Apr 11, 2025

The Artful Dodger Toronto

Please Sir, I want some patio

""The Artful Dodger" is a Toronto pub, in fact it's one of the better low-key pubs in downtown. I suggest sitting at the front around sunset and enjoy..."

If you are coming from a non-British or non Commonwealth country then you might find the concept of pubs odd. The 'pub' which is the shortened version of 'Public House,' is a type of bar we have in Canada which, to be honest, all tend to look remarkably alike. Same type of vibe, along an Olde English faux decor and furniture with a predictable colour scheme. Even if they are owned by completely different owners.  

Named after Jack Dawkins, a character in the Charles Dicken's novel Oliver Twist, The Artful Dodger is located on Isabella street, a small side street just east of Yonge Street. You cannot miss it due to its well illuminated patio and the main reason why this is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring.

Although the locale has two patios, the one at the back is rather secretive and smaller although still charming with its crazy, off-balance decor, covered pool table, tall tables and climber plants.

I suggest sitting at the front at around sunset and really just enjoy the seasons whether it be on the patio or through the windows in winter. As that is something Torontonians do a lot once the patio season is over, we make the best of it. During Winter, pick the section with the fireplace. It is a great way to relax and be warm. 

Check the Artful Dodger, one of the better low-key pubs in downtown. Have a cold one and enjoy their patios.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

10 Isabella Street

Beer (pint):

C$

8

4169649511

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

Planta Queen

Amazing Asian-inspired vegan eats

I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 17, 2025

Khau Gully

Best Northern Indian Food in Toronto

"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cameron

Bryant

Apr 15, 2025

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Philistine

Curated clothing & goods

Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Aloette

Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister

"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Gift Shop

A not-so-secret secret speakeasy

"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Swatow

My go-to for hole-in-the-wall Chinese food

"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

La Salumeria

The perfect midtown deli

"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

The One in the Only

Coffee coffee coffee

"The One in the Only" in Toronto is an eclectic coffee shop that just exudes positivity. Most of the decoration is a random mix of old photos & art prints.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters