Toronto
Pearson is split between Terminal 1 (Air Canada and Star Alliance) and Terminal 3 (most other carriers including Westjet, Delta, and oneworld partners). T1 is the more polished of the two and the better terminal for drinking. Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge — Toronto Pearson is the airline's flagship — runs a respectable Canadian-wine programme that includes properly-sourced Niagara Riesling, Prince Edward County Chardonnay, and Okanagan Pinot Noir. Star Alliance Gold required.
Greektown · $$
Allen's draws a steady local crowd in Greektown. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
Queen West · $$
Archive 909 draws a steady local crowd in Queen West. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
King West · $$$
Bar Buca draws a steady local crowd in King West. Booking is recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are usually possible early in the evening.
City centre · $$$
There is nothing in Toronto quite like BarChef, and after more than fifteen years operating on Queen West, that distinction remains intact. Frankie Solarik — th
The cheat code at YYZ is the Sheraton Gateway Hotel directly attached to T3 by walkway, and connected to T1 via an airport tram. The hotel restaurant runs a serious Canadian wine list at non-airport prices. Six-minute walk from T3 immigration. If you've got 60 spare minutes pre-airport, the UP Express train from Pearson to Union takes 25 minutes — Bar Raval in Little Italy is twelve minutes by streetcar from there and one of the best bars in Canada.
Plays for Toronto Airport: post-security, pre-security, lounges, and the airport-hotel cheat code.
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