It’s hard for restaurant-goers to go hungry in Toronto, where the array of plates fused from countries all over the world is serious business. But that’s during regular dinner service hours. What about the joints that are perpetually open late for those of us seeking out delicious options (and maybe even a cocktail or two) until the wee hours of the morning?
As host Jordan Andino proves on the Toronto episode of , The Six is revolutionizing the after-hours dining scene in some pretty delicious ways. Here are 10 of our picks for the best after-hours joints the city has to offer.
Bar Fancy
1070 Queen St. W
If you’re craving classic bar snacks, head over to this Queen West spot, where chefs and co-owners Jonathan Poon and Jesse Fader dish out oysters and fried chicken alongside nori-topped artichoke dip and dirty nachos. The joint is open until 2 a.m. daily, and serves an array of beer and wines as well as mixed drinks by request.
Bar Raval
505 College St.
Big atmosphere and small plates are the themes of this Barcelona-inspired pinxto bar in Little Italy, where a curved wooden bar and an impressive peek-through bar rail adorn the intimate space. There, Grant Van Gameren and Robin Goodfellow dish out crafty cocktails and memorable toothpick-tapas, like house-smoked fish, a variety of cured meats and cheeses, and tiny sandwiches on fresh bread until 2 a.m.
Night Owl
647 College St.
Another Little Italy joint, this two-floor space features live music, arcade games, and an array of illuminated signs to keep the eye wandering until the last call at 2 a.m. There are boozy floats and hand-crafted cocktails to help wash down the rotating menu of elevated bar food, like shawarma poutine, juicy cheeseburgers, or spicy fried cauliflower doused in sauce and adorned with pickled onions and cabbage.
Chantecler
1320 Queen St W
Steak tartare, smoked duck breast, chicken paté, and other classic French fare comprise the menu of this long-standing Parkdale haunt, which is open until 2 a.m. six days a week (although owner Jacob Wharton-Shukster closes down shop on Wednesdays). Add in a friendly atmosphere and an impressive cocktail menu with items like the gin-soaked “Corpse Reviver #2” or “Lady Problems,” a concoction of sherry, Cocchi Americano, green chartreuse and absinthe, and you can see why this place has become a neighbourhood staple.
Petit Potato
Unit 1-2, 10 Ravel Rd
Tawainese and Japanese foods fuse together at this late-night joint, which is open daily until 1 a.m. There, crispy chicken wings are tossed in Yuzu sauce, creamy Japanese omelettes are topped with thick pork cutlets, and an array of ramen dishes keep patrons happy and full. But the real feat here are the desserts. If you have a sweet tooth, the ice cream stacked toasts and pancake soufflés are sure to impress.
Baro
485 King St. W
Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty snack or a full-on meal, this King West eatery’s Latin menu of modernized classics has you covered. Chef Steve Gonzales keeps his upstairs dining area, “Pablo’s Snack House,” open until 2 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturdays, where he serves shareables like yuca fries and empanadas, hand-held fare like braised chicken sliders and pork belly on steamed buns, or desserts like churros and flan.
Oddseoul
90 Ossington Ave.
Brothers and co-owners Leeto and Leemo Han deliver an array of Korean small plates and imaginative cocktails until 2 a.m. six days a week, closing down to reset each Sunday. Settle in among the exposed brick walls and 90s relics of this snackbar to enjoy items like Buffalo Fried Tofu, Tempura Prawns, Squash Poutine, Tempura Chicken with Devilled Eggs, or Kimchi + Pork Belly Fried Rice.
416 Snack Bar
181 Bathurst St
Former Top Chef Canada: All Stars runner-up Dustin Gallagher helms the late-night menu at this affordable but delicious eatery, which serves patrons until 2 a.m. daily. There’s no cutlery to accompany the many snacks on the rotating menu, but when you’re dishing out items like tandoori heirlooms, falafel doubledowns or steak tartare on lettuce hearts, half the fun is eating with your hands anyhow.
LoPan
503 College St.
If you’re hungry for the delectable new Asian offerings of popular TO resto DaiLo but you’re also in the mood for American comfort food, take a jaunt upstairs to this fusion spot, which is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily. There you can sip on sours while snacking on items like KFC Popcorn Tofu with a Green Curry Slaw, a Big Mac Bao, or truffle fried rice.
Pinky’s Ca Phe
53 Clinton St.
Executive chef Leemo Han concocts mouth-watering Vietnamese fusion food with a Philly flair at this Little Italy establishment, which is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday. The dimly lit space is full of 1970s Vietnamese personality, from string lanterns and a heated sunroom, to the vintage photos adorning the walls. The drinks are thought-out and feature signature items like the house raspberry syrup, while the small-but-impressive menu of items like Marrow Beef, French Dip and Tiger’s Milk Ceviche will have you coming back for more… and more… and more.
Watch Late Nite Eats Fridays at 10 PM E/T on Food Network Canada.