The Best Queer bars in Toronto - Explore our favorite Gay, Lesbian, Trans & LGBTQ+  bars

Toronto, a vibrant and diverse city, pulsates with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. From the iconic Church-Wellesley Village, the heart of the city's gay life, to the trendy neighborhoods of Queen West and Parkdale, Toronto offers an array of queer bars and clubs, each with its own unique flair and sense of community. Whether you're a local or a visitor seeking the best gay bars in Toronto, this guide will help you navigate the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife.

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Church-Wellesley Village: The Heart of Toronto's LGBTQ+ Scene

1. Crews & Tangos

Address: 508 Church St. Toronto, ON M4Y 2C8

This iconic drag bar on Church Street is a must-visit for any visitor to Toronto. Crews & Tangos has a vibrant atmosphere, energetic drag show performances, and lively dance floor. Whether sipping cocktails with friends or dancing the night away, its sure to offer an unforgettable experience. Open late most nights.

2. O'Grady's & The Lodge

Address: 518 Church St. Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5

O'Grady's is a classic gay bar known for its friendly atmosphere and lively crowds. The Lodge, located upstairs, offers a more relaxed and intimate setting. Come for one of their drag shows or stay for a cocktail on their huge patio. Open daily from late afternoon.

3. Woodys

Address: 467 Church St. Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5

A Toronto institution and longtime favorite among locals, Woodys exudes charm with its cozy interior, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere. This iconic gay bar was featured in "Queer as folk". Whether you're enjoying a drink at the bar, shooting pool with friends, or catching a game on one of the numerous TVs, Woodys offers a welcoming space in the heart of The Village.

4. The Churchmouse and Firkin

Address: 572 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5

While not strictly a gay bar, this popular British pub in The Village is frequented by the LGBTQ+ community. It is a great place to watch RuPaul's Drag Race with fellow queer enthusiasts or catch a drag show during Pride. The Churchmouse is open daily for lunch and dinner, with an excellent selection of international beers.

5. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Address: Theatre12 Alexander St. Toronto, ON M4Y 1B4

More than just a theater, Buddies in Bad Times is a cultural hub for Toronto's LGBTQ+ community. With its eclectic mix of performances, parties, and events, Buddies invites you to experience cutting-edge art and vibrant nightlife in the heart of The Village.

Beyond the Village: Exploring Toronto's Diverse LGBTQ+ Scene

6. The Drink

Address: 459 Church St. Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5

Situated in the heart of Parkdale, The Drink offers a trendy setting for cocktails & conversations. Whether you're enjoying a drink on the patio, mingling with friends at the bar, or dancing away, The Drink is a great place to go out and meet new friends in the LGBTQ+ community. They have drag shows and drag bingo weekly and are open late.

7. Three Dollar Bill

Address: 1592 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6R 1A8

‍This gay bar in Parkdale features a vibrant social calendar with events and queer programming throughout the week, like drag shows, happy hour specials and queer creative nights. Check Three Dollar Bill's website for hours and their event's calendar.

8. Tammy’s Wine Bar & Cafe

Address: 1662 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B2, Canada

Tammy's Wine Bar and Cafe in Toronto is a cozy retreat with rustic charm, offering an extensive selection of wines from local vineyards and beyond. The intimate ambiance, paired with delectable small plates and artisanal cheeses, creates the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city.

9. Toastr

Address: 1662 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B2, Canada

Toastr is a community-focused space that hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ events, from drag shows to panel discussions. Toastr's goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment, providing an opportunity to embrace diversity and creativity within Toronto's queer scene.

A History of Gay Bars in Toronto

Gay bars in Toronto as we know them didn't really exist until the 1970s. Over the years, the city has seen the rise and fall of many lesbian bars, reflecting the evolving landscape of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, while the number of dedicated lesbian bars has decreased, the city continues to offer a diverse range of spaces for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, and queer individuals to connect and celebrate.

Finding Your Place in Toronto's LGBTQ+ Scene

Toronto offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you're looking for a lively nightlife experience, a cozy spot for a drink with friends, or a space to connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community, Toronto has something to offer everyone.

Toronto's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene offers an incredible variety of gay bars, lesbian bars, and queer bars, making it a hotspot for nightlife and community gatherings. The Toronto gay scene is centered around the iconic Church-Wellesley Village, home to some of the best gay bars Toronto has to offer. Whether you're searching for gay bars near me, lesbian bars near me, or queer bars near me, this neighborhood is a must-visit destination.

For those exploring Toronto nightlife, options abound with lively gay clubs Toronto and welcoming lesbian clubs Toronto, all catering to the diverse LGBTQ+ community. If you're looking for LGBTQ+ clubs Toronto or queer clubs Toronto, you'll find queer inclusive spaces designed for fun, connection, and celebration.

Many of these venues offer a safe space for meeting queer people and enjoying unforgettable nights. Whether you're interested in the best gay bars or LGBTQ+ bars Toronto has to offer, there's always a place to feel at home in the Toronto gay scene.

Looking for nightclubs Toronto that are open now? You’ll find a range of gay bars open now, lesbian bars open now, and queer bars open now to suit your mood. Whether you're out for casual drinks, searching for the best gay brunch, or looking to dance the night away, Toronto's queer nightlife scene is sure to deliver.

Beyond nightlife, apps like Lex are excellent tools for connecting with others in the LGBTQ+ community. These apps, catering to gay, lesbian, trans, and queer individuals, help bridge the gap between virtual interactions and real-life connections, making it easier to explore the Toronto gay scene and beyond.

Toronto’s LGBTQ+ bars and clubs are more than just places to party - they're hubs for fostering queer community, celebrating LGBTQ+ identity, and creating lasting memories.

Find your perfect plans on Lex

There’s always something queer happening on Lex. Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see everything happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? Take charge and make your own! Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends here) together to check out a queer bar in your city. Queer cuties in your neighborhood are right at your fingertips - go meet them!

Looking for something a little less nightlife-related? We’ve got tips for sober activities, too. And check out our other city guides here.

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