Toronto's drinking scene is spread across its west-end neighbourhoods. Ossington Avenue and the surrounding streets hold the densest run of bars and small clubs; King Street West is glossier and louder; Queen West and Kensington Market lean scruffier and more independent. The Annex, close to the university, keeps a student-pub character around Bloor.
For coffee, the independent roasters have largely seen off the chains — you will find good espresso in Kensington, Cabbagetown, Leslieville, and the west end generally. In summer the action moves onto patios, which open across the city the moment the weather allows.