The Best Venues for After Work Drinks in Toronto, ON

After Work Drinks Rental Guide

How to connect with colleagues at your after-work drinks event

After-work drinks can be a fun night out with your friends, but they can also be a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues. Organizing a successful corporate happy hour in Toronto goes beyond choosing the right venue and serving great drinks. It's about creating an atmosphere that encourages networking, engagement, and meaningful interactions among your guests. To achieve this, consider relying on two essential tools - name tags and icebreakers!

Name Tags: Putting Names to Faces

Name tags may seem simplistic, but they play a crucial role in helping your guests get to know each other at your event. With name tags, you make it easier for attendees to learn each other's names and start talking. This can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, allowing people to feel more comfortable about approaching new acquaintances. So here are a few tips on how to make the most of these humble tags:

Make Them Clear and Legible: Ensure that the font on the name tags is clear and easy to read, even in dimly lit venues. Alternatively, you can ask attendees to write their names in large, bold letters to ensure visibility. Additionally, if you're hosting multi-company events, consider including the company or organization name on the name tags or color-coding them to make it easier for attendees to identify and connect with others.

First Name Basis: Keep it informal by using first names only to create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere and encourage attendees to engage in conversation. However, it's important to be mindful of cultural norms and preferences, as some individuals may prefer to be addressed by their full name or last name and title. 

Pronouns: Consider including pronouns on name tags or providing a space for attendees to indicate their preferred pronouns. This promotes inclusivity and respect for individuals' gender identities, helping to create a more welcoming environment for everyone. 

Optional Additions: You can provide space for guests to add additional information if they wish, such as a fun fact about themselves or the city they are from. This additional information can be a great conversation starter!

Icebreakers: Getting to Know Each Other

While name tags are practical for identification, icebreakers are instrumental in sparking initial conversations and setting the tone for the evening.  Toronto is a busy city with diverse professionals, so a well-thought-out icebreaker can help your guests feel more comfortable and ready to mingle. These games can be as simple as asking about someone's favorite hobby or sharing a funny anecdote, but let's have a look at a few more creative icebreakers!

Two Truths and a Lie: This classic icebreaker game is a great way for guests to get acquainted in a fun and engaging way. Each person takes turns sharing two true statements about themselves and one false one. The rest of the group then tries to guess which statement is the lie. This game can be a lot of fun as everyone shares their guesses until the truth is eventually revealed. It's a fantastic way to break the ice and create a lighthearted atmosphere at your event. 

Networking Bingo: Networking Bingo is another interactive activity that can help break the ice and help your guests get to know each other. Participants are given a bingo card with various networking-related tasks or questions, such as "Find someone who works in the same industry as you" or "Exchange business cards with three new people." As guests mingle and interact, they mark off the corresponding squares on their bingo cards. This game not only encourages conversation and collaboration but also provides a structured way for individuals to meet new people and expand their professional network.

Speed Networking: Another great icebreaker is speed networking. In this activity, participants are paired up and given a set amount of time, usually a few minutes, to introduce themselves and exchange information. Once the time is up, participants rotate and meet someone new. This fast-paced activity allows attendees to make quick connections and maximize their networking opportunities in a short amount of time. Additionally, speed networking has another benefit: participants can practice their elevator pitches and refine their communication skills in a dynamic setting.

Themed Trivia: Another engaging networking activity is themed trivia. Participants are divided into teams and challenged with a series of questions related to a specific subject. This interactive game not only encourages teamwork and collaboration but also encourages the participants to work together to answer the trivia questions. 

Best Toronto Memory: Another memorable networking activity is the "Best Toronto Memory" game. Participants take turns sharing their favorite experiences or moments in the city, whether it's discovering a hidden gem, attending a special event, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. This activity not only allows individuals to bond over shared experiences but also provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about each other's interests and backgrounds. 

Remember that the key to successful icebreakers is to keep them light-hearted and fun. These games should help attendees relax and never feel forced or uncomfortable. So make sure to tailor the icebreakers to suit the atmosphere and goals of your after-work drinks event. If you need extra assistance, you can explore team-building activities ideas on our blog!

FAQs about After Work Drinks in Toronto, ON

Which are the best after work drinks venues in Toronto?

Some of the best after work drink bars you can find in Toronto are:

TacoTaco – Who doesn’t love a good taco and a refreshing cocktail especially after a hard day? Take the edge off and kick back in one of Old Toronto’s finest taco bars.

Come See Me – If you are looking to plan a big party for your after work drinks, then look no further than Come See Me. Enjoy an upscale bar located right in Downtown Toronto.

The Bedrock – This is a bespoke pub that has a beautiful ambiance that your colleagues are sure to love. Have a cold beer or classic cocktail and take your mind off of the office for a little while.

Where can I find great bars for affordable after work drinks in Toronto?

You will be pleased to know that you will be able to find great bars right around your offices that are perfect for a few drinks after a long day. The Central Business District has every kind or bar you could want from bespoke pubs all the way to upscale bars. If you are trying to get a break from the downtown scenery, then you will find some great options in Yorkdale.

How much does it cost to book a bar for after work drinks in Toronto?

Bars in Toronto are hired according to minimum spend and per hour fees. You can expect to pay around $80-$200 per hour. Minimum spend venues will require you to spend anywhere from $500-$5000 for your after work drinks session. (All data taken from Tagvenue.)

What is the common capacity of the bars in Toronto?

In Toronto, the typical capacity of bars varies, but you can generally find spaces that accommodate anywhere from 10 to 200 people. Smaller, cozy bars with private rooms may host around 10 to 30 guests, and spacious lounges for large parties can cater to 100 to 200 or more. The actual capacity can depend on factors like seating arrangements and event-specific features. For precise details, it's best to check with the individual bars, as they might have private event spaces with different capacities than their main areas. If you have a particular place in mind, we recommend contacting the venue directly to chat in detail!