These are the places to beat the blues on the saddest day of the year
It’s January 20 — aka, Blue Monday, aka the year’s saddest day.
We’re in the middle of the winter season, with short days and long, frigid nights. It’s easy to get cooped up, lose touch with friends and family, and fall into a Netflix and take-out binge.
At best, the winter blues can make anyone feel low and burnt-out, but they can take an even deeper toll on some. To combat the dark feelings this time of year can bring about, these Toronto spots are serving up the cozy vibes and warm environments you’ve been missing since summer fled.
Here’s where to hang out on Blue Monday in Toronto:
Bar Poet
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This spot is slinginā mouthwatering pizza and fierce cocktails in a cozy, warm, and welcoming environment. The sick exterior and interior designs of the building, plus the skeeball runs, are major bonuses for brightening up any low mood.
Address:Ā 1090 Queen Street West
Lobby
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If you’re looking for a spot that introduces cozy vibes to whimsical forest-like decor, this must be the place. Cocktails, ceviche, beer, and bigger bites come together to create the ideal hideaway, be it a Saturday night or a Monday night.
Address: 1032 Queen Street West
Phone:Ā 416-901-6768
The Greater Good
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The GG is one of many hot spots on Geary Avenue, and it’s certainly the most retro. Enjoy a full pizza Ć la North of Brooklyn downstairs, and then head up to the loft to play a long list of old-style arcade games (for free!), or use your spare change on a few rounds of skeeball. The place is basically your childhood birthday party, plus beer. What could make you more cheerful?
Address:Ā 229 Geary Avenue
Phone:Ā 647-348-2339
The Drake Sky Yard
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āClimate-defiant,ā this patio is the perfect place to grab a mid-afternoon cocktailĀ or some late-night dinner. The combo of warm food and good vibes will warm you from the inside out, even on a cold winterās night.
Address:Ā 1150 Queen Street West, Toronto
Phone:Ā 416-531-5042
Cactus Club Cafe
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Cactus Clubās retractable snow-melting roof, private booths, and chill jams combine to make this spot the ideal place to unwind after a long work-day, cold months inclusive. Choose between downtown and theĀ Etobicoke locationĀ for your evening of unwinding and catching up with beloved pals.
Address:Ā First Canadian Place — 77 Adelaide West, Toronto
Address:Ā 25 The West Mall, Unit 700, Etobicoke
Phone:Ā 647-748-2025
Baro
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Baroās rooftop offers an indoor-outdoor experience reminiscent of a warm getaway. With plenty of greenery, massive screens and a view thatās like something out of a New York love story, this spotās serving up all the goods to get you smiling.
Address:Ā 485 King Street West, Toronto
Phone:Ā Ā 416-363-8388
Bar Raval
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Bar Ravalās enclosed patio is equipped with heaters so you can enjoy the restaurantās mouth-watering tapas and cocktails outside, under twinkly lights, even during the cold winter months. If you’d prefer to stay indoors, you can enjoy snacks and wine inside, surrounded by gorgeous design reminiscent of that of a hobbit hole… in only the best way.
Address:Ā 505 College Street
Phone:Ā 647-344-8001
El Catrin
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Tucked away in Torontoās historic Distillery District, this restaurant is not only home to a chic cocktail and Mexican tapas menu, but also a sprawling outdoor patio thatās equipped with aesthetically-pleasing heaters and fire pits. Margherita in the cold? That’s sure to make you grin, even if there’s salt on the rim.
Address:Ā 18 Tank House Lane
Phone:Ā 416-203-2121
Wish Restaurant
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Picturesque and rustic, the enclosed patio at Wish restaurant feels like something out of a fairytale. Whether you opt for seating there, or tucked into the main restaurant, you’re in the prime spot for hygge — which is how the Danish get through their cold, dark, and long winter season.
Address:Ā 3 Charles Street East
Phone:Ā 416-935-0240