Where to catch the game in Toronto
Home to the Blue Jays, the Maple Leafs and The Raptors, Toronto is a city that cares about its teams, and we've got a slew of sports bars across town to prove it. On Grey Cup weekend, these will be some of the best restaurants and sports bars in Toronto to catch the excitement.
RS (Real Sports)
15 York Street, Toronto ON M5J 0A3This hotspot for watching professional sports games is located right across from the Air Canada Centre and just a hop, skip and a jump from Rogers Centre too, not to mention the fact that Maple Leaf Square is right outside the front door. The place boasts the biggest HD screen in Canada, measuring 39 feet to be exact. The menu features 14 flavours of award-winning chicken wings and 11 different premium burgers. It was even voted the number one sports bar in North America by ESPN and when you visit, you’ll know why.
Wayne Gretzky's Toronto
99 Blue Jays Way, Toronto ON M5V 9G9As a sports fan, how can you not want to visit a bar named after the greatest hockey player of all time? Appetizers and beverages are six dollars on Thursdays and you can try a large selection of Wayne’s wines on Wednesdays. When you’re done eating and the game is over, the Oasis rooftop patio is where the party is at. Get there early because they don’t take reservations and it’s always a good time. You’ll be glad you did.
Hoops Sports Bar & Grill
125 Bremner Blvd, Toronto ON M5J 3A8Want a really big screen TV to watch the game on? Hoops offers a 126-inch infinite plasma variety. 19 different beers on tap and a wide selection of pub-style favourites will keep you coming back. They also host all the major UFC events on pay-per-view so there’s no need to buy the event at home. It’s located across the street from the Rogers Centre making it the perfect spot to watch the Blue Jays.
The Loose Moose
146 Front St W, Toronto ON M5J 1G2Anybody who wants to have access to both the big game and great live music will love this joint. It’s an independently owned staple of the downtown core, first opening its doors back in 1989. The upper level is where you will find all the TV screens, while the Antler Room downstairs features the live music, with a few big screens for watching the game. It’s just a stone’s throw away from the Air Canada Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Insider’s tip: Try the nachos, they’re massive.
The Ball Room
145 John St, Toronto ON M5V 2E4Located at the corner of John and Richmond Street, this is one of the few places you can go to not only watch sports but play them, and by sports we’re talking bowling, here. Watch the game, crush some great food, have a beer and throw few strikes. Sounds like a pretty awesome Friday night doesn’t it? Two floors of games and 52 LED TVs should show you a good time.
Moxie's Grill & Bar
310-10 Dundas St E, Toronto ON M5B 2G9Dundas Square is always a happening place to be. That’s what makes watching the games here with your buddies particularly awesome – and it’s especially ripe and ready for NFL fans. Every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday you can not only watch the games, but also enter for a chance to win trips to big games. Vibes, you ask? Shark Club offers the comfort of your pal’s at-home man cave with your friendly neighbourhood sports bar.
The Football Factory
164 Bathurst St, Toronto ON M5V 2R3Every soccer fan’s dream right here. The phone number to the place spells out the word goal. That should tell you all you need to know. They’re not above opening their doors before or after business hours when there is a big game across the pond that everybody wants to watch. It’s an upscale bistro at Bathurst and Richmond sure to spark your passion for the world’s most popular sport.
The Contender
1166 Dundas St W, Toronto ON M6J 1X4For those that don’t necessarily want the big ritzy version of a sports bar, The Contender offers more of a down-to-earth feel. It’s the Rocky of sports bars, a hip, sprawling spot on Dundas West place that totally delivers in feel-good vibes and sports bar mentality. These guys always play the big games and boast plenty of seating compared to other Little Portugal bars. Plus the bartenders boast such a personable vibe, it’ll keep you and your friends coming back again and again.
Cafe Diplomatico
594 College St, Toronto ON M6G 1B3Die-hard soccer fans flock to this Little Italy café and bar for the big weekend game, the spot being steeped in its reputation as one of the primo places to catch the action in the city. The patio is always buzzing and it’s heated! The menu has some of your sports bar favourites and all kinds of pizza (it is, after all, a pizzeria). An unpretentious atmosphere and family-oriented ownership have made this place a go-to café since 1968.
