In Toronto, it’s not uncommon to see NHL and NBA fans sporting their team paraphernalia any day of the year. But now that playoff season is upon us, Leafs and Raptors pride will be on full display more than ever!
If you’re a huge fan of either sport — or simply want to bask in the passionate energy and camaraderie of Toronto sports fans — then you need to experience watching a game at a public establishment.
READ: 8 High-End Spots To Watch The Leafs, Toronto Raptors And Blue Jays Play
The Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off on Wednesday, Apr. 10, but the Toronto Maple Leafs won’t play their first game against the Boston Bruins until Thursday, Apr. 11.
As for the Toronto Raptors, they’ll have to wait a few days longer for the NBA playoffs, which begin on Saturday, Apr. 13. The game schedule will be announced after the regular season wraps up on Wednesday, Apr. 10 (check the schedule here).
READ: Watch: Rare 1932 Video Of Maple Leafs Vs. Canadiens At Maple Leaf Gardens
Read on for 10 of the best places to watch the 2019 NHL and NBA playoffs in Toronto, and discover the deals you can expect to enjoy while celebrating the game.
1. Assembly Chef’s Hall—111 Richmond St. W.
Photo courtesy of Assembly Chef's Hall
Game days at Assembly Chef’s Hall always include beer and food platter specials, but for the playoffs, they’re kicking things up a notch. The Hall has partnered with Molson to provide fans with an amazing giveaway. When you purchase a pitcher of Coors Light, you’ll be entered into a draw to win Leafs tickets at one of their playoff games. The Hall will also have a live DJ on game nights, who will play during commercial breaks until close.
2. The Dog & Bear Pub—1100 Queen St. W.
If you’re looking for a good-old-fashioned pub to catch the game, then head to The Dog & Bear. The spot is cozy and casual, but rest assured the fans are high energy. The pub menu runs until midnight, serving all the classics: wings, burgers, nachos and more. There will also be daily food and drink specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
3. The Ballroom— 145 John St.
Yes, you can get your bowling fix and watch the playoffs. The Ballroom will be showing both NHL and NBA games during playoff season and they'll have plenty of drink specials. This includes five for $25 of Canadian or Coors Light bottles during all games, as well as their regular social hour specials on Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Social hour specials include $3 rail, $6 domestic draft beer, and a $5 appetizer menu (think mini nachos, grilled cheese and queso fries!).
4. Hurricanes Roadhouse— 963 Bloor St. W.
This lively restobar promises to show every Toronto NBA and NHL game played, so you can be sure you’ll be surrounded by like-minded fans. The pub has many weekly and daily specials, including a 60 oz. pitcher of GLB Golden Horseshoe Lager and a pound of wings for $24.99. The patio will be open “even if it’s 4C tomorrow as forecasted,” the pub told Toronto Storeys. On chillier days, the patio will be covered and heated, and complimentary blankets will be given to guests.
If you live further west on Bloor, check out Hurricanes’ sister pub, A Dark Horse, at 2401 Bloor St. W. They will also be showing the games and have similar specials.
5. The Loose Moose— 146 Front St. W.
You can count on The Loose Moose to show every Leafs and Raptors playoff game this season! And when neither of those teams are playing, guests are welcome to make game requests. Drink deals include Molson Canadian pitchers for $19.67 (including tax) and 22 oz. of light/dark house brew beer for $6 daily.
6. Petty Cash— 487 Adelaide St. W.
Photo courtesy of Petty Cash
This casual restobar will be showing all NHL and NBA playoff games live on multiple screens and serving special $1 petty pints throughout every game. Doors open at 5 p.m. on game days, so get there early to grab a good seat.
7. Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill— 10 Dundas St. E. #310
If there’s one bar in the city you can count on to show the NHL and NBA playoffs, it’s Shark Club. From their 15-foot big screen to their 57 LED TVs, you won’t miss a minute of action no matter where you sit. Enjoy Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close, which includes $7 apps and $5 cocktails and taps.
8. Striker Sports Bar — 31 St. Joseph St.
This LGBTQ+ bar brands itself as “the best place to watch anything,” and it’s true. Not only does this place show playoff games, but also weekly episodes of the new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Game of Thrones.” The specials change daily, but guests can expect deals like $15 Budweiser pitchers from Sunday to Thursday and $9 chicken quesadillas on Mondays and Tuesdays.
9. McSorley's Wonderful Saloon & Grill— 1544 Bayview Ave.
If you’re in the Leaside area, stop by McSorley's Saloon to cheer on the Leafs or Raps during the playoffs. Happy Hour runs on Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and daily specials are offered from 5 p.m. onward every day of the week. The bonus is that if you drink Molson Canadian during either playoff game one or two, you’ll be entered to win prizes, including tickets to NHL game three in Toronto!
10. Amsterdam BrewHouse— 245 Queens Quay W.
Grab a seat at the bar at Amsterdam BrewHouse to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the playoff action. The 14,000 sq. foot brewery and restaurant offers a large variety of food and beers, and also offers small batch “Adventure Brews” every week.
