Proof: Vodka Bar
Strangely, Proof doesn't serve any Vodka. No, I'm just messing with you: it's drowning in the clear stuff. A cocktail lounge heavy on eastern-European libations (because, unlike Ireland in the 19th Century, eastern-Euro nations have plenty of potatoes), Proof rides the hotel bar trend to great success. Its sleek atmosphere draws younger Yorkvillians, occasional fur hat wearers, and cocktail-craving suit pilgrims from the north and south. Be careful with your martini glass, after a couple you're less James Bond-calm and more arctic explorer-shaky. 220 Bloor Street West (Intercontinental Hotel), Toronto, ON Full Story



Republik
In the future, clubs won't look anything like that dodge-bar in Star Wars. In fact, they'll look something like Republik: lasers, visuals, and seeing spots. Not to bore you with a designer's lighting infatuation, but Republik has one of the most powerful laser lighting and video projection systems used in any club in Canada. Licking your ears and stroking your eyes, Republik provides a club-kid sensual feast. 261 Richmond Street, Toronto, ON Full Story



Supermarket
Do you remember the game show, Supermarket Sweep? Winners of a trivia round would battle in a grocery-compilation, store running, carts and crash, grab and bash battle to see who could attain the highest bill. By the end, they were winded and sweaty. Kensington nightclub, Supermarket, doesn't have groceries, but it does have dance-crash, grab, bash, and sweat. Expect left-of-centre DJs and a scarves and t-shirt crowd. 268 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON Full Story



Sneaky Dee's
Certain things seem like a good idea at the time, but you live to regret them. One of those hallowed things is late-night Mexican food; Sneaky Dee's is an expert. At 4:00am the skulls and desert, faux-graffiti, main-floor room is filled with an amalgam of disparate-scene, stomach-growl, water guzzling patrons. During regular bar hours however, Sneaky Dee's serves affordable bottles and draught in a comfy booth-and-scattered-table setting. Sunday night's upstairs, long-running, PWYC indie-extravaganza, Wavelength, has a consistent list of will-be bands and acts, making it one of the best events of its kind. Nacho. 431 College Street, Toronto, ON Full Story



Sweaty Betty's
A loveable hole in the wall, steps from CAMH, Sweaty Betty's boasts a huge, secluded back patio and cool jukebox-tunes. It's an odd place with seating for about a dozen near the bar, another dozen in the back, ahem, lounge, and over 50 on the patio. Cramped and hip, Betty's lives up to its titular sweat. More of a drinker' s paradise than a diner's score, it has lots of Absinthe and Glenfiddich on the rail. Theme nights include Sake Sunday's Asian action movie screenings and a monthly metal night. Of course, load up on deodorant. – B.D. 13 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON Full Story