Bars and bistros for a girls’ night in Parkdale Toronto
For such a small patch of Toronto, Parkdale is full of hidden gems that will make your next girls’ night out one to remember. And for all the right reasons – signature cocktails, fine food, fun and great company.
Food and Liquor
1610 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A8The seasonally inspired dishes are designed for sharing at this casual late-night snack bar on Queen Street West. The popular bar specializes in bite-sized Asian-fusion dishes like dumplings stuffed with unexpected ingredients — chrysanthemum, tofu and mushrooms for example. The lamb tongue and scallion pancake is another bestseller (you might want to order multiple rounds). The affordable small plates pair well with the classic cocktails and affordable pints. Try and snag a spot on the hidden back patio during the summer months.
Rhino Bar & Grill Inc
1249 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L5If your group doesn’t include regular beer drinkers, there’s no better place to go for opening your eyes to the world of drafts, crafts and imports. The beer list is as long as your arm with everything from Ontario brews to European fruit-flavoured delights. Beers are served in glasses appropriate to the brew. You’ll see pint steins alongside elegant snifters. The menu features tasty staples like wings and nachos, and at prices that will make you want to buy everyone a round.
Grand Electric
1330 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion with the girls, you can book a party of up to eight in the champagne room for a set Mexican fusion menu of eight-to-10 courses. There’s only one sitting on Friday and Saturday nights, so book well in advance. Otherwise, it’s worth coming here for the cocktails alone. They have vanilla, mint, orange and regular bourbon, all of which are put to excellent use in their drinks!
Mother India
1456 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1M2Think of this Parkdale culinary landmark as an Indian diner. The food is delicious and reliable and you don’t need to dress up unless you’re all planning to hit one of the local bars afterwards. It’s a great place for catching up over good food. Unlike a lot of Indian restaurants, the menu is not overwhelming, featuring many popular curries and biryanis and a variety of vegetarian and meat rotis.
Cadillac Lounge
1296 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4It’s all 50s fun at this staple bar and restaurant with the prominent Cadillac sign hanging outside and quirky memorabilia indoors. The main menu consists of tasty nachos, smoky ribs, burgers, sandwiches and delectable salads named after rock and blues legends. On the weekend you and the girls can enjoy live blues and rockabilly music with regular karaoke nights if any of you want to grab the mic. In fine weather, take your drinks out onto the spacious patio.
