Queen West, Toronto Part 1

Having lived in Toronto for the last 4 years and living in the Greater Toronto Area for the better part of my life I know the city pretty well. I have also moved around the city every year of those four years and I now reside in the West side of the city, right near Queen Street West – my favourite neighbourhood by far. Toronto’s West side has largely undergone gentrification in the past several years as the city’s population has grown exponentially.  The area deemed as Queen West is expansive (7.5 km / 4.5 miles) and filled with amazing restaurants, shops, parks and landmarks. As you make your way Westward from Yonge street you’ll notice the demographics get younger and more hipster; particularly near Ossington. You’ll easily find artists, actors, digital nomads, yogi’s, music lovers and hipsters alike. I could probably write 5 different blog posts about this area but I’ll try and keep it short and only list my absolute favourite spots!

History:

In the early 1900s as immigrants began settling in the city Queen West was divided into sections. Jewish immigrants found solace in the area along Queen Street West between Yonge Street and University Avenue. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Toronto you may recognize the names of the Eaton Centre and Nathan Phillips Square which find their homes here. Several years later, Chinese immigrants moved in to the area along Queen between Bay street (current Financial District) and Spadina Avenue. You’ll find not much has changed here though as Spadina Avenue and Queen West is the start of China town in Toronto. Not far behind, Portuguese, Polish and Ukranian immigrants found their homes along Queen West as well – if you know where to look you’ll still find evidence of this! Over the past couple of decades much has changed along this popular street as it now houses the cities entertainment, art, fashion, and unofficial ‘hipster’ districts.

Yonge Street to Spadina Avenue

Eaton Centre

Toronto’s biggest and arguably most well-known shopping mall there’s obviously something for everyone inside. Avoid if you don’t like crowds or large indoor shopping centres. The interior is always beautifully decorated around Christmas time and definitely worth even just a look through. There’s not much more to say besides the fact that you’ll find all your major retailers and fast food chains inside.

Nathan Phillips Square

One of my favourite tourist spots in Toronto. The square has something going on in all seasons. Since the Panam games were here, you’ll also find the large TORONTO sign – which seemingly has changed colours often enough. This past summer when the Toronto Blue Jays made the playoffs, they were showing the games on a large outdoor screen. In the winter you’ll find one of the city’s biggest outdoor ice rinks as well. No matter what the season though, you’re sure to find a slew of food trucks out front (some better than others).

Bannock

Bannock restaurant is located across from Nathan Phillips. The food is a little more on the pricier side but its claim to fame is their take on Canadian comfort food. It’s where I took Ben when he first moved to Canada, and have taken most of our English visitors since. Definitely try the poutine!

Queen Warehouse

This bar is newer on the scene in Toronto, opening last year and making a huge splash. The rustic, laid back and overly tattooed theme of the bar and it’s staff caters exactly to the millennial generation. Every food item on the menu is $5 (yes you read that right – and yes they are normal sized portions) which is hard to pass up. I would recommend the Quesadilla  and a Cesar.

The Black Bull 

I’m a bit bias on this one as I know the owners personally (really amazing couple) but if you’re visiting in the summer you won’t want to miss the chance to have a beer on this uncommonly large outdoor patio in the heart of the city. The Black Bull is located in the centre of the Queen West shopping district and a stones through from one of the largest TV stations in the country, the patio makes one of the best people watching spots.

Spadina Avenue to Bathurst Street

Java House

No matter what you’re budget, stop here for a bite to eat and drink. Their prices are almost unbeatable. I still haven’t found a better pitcher of Sangria in the city (or for a better price). It’s a great spot for cheap eats and even cheaper drinks.

Rock Lobster

Okay, if you don’t like seafood you’re definitely not going to like this place but for those who even mildly enjoy lobster – do not miss this restaurant. Almost everything on the Rock Lobster menu contains lobster in some fashion – even their ceasar’s have lobster tails in them. Ugh I’m hungry and thirsty just thinking about them.

Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar 

This rustic coffee shop is certainly one of a kind. With a giant brick wall, limited seating and finished wood make this spot a great place to get some work done and look cool while doing it.

Bathurst Street to Ossington Avenue

416 Snack Bar

You’ll be hard pressed to find this bar not packed to the brim. I don’t think it helps that the space is really small though either. It’s easily missed, located just north of Queen on Bathurst and is a really great place to grab a drink and an app. Their food is delicious, I would suggest trying the latin heat board.

Trinity Bellwoods Park 

Hipster central. I don’t know if there’s any other way to describe this spacious city park. In the summer you’ll find people with clothing or random personal items spread out on a blanket for sale. You’ll also find lots of half naked millennials trying to catch some summer sun and have a brew (although take note to bring a starbucks cup, red solo cup, or any other drink holder of choice that doesn’t immediately give away to cops that you’re drinking illegally in the park).

Terroni

By far my favourite restaurant in Toronto. I have yet to find pizza as close to Italian as what you’ll find here. Their wine list is also extraordinary, with a lot of wines imported directly from Italy. It’s so boring but I always order the Margherita pizza and one of their reds, it’s a classic in every sense of the word.

BYOB Cocktail Emporium

I’m honestly not a big cocktail drinker but this store makes me want to drink only cocktails for the rest of my life. It’s pale pink exterior suits the refined and creativetake on regular cocktails inside. You’ll find everything from cocktail recipe books to the shakers to make them in and every weird tool or syrup in between.

I’ll be honest I realized halfway through this post that there’s just way too much to say about Queen West so I’m going to cut it there and continue this one a later date, plus there’s only so much you can try on one street!

Have I missed any of your favourites?