St. Lawrence Market

nhl-toronto-maple-leafs-1-© Destination Toronto — **Ice hockey fans watching the Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. Photo Credit: © Destination Toronto**

National Hockey League

Best place to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs is Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. But what if the Leafs are playing on the road? Or what if you can’t get (or afford) a ticket to the game? Check out the best Toronto Maple Leafs bars to watch hockey with other Leaf fans.

Maple Leaf Team History

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team in Canada. They compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The team is a member of the “original six” NHL teams.

And they are one of the Original Six professional ice hockey teams in the NHL In fact, the original professional ice hockey teams included …

Actually, the team was orginally called the Toronto Arenas. But that name didn’t last long.

Name Changes

Toronto-St-Pats-logo

The hockey team changed its name to the Toronto St. Patricks two seasons later. Why did they do that? In fact, they were hoping to attract fans from the growing number of Irish people living in Toronto.

When Conn Smythe, a Canadian businessman, bought the ice hockey team in 1927, he changed its name to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Interestingly, he had fought in the Maple Leaf regiment during World War I. Was that a mere coincidence?

13 Stanley Cups

The Toronto Maple Leafs have won five division championships. But they have never won a conference championship.

However, the Leafs have won more Stanley Cups than any other ice hockey team save one. The Montreal Canadiens have won the coveted trophy 24 times.

While the Leafs have won 13 Stanley Cups, the last one was more than half a century ago. And that was in the 1966-67 season.

Scotiabank Arena

hockey-game-at-scotibank-arena — **Toronto Maple Leafs playing a game at Scotiabank Arena. Photo Credit: © Destination Toronto**

Despite their lacklustre record in recent years, the Maple Leafs have a devoted fan base. And they continue to pack Scotiabank Arena, where they play home games.

In fact, Scotiabank Arena was formerly called Air Canada Centre.

As a multi-purpose facility, the arena is home to several sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association.

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Where to Watch the Toronto Maple Leafs Play Hockey

foodie-eats-sandwich-at-st-lawrence-market-in-downtown-toronto — **Tucking into a mouth-watering sandwich at St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto. Photo Credit: Tourism Toronto.**

Here are some of the best sports bars and restaurants in Toronto, where you can be loud and root for the Leafs.

However, you should call ahead to make sure they will show the game and that the sound will be turned on.

Also, because of COVID-19, some bars might have temporarily or permanently closed.

Real Sports Bar and Grill – Maple Leaf Square, 15 York Street, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 815-7325. Facebook
Amsterdam Brewhouse – 245 Queens Quay West, South Building, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 504-1020. Facebook
Wayne Gretzky’s – 99 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 348-0099. Facebook
Shaky’s – 2255 Bloor Street, West Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 767-0608. Facebook
The Craft Brasserie and Grille – 107 Atlantic Avenue, Liberty Village, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 535-2337. Facebook
Earl’s Kitchen and Bar – 150 King Street West Unit 100, Toronto Ontario. Tel: (416) 916-0227. Facebook
Grossmans Tavern – 379 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 977-7000. Facebook
Bar Hop – 391 King St. West, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 352-7476. Facebook
Wheat Sheaf Tavern – 667 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 504-9912. Facebook
Scallywags – 11 St. Clair West, Toronto, Ontario. (416) 922-3737. Facebook
The Loose Moose Tap & Grill – 146 Front Street West, Toronto. (416) 977-8840. Facebook
The Bottom Line – 22 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 362-7585. Facebook
Shark Club Bar Grill – 10 Dundas Street E #310, Toronto, Ontario. Tel: (416) 506-0753. Facebook
The Dock Ellis – 1280 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario. Facebook
The Ballroom – 145 John Street, Toronto, Ontario. Tel (416) 697-2695. Facebook

Best Maple Leafs Bars in Other Canadian Cities

The following sports bars and restaurants are not necessarily bonafide Maple Leafs hangouts. However, Toronto fans often watch games at them.

Therefore, you should always call ahead to make sure they will show the game. Also, ask if the sound will be turned on.

17 Mile Pub – 5126 Sooke Road, Sooke, British Columbia. Tel: (250) 642-5942. Facebook –
Brandy’s at the King – 429 Sundial Pl, Whistler, British Columbia. Tel: (604) 932-5151. STILL OPEN?
Shark Club Bar Grill – outlets in Calgary, Grand Prairie, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. Facebook
Bar Bifteck – 3702 St. Laurent, Montreal, Quebec. Telephone: (514) 844-6211. Facebook

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A Word to the Wise

While most of these venues tend to attract Maple Leaf fans on game day, there are no guarantees.

Sometimes they won’t turn on the sound. Other times they might show other events. And there is always the chance the venue might be booked for special events.

Also, fans sometimes migrate to other venues. And bars sometimes close.

Therefore, you should always call ahead to make sure that the game you want to watch will be broadcast.

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Your Input on Toronto Maple Leafs Bars Wanted

If you have patronized of these Toronto Maple Leafs sports bars, please leave comments (pro or con) in the COMMENT box below.

For example, you can mention the ambience for Maple Leafs fans. Otherwise, you can discuss the visibility of TV screens. Or the quality of the sound. And don’t forget about the food, the service – whatever!

Also, please let me know if any of these Toronto Maple Leaf watch bars have closed. Or if Toronto ice hockey fans are no longer watching NHL games at them.

In addition, your own recommendations on where to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs play will also be greatly appreciated! Most importantly, I am especially interested in Maple Leaf-friendly sports bars in other cities!