Even queer relationships need date night, so time to find the perfect place to take your special someone. Here are a few ideas for queer-friendly places around Toronto to take the person you’re crushing on.
LessGlad Day Bookshop was the first gay bookshop in Canada, so boasts an important accomplishment of activism for the LGBTQ community. It has one of the most extensive collections of LGBTQ collections and for that alone it's worth a visit. It has expanded since it opened in 1970 to also provide drinks, food, and dance parties on the weekend. Explore LGBTQ culture and history with your date!
This aquarium is a great place to have a romantic date with some great photo opportunities. You’ll see up to 20,000 exotic sea and freshwater creatures, along with a variety of different exhibitions. Some exhibitions you can expect to see are Rainbow Reef, Dangerous Lagoon, Ray Bay, and Planet Jellies. Interactive displays will keep this date fun and interesting.
This LGBTQ restaurant in gay village offers food late into the night along with drag shows and karaoke on occasion. Sitting right next to a rainbow cross-walk, Church Street Garage exuberantly displays its queer pride. Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find at Church Street Garage. For a fun night, check out their extensive cocktail menu - you can even take one to go.
Toronto Distillery District was started twenty years ago by ambitious developers who wanted a fusion between Europen walking districts and the trendy atmosphere of New York. Today the bustling area has a variety of establishments run by various unique creatives. Walk around and visit the various boutiques, health and beauty stores, and home decor places. There’s also a dining option for everyone with many bakeries, pizza shops, ice cream parlors, and seafood places to name a few.
For a breathtaking view visit the Toronto side of Niagara Falls. You and your sweetheart can get unbelievably close to the falls for an unforgettable experience. You’ll drive through the Wine Region to get to the falls, so expect this to be a day trip. Once you reach the falls be sure to go up the Niagara River to Horseshoe Falls and don’t forget to visit the Whirlpool Rapids Observation Deck. End this wonderful day at one of the wineries nearby for a day to remember.
The Churchmouse (a Firkin Pub) sits right at the heart of queer life in Toronto and is a de facto watering hole for the community. With a large menu that includes late-night fare, this two-story pub offers a queer clientele and an assorted selection of domestic and international beers. For a low-key date, keep it cozy and simple with a night at your favorite neighborhood pub.
This cocktail and pizza bar is gay-owned and independent. It is known for its boundary-pushing shows, dance parties, comedy, and drag bingo. Is it a cafe, is it a bar? The fluidity provides a relaxed atmosphere and always a good time. Stop by for some food and drinks with your date and catch a drag show while you're there and expect to be wowed!
Ever feel like the mainstream theaters & clubs just aren't it? This theater prioritizes under-represented artistic communitities, so prepare to feel seen. With comedy shows like "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche", date night just got a lot sillier.
A queer owned, family run restaurant, bringing authentic Argentine and Venezuelan cuisine within reach. And yes, there are gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options!
Experience the flavours of Iranian cuisine at Banu, located at 777 Queen Street West. The menu features a selection of appetizers (eggplant dishes, beet salad, cheese plate) and mains, for which is a must-try is the Pomegranate Beef Tenderloin.
Want to switch out date night for a day-date? This quirky brunch spot can satisfy alll your cravings without making you leave the gayborhood.
Authentic Jamaican cuisine awaits you at this Black-owned Caribbean gem. Even if you don't hail from an island nation, this spot can serve up some tastuy comfort food. Guaranteed to make you feel the sunshine even on the dreariest winter day.
La Bartola boasts Michilini Bib Gourmand status, all while serving authentic, precolonial, Mexican dishes. Precolonial means plant based, y'all! Let your vegan hearts soar because you're about to taste heirloom corn and nothing less.
Talk about intimate ambiance paired with tasty bites. Pizza has been elevated by Lebanese influences here at Levant. You'll wish you had three girlfriends to split all the dishes with, that's how exciting the menu is.