The Annex, like many Toronto neighbourhoods, mixes historic charm and modern day trendiness. And since beer is a beverage that doesn’t discriminate, you'll likely find a great spot for a brew in this area.
This is a huge venue with six floors and 11 bars, and while the vibe can get a little rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights, everyone is still friendly and well-behaved. There’s an awesome selection of both draft and bottled beer and they go down easily while you’re parked in front of one of the many large-screen TVs. Madison Avenue Pub also has oodles of dartboards and pool tables, giving you the perfect setup for friendly wagers.
You'll feel like you’re king of the world when sipping beer on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel. It’s one of the most sophisticated environments in the whole city, with an unobstructed view of the city skyline and a gorgeous sunset most nights. Even cold weather can’t keep people away as their patio is heated and comfortable. Before your beer even arrives, you’ll have a platter of almonds, pretzels and olives in front of you.
A pint of beer on its own tastes so lonely, so give it some company in the form of stellar live entertainment. Each Monday, The Central hosts an open mic comedy night upstairs, while Tuesdays are set aside for Evan Desmarais’s wildly successful comedy show. If you prefer something a little more chilled out, come on other evenings and be serenaded by the cool sounds of jazz and blues music.
Finding great international and local beers usually means you have to head to one of the latest hipster hotspots in the city, but Insomnia opts instead for timeless elegance. Their menu consists of items so good you'll be dreading the last call. And though it may sound like an odd pairing, try their Lindt ice cream waffles with a dark ale. You'll be recommending it to all of your friends.
Mondays are the most popular nights at Pauper’s because of the cheap pint prices from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. And, even on Christmas, you can still pay Pauper's a visit because their first floor is open every single day of the year. Make sure to check out their rooftop patio when the weather’s warm for one of the best unobstructed views of the city. They also have live music upstairs on Thursdays.