The Hole In The Wall is a cosy, historic bar in the Junction: exposed brick, live music, craft beer and a deep scotch list, in a room that dates back around a century. No cover, no guestlist, just walk in. Here's the honest rundown.
The sceneThis is a neighbourhood bar in the best sense. The room is small and intimate, warm with exposed brick, wooden furniture and dim lighting, and it has the kind of character a place earns only with age, built around 1900. You walk in and you feel at home: people talking, a band setting up, craft beer moving across the bar.
It isn't a club and doesn't try to be. It's a spot to settle in with friends, catch live music, work through a craft beer or a scotch, and order from a casual, globally minded menu that changes often. Quiet drink or lively night, it handles both.
Quick factsThe Hole In The Wall is in the Junction at 2867A Dundas St W (M6P 1Y9), north of St. Clair Avenue West and east of Keele Street. It's an easy find on the Dundas West strip and a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Small, which is the whole appeal. Long and narrow with a mix of bar seating and tables, the room runs cosy and intimate with exposed brick walls, wooden furniture and dim lighting. The age shows in a good way, this place was built around 1900, and there's outdoor seating when you want it.
Junction regulars and people who came for the live music. It's a comfortable, welcoming crowd, the kind that turns a quick drink into a long evening. You feel at home the moment you walk in.
Music is a big part of the experience here. The room mostly runs Top 40 to keep it lively, but the live performances are the highlight, pulling people in who want good tunes and a real atmosphere. It's never a stiff, silent bar.
Craft beer is the backbone, backed by an extensive scotch selection and cocktails. The kitchen sends out casual global dishes that change often, so the menu stays interesting visit to visit. Prices are reasonable for the area.
Easy: it's a walk-in bar with no cover and no guestlist. There's nothing to book and nothing to sign up for, you just show up. The only catch is the size, so on a busy night, earlier is better.
No list, no cover. Just walk in, but come early on a live-music night.
▸ Get directionsIf the Junction's a stretch tonight, here are more bars and clubs with a similar feel.
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