Late-Night Food: Toronto’s 15 Best Snack Bars Open After 11 p.m.
By Renée Suen and Caroline Youdan |
By Renée Suen and Caroline Youdan |

Not long ago, late-night food in Toronto was served by a small culinary cartel: fast-food restaurants, fluorescent-lit noodle shops and decrepit diners that made all their money between midnight and 4 a.m. Toronto’s more respected restaurants stopped serving by 10 o’clock, and night owls were forced to sate themselves with sloppy cheeseburgers, limp all-day breakfast platters and, worst-case-scenario, deep-fried mystery meat from 7-Eleven. Over the past year, though, late-night food in Toronto (or at least Toronto’s west side) has become the foundation for its own scene—one that’s exploded with new after-hours options. The snacks are still greasy and informal, but the ingredients are fresher, the flavours more complex and the surroundings way cooler than the post-bar haunts of yore. Here, our 15 favourite places to eat and drink after 11 p.m.
See our favourite late-night snack bars »
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>BAR VOLO</strong></span><br /> The ultimate beer geek hangout offers 125 bottled brews, 13 rotating draughts and three taps devoted to beers from the bar’s on-site nano-brewery.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing: </strong>Design-Your-Own Charcuterie + Gucci Brown House Ale. Wooden boards come piled with things like Thüringer Polish sausage, three-year-old cloth-bound cheddar and pickled turnips fermented in beet juice. To drink: a rich, medium-bodied brown ale with notes of coffee and chocolate.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Th, 2 p.m.–2 a.m.; F–Su, 12 p.m.–2 a.m. <br /><br /> <em><strong>Bar Volo,</strong> 587 Yonge St., 416-928-0008</em>
- (Image: Renée Suen)
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>HAWKER BAR</strong></span><br /> The crammed Singaporean snack bar is refreshingly low-key for the Ossington strip. The menus are hand-scrawled on odd scraps of cardboard and nothing costs more than $12. <br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Son-in-Law Eggs + Fresh Material Cocktail. The soft-boiled peewee eggs are deep-fried and served with sweet chili jam and Prik Nam Pla—a tongue-tingling mix of Thai chilies and fish sauce. Cool things down with a minty take on the G&T.<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–F, 6 p.m.–late; Sa–Su, 5 p.m.–late<br /><br /> <em><strong>Hawker Bar,</strong> 164 Ossington Ave., 647-343-4698</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>3030</strong></span><br /> The big, bold clubhouse stands out among Dundas West dives with its comfy couches and stacks of secondhand board games. DJs and live acts take the stage after 10 p.m.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Pigtail Torta + Draught Beer. The Mexican sandwich comes stuffed with tender pulled pork and tart pickled onions—a steal at five bucks. The bar is known for having rare and one-off brews on tap. For fall, we like Amsterdam's Calm Before the Storm, which has notes of cocoa and rye. <br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 6 p.m.–late<br /><br /> <em><strong>3030,</strong> 3030 Dundas St. W., 416-769-5736</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>THE FEDERAL</strong></span><br /> The low-key spot attracts a loyal contingent of locals, plus a fair share of spill-over from nearby Ossington.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Veggie Bao + Dorito Caesar. The addictively sloppy steamed buns come stuffed with deep-fried cauliflower and sweet chili-hoisin sauce. For the ultimate sodium fix, guzzle a Worcestershire-spiked caesar rimmed with Cool Ranch Dorito salt.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours: Tu–Su, 6 p.m.–late </strong> <br /><br /> <em><strong>The Federal,</strong> 1438 Dundas St. W., 647-352-9120</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>ODDSEOUL</strong></span><br /> The Ossington dive is a modern-day enigma: no website, no Twitter account—not even a phone number. What it does have are excellent bar snacks, cheap tall cans and strong bourbon cocktails. <br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Squash Poutine + Rum Punch. The All-Canadian bar snack gets an Asian makeover with Japanese curry and kimchi. House punch comes in a shareable pot and packs a serious wallop.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Oddseoul,</strong> 90 Ossington Ave.</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>FOOD AND LIQUOR</strong></span><br />A new Parkdale hangout with high-top tables, a cute backyard patio and a short menu of inventive bar snacks.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Pulled Pork + Spiked Lemonade. Don’t expect barbecue sauce–slathered meat on a roll; this pork comes topped with soft-boiled duck eggs and trotter gear, a jelly made from boiled pig trotters. Cut the richness with a flute of fizzy, citrus-spiked prosecco.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> Th–M, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Food and Liquor,</strong> 1610 Queen St. W., 647-748-7113</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>BELLWOODS BREWERY</strong></span><br /> Beer geeks and hipsters come for the rotating list of house-made drafts and unconventional bar snacks. <br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Grilled Duck Hearts + House Grognard Stout. The brew’s roasted chocolate notes pair well with the jalapeño-spiced offal—an adventurous take on the beer-and-wings equation.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–W, 5 p.m.–12 a.m.; Th–F, 5 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sa, 12 p.m.–1 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Bellwoods Brewery,</strong> 124 Ossington Ave., 416-535-4586</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>ARCHIVE</strong></span><br /> Not a natural oenophile? No worries. The knowledgeable barkeep at this bluesy wine den will help you pick the perfect pour.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Assorted Cicchetti + Wine. The array of bite-size Venetian snacks includes crunchy arancini balls and crostini topped with salt cod. They provide the perfect hit of salty sustenance during an extended tasting session.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 5 p.m.–2 a.m. <br /><br /> <em><strong>Archive,</strong> 909 Dundas St. W., 647-748-0909</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>HAPPY CHILD</strong></span><br /> A slightly creepy Big Boy–style cartoon head is the only signage outside this Queen West dive. The irreverence continues inside, where waiters serve elevated fast food in old-timey paper hats.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Surf ’n Turf + Moonstomp Cocktail. The omnivorous food platter includes a cheeseburger, a lobster roll and a dainty pile of chips. To drink: a mug of wild plum tea spiked with moonshine.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Happy Child,</strong> 1168 Queen St. W., 647-748-1599</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>GERALDINE</strong></span><br /> A turn-of-the-century taproom where bow-tied waiters sling absinthe cocktails and 1920s-style collations. It’s the ideal spot to break in a new fur stole or set of suspenders.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing: </strong>Welsh Rarebit + Sazerac. The British version of cheese-on-toast comes on thick-cut bread oozing with cheesy bechamel—the ultimate cocktail-sop. A classic Sazerac matches the sepia-toned surroundings.<br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> <br />Su–M, 6 p.m.–12 p.m.; W–Th, 6 p.m.–12 p.m.; F–Sa, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Geraldine,</strong> 1564 Queen St. W., 647-352-8815</em>
- (Image: Renée Suen)
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>HOOF COCKTAIL BAR</strong></span><br /> Complex cocktails and smooth, mid-century jazz make Jen Agg’s Dundas West retreat the perfect setting for a cozy tête-à-tête.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Stout Cheez Whiz + Jack Rabbit Cocktail. The tart mix of apple brandy and citrus pairs naturally with the cheddar-rich spread.<br /><br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 6:30 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Hoof Cocktail Bar,</strong> 923 Dundas St. W., 416-792-7511</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>BAR ISABEL</strong></span><br /> Grant van Gameren’s new College Street tavern is suited to languorous late-night snacking—provided you don’t mind shouting over the intense din.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> King Crab + Bullfighter Cocktail. The giant crustaceans are roasted and served by the glorious half-dozen. Wash them down with a refreshing mix of rye, Campari and lemon.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>Bar Isabel,</strong> 797 College St., 416-532-2222</em>
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- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>THE LIBERTINE</strong></span><br /> A modern-day speakeasy with a secret entrance and an in-house medium who reads fortunes in a candlelit booth.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Fried Chicken + Oda Mae Brown Cocktail. The updated KFC is crispy on the outside, moist on the inside and served with a pile of crunchy pickled veggies and lettuce leaves for wrapping. Pair it with an intriguing mix of root beer, cognac and lemon verbena.<br /><br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> Tu–Sa, 7 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>The Libertine,</strong> 1307 Dundas St. W., 647-748-8288</em>
- (Image: Renée Suen)
- Late-Night Food in Toronto: A Guide
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>A-OK FOODS</strong></span><br /> The South Asian street food emporium is lodged above a Queen West convenience store. We strongly suggest paying a visit before it <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/daily-dish/deathwatch/2013/10/02/a-ok-foods-is-closing/">closes next month.</a><br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Bulgogi Torta + Demon Slayer Sake. Soy and guac sound like a weird combo, but the addictive K-Mex sandwich deserves all the <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/daily-dish/must-try/2013/03/11/a-ok-bulgogi-torta/">love it gets.</a> To drink, go for hard-to-find Wakatake Junmai Daiginjo, a full-bodied sake with hints of melon and lychee.<br /> <br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> Su–Th, 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m.; F–Sa, 5:30 p.m.–12 p.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>A-OK Foods,</strong> 930 Queen St. W., 647-352-2243</em>
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- <span class="font-size: 14pt"><strong>416 SNACK BAR</strong></span><br /> The boisterous gastropub is a hub for roaming bands of off-duty Toronto chefs. They come for the sophisticated drinks list and deliciously junky finger-food.<br /><br /> <strong>Suggested Snack Pairing:</strong> Trinidadian Fritters + Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion. The pale ale’s spicy notes synch perfectly with the golden, curry-stuffed pastry.<br /><br /> <strong>Hours:</strong> M–Su, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.<br /><br /> <em><strong>416 Snack Bar,</strong> 181 Bathurst St., 416-364-9320</em><br />
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Hard to have a complete list, as Toronto offers such a vast number of establishments all over….although in this case, it was noticeable that almost all places listed in the article above are within a small geographic area in the west end of the downtown core of the city…
Some of my late night faves include Hemingways Pub on Cumberland Av in Yorkville Village, kitchen open to 2AM.
Also, 7West Restaurant, on Charles St W (just SW of Yonge & Bloor) where the kitchen is open 24-hours!
And let’s not forget Queen St E, and the upcoming Gerrard St E area with new (and some not some new) late night gastro pubs and romantic restaurants.
Hemingways Pub is a location I’m familiar with. Would go there.
No Barton Snacks? For shame…
Good start, but it’s a bit biased to the west end. I’d like to see a bit more of a geo-balanced assessment.
I see that your list may be slightly “West End” based, but how is it that you missed Amicos Pizza/ Ristorante@1648 Queen St. West. We have be proudly serving Parkdale and most of the downtown Toronto for 35 years. Open 4:00 pm – 4:00 am Dine in, Take out, and Delivery.
How could you miss “Amico’s Pizza Ristorante”??? They’ve been around for more than 30 years! Where else could you get braised lamb shanks with gorgonzola scalloped potatoes in the middle of the night? Closed Tuesdays – open 4 pm to 4 am every other night. (Queen St. West, 1 block east of Roncesvalles Ave)