Bars and Cafes in Downtown (Toronto)

The Second City

What do Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Myers, and Gilda Radner have in common? Aside from being great comedians, they all got their start at The Second City in the Old Fire Hall. The club has since moved to where the action is, near Blue Jays Way, north of the Rogers Centre, but the impromptu wit and cutting satire are still intact. And don't miss the post-show improvement when audience suggestions influence the hilarious direction of the show. The club also has merchandise for sale and club facilities can be rented as well. Various dinner packages can be availed at the club prior to the show. Admission rates vary with the show and reservations are a must. Visit the website for further details.

Le Select Bistro

Called Toronto's 'Literary Bistro' for its readings and sponsorship of the Festival literature prize, this bar brings a taste of Paris to downtown Toronto. It also serves as a venue for the annual International Jazz Fest. The culinary side of the equation is not forgotten, however. The bistro features exquisite cuisine and a wine list with more than 550 selections that has won the 'Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence'. Chef Paul Biggs offers classical French cuisine with dishes such as a Tarte Niçoise with Goat Cheese appetizer and a crispy Confit de Canard main course.

Free Times Café

Known as one of Toronto's most popular folk clubs, this resto-bar just west of the University of Toronto campus offers live music, poetry readings and dramatic performances to go along with its Israeli/Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Try the bowl of matzo ball soup, or a deli salad that combines eggplant, beets, cucumber and couscous. For a full meal, go for the falafel platter. Located on the Free Times Café, premises is the non-smoking Bella's Bistro where an award-winning all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is offered.

Stoopy's Tavern

Owned by and named after former Ottawa Rough Rider football star Jerry "Soupy" Campbell, Stoopy's is located in the Moss Park area east of Yonge and Dundas. It is exactly what you'd expect; a tribute to football, specifically the one played in the Canadian Football League. The decor consists of Canadian Football paraphernalia, photos of players in mud up to their hips, and a glimpse into the history of the Canadian Football League. The food is a pub menu all the way, with pizzas, burgers, wings, fish and chips, and ribs. A perfect place for Sports fan and movie buffs as Stoopy's was even used as a location for the movie "Cocktail."

Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant

Located within earshot of the Rogers Centre, Wayne Gretzky's Restaurant brings fine food that is as irresistible as a Wayne Gretzky rush on net. And who knows, you might just get yourself an autograph or two. All of Wayne's favorite dishes are here, including roasted Atlantic salmon, stuffed chicken breast, and grilled beef tenderloin. For some pre or after-dinner fun, check out the pool tables.

C'est What

Located in a century-old building at King and Yonge, this combination restaurant-live music venue provides food and spirits both for the body and the soul. Folks also come to C'est What, for the 28 locally brewed beers on tap, along with whiskey, wines and tequila tastings. There are two sides to the restaurant and brew pub, with two separate entrances. The "ethno-clectic" menu ranges from pastas to curry, and Lamb Burgers. There's also a Saturday brunch, but you'd better get there early.

Hard Rock Café

No other franchise can lay claim to overlooking center-right field at the Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays). A baseball enthusiast's dream, you can eat and watch the game from some of the best seats in the house. Inside the Hard Rock Café, legendary blues guitar player Stevie Ray Vaughan's autographed Stratocaster hangs over the pool table which is just one of many pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia.

Crocodile Rock

This downtown hotspot has many faces: bar, pub and quality restaurant. But most of all, it is a good-time drinking establishment immersed in Cajun-bayou culture. Special nights include 911 Wednesdays (no cover for those with ID or badges), and Girls Night Out Fridays. There are line-ups, especially after 10:30pm, but with 20-foot ceilings and an expansive bar area, it is an enjoyable haunt even when packed. The menu at Crocodile Rock features Creole dishes such as Jambalaya, Croc Alfredo and New Orleans Steak.

Hoops Sports Bar & Grill

Located around the corner from the now derelict Maple Leaf Gardens, Hoops Sports Bar & Grill was hit hard when the Maple Leafs moved on down to the Air Canada Centre. The bar has re-invented itself as a friendly neighborhood place where you can have a drink and some pub grub without having to put up with the jostling crowds. Aside from the usual bistro-bar grill menu, seafood and Fajitas are also offered. 12 different variety of beers are available on tap as well.

Mr. Greenjeans

Located in the Eaton Centre, this three-level, 400-capacity "Great Eatertainment Centre" boasts of having served more than 20 million people in its 25-year existence. A speciality of the house is catering to group bus tours and corporate events. The restaurant has a large atrium and indoor garden that overlooks Trinity Square. The menu at Mr. Greenjeans offers more than 70 choices with special platters for large groups. Dishes include most of the pub grub fare such as BBQ Ribs and Wings, the Old Faithful signature burger with Buffalo Chips, and Chicken Fingers.

Marcel's Bistro

Marcel's features authentic cuisine in an atmosphere that makes you feel as if Southern France had been brought to Toronto. The ambience is French bistro but the food is much more, making it the perfect place for either a light lunch or a full-course evening. Creations of the house include Omelettes du Jour and Pheasant Terrine. Dinner specialities include a Roast Lamb Tenderloin and Mixed Seafood in Pernod. Savor these with luscious wines served here, and end this delicious course with their delicious desserts.

Bistro 990

Don't look too surprised if you run into a Hollywood celebrity while dining in this charming bistro just off Ontario Legislative Building in downtown Toronto. It helps when your restaurant is the designated hot spot for the Toronto International Film Festival. While rubbing elbows with the glitterati, you can dine on classic bistro favorites such as Steak Frites with a Bordelaise or Roquefort sauce, or a Roasted Half Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and herb jus. The unusually international wine list is one of the city's best, offering 32 wines and three champagnes by the glass. The last order is at 11pm.