Apr 11, 2025

Hart House Gallery Grill Toronto

U of T hiding spot

""Hart House Gallery Grill" is a Neo-Gothic Toronto secret bar. How about a happy hour drink by the fireplace? Or brunch at a table with a view? Have fun!"

So you have explored. You have discovered and now feel like going to a quiet, cozy, almost century old spot to relax? Perhaps have a coffee or a casual Happy Hour drink by the fireplace or better yet, brunch at a table with a view of the sculpture garden in Hart House's famous Quadrangle? Well, it is time to check this Neo-Gothic styled Toronto secret.

Which ironically is not so much for most U of T students but it is for most Torontonians. So... Shhh... don't tell anyone. 

Opening its doors November 11th 1911 (Remembrance Day), the Hart House is one of Toronto's architectural treasures and well worth exploring on the way to your pint or dinner waiting for you on the second floor. Art can be found hanging in public areas for you to you to traverse, in fact the House's collection of Canadian artist is currently worth around the 10 million dollar. Simply ask at the help desk on the main floor, they will let you know where to go. 

Not to mention walking through U of T campus is a historically pleasant experience, especially during the Summer or Fall. I personally would recommend getting off at the Museum TTC subway station and then strolling your way south through the Philosopher's Walk path. It definitely adds to the gravitas of the your visit instead of taking the more direct Queen's Park TTC station route.

Check their website for their curated, Gourmet Menu. I am sure you will enjoy it.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

7 Hart House Circle

For dinner:

C$

20

4169782445

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Broadview Espresso

Comfy coffee corner

"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Toronto Reference Library

Literally awesome!

"Toronto Reference Library" is Canada's largest reference library & a must-stop on any downtown tour, with plenty of exciting cultural secrets to discover.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts

Taste of Ontario

"Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts" in Toronto makes some of the best butter tarts you can find in the city, and there's nothing more Ontario than eating them!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 28, 2025

Plenty Market & Cafe

Cute cafe meets sweet market

Not only do they have delicious coffee and delightful baked goods, but they also stock a solid selection of Canadian-made food and drink products...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 22, 2025

Unboxed Market

A lovely little slow-waste market

Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 21, 2025

Riverdale Farm

Smack in the middle of downtown

"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Mauricio

Alas

Apr 20, 2025

Planta Queen

Amazing Asian-inspired vegan eats

I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 17, 2025

Khau Gully

Best Northern Indian Food in Toronto

"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cameron

Bryant

Apr 15, 2025

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Toronto?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters