Earlier this month Cineplex’s 40,000 square foot Rec Room opened up, welcoming a new adult playground to the city. Located within walking distance of the Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium and the CN Tower, the Rec Room houses everything from a Ghostbuster VR experience to air hockey, basketball and arcade games. There’s no shortage of gaming options and a steady flow of alcohol is on hand too, obviously.
While the Rec Room may be the latest insertion, there are venues across the city that house games of all sorts. Here are some of our favourites.
See also
- Cineplex's massive new entertainment complex is now open in Toronto
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Night Owl Toronto
Night Owl offers up a small, but charming selection of fun like bubble hockey, foosball and beer pong arcade games, as well as a good mix of live music on the regular.
Address: 647 College Street
Phone: 647-927-4321
Courtesy: Facebook/PacificJunctionHotel
The funky environment is also the home of Girth Radio, so while you’re playing ping pong or pool you can take in the live talk and tunes. The low-key vibe and $2 Taco Tuesdays are surefire draw-ins to this spot. And if you’re a fan of bourbon-induced cocktails, head here.
Address: 234 King Street East
Phone Number: 416-508-3466
Tilt Toronto
In addition to the abundance of arcade games (X-Files, TMNT, Mortal Kombat, TRON), you don’t have to worry about stacking up on change as all games are free play. Tilt opens daily at 6pm with a modest cover ($5). On Tuesdays that cover is only $2 though.
Address: 296 Brunswick Avenue
Phone Number: 416-551-TILT (but just go ’cause they don’t really answer the phone)
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Track & Field
Dubbed “Toronto’s first indoor lawn games bar,” Track & Field boasts a bocce ball lane and shuffleboard lane, and these courts are available on a first come first serve basis. You can also book ahead ($40/hour). If you’re looking for a spot that can cater to your competitive nature and need for boozy late night fun, T&F is a good choice.
Address: 860 College Street West
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Pub Chess Toronto
Courtesy: Facebook/PubChessToronto
Just look at that intensity, don’t you want in? Tournaments happen Wednesdays (usually around 7PM) at the Madison Pub, and there’s room for both casual and seasoned players.
Address: 14 Madison Avenue (The Madison Pub)
Phone Number: 416-770-4925
Local Public Eatery Toronto
This popular chain has two locations in Toronto (Leaside and Liberty Village). Sports on the big screens, beers in hands, games like Connect Four, Crokinole, Jenga and shuffleboard? Why not.
Address: 180 Laird Drive
Phone Number: 416-696-6226
Snakes & Lattes
Snakes & Lattes also have two Toronto spots, one on College and the inaugural Bloor location, and there’s an unbelievable game list that will fixate you for months. Whether you’re in the need for strategy-heavy challenges or you just want to relive your childhood Dreamphone days, these guys have you covered.
Address: 600 Bloor Street West
Phone Number: 647-342-9229
Dundas Video
Expect retro arcade games, a super laid-back environment, regular DJ sets (Frandiscos, Trap Luv) and a quaint venue where regulars and newbies jam together.
Address: 831 Dundas Street West
Safari Bar & Grill
Courtesy: Facebook/SafariToronto
It may not be the flashiest of the bunch, but Safari has been serving the city since 1995, so that’s something. If it’s billiards you’re looking for or a place to gather away from the downtown crowd, this is a good go-to.
Address: 1749 Avenue Road
Phone Number: 416-787-6584
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WAbar
Courtesy: wabartoronto.com
This sports bar is located in the heart of K-town and mixes classy decor with the classics. Beer pong tables, Mario Kart and good drinks should get you riled up, in a good way.
Address: 3 Isabella Street
Phone Number: 647-352-3351
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