The Best Dive Bars in Toronto, Compared: Cheap Pints, Karaoke and Cash-Only Classics

Toronto's dive bars are where cheap drinks, jukeboxes and a little grit still win out over bottle service. A November 2025 Toronto Life roundup and Destination Toronto's cheap-drinks guide point to the same group of reliable spots. Here is how they compare by neighbourhood and personality.

West end rock-and-roll

Ted's Collision in Little Italy is a no-frills rock-and-roll bar with budget beer, live music, pool and pinball; it is cash only. Swan Dive on the western edge of Little Portugal offers a daily beer-and-shot deal plus tarot and zine events, also cash only. The Communist's Daughter, near Ossington, is a small holdout from the area's early days, with a jukebox, live music and BYO vinyl Mondays. Bovine Sex Club on Queen West is bold and body-positive, with live local music, drag and burlesque.

Downtown and Queen West deals

Wide Open, in a downtown alley on Spadina, is known for cheap daily deals and drinking games; note the card minimum. Destination Toronto lists Monday half-price drinks and $12 pitchers there. Squirly's on Queen West is a revived dive with karaoke, trivia and birria tacos, open seven days. Done Right Inn is the patio pick, with a shaded back patio and low-priced pints in summer.

East end and the Danforth

Lloyd's in Leslieville is bare-bones and 1980s-nostalgic, with bingo and trivia nights. Farside on Gerrard East feels like a communal living room with retro furniture and karaoke. On the Danforth, Linsmore Tavern has hosted live music since 1934, and Mom's Basement is a nerdy retro bar covered in vintage posters with video games. Captain Jack in the Beaches is cosy, full of sports memorabilia, and has foosball.

Patios and neighbourhood picks

Ronnie's Local in Kensington Market is a people-watching patio (cash only), while Black Eagle on Church Street is a long-running leather-and-denim bar with DJs and themed dance parties.

How to choose

For live music and pinball, go to Ted's Collision or the Communist's Daughter. For the cheapest night out, check the weekday specials at Wide Open. For karaoke, pick Farside or Squirly's. For a summer patio, head to Done Right Inn or Ronnie's Local. For something distinctly east-end, choose Lloyd's or Linsmore. Many of these bars are cash only or have minimums, and drink specials change, so bring cash, confirm hours and deals directly, and arrange a safe ride home.