Half-priced wine nights in Toronto's west end

Winos across the city agree that the restaurateurs who host a weekly half-priced wine night are among Toronto’s most heroic citizens. Whether you’re looking to finish off the weekend with some fried chicken and a bottle of chardonnay, or tuck in on a Tuesday with a bottle of Tuscan Sangiovese and plate of pappardelle, these local eateries and resto-bars will be offering their fine labels at a tempting discount.

By Alexandra Caufin

The Yukon

1

1592 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A8

• Phone Number
  • 647-345-4156Primary
• Directions

Tucked at the foot of Sorauren on Queen West, this compact canteen is an ideal west-side spot for an expertly rendered cocktail, a craft beer, or some lively tunes playing off the turntable station in the back (shelves and shelves of vinyl stretch up to the ceiling, guaranteeing some welcome variety in background sounds). Buck-a-shuck Mondays draw happy-hour minded crowds, plus, every Thursday before 10 pm, the wines at this Canadiana-meets-modern-parlour spot are on offer at half-price.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Osteria Giulia

2

134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H6

• Phone Number
  • 416-964-8686Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Since 2007, this Italian osteria has been drawing the Yorkville crowd and beyond to its romantic, low-lit space, with an impressive selection of red and whites (over 300 labels on the list!), and done right Italian classics alongside modern innovations. Tuesdays are half-priced wine night at the wood-clad and rich-with-exposed-brick space, so you can sip on an amarone classico while snacking on arancini (served with walnuts and truffle honey), or tuck in for some thin-crust pizza, fresh pasta, or secondi dishes.

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Union Restaurant

3

72 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7

• Phone Number
  • 416-850-0093Primary
• Directions

One of Ossington’s most beloved eateries has been impressing diners of all ages and palates since 2009, with a slew of French-inspired fare (the menu changes daily and will include anything from oysters with lardon and breadcrumbs to tagliatelle with smoked herring and octopus). The cozy space is the wholly wonderful love child of a Parisian bistro and a quintessential Toronto neighbourhood spot, with exposed brick walls, a chandelier, and a wildlife mural that stretches the length of the restaurant. Oh, and they also do half-priced bottles of wine every Monday.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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Beast Restaurant Inc

4

96 Tecumseth St, Main, Toronto, ON M6J 2H1

• Phone Number
  • 647-352-6000Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Wednesdays at this spot draw Toronto wine lovers with half-priced bottles on offer from 5 pm to close. As its name would suggest, Beast is a destination for carnivores and those particularly partial to Canadian-style cooking. Finding home in the yuppie-in-the-best-way Trinity Niagara neighbourhood, it’s become a King Wester’s spot for happy hour cocktails with a side of house tartare or duck pastrami, or a selection of heartier dinner items like pork hocks, flat iron steak, or grilled lamb belly (but don’t miss out on the menu’s stellar selection of fish dishes on offer as well).

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

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More from Alexandra Caufin

Alexandra is a writer and was formerly YP's Toronto City Editor. She will most likely be found playing pool in dives, eating one too many tacos, or hanging with the Highland cattle (to which she is probably overly attached) at the High Park zoo. Alexandra is also at work on her first novel via her Master's at the University of Toronto, and if you ask her how it’s going, she’ll bite your head right off.

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