Toronto’s Library Bar Earns a Coveted Pinnacle Guide PIN, Officially Among the World’s Best

One of the city’s most beloved spots, the Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York, just earned a major international nod: a 1 PIN from The Pinnacle Guide. It means the Library Bar has been officially recognized as having “Excellent” status within the global cocktail industry, putting it right alongside some of the finest drink destinations worldwide.

You might be wondering what a PIN is and why it matters. Think of The Pinnacle Guide as a transparent and global way to celebrate truly exceptional cocktail bars. It’s known for being very fair, celebrating bars of every size and location, and giving them a clear path to international recognition.

But here’s a cool distinction: The Guide doesn’t just grade a place on how good the drinks are. While drinks, ambience, and hospitality are key, they also look at venues that show a meaningful social impact. This means the 1 PIN isn’t just a sign of the bar’s artistry; it reflects their values, too.

The creative force behind the bar’s success is Director of Beverage, James Grant. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the World Class Global Bartender of the Year in 2021—so he knows his way around a shaker.

Grant’s unique approach literally turns classic literature into cocktails. The Library Bar’s menu draws inspiration from beloved books to create drinks that blend daring and refined ingredients in ways that are imaginative and sophisticated. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an exploration of flavor.

To keep things fresh, Grant is constantly pushing creative boundaries. He’s been busy bringing in talent from around the world through dynamic collaborations and pop-ups with renowned establishments like Connaught Bar, Camparino, and Angel’s Share. This commitment to innovation keeps the Library Bar firmly established as a destination for cutting-edge cocktail artistry.

For those who haven’t had the pleasure, the Library Bar is a famed cocktail den tucked away in a secret corner of the illustrious Fairmont Royal York. It’s the kind of timeless meeting place that feels like a true undercurrent of Toronto’s metropolitan character.

The room itself is sophisticated without being stuffy—a vibrant mosaic of fluid marbles, rich leather, whimsical velvets, and satin fringe. It’s decorated with Canadian literature and sixteenth-century renaissance paintings, making you feel instantly transported. It truly is a place where you can feel perfectly at home while enjoying a moment of refined luxury.

And since you need something lovely to pair with those cocktails, Chef Brian Tang holds down the kitchen, honoring the historical culinary vision of the grand châteauesque hotels by creating classic dishes that guests return for again and again.

The Pinnacle Guide recognition adds a huge highlight to what has already been a fantastic year for the Library Bar. The establishment also secured the #51 spot on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and ranked #6 on Canada’s 100 Best: 50 Best Bars 2025.

It’s official: Toronto’s Library Bar isn’t just great—it’s globally excellent. If you’re looking for a sophisticated evening out, inspired by great books and featuring world-class drinks, you know where to go.