It’s that time of year again when Toronto’s restrictive licensing laws get relaxed for the Toronto International Film Festival, and when those who want to sing Set Em Up Joe to a bartender at 3. am, can do so legally. Yippee. And all because it looks kinda lousy if Brad Pitt can’t slip his minders and buy a Redneck beer when he wants it. But don’t get too excited. The list ain’t long, and even if the participants are licensed to go til 4 am, they may choose to close earlier depending on traffic and/or special events. After all, film fans have all those movies to see. Note that some previous participants like The Liberty Group (Rosewater, Ciao, The Spice Route) have opted out, and now that TIFF has abandoned Yorkville, so has One at Hazelton Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel. Big question: will Festivallers notice some quaint updating of the liquor code– that Toronto now permits servers to carry booze across the public sidewalk to patios?Or that owners can now offer customers a freebie if it’s your birthday?
The Pub Crawl: hottest spots first
Ritz Carlton Hotel 181 Wellington St 416-585 2500
TIFF central. TIFF honcho Piers Handling was given the first key to a room at this creamily luxurious hostelry, so stars should be plentiful. Toca bar on ground floor, Toca restaurant, DEQ restaurant,with patio, A Glenn Close kind of place. pearls and tweed, all open til 4. am.
Thompson Hotel, 550 Wellington W. 416-640-7778
Most glamourous roof in town with pool but only if you’re a guest or a star. You may see Ryan Gosling here ,once he’s picked up candy at a 7/24,while you sip at the Lobby bar open til 4 am.
La Societe Bistro 131 Bloor W, 416-551-9929
This pastiche of an art deco Paris Brasserie with zinc bar, stained glass ceiling, two patios, weather permitting, will pull in fans of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. Food til 2 am, bar open til 4 am.
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042
Fauxbo de luxe, the lightning read for global hipsters. Roof is for moonies. Bar open til 4 am, last reservation for dinner 10.30 pm. Neil Young’s gotta be here.
Fifth Grill and Terrace, 225 Richmond St. W. 416-979-3005
Open Thurs-Sat. Retro glam, cabin in the sky, industrial elevator, a Tilda Swinton hang if there ever was one. Bar open til 4 am, last reservation for dinner ll pm.
Ultra Supper Club,314 Queen St. W., 416-263-0330
Rave rooftop patio and sleek dining room for urbanist wannabes, open til 4 am.
Four Seasons Hotel
21 Avenue Rd., 416-964-0411
When TIFF was uptown,the Four Seasons was queen. Now it’s all-purpose Avenue bar and restaurant is still waving the flag, open til 4 am.
Park Hyatt Hotel, 4 Avenue Rd, 416-925-1234
Still trailing stars from its days as literati kaffeklatsch, the Roof Lounge will be open til 4 am.
Luma and O & B Canteen, TIFF Lightbox,350 King W. 647-288-4715 and 647-288-4710
Onsite nutrition. Luma’s upscale grub is for the movie execs, O & B’s fast food for the fans. Both open until 4. am
Cabin 5, 225 Richmond St W. 416-979-3000
Fizzing nightclub for those who still have to be carded. Til 4 am.
Jump, 18 Wellington W. Commerce Court East
Bay St lawyers’ watering hole. Well, at least no lawyers will be around at 4.am.
Crush Wine Bar, 455 King St. 416-977-1234
special $80 menu for TIFF, featuring eggyolk ravioli, open til 4.
Brassai, 461 King W. 416-598-4730
Youthbot scrum with patio, small select eats on the menu til 4. am.
Windsor Arms, 18 St. Thomas St. 416-921-9121
Once, the Courtyard was celeb central as the Yoohoo Cafe. Alas, no longer, but the Cafe along with Twenty Two and Prime will have license extended to 4 am.
O & B Cafe Grill, 33 Yonge St. 647-260-2070
Chain resto with large patio, licensed til 4. am.
Open til 2 AM
Victor in Le Germain Hotel
30 Mercer St 416-504-4239
Fresh’n’local Kitchen closes at midnight, drinks to 2.am.
NOTE: some of these places are still awaiting final approval from the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario
