21 Best Dive Bars near York

“Place is amazing . Owner is awesome , great staff , and drinks very well priced four dollar drinks specials beers for six dollars. Lots of fun things to do there they have live music, free pool Tuesday nights, Karaoke three nights a week. Place to check out.“

“My parents used to go here in the 50’s and 60’s. I had a Grossmans sweatshirt I inherited from my Dad. I remember it was orange. Anyway years later in the early 80’s,myself and my university friends hit Grossmans one night and that was it!! Regulars for a very long time now.I remember seeing and partying with Jeff Healy,Gordie Johnson,Amanda Marshal to name a few. One night we even saw Burton Cummings. We walked in heard the band playing American Woman and lo and behold there’s Burton singing it with the band. Absolutely awesome!!The owners lost their wonderful daughter years ago and started charity in her name to help under privileged students I believe. Wonderful family run bar for years.Haven’t been in awhile but it’s time for a nostalgic visit to Grossmans!! Love this place! So many memories!!!“

“The smell hits you as you walk in. It's like a teenager's bedroom.Decades of sweaty music fans have left their olfactory tattoo.Perfect conditions for beer and a band! We watched, 'The Gruesomes'. This cult band, formed in the eighties, drew a mostly aged crowd,us included. The sound and atmosphere are great. Plenty of bar staff, quick service. Toilets are downstairs. They are graffitied and grubby but five beers in, I didn't care.The checkered floor is iconic as described in the Tragically Hip song, 'Bobcageon'. A must visit if you're in Toronto.“

“This is definitely one of the best bars in TorontoIf you like dive bars and very good people and excellent bartenders and service this is your place I travel for a living Toronto is one of my favorite cities and to find a bar like this is a gem“

“Probably my favourite local. Good beer selection, great interior design, pinball and pool and always a weird movie running on the screen. Comfortable place for a drink on your own if that's where you're at, too. Sometimes there's simple food on offer but generally you can bring your own if you're hungry.Kid-friendliness: No.“

“The bar was beautiful and had a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, but that welcome feeling just about stopped when my friends and I watched the bartender (white dude with glasses and a superiority complex) cuss out a group of men for not tipping him and then refusing to serve them. The bartender was yelling about dying and being swamped and that he does not work for free, but he most definitely is paid hourly, and he just opens cans and slides them across the counter with an attitude. Terrorizing people for not having enough money to tip is insane to me. He went on and on about how he doesn't make enough money working there, so its hypocritical to ostracize and criticize someone for not being in the financial state to tip when he supposedly knew the customers struggle.Will not be coming back.“

“Everywhere to go in Toronto and my friend and I ended up at this Rock and Roll Dive bar. The atmosphere was unique and the crowd was all so inviting. We were met with a happy crowd and fun live music. This sort of thing isn't normally my vibe but I had an absolute blast spending my night here. It was packed but still felt like I could move around easily as well!“

“Had a great time at this place. Bartender was attentive and we had some good conversations. Atmosphere was comfortable, I would describe it as a “boutique dive bar.” Also prices were good. Enjoyed this place, would definitely come back.Only complaint was that the men’s bathroom stall didn’t have a lock.“

“This historic place is a warm and welcoming neighborhood bar that gets great bands in. I came recently and saw the Original Pairs and a fabulous band from Montréal. A very fun evening. The staff are lovely and friendly. There is a long bar, tables, and a small stage with good sound that feels intimate to the room. There’s space to dance between the stage and the tables. In the evening they only serve drinks (also good nonalcoholic options) but they don’t mind if patrons bring snacks in. There’s the 24 hour Lakeview diner just around the corner that offers poutine, burgers, etc.“

“In a city where the only constant is change, it's refreshing to visit somewhere that doesn't. I've been going here and on off for years, and the familiar atmosphere, great music, top notch beer selection, and salty-but-friendly staff makes stepping in there feel like a hug from an old friend. The last holdout of dive bar culture in trendy Little Italy. Thank you!“

“Visiting from Denver, CO. Found this place by chance and it is excellent. Chris is friendly and more importantly knowledgeable about the local beers he serves. We're only in town for a few days but we will stop in every night that were in Toronto.“

“Great place just on wine good people proper pool tables bartenders great acknowledges customers just a good place to have a beer eat some food and talk some smack about how the leaves are going to win or the Blue Jays are going to take it lol“

“I absolutely love this place. The music is literally most of my Spotify playlists and not so loud that you can't have a conversation. The staff are friendly and efficient. I have never had a bad meal here and the oysters are always fresh.“

“Nice neighbourhood bar, that I visit occasionally when I like the band that is playing. Food is great, reasonably priced, and the wait-staff are attentive. On this night Johnny had someone going around giving all the ladies a single rose... nice touch Johnny.“

“Excellent bar. Wide variety of drinks at very affordable price. Linda and Kudo are so good with customers and they serve very well. They are a Good hardworking bunch. I will definitely come again if I ever crave for a beer or shots. There is enough space for party, just call ahead and it has good music. They have a juke box kind of deal where you can select music you like. Just Amazing, and I know you’ll say the same.Just an insider tip: free food just after 8 ? : homemade Chinese food (till its last ).“

“bistro is bestro. pitchers of long Island, ice cold moosehead bottles, and 18+ photo hunt games on megatouch. if you can't have fun with your friends in this atmosphere... ya ya ya. on some real talk though the prices are wicked reasonable, there's a back patio and nobody is acting like an overpriced clown. great souvenir t-shirts when in stock as well!“

“Perfect low key spot where you can go and eat like a king, drink like a champ or chill like a friend. Always the best service.Vegetarian options: AnyDietary restrictions: You ask and you will receive what you what if not betterParking: More than enough“

“I have been coming to this establishment for over 7 years and one thing I have to say the service has to be the worst I have ever seen. The customer service especially the boy at the front very rude and careless. He said he will call the police if I eat inside cause I was extremely hungry and the manager felt to big to come out and have a discussion with me very rude set of people“

“Great dive bar decked out with art and decor throughout. Tons of arcade games in the back to play (FREE). Prices for drinks super reasonable, especially for a Saturday night.Try out the pizza in the back of the bar, really delicious slices with a thin crust - mind blown over the taste and portion sizes. Infact the pizza is better than 98% of the pizza that's served in Toronto.“

“Has a unique vibe with good energy. The staff work hard and do their best to manage the rushes. I've known all of the servers to be consistently kind and do their best to serve demanding crowds. It's nice to see people sing along to the music and enjoy themselves all night.“

“Wide open has alwayse been a preferred hidden treasure of mine on Spadina. My bartender tonight has alwayse been kind and attentive. Highly recommend this spot for everyone who needs a fast affordable night on the town. Will return repeatedly.“