Country Inn By Carlson, Oakville

WEST TORONTO. A great place to catch live music, The Sister has live bands Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They...

WEST TORONTO. A great place to catch live music, The Sister has live bands Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. They also have refreshingly non-standard pub grub and a stellar (and wildly popular) weekend brunch.

Hours: Mon-Tue 4pm-Midnight; Wed-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WEST TORONTO. Nose-wrinkling name aside, this is one of TO's hippest un-hip bars. It's dinky and furnished in early...

WEST TORONTO. Nose-wrinkling name aside, this is one of TO's hippest un-hip bars. It's dinky and furnished in early garage sale. You won't find any ridiculously sweet, neon-hued cocktails or frilly salads topped with foie gras and caviar. You will find the basics, like beer, sake, whiskey and absinthe to drink, and toast with Chez Whiz, Marmite or Nutella, chips and salsa and sandwiches to eat. The jukebox is stocked with an awesome selection, from punk to alt-country; old B movies entertain some nights. The crowd is diverse and down to earth ­ no poseurs here!

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri-Sun 3pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

DOWNTOWN. Squirly's has an unusual sense of style, with red walls and a host of kitschy embellishments ­ finding...

DOWNTOWN. Squirly's has an unusual sense of style, with red walls and a host of kitschy embellishments ­ finding them all will keep you entertained for hours. This, along with more than reasonable prices on local microbrews and comforting pub food make it a haven for starving artists and their ilk. Fun and laid-back.

Hours: Daily 11:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

DOWNTOWN. A classically stylish spot, Bar Italia is an attractive little bistro style bar and restaurant that's been a...

DOWNTOWN. A classically stylish spot, Bar Italia is an attractive little bistro style bar and restaurant that's been a popular neighborhood favorite for years now. Wine is the quaff of choice for most patrons; food options are mostly Italian, with a great selection of appetizers, small plates, sandwiches and main courses. Live music on weekends, too!

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. What might have been cold and hard ­ décor comprised of stone, brick metal and wood ­ is...

DOWNTOWN. What might have been cold and hard ­ décor comprised of stone, brick metal and wood ­ is transformed into something softer, sleek and contemporary here, with the addition of pink: pink lights here, a Barbie-pink wall there, pink glowing candles. The pink glow is flattering, to be sure (the occasional switch to vivid green light, not so much!). The crowd is mostly attractive 20- and 30-somethings in a party mood ­ of the relax-and-let-go-of-your-troubles sort. If you need a breather, check out the lovely courtyard.

Hours: Tue, Thu-Sun 10:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. When it opened in the late 1990s, Billiards Digest magazine named the Charlotte Room one of the top ten best...

DOWNTOWN. When it opened in the late 1990s, Billiards Digest magazine named the Charlotte Room one of the top ten best new pool rooms in North America. The place has continued to live up to the initial kudos, offering a classy space with several tables and impressive food and beverage menus (no greasy wings and canned Schlitz here!). If the pool tables are occupied or you simply want a break, you'll find a number of other diversions in the form of board games, everything from chess to Boggle to Risk. Some Friday nights host live bands or magic shows.

Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-1am; Fri 3pm-2am; Sat 6pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Since 1947, the Horseshoe has been entertaining Toronto's thirst for live music with a roster of musicians as...

DOWNTOWN. Since 1947, the Horseshoe has been entertaining Toronto's thirst for live music with a roster of musicians as varied as Arlo Guthrie, the Ramones, the Cramps, the Police, Johnny Lang, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, and Soul Coughing. Well known for keeping up with the times, the performance schedule has morphed over the years, from county and rockabilly, to folk and reggae, to punk and metal. A renowned sound system and near-perfect acoustics makes the Shoe an industry fave, as well, so you never know who might be sitting next to you. If you like music, don't pass this one up!

Hours: Daily Noon-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Wreck Room is a play on words ­ this place has a casual, rock-and-roll vibe with pool tables, a dance...

DOWNTOWN. Wreck Room is a play on words ­ this place has a casual, rock-and-roll vibe with pool tables, a dance floor, arcade games and a huge bar, sort of like a glorified rec room. There's a stage for live acts, but usually DJs provide the sounds, which range from alt rock and Brit rock to retro and electronica.

Hours: Tue-Wed 8pm-12:30am; Fri 9pm-3am; Sat 8pm-3am Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Something of an institution, this off-the-beaten-path bar (in the alley off of Bloor Street between Brunswick...

DOWNTOWN. Something of an institution, this off-the-beaten-path bar (in the alley off of Bloor Street between Brunswick Street and Howland Avenue) is about as relaxed as they come. The crowd tends to be a bit Bohemian ­ lots of students, scholars and artists. Food and beer are quite affordable here, and there's a big enough selection to satisfy most appetites.

Hours: Daily Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Located in the entertainment district downtown, Bar 244 features two levels. The top level is a...

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Located in the entertainment district downtown, Bar 244 features two levels. The top level is a bar/restaurant where business types gather for happy hour specials. The basement level functions as a hip club on the weekends, with DJs spinning Top 40, hip-hop and retro for the beautiful people. Bottle service and guest list available.

Hours: Thu-Fri 4pm-3am; Sat 7pm-3am

Payment Methods: Cash Only