Grizzly Bar Toronto

Grizzly Bar is the low-key move on Queen West: a relaxed second-floor lounge, no cover, casual dress, and Top 40 with throwbacks Friday and Saturday. Easy drinks, easy crowd, no pretense. Here is the honest rundown, plus the free list so you are set before you go.

Grizzly Bar Toronto: the full review

Address & location

Grizzly is on the second floor at 739 Queen St W (M6J 1G1), between Bathurst and Tecumseth, right in the busy stretch of Queen West. Easy to find, easy to get to.

The room

Large and open with a modern, slightly upscale finish. It plays like a lounge: room to move, plenty of spots to post up, and a setup built for sitting back with a drink and a conversation rather than packing a dance floor.

Who's there

A relaxed, friendly local crowd. People come to unwind, not to be seen. It is the kind of room where you can roll up with a few friends and settle in without it ever feeling like a scene.

What's great

• No cover, ever. Walk in free, keep your money for the bar.
• The drinks. Creative cocktails and a run of Canadian beer to work through.
• Easy vibe. Loud enough for energy, quiet enough to actually talk.

What to know going in

• It gets busy. Weekends fill up and seating can get tight at peak.
• Come early for a seat. If you want a table, get there before the rush.

The music

Friday and Saturday the DJs run Top 40 and throwbacks, current hits mixed with the songs everybody knows. It keeps the room moving without taking over the night, so you can dance when you want and talk when you do not.

What to wear

Casual. There is no strict dress code, so come comfortable. Clean and put-together never hurts, but you will not get turned away for keeping it low-key.

Cover & getting in

No cover at Grizzly. You walk straight in, free. Since it gets busy on weekends, drop your name on the free list or arrive early to lock in a seat before the room fills.

Age limit

19+. Ontario drinking age, so bring real ID.

Where Grizzly Bar is