Enjoy The Strand’s guide to the top hipster joints in the city. As Toronto culture is expanding, some areas in this urban metropolis are showing the full potential of what this city has to offer. From vintage arcade bars, to underground dance dens, to taco-only restaurants, the city has gone from mediocrity to cultural virtuosity. Is Drake to thank for that? Maybe, but this list will show you that Toronto has a lot to be credited for, even if we do call it the 6ix more often.
Fine Luke’s Dining (245 College St)
This diner is fairly new, having just opened up last year, but it has an old-school diner vibe reminding us all that diners are still super-cool (because the past is in). They serve the classics, but with a twist. Enjoy their chocolate-coffee caramel milkshake with a side of—you won’t believe it—brownie fries. It’s essentially deep fried brownies. Or the Luke’s Mega Burger with three meat patties, avocado, bacon, cheese, and garlic aioli. Can you say no to extremely unhealthy comfort food? Well, no, because then you’re not riding the foodie trend that is taking our generation by storm. Don’t forget to go to the ice cream shop Sweet Jesus afterwards for some dessert!
Grandma’s Closet (789 Augusta Ave)
At the very end of the main street in Kensington is Grandma’s Closet, a new clothing store selling vintage chic garments. Various apparel items litter the shop, with hats hanging from the ceiling, and shirts draped over suspended birch racks. They have a great selection of sunglasses ranging from $450-$500—it’s a steal! At the back of the store is a hidden coffee lounge, where they spin vinyl classics and serve tasty Americanos and lattes. Sit on a beanbag chair, listen to some Clapton, and buy a nice wool sweater all in one go.
Hidden Dumpling (856 Ossington St)
When you walk down the long Ossington strip, there’s a secret doorway passage to owners Larry and Greg’s hidden apartment and patio restaurant! This dim sum haven is worth the wait, as the lineup usually goes down the block, but you’ll enjoy—at least—three tasty dim sum when the hour is up. Try their “Daaamn-Sum” dish; it’s incredibly flavourful and only $10 per dumpling. Sometimes during the week, specifically Saturdays (3-4 PM) and Tuesdays (1-2 AM), you can catch the owners Larry and Greg DJing some sweet 90s hip-hop.
Turn of the Century Bikes (somewhere in Parkdale)
We are living in a bicycle age—seriously—if you don’t own a bike you are socially ostracized. Bike stores have been cropping up all over the city selling the practical to the downright fancy. Turn of the Century Bikes delivers on the latter, selling reclaimed bikes from the early 1900s. Because of the age of these vintage vehicles, most of the parts need to be replaced, but it will have the feel of history, which is the most important aspect—no one will know, but you will—that’s even more hip!
Ferret Café (198 College St)
After the popularity and warm reception of Cat Café, another branch was opened only a couple streets over. The creators, who own four ferrets, wanted to show that their furry children were not so different from your typical cats and dogs. While there have been reports that the ferrets are somewhat violent and unpredictable in nature, the original idea is attracting a large customer base. During the last Friday of every month, they also play movies that feature ferrets, like Along Came Polly (the most frequently played), which demonstrates that ferrets are amiable, if not better pets.
Knit a Sweater, Read a Book! (109 Queen St West)
The title of this adorable Queen West cove says it all. Part bookstore, part yarn shop—you can sit down with your fellow readers and knitters and collectively indulge in the coziest of activities. This old Victorian house has been converted into a community space, where book clubs, poetry readings, and activist groups can gather and discuss their grievances over knitting various garments. The owners close up the shop fairly early, although residents have spotted people entering the shop during the early hours of the morning. Many rumors have been circulating on what could be occurring during these odd hours. Is the store a front for a grow-op? Toronto mafia? Underground disco? Become a member and find out!
The Gatsby (slightly north of Shaw and Queen St)
This The Great Gatsby themed bar is all the rage in Toronto. Every weekend, the bar hosts a Gatsby party, where people must wear 1920s apparel in order to gain entry. Once inside, the space is decorated to the nines, with champagne glass pyramids that are miraculously refilled, even though wait staff isn’t hired. At midnight, the bartender, Jay, pulls out his suit and performs with his jazz band to the frenzied crowd with aerial silk dancers descending to the stage. In the morning, The Gatsby resembles a normal, everyday bar…not even a speck of glitter can be spotted of the previous festivities.
The Watering Hole (74 Dufferin St)
This new hot spot is gaining quite the following. The upper floor is a hot yoga studio, apparently taking “hot” to even higher temperatures. Some would question the extremes used but participants say the effects are drastic—their dehydration is through the roof! Which is why the main floor is home to a water bar, which sells various types of nature’s finest creation. The most popular customer choices are “Berry Storm” (water infused with berry essence) and “Cool Cucumber” (water with cucumber slices). While these drinks could easily be made at your own home, frequent customer Carol says, “There’s something satisfying about working all the water out of your body and then consuming professionally made water right after.” It’s her money, so we didn’t comment.
You do, yep — after it’s roasted they’ll just slip right out of the peels. 🙂