The Artful Dodger Toronto

Please Sir, I want some patio

Mauricio from Toronto

About me I have lived in Toronto for most of my life and I am proud to be both of Salvadorean heritage and to be able to call this amazing city my home. I have travelled to numerous countries in Europe and Latin America and I have always found myself looking forward to coming back to Toronto at the end of my travels. As a photographer, I have to see the world just slightly diffe...
""The Artful Dodger" is a Toronto pub, in fact it's one of the better low-key pubs in downtown. I suggest sitting at the front around sunset and enjoy..."

If you are coming from a non-British or non Commonwealth country then you might find the concept of pubs odd. The 'pub' which is the shortened version of 'Public House,' is a type of bar we have in Canada which, to be honest, all tend to look remarkably alike. Same type of vibe, along an Olde English faux decor and furniture with a predictable colour scheme. Even if they are owned by completely different owners.  

Named after Jack Dawkins, a character in the Charles Dicken's novel Oliver Twist, The Artful Dodger is located on Isabella street, a small side street just east of Yonge Street. You cannot miss it due to its well illuminated patio and the main reason why this is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.

Although the locale has two patios, the one at the back is rather secretive and smaller although still charming with its crazy, off-balance decor, covered pool table, tall tables and climber plants.

I suggest sitting at the front at around sunset and really just enjoy the seasons whether it be on the patio or through the windows in winter. As that is something Torontonians do a lot once the patio season is over, we make the best of it. During Winter, pick the section with the fireplace. It is a great way to relax and be warm. 

Check the Artful Dodger, one of the better low-key pubs in downtown. Have a cold one and enjoy their patios.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Toronto Spotter Mauricio

About me I have lived in Toronto for most of my life and I am proud to be both of Salvadorean heritage and to be able to call this amazing city my home. I have travelled to numerous countries in Europe and Latin America and I have always found myself looking forward to coming back to Toronto at the end of my travels. As a photographer, I have to see the world just slightly different. A practice that has luckily carried over from behind the lenses to my day to day life as it has given me a curiosity of not only wanting to meet new people as an event organizer but also as an u...

About this spot

10 Isabella Street

Beer (pint):

C$

8

4169649511

Oct 11, 2025

Our Toronto City Guide

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.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 15, 2025

The Shameful Tiki Room

A night in Hawaii

The Shameful Tiki Room brings Polynesian-inspired food and an overwhelming list of tiki drinks — no jetlag required! One of the best themed bars around.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Astoria

Luzzi

Oct 13, 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Oct 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

Toronto app Home
Toronto app Home
Toronto app Map
Toronto app Home

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

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
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
7300
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters