A 23-year-old man is dead in what may have been a robbery attempt outside a popular bar in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood.

The man, his girlfriend and several of their friends were at the Brunswick House, on Bloor Street near Spadina Avenue, when the victim decided to get something from his car at around 1 a.m.

His car was parked the alleyway that stretches between the bar on Brunswick Avenue and Kinko's on Major Street. Police say the man was shot in the stomach after getting into a confrontation with an unknown man.

He was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries.

His girlfriend, who had accompanied the victim to his car, was not injured.

There is no indication the victim knew his attacker or had gotten into an altercation with anyone inside the bar, according to police.

The 23-year-old man has been identified by friends as Sebastian Herrera, a Toronto resident.