brazen Head Irish Pub, 165 East Liberty St., 647-977-6228
This Liberty Village spot is known for its three patios, but during the winter months thick velvet curtains and a roaring fireplace make it a choice venue for watching the game and enjoying some pub-style eats.
Victory Café, 581 Markham St., 416-516-5787
This laid-back English style pub is lovingly referred to as “The Vic” around Mirvish Village. A large fireplace by the front door greets guests with a wave of inviting heat as they arrive for Ontario craft beer and a locally sourced menu.
Drake Hotel Sky Yard, 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042
Think you can’t live it up on a rooftop patio in the winter? Think again. The Drake’s Sky Yard is decked out like a provincial park, complete with canvas tents, log seating, and a vintage snowmobile all under heated lamps. Winter-wimps can find shelter in “The Tunnel,” a long booth flanked by couches and flat-screens playing vintage movies and cartoons.
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Lane, 416-681-0338
Nothing's quite as satisfying as enjoying a pint on a patio in winter—if it's covered, that is. This winterized patio is a behemoth that sports two fireplaces, a smatter of heated lamps, and beers on tap that include hearty selections like the Cobblestone Stout.
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Ln., 416-203-2121
This Distillery District newcomer satisfies with warming cocktails and a patio that boasts a fire pit and heated lamps. Since there's no roof on the patio, you can pretend you're braving the elements while enjoying one of El Catrin's spiciest offerings, the taco gobernador.
The Roy Public House, 894 Queen St. E., 416-465-3331
Just as the name would suggest, The Roy is your quintessential British Pub, complete with temperance slogans lovingly mocked on the wall. (Working is the curse of the drinking class.) Anyone walking through Leslieville will be hard pressed not to pop in for a pint of Boddingtons.
