Buckle up, book lovers, because Toronto’s got a cozy new literary destination opening this weekend, and we got a sneak peek. Welcome to Book Bar!

Book Bar celebrates the connective power of hospitality and books. Born from a friendship of over twenty years between founders Robin Storfer and Tom Freeman, Book Bar is a place you can shop, eat, drink, and come together. 

We got a sneak peek at Book Bar this week, and it exceeded our expectations. Airy and well-lit, the space is packed with a well-curated assortment of books (with a particular focus on highlighting Canadian authors), as well as great gifts for book lovers (including “Book Boyfriend” scented candles, cozy socks, and yummy snacks), plus a well-stocked bar. They’ve got a strong lineup of events and programming coming up in July, and an incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful team of booksellers working there (shout out to Kuda, thanks to whom I left with three new books for my shelf (and several more for my “TBR”!))

There’s a lot for Toronto book lovers to be excited by. Their grand opening is June 27 and 28, and ahead of it, we spoke with the team, including founders Tom and Robin, to get behind -the-scenes of Book Bar.

She Does the City (SDTC): Why did you decide to found Book Bar Toronto? And why now?

Book Bar Team: Years ago, we started exploring the idea of opening a wine bar together, but when the pandemic hit, those plans were put on hold. During that time, we realized how much we missed spaces where people could gather, linger, and connect. At the same time, reading experienced a resurgence, and our own book club became a lifeline, creating that space for meaningful conversation and connection when so much of the world felt isolated.

That’s when the idea evolved into something bigger. We couldn’t find a space in Toronto that brought together the intimacy of an independent bookstore with the warmth and hospitality of a neighbourhood bar. We saw an opportunity to create a true third space — somewhere people could come to read, discover, discuss ideas, share a drink, and build community. 

The timing feels particularly relevant because people are increasingly seeking authentic, offline experiences. Book Bar is our response to that need. 

STDC: What can people expect from Book Bar?

Book Bar: At its heart, Book Bar is designed to feel like an extension of your living room — a place where you can arrive alone and feel comfortable, or gather with others and create new memories. People can expect a space that feels warm, welcoming, and designed to be lingered in.

Book Bar combines a thoughtfully curated independent bookstore with a full-service bar and robust events programming. Guests can browse books, enjoy a glass of wine, coffee, or a cocktail/mocktail, settle into a comfortable chair with a book, or attend one of our many events.

Programming will be a major part of the experience, including author talks, book launches, speaker series, book clubs, community gatherings, and cultural events. We want every visit to offer something new, whether that’s discovering your next read, hearing a compelling conversation, or meeting someone who shares your interests. 


SDTC: In a time when it feels like we’re all chasing authentic connections, what’s the importance of spaces like Book Bar?

Book Bar: Community is one of the most important things we have. We spend so much of our lives online that opportunities for spontaneous, face-to-face connection have become increasingly rare. Books have a unique ability to bring people together. While reading is often a solitary activity, books spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and help us better understand one another.

Book Bar was designed as a place where those connections can happen naturally. Whether you’re attending an author talk, joining a book club, meeting friends after work, or simply sitting beside someone reading a book you’ve loved (or hated), the space creates opportunities for meaningful interaction. We believe great communities are built through shared experiences, curiosity, and conversation, and that’s exactly what we hope to foster at Book Bar.


SDTC: Can you talk about your curation process when it comes to the books you’ll carry? What can book lovers expect?

Book Bar: Our approach to curation is highly intentional. We want every shelf to feel thoughtful and discoverable.

Readers can expect a mix of new releases, contemporary fiction, non-fiction, literary favourites, hidden gems, and books that encourage conversation and curiosity. We’re also deeply committed to highlighting local, diverse Canadian authors and voices, while ensuring our collection reflects a range of perspectives and experiences.

Rather than overwhelming people with endless choice, we want Book Bar to feel curated by passionate readers. We hope guests trust our staff’s recommendations, discover books they might not have picked up otherwise, and leave feeling inspired by something unexpected.


SDTC: On your website, you talk about the connective power of books — what are some books that have had an impact on your life?

Robin Storfer: There are so many! The Book Thief; A Fine Balance; I Believe in Zero: Learning from the World’s Children; Just Mercy; Educated; The Choice: Embrace the Possible; Caste; The Many Lives of Mama Love; Take My Hand; Unreasonable Hospitality; Broken Country;  The Correspondent, and so many more to go!!

Tom Freeman: Two books that have really shaped me and my understanding of the world are Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death, and Wendell Berry’s What Are People For?

See the events coming up at Book Bar on their website, or on Instagram.