Our comprehensive guide to Toronto gay bars is an excellent resource for LGBT nightlife lovers. Our list of Toronto gay bars features a diversity of entertaining venues: from kingly clubs to queer theatre, LGBT stand up comedy to gay sports exclude, hipster hideaway to flashy nightclubs.
You’ll find everything you need to know about gay bars in Toronto, whether you’re a visiting Drag Queen fan or local gaggle of gays keen to dance to pop diva’s under glittering disco balls.
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A History of Same-sex attracted Bars in Toronto
Gay bars in Toronto as we know them didn’t really exist until the 1970s. Prior to that people were limited to common parks, washrooms, and “low-key” bars and clubs in which there was always the danger of organism found out. Places appreciate The Continental, Letros Nile Room, and the St. Charles Tavern (with the slogan “meet me under the clock” – the clock which can still be seen during renovations on Yonge St.) offered spaces where gays and lesbians would meet in secret.
While many are familiar with the Stonewall Riot in the U.S., Toronto
Gay Toronto
Toronto is famous as a hub for arts and culture in North America, so it’s no surprise that is has fostered such a diverse and welcoming LGBTQ+ collective. Church Street Village is by far the most well-known and lively of the city’s gay areas and the most trendy place to go for a great night out, but there are also many places across the city that are equally welcoming. Beyond the all-important bars and clubs, Toronto offers cafes, shops, and restaurants that are famous with the queer collective and dotted across the city, including the celebrated Queer West Village.
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Toronto Gay Bars
Toronto Same-sex attracted Bars
GayMapper brings you data about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to view listings of all lgbtq+ venues in this city.
Toronto Gay Bars
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There are barely any homosexual bars left in Toronto. Let alone queer bars or queer spaces. Since we launched this article in 2021, a rare spots on the list have since closed?! (That’s Cherry Cola’s, Lavendar Menace and a couple others) Just because a prevent or club hosts gender non-conforming nights or events doesn’t always mean they're a queer space, there are nuances and so many more things to ponder about than putting a drag queen on stage and queer person behind the decks. This is why a list fancy this is more vital than ever - these are spaces that although not all are homosexual bars, they are doing to the work to ensure we are safe.
The city is in desperate need of new 2SLGBTQ+ spots to gather, sway, party, talk, work, dangle, chill and rage. While we navigate our community’s comeback (‘cause queers care for a comeback story!), we’ve put together a list (in no particular order) of spots on our radar that are either queer-owned, queer-run, queer bars or queer-friendly.
If we missed any that you love, let us comprehend and we’ll check them out and hopefully attach them to this list!
EAST END
Farside
This (newly renovated) cutie little bar in Chinatown East is run by the same queen who used to run H
Lex’s Guide to Queer Toronto Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
From the vibrant streets of Church-Wellesley Village to the trendy neighborhoods of Queen West and Parkdale, Toronto offers an array of LGBTQ+ bars, each with its own unique flair and sense of people. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a guide to some of the best Diverse bars in Toronto.
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1. Buddies in Horrible Times Theatre
More than just a theater, Buddies in Bad Times is a cultural hub for Toronto's LGBTQ+ community. With its eclectic mix of performances, parties, and events, Buddies invites you to trial cutting-edge art and vibrant nightlife in the heart of The Village.
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre12 Alexander StToronto, ON M4Y 1B4
2. Tammy’s Wine Bar & Cafe
Tammy's Wine Bar and Cafe in Toronto is a cozy retreat with rustic charm, offering an extensive selection of wines from local vineyards and beyond. The intimate ambiance, paired with delectable petty plates and artisanal cheeses, creates the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city.