MIDTOWN. A fun jazz bar with different theme nights ­ including swing, salsa and smooth jazz. A great place to spend an evening with friends, enjoy a nice meal and good music. The menu runs from bruschetta, tempura shrimp and carpaccio to grilled alligator, linguine with sausage and peppers and steak frites.

DOWNTOWN. A mixed crowd mimics the cosmopolitan nature of this bar's namesake, the Roman-Greek city of Byzantium, which later became known as Istanbul. Aside from that, there's little resemblance. The lounge is stylish and sophisticated; the dining room opposite is a bit more luxurious. Dining here is always an adventure, with globally inspired flavors and beautiful presentation. But simply sipping a cocktail or two in the bar can be, as well ­ the inspired martini list includes something like 100 different versions.

DOWNTOWN. Subterranean it may be, but C'est What is definitely not sub-par. Dedicated to all things local, the establishment promotes Toronto with exhibits from regional artists and shows from local musicians in their state-of-the-art performance room/recording studio. Before they made it big, the intimate space hosted Barenaked Ladies, Jeff Buckley and Jewel, among others. An amazing selection of beverages includes their own line of craft brewed beers and wines, an array of Ontario microbrewed beers and wines, plus a great list of whiskies. In keeping with Toronto's rep as a multi-cultural city, the menu features fantastic food from around the world. A true Toronto favorite.

DOWNTOWN. When it opened in the late 1990s, Billiards Digest magazine named the Charlotte Room one of the top ten best new pool rooms in North America. The place has continued to live up to the initial kudos, offering a classy space with several tables and impressive food and beverage menus (no greasy wings and canned Schlitz here!). If the pool tables are occupied or you simply want a break, you'll find a number of other diversions in the form of board games, everything from chess to Boggle to Risk. Some Friday nights host live bands or magic shows.

DOWNTOWN. A bar with history! Dominion on Queen was originally opened as a hotel and brewery. Over a century later, the place is still operational, although these days it functions as a bar and restaurant, but the award winning brews are still on tap. The classy, wood-paneled atmosphere is enhanced by live jazz and blues several nights a week.