Overview

Located on the bustling Danforth Avenue in Toronto, Danforth Sidebar is a vibrant restaurant that perfectly balances the casual bar spirit with an elevated dining experience. This spot stands out for those seeking a lively atmosphere before or after concerts, as well as families and friends looking to enjoy a relaxed meal in a welcoming space. Its central location at 161 Danforth Ave makes it an ideal stop for anyone exploring the city’s east end.

The menu is thoughtfully curated with an impressive range of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. Signature flatbreads, like the Mediterranean Vegetable and Chipotle Chicken, showcase the kitchen’s flair for combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with bold flavors. Main courses such as the Sidebar Smash Burger and Steak Frites deliver hearty satisfaction, while lighter options like the Steak Salad and Caesar Salad offer balance for those seeking something fresher.

Danforth Sidebar also shines with its elevated comfort food, including standouts like the Short Rib Poutine and Southern Fried Chicken, which bring a contemporary twist to classic favorites. Their attention to detail is evident in the handmade touch of dishes, complemented by their selection of specialty cocktails — the Paper Plane and Lemon Meringue Martini add a creative, spirited edge to the experience.

The dessert offerings, including the indulgent Brownie Dulce De Leche and Tiramisu, are a perfect finale. They strike the right chord between nostalgia and sophistication, making them well worth saving room for.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the restaurant’s friendly and attentive service, creating an inviting environment that is both cozy and lively. The staff’s professionalism and warmth contribute significantly to the overall experience, making Danforth Sidebar not just a place to eat but a destination to unwind and connect.

Perfectly suited for a variety of occasions — from casual date nights and family lunches to pre-show gatherings — this venue embraces a demographic that appreciates good food paired with a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere. The eclectic drink menu, including craft beers and well-mixed cocktails, adds to the appeal for those who enjoy quality beverages alongside their meal.

Whether it’s the artfully crafted pizzas, the unique seasoning on hand-cut fries, or the growing list of specialty cocktails, Danforth Sidebar delivers a thoughtful, engaging dining experience that resonates with locals and visitors alike. It’s a spot where flavor meets friendliness, set against the lively backdrop of Toronto’s Danforth neighborhood.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food at bar
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Peter Asaro
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Cool little place, friendly and attentive service, beer.... that'd the makings of a great night out. Great for pre, post or inter-concert refreshments or snacks.
shaaj vijay
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Excellent place for lunch and dinner. Great vibe. Good spot for a date, with friends and even with the family. We had lunch with two other families and 5 kids total and the food/atmosphere and service were excellent: solid smash burger, great Caesar salad
Tomas Rosa
Dec 3,2025
5/5
We went right before the event ended and it was pretty chill, very clean as well. Their drinks are on point and affordable, and their food was very surprisingly delicious. Handcut fries and a Pesto Chicken Pasta that was to die for. Check it out !
Brian Horvath
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Dropped into this place for a quick bite before a show. Amazing ambiance and vibe. Friendly prompt service and the food was fantastic. Fries were perfect with a unique seasoning that was light, burger was delicious and very tasty. Great experience and looking forward to dropping in again
Robin Robin
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Great prices on the drinks. Onion rings are soooo good. Tuesdays are the best days because of trivia! And they have a nice deal with happy hour when the music hall has a show. Also the bar staff and servers are great and a lot of fun. Love sidebar !!
Kareem El Naggar
Dec 3,2025
5/5
This place is great! We took our food to go and it was still good 30 minutes later. The burger is extremely juicy and flavourful. The fried chicken was killer. Perfectly crispy and juicy. This place has great seating, somewhat small. The staff is amazing. Would definitely return.
Ali Abbas
Dec 3,2025
5/5
I found this place by surprise. All of their chicken and beef is halal. Great atmosphere, and best of all service. Sam was excellent in recommending options and seem-less quick service, with a lot of checking in. Loved it. Their smash burgers are amazing and their fries and drink options are plenty. 5/5
amt
Dec 3,2025
5/5
Great place - and great for wheelchair accessablity. The table is comfortable and the bathroom wheelchair friendly. The food was great. The manager went way above and beyond to make sure we all had a wonderful time.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Saturday 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Sunday 05:00 PM - 12:00 AM
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