Best 5 Pubs in Toronto for the World Cup IMO: Where to Watch, Drink and Experience the City

May 19, 2026 Billy Walker

Toronto is set to be one of the most exciting host cities for the FIFA World Cup, and if there’s one thing this city does exceptionally well, it’s pubs. Whether you’re looking for a pre-match pint, a post-game celebration, or just a proper local experience, Toronto delivers. Even better—these spots are easy to reach, packed with character, and guaranteed to give visitors a true taste of the city. Toronto based Canadian Travel expert John Kirk offered his opinion “I’ve been to each of these pubs more times than I probably should admit, and together they offer visitors a great way to experience different parts of the city—all easily accessible on Toronto’s TTC. Enjoy TO.” Here they are in no particular order.

The Rose & Crown – A True Local Favourite

If you want an authentic Toronto pub experience, The Rose & Crown is as real as it gets. Located in the lively Yonge & Eglinton ( mid-town ) neighbourhood, this long-running local favourite is known for its welcoming vibe, solid pub fare, and live music seven nights a week. It’s the kind of place where locals gather, visitors feel instantly at home, and the energy builds as the night goes on.

There’s a consistency here that’s rare – good food, friendly service, and a crowd that keeps coming back. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual pint, meeting friends before heading downtown, or settling in for a full night out, it delivers the kind of neighbourhood-pub experience visitors often hope to find but rarely stumble into on their own.

For those looking to extend the evening, Absolute Comedy Club is located downstairs (separate ownership), making it an easy double feature: dinner, drinks, live music, and comedy all under one roof.

What it’s known for: Live music every night and one of the most authentic neighbourhood pub atmospheres in Toronto. The wings and nachos are favourites, but the real signature is the energy – this is a place people return to again and again.

Awards/recognition: No specific official award was confirmed. Its strongest recognition is as a long-standing Yonge & Eglinton local institution.

Google listing: https://www.google.com/search?q=Rose+and+Crown+Toronto

Belfast Love – High-Energy, Big Game Atmosphere

Located in the heart of King West, Belfast Love is where Toronto’s nightlife and sports culture collide. Expect big screens, a lively crowd, and an atmosphere that feels tailor-made for World Cup viewing. It is polished without feeling stiff – ideal for visitors who want a high-energy setting while still getting the feel of a proper pub.

The location is a major part of the appeal. King West is one of Toronto’s busiest social districts, making Belfast Love a natural stop for groups looking to build a night around the match. It is also a strong choice for fans who want the energy of a sports bar, the look of a modern pub, and the convenience of being close to downtown hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and transit.

On game days, it is the kind of place that will fill quickly, so arriving early is the smart move. If you are travelling with a group, this is one of the more obvious picks.

What it’s known for: Creative cocktails, oversized share drinks, and one of the most energetic social atmospheres in the city – more party than quiet pub, especially during major sporting events.

Google listing: https://www.google.com/search?q=Belfast+Love+Toronto

Hemingway’s – Yorkville’s Best Patio (No Attitude Required)

Right in the heart of upscale Yorkville, Hemingway’s offers one of the best patio experiences in Toronto – without any of the attitude you might expect from the neighbourhood. This Kiwi-themed pub has been a Toronto staple for decades, known for its laid-back vibe, strong food offering, and multi-level patios that are always buzzing when the weather cooperates.

It is the kind of place where an afternoon drink can easily turn into dinner, then into a late-night stay. Yorkville may be one of Toronto’s most polished neighbourhoods, but Hemingway’s keeps things casual, comfortable, and unpretentious.

For World Cup visitors, it is also a great excuse to explore one of Toronto’s most walkable districts. You can shop, wander, grab a meal, then settle into one of the patios for the match-day atmosphere.

What it’s known for: Its iconic multi-level rooftop patio – widely considered one of the best in Toronto. Hemingway’s is also known for its relaxed, unpretentious vibe in the middle of chic Yorkville.

Awards/recognition: Frequently featured on Toronto ‘best patio’ lists. No single formal award was confirmed, but its patio reputation is among the strongest in the city.

Google listing: https://www.google.com/search?q=Hemingways+Toronto

The Wheatsheaf Tavern – Toronto’s Most Legendary Pub

The Wheatsheaf Tavern isn’t just a pub – it is part of Toronto history. Often referred to as the city’s oldest bar, it delivers everything visitors want in a classic tavern setting: strong drinks, hearty food, sports on the screens, and a no-frills atmosphere that keeps the focus on the experience.

Located on King Street West, The Wheatsheaf has been around long enough to become more than a neighbourhood pub. It is a Toronto landmark, and that history gives the room a character that newer venues cannot manufacture. On big game days, the atmosphere can be loud, passionate, and exactly what many visiting soccer fans will be looking for.

If you are choosing one place on this list for authenticity, this is probably it. It does not need to be overly polished because that is not the point. The appeal is the history, the crowd, the beer, the food, and the sense that you are drinking in a place that has seen generations of Toronto stories unfold.

What it’s known for: Toronto’s oldest continuously operating tavern, dating back to 1849, plus a legendary sports atmosphere, classic pub fare, and a strong whisky selection.

Awards/recognition: Widely recognized as Toronto’s oldest bar/tavern. That historic distinction is its key recognition rather than a conventional hospitality award.

Google listing: https://www.google.com/search?q=Wheatsheaf+Tavern+Toronto

The Goodman Pub & Kitchen – Waterfront Views & People Watching

If you want a pint with a view, The Goodman Pub & Kitchen on the waterfront is hard to beat. Located along Queens Quay, it offers views of Lake Ontario, a spacious patio, and some of the best people-watching in the city. For visitors staying downtown or exploring the harbourfront, it is an easy and scenic stop.

The Goodman is a great change of pace from the busier downtown core. It works well before or after a match, but it is especially appealing when you want to slow the day down, grab a table outside, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. The food leans slightly more upscale than a traditional pub, but it still delivers familiar comfort in a setting that feels very Toronto.

For World Cup visitors, the location is a major advantage. You can pair it with a waterfront walk, a trip to the islands, or a visit to nearby attractions before heading back into the city. Add in the scenery, and it becomes one of the most memorable stops on this list.

What it’s known for: Its waterfront patio and lake views – one of the better places in Toronto for a relaxed drink with scenery, atmosphere, and people-watching.

Google listing: https://www.google.com/search?q=Goodman+Pub+and+Kitchen+Toronto

Getting Around Toronto During the World Cup

Toronto is one of the easiest major cities in North America to navigate – especially for visitors.

• Public transit via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is safe, efficient, and connects all of these pubs.
• A single TTC fare is about $3.25 CAD and includes unlimited travel for up to two hours. There is a cool hop on hop off feature which lets you leave the system and come back in for up to 2 hour, details here
• Union Station to Yonge & Eglinton, where The Rose & Crown is located, takes about 20 to 25 minutes by subway.
• Toronto also has extensive dedicated bike lanes, which can be useful for shorter trips in good weather.
• Many bars open until 2:00 AM, with some licensed until 4:00 AM during special events or extended-hour periods.

TTC trip planning details: https://www.ttc.ca

Pro tip: Traffic in Toronto can be brutal. Taking an Uber will not necessarily get you there faster – public transit is often, usually, the better play. Torontonians refer to it as the ” Red Rocket “

Final Word

Toronto’s pub scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re after a waterfront patio, a historic tavern, a rooftop crowd, or a packed sports bar, you’ll find it here.

With the World Cup bringing fans from around the globe, these five spots offer the perfect starting point for your Toronto experience.

Cheers – and enjoy Toronto.

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