S's Favourite Spots in Toronto
On a recent trip to Toronto I scoped out a few fun places to hit up. As such a big city with so many difference scenes happening, it's hard to narrow down places to see on a short visit. There is certainly way more to check out than what is here, but I hope this list can serve you well in finding at least a few.Here are my tops in a few categories;
Fun things to see!
The Toronto sign This sign was made for the pan-am games held over the summer, which was when I had a chance to see it. Post this it will be moving around the city to different locations. ROM Friday Night Live On Friday nights entrance into the ROM (royal Ontario museum) is 5$ for members and 15$ for guests. They feature DJs and set up a bar to hang out at. Jays Game The Blue Jays, Toronto's National baseball team, have been having a great summer. If you can catch a home game while you are there the atmosphere is tons of fun. Food, drinks, hopefully sunshine and some crazy fans!
Rooftops
Mascot Brewery If you're looking for a cool rooftop that is very laid back, check this place out. You enter through another club to get to the roof. They then have two levels, bars, rooftop picnic tables and a cool surrounding in the middle of urban Toronto buildings.
Mexican
Wilbur Probably one of the best Mexican places I've been to. You order as many tacos as you want from their assortment, and then you take a visit to the topping bar. Tons to choose from, and they even have a hot sauce bar with more hot sauces than I have ever seen. Top this off with the fact that it's completely adorable inside, it's a must. Only open for lunch though so head over early!
El Catrine In the middle of the distillery district, El Catrine is an awesome Mexican spot with crazy drinks and a huge patio. The patio has tons of lounge seating and a fire pit for guests to huddle around. This would be a fun spot with a group looking for an awesome vibe and drinks.
Valdez This spot is a restaurant in the heart of Queen West nightlife. They have a cute restaurant-bar on the ground floor, and a great rooftop patio to lounge and have a drink on summer nights. The best part, on the weekends, if you're heading to the bathroom on the lower level, keep walking past the buss boy station and out the emergency door. They have a speakeasy club hidden away in the back. You can't hear or see a thing and it's a totally different vibe. You feel very cache.
Good eats with Ambience
Biblos A Mediterranean gem, this spot on Duncan takes you to a few different Eastern Med cuisines in one meal. My top recommendation is the warm yogurt topped with different spices, nuts and honey to start.
Bar Isabel I have a soft spot for this bar, not only because it's delicious but because the interior felt a bit like home. The little tapas spot with incredible seafood is a must, almost as much as their half octopus plate. Cluny Back to the distillery district, Cluny is a wonderful French bistro. The best part about this spot is their back room with long tables, perfect for a big party. Anything in the distillery is a great visit since you can spend a bit of time walking the cobble stone and snapping some great spots of the historical area. Kasa Moto Kasa Moto is probably my favourite restaurant I discovered on this trip. The Asian fusion, indoor/outdoor location in the heart of Yorkville is an incredible spot. Their food is outstanding and the decor is to snap about. Try the cold noodle salad! Portland Variety Close to the hustle and bustle of downtown this trendy spot has great eats, specialty cocktails and wicked ambiance.
Daily necessities
Blo blow dry bar I'm a big fan of blow out bars when visiting a city. You save time to explore and can head there first thing in the morning feeling fresh and ready all day. Blo is fast, well priced and easy. You don't need to explain much besides requesting their signature blow out.
The Good Press juice bar This was my favourite juice bar I found on my trip. The juices were awesome, but they also have insanely yummy acai bowls topped with different healthy options.
Boxcar Social coffee shop This coffee spot has incredible coffee, great vibe and instagram worthy setting. They most recently did a pop up cafe outside of the Club Monaco on Bloor Street. Big hit!
xx Sam