Radisson Hotel Admiral Toronto-Harbourfront

DOWNTOWN. When it opened in the late 1990s, Billiards Digest magazine named the Charlotte Room one of the top ten best...

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.

Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-1am; Fri 3pm-2am; Sat 6pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Located in the entertainment district downtown, Bar 244 features two levels. The top level is a...

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Located in the entertainment district downtown, Bar 244 features two levels. The top level is a bar/restaurant where business types gather for happy hour specials. The basement level functions as a hip club on the weekends, with DJs spinning Top 40, hip-hop and retro for the beautiful people. Bottle service and guest list available.

Hours: Thu-Fri 4pm-3am; Sat 7pm-3am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

DOWNTOWN. What might have been cold and hard ­ décor comprised of stone, brick metal and wood ­ is...

DOWNTOWN. What might have been cold and hard ­ décor comprised of stone, brick metal and wood ­ is transformed into something softer, sleek and contemporary here, with the addition of pink: pink lights here, a Barbie-pink wall there, pink glowing candles. The pink glow is flattering, to be sure (the occasional switch to vivid green light, not so much!). The crowd is mostly attractive 20- and 30-somethings in a party mood ­ of the relax-and-let-go-of-your-troubles sort. If you need a breather, check out the lovely courtyard.

Hours: Tue, Thu-Sun 10:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. The Rex books about 19 shows every week, an astounding number by any standards. The roster is mostly comprised...

DOWNTOWN. The Rex books about 19 shows every week, an astounding number by any standards. The roster is mostly comprised of local and regional jazz and blues artists, but does include international acts and a smattering of other genres. The vibe is super casual ­ the focus truly is on the music. But the food is pretty good, too, with numerous vegetarian options, and there's a good selection of draught beer.

Hours: Shows Mon-Thu 6:30pm-1am; Fri 4pm-1am; Sat-Sun Noon-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

DOWNTOWN. Since 1947, the Horseshoe has been entertaining Toronto's thirst for live music with a roster of musicians as...

DOWNTOWN. Since 1947, the Horseshoe has been entertaining Toronto's thirst for live music with a roster of musicians as varied as Arlo Guthrie, the Ramones, the Cramps, the Police, Johnny Lang, 10,000 Maniacs, Billy Bragg, and Soul Coughing. Well known for keeping up with the times, the performance schedule has morphed over the years, from county and rockabilly, to folk and reggae, to punk and metal. A renowned sound system and near-perfect acoustics makes the Shoe an industry fave, as well, so you never know who might be sitting next to you. If you like music, don't pass this one up!

Hours: Daily Noon-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Subterranean it may be, but C'est What is definitely not sub-par. Dedicated to all things local, the...

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.

Hours: Daily 11:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Massive is the operational word here. This place is huge ­ it's actually several clubs in one, each with...

DOWNTOWN. Massive is the operational word here. This place is huge ­ it's actually several clubs in one, each with its own vibe and specialty. Whether you want to dance til the wee hours, catch a live band, or sip champagne with friends, you can do it here.

Hours: Fri-Sat 10pm-6am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Squirly's has an unusual sense of style, with red walls and a host of kitschy embellishments ­ finding...

DOWNTOWN. Squirly's has an unusual sense of style, with red walls and a host of kitschy embellishments ­ finding them all will keep you entertained for hours. This, along with more than reasonable prices on local microbrews and comforting pub food make it a haven for starving artists and their ilk. Fun and laid-back.

Hours: Daily 11:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

WEST TORONTO. Nose-wrinkling name aside, this is one of TO's hippest un-hip bars. It's dinky and furnished in early...

WEST TORONTO. Nose-wrinkling name aside, this is one of TO's hippest un-hip bars. It's dinky and furnished in early garage sale. You won't find any ridiculously sweet, neon-hued cocktails or frilly salads topped with foie gras and caviar. You will find the basics, like beer, sake, whiskey and absinthe to drink, and toast with Chez Whiz, Marmite or Nutella, chips and salsa and sandwiches to eat. The jukebox is stocked with an awesome selection, from punk to alt-country; old B movies entertain some nights. The crowd is diverse and down to earth ­ no poseurs here!

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri-Sun 3pm-2:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

DOWNTOWN. A classically stylish spot, Bar Italia is an attractive little bistro style bar and restaurant that's been a...

DOWNTOWN. A classically stylish spot, Bar Italia is an attractive little bistro style bar and restaurant that's been a popular neighborhood favorite for years now. Wine is the quaff of choice for most patrons; food options are mostly Italian, with a great selection of appetizers, small plates, sandwiches and main courses. Live music on weekends, too!

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-1am; Fri 11am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club