Toronto Gay Bars & Clubs

Buddies in Bad is the world's biggest and longest-running queer Theatre. It's one of the major hubs of Toronto's alternative theatre scene. It's been running since 1979 and it's located in the heart of Toronto's gay village.

This is a great place to experience gay culture in Toronto. From cutting-edge plays to drag performances and comedy, there's always something interesting going on.

There are also parties such as Dyke Night and After Werk. Check their website to see what's on.

Gay-owned, gay-run, and proudly independent; The Drink is a community favorite in Toronto and well-known for its fantastic offerings of LGBTQ+ entertainment. From drag shows to video dance parties, whatever your tastes are, you're guaranteed a lively night at The Drink. The venue also hosts arts and culture events in their upstairs space and during the day a range of espresso-based coffees and pastries can be enjoyed.  

Conveniently located above the immensely popular O’Grady’s restaurant, The Lodge is a much-loved gay bar that is renowned for its drag and after-dinner drinks. Regularly hosting RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties, the venue is popular across Toronto’s LGBTQ+ scene, attracting a diverse, mixed crowd. If unforgettable drag performances aren’t enough, The Lodge also boasts a mouth-watering selection of comfort food and light bites. 

Don’t be fooled by the name, Hair Of The Dog is one of Toronto’s decidedly more upmarket queer venues. A gay bar and restaurant with extensive outdoor space, it’s the perfect spot for intimate dinners and al-fresco dining. With a plethora of colorful cocktails, an impressively international collection of spirits, and an all-day license, it’s the ideal place to spend the night; or the morning after.

Widely considered to be one of Toronto’s most beloved LGBTQ+ bars, Sweaty Betty’s is a neighborhood institution that has been serving the people of Queen West for over 18 years. Serving classic cocktails in an unpretentious environment of mismatched furniture and local art, it’s consistently lively throughout the week. Sweaty Betty’s heated outdoor patio is the perfect place to see out a Saturday night or enjoy delicious vegan dishes during the day. 

Whilst not gay-owned or run, the Storm Crow has long been a favorite amongst Toronto’s LGBTQ+ population for its inclusive and unashamedly nerdy attitude. Drawing on pop-culture influences from throughout the decades, the venue attracts a super diverse crowd who flock to sample the impressive selection of themed drinks, comic-book cuisine, and ever-changing evening entertainment. Storm Crow is a fantastic choice for vegan diners, who will find an amazing range of plant-based culinary concoctions.

O’Grady’s is a wonderful spot to enjoy the joys of Toronto’s buzzing gay village. Located on the corner of Maitland and Church Street, O’Grady’s has a patio that is perfect for enjoying drinks in the sun.  The venue is well-loved for its drag shows, brunches, and late-night food service, all of which has cemented its reputation as one of Toronto’s landmark gay haunts. Inclusively welcoming, all members of the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy the charm of O’Grady’s.

Since 2013, the Church Street Garage has provided a warm and friendly atmosphere for Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community. Doubling as an equally great restaurant and bar, you can enjoy delicious food at fantastic prices before spending the evening enjoying the bar’s karaoke and drag entertainment. If you’re looking for live music, be sure to visit the Church Street Garage, where the sound spills out into the vibrant gay neighborhood.

Made famous by the USA's version of the hit TV show, 'Queer as Folk', Woody's has become a gay institution in Toronto.

This huge, multi-level bar and club in the heart of the Church and Wellesley Gay Village boasts 5 bars.

Woody's hosts some great drag shows featuring its resident queens, and also competitions like 'Best Legs', 'Best Chest' and 'Best Ass'.

The crowd is as diverse as its shows and you'll find a mixture of young, old, muscles, bears, twinks and more.

Popular drag bar with two dance floors, regular live performances and karaoke. Located in the heart of Toronto's gay village, this is a high camp and fun establishment.

It can get crowded and the dancefloor isn't that big.

This is very much a drag establishment and the shows can get pretty raucous. Crews And Tangos is definitely a fun place to party.

British style pub in Toronto's gay village. Good spot to grab a late night burger and a pint.

The vibe is laid back and unpretentious. You can dine on a range of hangover-friendly pub grub like burgers and mac and cheese.

You'll find a union jack coloured sofa and even Monty Python art on the walls. The patio on the second floor is good for people watching.

Gay strip club on Church Street in Toronto's Gay Village. This is a member's club but you can pay a one-off "daily membership" fee of around 5 bucks.

There are two floors and three bars. You'll find a selection of dancers stripping - you can pay for a private dance.

This is a strip club so don't expect Breakfast At The Wolseley.

Men only.

A local friendly gay bar that sits in the heart of the Gay Village.

The two floors host a variety of characters and Pegasus claims to be the second oldest bar in Toronto.

Upstairs you'll find a variety of activities and games like pool tables, dart boards, pinball machines and slots.

There's weekly queer open mic comedy nights, quizzes and drag bingo, so check out their Facebook or below to see what's on.

Gay-friendly Latino bar near Bickford Park hosting regular drag shows.

El Convento Rico has been drawing a big gay crowd since 1992. You'll hear a mix of Latin music along with the latest Billboard hits.

As well as sashaying drag queens you'll see strutting strippers grinding on the dance floor and getting their kit off.

Check the website to see what's on day by day.

Described as the legendary rock 'n' roll dive bar, and an all-time favourite, Bovine Sex Club is a club that hosts music events; local artists play here and mix cutting edge rock, retro 80s, metal and punk. Although it is not a bar specifically for LGBTQIA+ people, it is very welcoming to the community.