The Gladstone
The Gladstone Hotel has recently raised its daytime drink prices. Bartender Albert commented that, “the prices hadn’t changed for 10 years;” so, jumping from $3.30 to a still-reasonable $4.50 is a slight, but not unforgivable shock to the pocket. The renovations are done, the place has a smart look to it, and there’s always something fun happening. The Hotel has three separate bars, accommodating book launches, bands, and Peter Styles' kick-ass weekend karaoke sessions. Look for a utopian mingling of locals, westers, kick and wigglers, artists, and strays.- B.D. 1214 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON Full Story



Kultura
Hanif Harji's (Blowfish) latest conspicuous hot-spot melds old-school swank with a razor-edge hip to draw in the Pilates and nu-yoga-mat-set. Its breathless design and well-chosen wine-list make Kultura an alluring, cork and chill space. Spread out over three levels, the sprawling resto-lounge embraces its historic ambiance, offering look-at-me, smooth-cow seating and chic lean-spaces for culture seeking epicureans. 169 King Street East, Toronto, ON Full Story



Maro
Maro, brimming with brick and marble, is the latest offering from the people behind the Brant House. Far-removed from the traditional resto/club scene, this Liberty Village joint is a cultural expedition in itself. Clocking in at 14 000 square feet, the monstrous Maro soaks up every recent global-hot-spots trend. The crowd tends toward the young and upwardly mobile neighbourhood denizens, so bring your Blackberry. 135 Liberty Street, Toronto, ON Full Story



Lot 16
Strategically situated just a few doors west of The Drake, this minimalist bar has the friendliest staff and most diverse crowd on suddenly-hip West Queen West. The capacity of 80 makes it an intimate place for first-time dates, a solid starting-off point for clubbing, and a perfect spot for small gatherings and private parties. There are generally DJ’s scheduled every weekend and, typical of the area, the place gets busier after midnight; usually, though not exclusively, it’s a late 20’s/early 30’s crowd. “Blendsday Wednesday” offers up mixed drink concoctions made with fresh fruit. Make it a destination, or at least stop in for a drink before waiting in the Drake lineup. – B.D. 1136 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON Full Story



Machine Head
It's still open! While the Mothership (Purgatory) folded under the unrelenting pressure of the nightclub wars, this little offspring chugs along fruitfully. Machine Head is an ego-free rock bar in every aspect, so don't shampoo. To get to Machine Head, enter through a speak-easy-esque back-alley doorway and go down a small flight of stairs; there you will be greeted by a classic '78 Triumph motorcycle and a custom-made Harley Davidson. Now prepare for some dirty fun. Also, good luck getting that Bush song out of your head. Damn. 199 Richmond Street (back alley entrance), Toronto, ON Full Story