It’s freshman year and you’ve just got to Toronto, you’ve survived Frosh Week and you’ve managed to make some new friends, now where should you go out? Most of us have one thing on the mind, bars. Plus, you’ve got to make use of the 19 drinking age. Here are some of the top student bars that you need to go to at least once if you go to U of T.
1. The Madison Avenue Pub – 14 Madison Avenue
Photo courtesy of @gocollo on Instagram
Or as you’ll soon hear, The Maddy. This bar is historical and has the layout of an old Toronto house. My parents still tell me about their old times at the Maddy. Rumor has it, people have been known to find their spouses there, so you may just find the one. With the multiple floors and large mobs of students, you’ll feel right at home.
#SpoonTip: Head there on a Friday or Saturday, the cover is free.
What to Order?
My go to here is the Long Island Iced Tea. If you want to mix and mingle as well as get your money’s worth, order this drink. You won’t regret it.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try and make this recipe on your own.
2. The Dance Cave – 529 Bloor Street West
Photo by Sarah Katz
The Dance Cave, otherwise known as Lee’s Palace, is an easy go-to when you’re just wanting to dance it out. If you’re a student on a budget, or just craving some throwbacks, this is the place for you. If you bring along that handy student card, you’ll be lucky enough to get free cover. Lee’s Palace is downstairs and often hosts a variety of concerts and shows, so a cheap and fun night is in order if you’re headed here.
What to Order?
My go to here is a Gin and Tonic. A classic, but also might add some class after all that dancing. Plus, you didn’t pay for cover, so treat yourself.
GIF courtesy of tumblr.com
3. The Green Room – 296 Brunswick Avenue
Photo by Sarah Katz
Oh, the Green Room. I usually end my nights here, but plenty of U of T students head here to start the night. This is definitely the place to go if you’re wanting to bond with your new besties on your residence floor, or want to have a chill night with some friends from class.
#SpoonTip: Walk south down Brunswick and head down the first alley on the right, it’s just down there.
What to Order?
My go to is a pitcher of beer. This is the perfect place to sit around, chat and drink so why not enjoy it sipping while on a cold one?
4. Fox & Fiddle – 280 Bloor St West
Photo by Sarah Katz
Ready to sing it out in an epic night of karaoke? Try out the Fox and Fiddle. This bar has multiple locations, the two closest to campus being the Bloor St. and Wellesley St. East spots. St. Mike’s hosts their annual St. Paddy’s Pub Night at the Wellesley location and U of T’s annual January Pub Crawl holds a stop at the Bloor St. location. Their bright awnings are crowd stoppers and it’s proximity to campus is such a bonus.
What to Order?
I would go with a vodka cranberry. You can never really go wrong here. Is vodka not your main squeeze? Maybe try of these cocktails instead.