Kost is a nightlife spot in King West, Toronto.
Kost on the 44th-floor Bisha Hotel penthouse is the Charles Khabouth Mexican-Baja rooftop room since 2017, the CN Tower view and a tequila-and-mezcal driven.
Must order: A Smoky Margarita on the south terrace.
Tip: Reservations only; tables book three weeks out. Sister Akira Back on the same floor for omakase.
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way, Bisha Hotel Penthouse, Toronto, ON M5V 0G3
Civil Liberties on Bloor at Ossington has run a no-menu speakeasy since 2014, the bartenders mixing to flavour preferences, the door at 878 with no signage.
Order: Tell the bartender three flavours you like and let them mix.
Tip: No menu. The door at 878 has no signage; ring the bell. Late nights until 02:00.
Mahjong Bar on Dundas West runs Asian-inspired cocktails behind a Vietnamese sandwich-shop facade since 2016, a speakeasy through the back door.
Order: A Pandan Highball with the banh mi sliders.
Tip: Enter through the sandwich shop. The back door opens after 19:00; reservation on Resy.
Get Well on Dundas West is the arcade-and-listening bar since 2015, vintage pinball machines and a vinyl-only DJ booth, the room runs craft beer and bar snacks.
Order: A pint of craft beer and a quarter for the Williams Defender pinball table.
Tip: Cash and card. No reservations; weekends fill from 21:00.
Coda on Bathurst at Bloor is the city's reference techno club since 2014, the basement room with the Funktion-One sound system and a rotating roster of European DJs.
Order: A Red Stripe and a ticket on Resident Advisor.
Tip: Friday and Saturday only. Tickets through Resident Advisor before 22:00 cheaper than door.
Horseshoe Tavern on Queen West has been Toronto's reference rock-and-roll dive bar since 1947, the room where the Rolling Stones, Wilco and the Tragically Hip.
Order: A draft beer at the bar before the band starts.
Tip: Cover after 22:00 on band nights. The Tuesday-night Beat Camp jam is free.
Lula Lounge on Dundas West has run a Latin and world-music venue since 2002, salsa, Afro-Cuban and live samba nights with a Cuban-Caribbean kitchen menu.
Order: A mojito with the ropa vieja and stay for the salsa lessons.
Tip: Salsa lessons Friday 19:00; advance ticket online. Dinner-and-show pricing best on the website.