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According to the owner:
Visit Canada’s Majestic Castle, Casa Loma and step back in time to a period of European elegance and splendour. The former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Canada’s foremost castle is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens (open May through October). A self-guided digital audio tour in 8 languages (English, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin and Korean) is available. -
According to the owner:
Captain John’s Harbour Boat Restaurant and Banqueting Facilities can provide your party with a unique and elegant atmosphere overlooking the Toronto Harbour & Centre Islands.We are open seven days a week with diverse facilities for a variety of Functions: Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Business Meetings for Breakfast or Lunch, Corporate Dinners and Dances, Retirement Parties, Cocktail Receptions etc.
Our private facilities accommodate small groups of 20 up to large groups of 250 for dinner & dance, and 800 for cocktail parties.
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According to the owner:
Open since the fall of 2001, Starfish features a unique assortment of oysters shucked by World Oyster Opening Champion, Patrick McMurray. The menu changes daily to include fresh fish and shellfish as well as steak, duck and other land food. The atmosphere is cosy, intimate and relaxed. The room includes tables, banquettes and a large oyster bar where customers can dine and watch the shucker in action. The private Shucker’s Room can be booked for parties up to 18 people. Conveniently located to theaters and shopping. Dress is smart casual. -
According to the owner:
EPIC – A fresh new direction for a local classic.
EPIC takes a reputation for innovation and quality and infuses it with premium quality regional elements.
EPIC’s fluid, contemporary design is an effective backdrop for a menu that feature the bet of Ontario’s growers. Seasonally hand-natured herbs from the roof top garden, 15 stories above Front Street brighten each dish.
EPIC welcomes dinner to this fresh interpretation of a Toronto classic. -
According to the owner:
Direct Energy Centre offers state-of-the-art services and capabilities, enhanced by the expertise of the dedicated Event Services team, whose knowledge and skill ensures the smooth operation of each event.
Direct Energy Centre offers state-of-the-art services and capabilities, enhanced by the expertise of the dedicated Event Services team, whose knowledge and skill ensures the smooth operation of each event. -
According to the owner:
Nathan Phillips Square is a lively public gathering place located immediately in front of Toronto City Hall, on the northwest corner of Queen and Bay Streets.Nathan Phillips Square is the site of many civic activities and special events. It is worth noting that a number of special events are also held at Yonge-Dundas Square, just a few short blocks away. -
According to the owner:
Located in a converted, easy-to-miss 90 year old brick house on Eastern Avenue, Le Papillon on the Park has much more of a “destination” feel than its heavily-trafficked downtown namesake. Conveniently located right next to Jonathan Ashbridge Park across the street, which is itself being renovated to become “the High Park of the East End,” the restaurant feels miles away from Toronto. In fact, both inside and out, it has all the attributes of an Old Montreal bistro – romance, charm, and warmth.Le Papillon serves comfort food (in fact, there is a veal demi-glace version of poutine on the menu), but it’s no greasy spoon. The auspicious dining room is large, airy, and seats 120. Since the demand was always high at the old Papillon for seats near the wood-burning fireplace and French doors, the new space is all fireplace and French doors. Upstairs, a 90-seat heated patio provides a perfect summer perch, overlooking ample greenery and radiating atmosphere. A second-floor hallway will eventually serve as a mini art gallery, showcasing local artists and allowing them a place to sell their works. -
According to the owner:
Saint Stephen in the Fields was Toronto’s ninth Anglican parish, born 9 years before Confederation. After 150 years we are still going strong. Our involvement in the arts, charity, and spirituality in the Kensignton Market community have produced many great images which we keep here.
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According to the owner:
Canada’s Premiere Hedonistic (On-Premise) Clubs.Montreal Location Opening Spring 2010
Toronto’s First Hedonistic On-Premise Club. The club provides a safe, erotic environment where you can live out your sexual fantasies no matter how wild or how mild! Cutting edge music, provocative performances and weekly special events will ensure an erotic experience to remember. Members are attractive, friendly, young and uninhibited.
At Wicked, Women run the show!
Club Features
- Stage & dance poles
- DJ spins top 40’s, House, hip hop, R&B…
- Dance Floor
- Exhibitionist cage
- VIP (bottle service) booths
- Outdoor Patio
- Saturday gourmet buffet
- Shlomo’s Penthouse
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According to the owner:
Let us entertain you with sexy live shows so visually pleasing, that you’ll find yourself biting your lip… we’ll tempt you with aphrodisiac delights that are sure to get your appetite going… you’ll move to the alternative sounds that is and was the soundtrack of our open-minded free-willed generation(s)..
We’re here to celebrate what it truly means to be ALIVE! …with you and ALL of our guests every SATURDAY as eddy K and Matt Sims present -
According to owners:
globe earth is now open for dinner seven nights a week. You can also join us for weekday lunches or weekend brunch both Saturday and Sunday.Chef Kevin McKenna’s seasonal menu showcases the freshest local ingredients and offers dishes with simplicity. Our wood-fired oven adds a level of flavour and comfort to the bistro-styled menu.The large front lounge area will please the most discerning Rosedale crowd with over a dozen wines by the glass and featuring Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve Champagne. The wine list also features a wide assortment of local wines and a selection of fifty wines for under $50.Starting in the spring, our courtyard garden patio and lounge patio will offer outside dining and lounge options to our unique dining experience. -
According to owners:
The Quail & Firkin is a moderately priced casual bar located in the Yorkville area of Downtown Toronto. This pub spot features a casual atmosphere. -
Queen Amato Pizza should be your first choice when it comes to Pizzerias
Call Queen Amato Pizza when in need of Pizzerias -
aCCORDING TO OWNERS:
Suite 106. The perfect balance is exceeded with class. What happens when you match boutique hotel chic with nightlife sensibilities? Suite106. Bottle Service highly recommended. Arrive Early.
WetBar: Welcome to the hottest patio in the city. WetBar, atop of Suite 106. Let us transform your expectations of what a patio should be. The poolside theme with a rippling waterfall bar makes you feel you’re in another hemisphere. WetBar is a great nightlife choice for summer as an open air patio, or fall and winter as an enclosed heated sky room. When you want to escape reality, Wet Bar is the optimal option. Bottle Service recommended. -
According to owners:
The Hall is a multi-usage space available for performances, rehearsals, launch parties, showcases, special events (public or private) and more. The Main floor is approximately 3000 sq. feet and the balcony seats 150.The Conversation Room also located on the 2nd floor, is available for meetings, workshops, book launches, Art shows or other intimate events.Both the Hall and the Conversation Room may be rented together or independently of each other. -
According to the owner:
At Watusi we provide an upscale informal dinner menu in a traditional cocktail lounge atmosphere.Taking inspiration from the original New York cocktail lounges of the 1950’s and 60’s, we serve up classics with a modern edge. -
According to www.gardinermuseum.on.ca:
The Gardiner Museum offers an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest and most universal forms of art and material culture—ceramics. Complemented by special exhibitions, the collection exceeds 3,000 historical and contemporary pieces and spans continents and time, giving you an extraordinary glimpse into the development of the ceramic process, decoration and shape.Located across from the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto’s charming Yorkville district, the Gardiner has undergone a major expansion of its gallery and studio spaces. It remains one of the city’s finest examples of modernist architecture.
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According to the owner:
Thai Magic Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Rosedale and Summerhill area of Downtown Toronto. Thai Magic Restaurant specializes in thai cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
I believe that everyone has it within themselves to create according to their own tastes and the yearnings of their heart. I knew that I could bring this creativity to a career in food, which has always been my passion. With only determination and a good work ethic to build on, I started from the ground up, taking a job as a dishwasher in a Toronto restaurant and gradually working my way up to kitchen prep to buster, to waitress, to manager to head chef. Eventually after working in almost every possible position available and with the support of my friend, who had made it possible for me to come to Toronto in the first place, I was ready to open a place of my own. I opened Sotto SottoWhat I love most about my job is pleasing my customers with the simple, down-to-earth Italian meals that we specialize in. I love seeing clients come in with a hungry look of anticipation on their faces, and then seeing the same customers leave satisfied and happy.My inspiration for the design of the restaurant came from my memory of growing up in Rome, and from my heart. -
According to the owner:
Most seating comes courtesy of the long Douglas Fir bar, which actually juts out of the wall and into the main room. Added to the dominant wood motif, it makes the “saloon” designation seem apt (even if Facebook technically came up with it for them). It also makes the atmosphere seem more communal, a technical aspect that is echoed by the food. Despite the limited kitchen space (actually located on the right side of the bar rail), Cory Vitiello has still put together a hearty menu, consisting of $8 sandwiches (Beef Brisket, Smoked Chicken and Prosciutto), $9 meat plates, $8 cheese plates, $6 veg plates, $7 chili, and a few daily soups. It’s nothing fancy or pretentious, but it sure suits a cold beer and a group of friends (old or brand new).All in all, the Double Deuce Saloon is more a place to drink with friends than to see and be seen. Or, at least, it seems that way now. Once word gets out the same way it did for Czehoski or Harbord Room you can expect seats at the bar to become highly coveted real estate. -
According to the owner:
Tucked away on the barren Dundas Street and Carlaw Avenue corner is a classy new martini lounge, catering to the booming Leslieville community and featuring — get this — a patio. Lolabar has one of Leslieville’s only (large) patios, with oldies Stratengers and Joy Bistro monopolizing the neighbourhood patio scene for years now.Lolabar’s big patio may seem like a marketer’s dream, but don’t expect to see the beer-brand umbrellas and signs that once lined the outside in its former stint as Verdec. Lolabar’s owners want to keep their space clean and ad-free, and have even turned down offers from drink companies looking to sprinkle the place with their brand. -
according to the owner:
Meals for the masses A key factor in the re-imagining of the bistro’s reputation as a restaurant was affordability. Midpoint aims to serve “peasant meals.” This means their dishes provide diners with heaping servings at reasonable prices. Their prix fixe meals are always under $20 and their all-night bar menu includes cheap and easy options like donuts, churros and similar snacks. As far as drinks go, you can find imports like Erdinger and Stiegl. Cocktails are also available, as is an affordable house red wine.Live music the bar is a relatively small space, but a big part of it is devoted to a performance stage. Midpoint hosts weekly karaoke, as well as open mic nights. The hip-hop flavour of the bistro (the interior is decorated with graffiti art) means these evenings are a forum for a lot of fresh, local spoken word and freestyle rhythms. Live music is usually booked a couple of nights a week, with a DJ on hand to spin when there’s nothing major scheduled. -
According to the owner:
“Most of the newer spots on Ossington don’t cater to people who live here. They don’t appeal to people who live in the neighbourhood,” says Savage, a resident himself. “We want the Red Light to be the kind of place where you can just hang out, drink, and be yourself.” Thus, rather than open directly on Ossington, the owners chose a spot west on Dundas, slightly off the beaten path (and actually quite easy to miss). But the Red Light is a little less coarse than Betty’s. Where Sweaty Betty’s refuses to make any drink with more than three ingredients, the Red Light does serve a roster of classical cocktails, although very classical (nothing with a “-tini” suffix). The beer selection is suitably vast and the bar is well stocked with a number of hard-to-find bourbons, ryes, and Irish whiskeys. They’ll even occasionally (gasp!) serve you at your table. Bars in Ontario are required to serve food, and taking its cue from Moe’s in Brooklyn (of course Brooklyn), the Red Light cheekily offers a “menu of menus”, meaning you can order takeout from any restaurant in the area and have it delivered to the bar. -
According to the owner:
transforming back and forth from laid-back pub to sweaty, drunken rock party. The top floor’s red brick fixtures, wooden floors, and big open windows make it an ideal place for a relaxed pint and some conversation, but once the sun goes down, the curtains close and the tunes get loud. Head down to the basement and you’ll find a more secluded party den, complete stone walls, a cherry red banquette, and a photo-collage of the owner’s friend not-so-elegantly passing out in his underwear. The entire bar is covered with little rock and roll touches like Rolling Stone covers, concert tickets, a Jack Daniels statue, and Jim Beam guitars. It’d be easy to expect Brooklyn’s nourishment card to end at libations, but there’s also a full menu available Wednesday to Saturday, plus an always-welcome Sunday Brunch. Eating regular pub standards wouldn’t seem right against a backdrop of loud, distorted guitars, so everything on the menu is given a little twist. The house specialty is the Jack’d Potato, a twist on the European Jacket Potato in which a baked potato is filled with, well, stuff. Many dishes use a homemade Jack Daniels sauce, and the Triple Decker Poutine is layered and baked three times so you don’t end up eating all the cheese before you get to the fries. Sunday’s “Hangover Brunch” comes with three eggs, sausage and bacon, hash, toast, and a Caesar for a traditional hair of the dog treatment. -
According to owner:
Whether you are out with your family, out with friends or out with the team – we’ve got something for everyone!At Shoeless Joe’s, we know how important it is for the whole family to enjoy a meal together in a restaurant. With our Kid’s Club Activities and Kids Club Menu, the adults will be able to enjoy great food and company, while kids enjoying being kids. -
According to owner:
Amber Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located by Yorkville Ave. and Avenue Rd. in the Yorkville area of Downtown Toronto. Amber specializes in french cuisine and features a patio, dj, group functions in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Toronto’s essential bar and a landmark Leslieville bar restaurant. The Curzon is available for private events, receptions and parties.“This cozy, dimly lit bar toes the line between swanky meet market and well-worn party bar. In the early evening, a crowd of local professionals dominates the bar area, chatting over appetizers and cold beers; as night falls, a younger swarm of singles takes over the vintage sofas, where at times a DJ churns out an endless string of crowd-pleasers.” -
According to the owner:
The indie music venue and bar is co-owned by Shaun Bowring (Sneaky Dee’s) who brings the Wavelength music series with him to this new Ossington/Dundas hotspot. The back area functions as a concert venue, holding about 350. Good for beer lovers. -
According to owners:
Goodhandy’s is the culmination of years of collaboration between Mandy Goodhandy (aka Amanda Taylor) and Todd Klinck, two Toronto club promoters (The Lounge and Lady…plus) and adult video producers.Mandy Goodhandy and Todd Klinck Welcome you to Toronto’s first truly Pansexual Playground.
pan·sex·u·al – adj. Relating to, having, or open to sexual activity of many kinds.
play·ground – v. A field or sphere of unrestricted pleasurable activity -
According to the owner:
Upscale restaurant/lounge/nightclub in Yorkville. Star sightings, Raptors hangout and where you will find the beautiful people. Come early because there is always a line. -
According to the owner:
Once an auto-mechanic shop, now a home for creators, Rolly’s Garage transforms each time to suit your creative, playful and social needs. Andy Warhol had the Factory, and now WE have the Garage. Come create, show your art, rehearse, exhibit large-scale installations, screen films, throw parties and play. Or just come chill to the alternative vibe we all crave in the world of today. -
According to the owner:
Our menu features the freshest sushi and ingredients available. Featured specialties include teppanyaki, udon/soba/raemen soup noodles, soups, salads, rice dishes, and of course our famous variety of sushi and sashimi including hand rolls, sashimi, maki rolls and our popular ginza roll.
Having a party? Let us cater for you! Let us serve your guests for a most memorable experience.
We use Premium Grade Haiga Rice! Nutritious and full of flavours!
SPECIAL
Introducing our exciting Thai selections. Also inquire about our Lunch specials and our 2 for 1 Martinis!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Celebrate at Ginza! ’Til the end of December, receive 10% off when you reserve for a party of 8 or more. Excludes alcoholic beverages. Reserve today! -
According to the owner:
There’s a lot of mystery and conjecture about the history of the beautiful heritage building that Factory has occupied since 1983. But with the help of local historian Joanne Ducette and some archive material found in the building, some interesting facts about the history of the building and the backstage areas of the theatre were unearthed.Factory Theatre is actually two buildings, both of which have heritage designation. The original “house” portion (that currently holds our administration offices, lounge and greenrooms) was built in 1869 by Irish immigrant John Mulvey. The house was built in the Queen Anne Gothic style and has remarkable distinct finials under all the gables.John Mulvey was a City Alderman, local merchant and Fenian sympathizer who owned many of the stores on nearby Queen Street West, (the local area – known as Claretown back then – had a large Irish contingent) only to lose his fortune in the Long Depression of the 1870s. -
According to the owner:
Flamboyant owner Jerry Stone has been a collector of Rolling Stones memorabilia for well over 38 years and it shows. The walls are covered in guitars, gold records and posters from every era of “the boys” career. It’s very open concept with hanging material separating the lounges from the bar and the dance floor. -
According to the owner:
Just inside the front door, a large holding pen helps to avoid street line-ups and their attendant problems. Clientèle will shuffle through an amusement-park-style twisting line-up before reaching a box office that’s backed by fake stainless steel safety-deposit boxes. The area holds 300 supplicants; flat-screen plasmas and huge display cases filled with objects d’art to keep them entertained.
The entire complex is decorated according to fluid themes, each lasting six to eight weeks, and starting with “Fetish.” To this end, crows in leather gear, perched on withered branches, fill display cases while screens flash clouds and various liquids. For the Fetish theme, Bruce La Bruce has created a series of deliberately provocative photos that up the art ante and will undoubtedly warn 905s that they aren’t in Kansas anymore. For instance, a large close-up of a touqued emo-kid suggestively licking the stub-end of a hockey stick stares provocatively at passersby. -
According to the owners:
The Abbot on the Hill is a moderately priced cozy bar located by Summerhill and Yonge St. in the Rosedale and Summerhill area of Downtown Toronto. This pub spot features open on sunday in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Since opening in 2000, the Cadillac Lounge has become the Queen West live music club of choice for those savvy enough to venture beyond Dufferin Bridge. With its relaxed “hang your ego at the door” policy, the Caddy’s clientele and staff are as effortlessly legit as they are diverse.The décor is genuine retro chic with an emphasis on vintage cars, pin-up girls and enshrined music legends, most notably Springsteen, Elvis and Johnny Cash. Known for its top-quality live bands, (everything from alt-country and swinging rockabilly to southern rock and blues) the Cadillac regularly features legendary performers such as Robert Gordon and Wanda Jackson along with local favourites, Ancient Chinese Secret and Atomic 7.
A jaunt through the solid, dimly-lit bar rewards patrons with an impossibly private 4000 sq ft (all seasons) patio, where guests can unwind over cocktails or feast on selections from the Caddy’s reputable menu.Unlike other similarly defined establishments, there is no identity crisis here. The Cadillac Lounge is long on style, yet completely authentic – the epitome of cool without the hipster posturing. -
According to the owner:
Yonge-Dundas Square is a unique focal point of the downtown Toronto community. The Square is designated for use as a public open space and as an event venue that can accommodate events of various sizes. You’ll discover a wide range of activities on the Square: community celebrations, theatrical events, concerts, receptions, promotions – events that appeal to residents and tourists alike and provide a showcase for local businesses.
Yonge-Dundas Square Board of Management is an agency of the City of Toronto. -
According to the owner:
Given the turmoil that erupts regularly in the Provincial Legislature, it’s ironic that behind the building rests one of Toronto’s quietest parks. Queen’s Park has virtually no recreational facilities other than picnic tables, making it better suited to those in search of a quiet stroll than a pick-up game of football. Summer weekends generally see the park occupied by some special-interest groups, as permits are doled out to those in search of a bit of green to frame their event.
Visitors to Queen’s Park who want to tour the Legislative Building can take the free guided tours. Phone (416) 325-7500 for tour schedule and reservations. All visitors must check in at the Main Information Desk in the front lobby. -
According to the owner:
Homage to Ossington
Though locals are very skeptical of authentic neighbourhood businesses and the amateur wannabes, The Saint fits in to the no frills, artsy community that Ossington is known for. The laissez-faire feel to this restaurant has garnered it much respect among locals and downtown crowds alike. A great place to hang out with friends, the Saint offers patrons a common ground.
Comfort Food
Serving up delicious entrees of oysters, osso bucco, meat pies, fish and chips, burgers, sandwiches and pub-style fare, the kitchen is always busy at this no-fail retreat. The bar also caters to happy hour post-work crowds and makes for an easy and comfortable meeting spot. Located right beside the famous Libretto pizzeria and opened in 2009, The Saint is a central choice.
Relaxed Atmosphere
The interior is a low-lit space with wood, brick and white marble bar tops, and there are numerous wines, international beers and mixed drinks offered. The staff is friendly and accommodating and the ambience is humble, yet appealing. Stop by the next time you are in the neighbourhood and have a bite to eat. -
According to the owner:
The name Philthy McNasty’s is extremely popular. The catchy name alone drives guests into our stores. By delivering and experience above the guest expectations Philthy’s is a place and name people have come to recognize across the country. PMC head office is constantly trying to improve the brand. We research food production, menus, current trends and upcoming issues in our industry. Philthy McNasty’s is often rated top in its field for menu innovation and store design. -
According to the owner:
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 artists.
Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada. -
According to the owner:
LIGHT seduces its guests to enter through the stream of seemingly fluid, organic lined screens flanking the staircase. Pulling you from street level towards the glow of the chandelier above, the warmth of LIGHT is felt even before entering the club.All elements of the space are unified through a palate of black and white infused with warm wood tones and the sparkle of crystal chandeliers and layering of ornate damask motifs. The simplicity of the interior plan belies the richness and diversity ol materials.The main bar stretches more than half the clubs depth and provides a striking contrast of black marble and glass mosaic tiles against the adjacent lush full-height white velvet drapes spanning the remaining walls. The repeating white wood slating above reinforces the clean architectural lines drawing guests deeper into the warmth of LIGHT. -
According to the owner:
THE McNEIL ROOM has just been completely remodeled!! Please visit us today and get in on some great group rates in our even more beautifully designed environment. A special thanks to designers Ian & Jordana Leventhal! -
According to the owner:
Mazz Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Bloorcourt and Bloordale area of West Toronto. Mazz Restaurant specializes in sushi cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
Crazy theme nights, Hot parties, Sexy People and Great music. -
According to the owner:
Maro, a stunning Pan-Asian inspired supper club, transcends traditional nightlife by offering an entertainment experience where guests can delight in a unique union of food, drink, and dance.
Maro’s eclectic fare takes guests on a sojourn down the Silk Road; sumptuous dishes, prepared by Asian cooking techniques, notes to the flavourful cuisines of Tokyo, Venice, China, New Delhi and the Caspian Sea.
The 12,500 sq. foot venue, originally an industrial warehouse space, exudes a polished yet warm interior. It blends Asian themes with contemporary European design hints. Décor elements include Thai ceiling panels, damask wallpaper reminiscent of grand French courts, and sweeping floor-to-ceiling banquettes along prosperous marble fireplaces. The main level houses a spacious dining room, open-concept kitchen, and refined lounge areas featuring jade granite, black lacquer bar facades, and dark ruby columns. A spacious, modern outdoor patio offers refreshing refuge on warm, summer nights. -
According to the owner:
Oasi Restaurant at 99 Sudbury is pleased to announce that as well as being your destination for private events and corporate functions, Oasi Restaurant will now be open to the public on selected dates, by reservation only. Executive Chef & partner, Todd Clarmo will be creating seasonally inspired menus paired with selected wines.
The most bountiful time of year is upon us and our inaugural dining event on Saturday, October 10th will celebrate the fall harvest. Also, keep your calendars open for Saturday November 7th and Saturday November 21st as more incredible deliciously themed dinners are to follow. -
According to the owner:
Get Real Cafe is a moderately priced casual cafe located by Queen St. and Ossington Ave. in the Queen West area of Downtown Toronto. This coffee spot features a patio, open on sunday in a casual atmosphere.Get Real Cafe is also wheelchair accessible. Get Real! has put together an attractive menu that is part vegetarian, part vegan, and organic whenever possible. Produce is local, and herbs are grown in-house, for the freshest taste possible. The light, bright front room takes its cues from nature with blond wood chairs and green, leafy patterned tablecloths, and there is a petite patio through the back where the herb garden grows.
Meatless Wonders
Carnivores may be surprised at how hearty the entrees are – it’s not all tofu and sprouts! Cleverly named, I Can’t Believe it’s Not Beef Stroganoff shares the menu with the popular burritos, coconut curry, and Ethiopian peanut stew served over rice noodles. Also available are sandwiches on organic herbed onion-dill-poppy seed panini, creative salads like wasabi Asian slaw or raw sesame beet and potato, and a daily soup creation. Desserts are brought in from vegan bakeries, Sweets from the Earth and New Moon Kitchen, including a dairy-free cheesecake that fans swear you’d never be able to tell apart from an ordinary one. -
According to the owner:
99Sudbury is more than a gym. We are a health and fitness club that provides our members with excellent workout facilities and services, while maintaining an upbeat and hip environment.
Our newly renovated 30,000 sq. foot fitness facility includes three weight rooms with cardio section, exercise studios, and a health and wellness centre. We offer all this along with our fine dining restaurant Oasi, and an event space where members are offered exclusive invites.
We invite you to come by and try out our facilities with our FREE 1 week trial pass and immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere. Add on full-service spa, and an indoor simulated golfing facility and the choice is simple. -
According to the owner:
Toronto’s first “tequila bar” aims to add some class to the margarita in a city where the drink is commonly made “either sickly sweet or as a slightly boozy snow cone”, laughs MacFadyen. This dark, long and narrow lounge is more suited to a night of delusion rather than a night of debauchery.
All 1.5-ounce margaritas are made with fresh squeezed juices and a choice of 32 topnotch selections, ranging in price from $6.00 to $24.00. Wine connoisseurs have a choice of 3 reds, two whites, and 2 bubbly’s, most Spanish. For those craving a cool pint there’s a choice of Erdinger, Delirium Tremens, St. Ambroise Pale Ale & Stout and the 5-dollar Stratford Pilsner. There’s also a good selection of imported and premium bottled brew behind the bar. -
According to the owner:
The Coffee Mill Restaurant has been serving up continental cuisine since 1963. Situated inside the 99 Yorkville shopping complex, the restaurant is a hidden gem among the many bistros in the area. Its quaint atmosphere and classical music provides an elegant experience indoors, while its courtyard with a beautiful centered fountain is a secluded space to wine and dine. A host of live music every weekend, and sporting a large menu proffering international and local fare, it’s no wonder why the Coffee Mill has been in business for over 40 years. -
According to the owner:
Legend has it that Babalúu embodied the meaning of material desires whose life of excess, debauchery, and hedonism were only tamable through the collective efforts of the Pagan Gods. Translating ancestral lore to the present, Babalúu offers it’s guests a mean to satisfy their culinary desires within a sophisticated environment of pampering excess and hedonistic satisfaction. Pagan Gods are left at the doors. Born in 1993, Babalúu offers it’s guests exotic gastronomy with an environment that is sophisticated and yet playful. You will always encounter a twist of seductive Latin passion.Your experience commences as you enter. Instantly your gaze is captured by a handcrafted, black granite bar, highlighted through ocean lighting, hardwood floors, and truly comfortable seating done in a variety of understated earth tones. Indeed, the air of quiet modern sophistication is unmistakeably welcoming. -
According to the owner:
Blondie’s is Parkdale’s best answer to those thirsty for or late-night revelry or world-class espresso. Blondie’s prides itself on showcasing the best house music that Toronto has to offer in a classy, upscale environment where we encourage you to ‘have more fun’, as we can assure you everyone at Blondie’s does.During the day we offer the finest in artesian espresso beverages and freshly baked French style treats, while in the evening our attention shifts to a wide assortment of spirits and Ontario’s finest drafts and wines. -
According to the owner:
Ten Feet Tall is a moderately priced casual restaurant located by Danforth Ave. and Greenwood Ave. in the East York area of East Toronto. Ten Feet Tall specializes in comfort food cuisine and features a patio, family dining, full dinner menu, brunch in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Gabby’s, a Toronto-based restaurant/bar chain with a strong focus on great quality, mainstream casual food at affordable prices. All locations proudly serve our signature dishes and provide an excellent selection of draught and bottled beers, an extensive liquor selection and excellent sports coverage. Gabby’s is a proud Canadian company that’s been serving Toronto since 1989. -
According to the owner:
The Madison Ave. Pub is not only famous in Toronto but also throughout Canada as well as the United States, Mexico, South America, Europe and Great Britain. Considered one of the world’s top bars, it is truly unique in a variety of ways. It all started in 1983 in one room at the bottom of 14 Madison Avenue and today it is built out of 3 Victorian homes at 14, 16, and 18 Madison Avenue. -
According to John W. Maxwell:
Allen’s stands as owner John Maxwell’s loving tribute to the Irish-American saloons of his native New York. Extensive use of wood, a tin ceiling, oak-plank floor, and warm dark colours give Allen’s, the glow of comfortable tradition. -
According to the owner:
Ground Level Youth Ventures operates The Ground Level Café in the downtown Toronto community of Parkdale. Through traditional forms of job and life-skill training as well as innovative models for peer mentoring, our café program seeks to empower youth with limited education, skills and experience towards long-term, meaningful employment.Our supportive work environment helps build confidence, instill worth, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices through a program that emphasizes skill development, team building, interpersonal communication, and problem solving. -
According to the owner:
Since the recession hit, free agents are a dime a dozen. Laptop-toting Toronto denizens clamor about the streets with no office to call home and without a suitable home to call office. Without jobs, many Torontonians have turned to freelancing to exist and soon a café specifically designed for freelancers to freeload – at least via a wireless connection – will open its doors.
Cloud Espresso Bar offers a friendly, wired gathering place for Free Agents. To book our Collaboration Space, email us at espresso@cloudadagents.com -
According to the owner:
Smiling Buddha Bar is located on 961 College Street. (just west of Dovercourt), Toronto, ON, Canada. It is fast becoming the an unpretentious hot spot for artists and musicians in the area.
A fully licensed bar, we can handle 100 people. The weekly events include: live music everyday, DJs, parties, fundraisers, art shows …and more!
To all upcoming + established artists, we offer free large wall space to hang your painting and photographic work. And,this welcoming and relaxed venue is an excellent place to host an opening show.
Smiling Buddha Bar is seeking always local musicians, live bands, and DJs! For more information or to book an event please feel free to call us @ 416-516-2531(after 7pm or leave a message), correspond by e-mail musicwayne@hotmail.com, or simply drop in and ask to speak with Wayne. -
According to the owner:
Featuring banquet-style dining every Saturday in the heart of club land, this bar/club with a capacity of 1,000 people is set in an old warehouse on Mercer Street. Shmooze’s menu includes classic favourites with a contemporary style. The decor reflects a modern-day mansion with its high ceilings, stonewalls and hardwood floors. Red roses and floating candles scattered throughout the club add a romantic feel. The Nightclub is open Friday and Saturday at 4:30pm and there is a dress code and 21-year age-limit. -
According to the owner:
Ontario Place was built as a showcase for the Province of Ontario that would replace the Government of Ontario building at the CNE and take advantage of what was then an under-developed waterfront area.
Construction started on March 17, 1969 and took an estimated 1.5 million person hours of labour to build at a cost of $29M.
The original park was consisted of three man-made islands connected by picturesque bridges and walkways with the Pods or Pavilion, complex and the geodesic dome of the Cinesphere as the focal points.
The park initially encompassed 96 acres of which 51 acres were land fill.
The gate first opened to the public on May 22, 1971, 38 years ago. -
According to owner:
The newest addition to the growing Kensington Market nightlife, Augusta House is the classiest, cleanest spot on the strip. Located directly beside The Boat, Augusta House hosts a variety of events including the regular retro party RICK ROLLAZ. Sexy girls and suave boys dance up a storm well into the night! -
According to owner:
The Black Swan Tavern is a live-music club with a focus on blues is located just east of downtown Toronto. For 30 years it has attracted a devoted following of music lovers that come to hear the most respected local and international blues artists. Seven nights a week the upstairs room at ‘The Swan’ features live music. -
According to the owner:
Atlantis Re-emerges! After three months of magnificent, extensive renovations Atlantis is the new gem of Toronto’s waterfront. This unique landmark location features four spectacular ballrooms with floor to ceiling windows. Panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and waterfront, exceptional food and service are features that make an event at Atlantis unlike any other. -
According to Gary Rideout Jr.M:
He began his career in entertainment at a “FAME” style arts high school in Toronto. He studied screenwriting at Ryerson Ùniversity and went to Humber for the Comedy Writing and Performance program. He performed in two critically acclaimed national tours in 2002 and 2003 with sketch troupe Todd`s Lunch before starting Canadian Comedy Award winning sketch troupe, The Sketchersons. In 2006 Gary co-wrote and starred in the comedy short “Everydave Life” which won the Funny or Die Canada best video in Canada contest. In 2007 Gary was hired to write for the only live-to-air season of Royal Canadian Air Farce, dubbed Air Farce Live. This past year as a member of The Sketchersons Gary performed at the New Years Eve Extravaganza at Massey Hall and at the prestigiousJust for Laughs comedy festrival. He has produced more than 400 live comedy shows and is proud to use that experience to make Comedy Bar a success. -
According to owners:
There’s always action at this Queen West spot. The patio seats 40 and serves a great selection of microbrews and massive servings of well-crafted pub dishes. This cool kitsch addition was the answer to the Mitzi’s Cafe bursting-at-the-seams brunch biz.Described as upscale pub food, Mitzi’s is doing what Rebel House has been doing for years. That is, serving out-of-the-ordinary bar food. Only the crowd here is much less Rosedale trust-fund baby than Parkdale lofter who sees glamour on the grittier side of Queen West.
Weekend brunchers know the drill: get to Mitzi’s early, or forget about a table. -
According to the owner:
Imagine a feeling so unique that you are not able to decipher whether it is your audio or visual sensors, taste buds or a simple euphoria of your collective senses…this is your time to marvel. We invite you to explore pleasure beyond your expectation in the form of pure dining bliss. -
According to owner:
St. Lawrence Hall is a meeting hall in Toronto, Canada next to the St. Lawrence Market. It was built, alongside the new city hall, in 1850 after an 1849 fire destroyed much of the market. The Renaissance Revival style building was designed by William Thomas. It was created to be Toronto’s public meeting hall home to public gatherings, concerts, and exhibitions. Its main feature was a thousand seat amphitheater. For decades the hall was the centre of Toronto’s social life. It was here that prominent politicians such as John A. Macdonald and George Brown (fathers of Canadian Confederation) addressed the people of Toronto. It was the main venue for musicians and other performers who came to the city. The lower levels were integrated into the market and were home to stores and businesses. A third story section of the building was known as St. Patrick Hall, an important meeting place for the Irish Catholic Benevolent Union. -
According to owner:
This franchised location was built in 2006, and is proudly owned by Tim and Nicole. It is located right in the heart of Roncesvalles Village, with TTC streetcar access right at the front door. It features a small front patio, many 42" High Definition Plasma Screen TV’s and a host of other TV so seeing the big game is always easy. We also feature a private party room/ games room for all your local entertainment needs including a open catering menu for large groups. Licensed for over 100 people we can surely find you a great seat. Our full menu is served until 12:00am daily, which includes fresh stone baked thin crust pizza, as well as a late night menu available until the last drink is served. Call for your booking needs 416-533-9000 ask for Tim or Nicole. -
According to owner:
Actually, stepping into the eerie time warp that is Black Dice evokes the same kind of suspension of disbelief that surfaces when watching David Lynch when he’s good. The spectral lamp-lit niche features a meticulous collection of 50’s vintage furniture, exposed brick walls, a glowing 45s jukebox and an antique cash register that both work. Somehow eschewing kitsch altogether, a carefully curated collection of vintage records, musical instruments and photographs line the perfectly coloured turquoise entryway.But do not confuse Black Dice with a novelty, one-off hangout, Hideki, whose life changed when he watched American Graffiti as a child in Japan, takes his 50’s culture very seriously – he has even started surf Wednesdays, and Mods vs. Rockers: Biker Thursdays at the promising spot. Hideki did assure me, however, despite what rockabilly history has dictated; “there will be no wars between the mods and the rockers, Black Dice is as neutral as Sweden…and it is the 21st century.”
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According to the owner:
The management of Concord Café made a conscious decision before opening in 2005. They wanted the café to be more than a place to get coffee and brunch. They wanted it to be an integral part of the neighbourhood. This is why community groups meet for free in the café’s back room, and the front window typically displays posters for upcoming events in the neighbourhood. The café is also committed to showing the work of local artists. The artwork on the walls is for sale and changes every month or so. Most nights the café offers live music in the back room. Depending on the night, it might be a jazz band or a local DJ. -
According to owner:
Lula Music and Arts Centre is a non-profit organization with the mandate to support world music through presentations, festivals, worshops and audience development. (Formerly called Open City.CA Arts Group, in January of 2010 we received approval to ammend our articles of incorporation to reflect our new name.)
While supporting world music from around the globe, Lula Music and Arts Centre has a strong focus on presenting work that draws on Afro-Latin-Brazilian forms as these evolve in a Canadian context.
While much of the programming takes place at Lula Lounge at 1585 Dundas West in Toronto, past collaborative projects outside of Lula include the Samba Squad 10th Anniversary Concert at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, Samba on Dundas, and Curminin at the El Mocambo. -
According to the owner:
Sonia Rahier supplies her patrons with superior baked goods. On weekdays, devotees arrive early at the brightly lit shop to snap up fresh baguettes. Loaves of brioche and cramique (raisin egg bread) are popular and sell out on weekends. The croissants, fruit tarts and cakes are deservedly famous, and cookies—crispy palmiers, crunchy romias and soft vanilla and coffee madeleines—fly off the shelves. Sorbets and ice creams, in such classic flavours as pistachio, raspberry, mango and passion fruit, are sold by the tub. -
According to the owner:
A year after his Dundas West temple to charcuterie and offcuts of meat became an instant hit, chef Grant van Gameren’s boyish face still wears that too-cool-for-cooking-school calm. Van Gameren has become famous for his cured meat, and fair enough—he makes 40-odd types of charcuterie, including lavender and sake–cured capicollo, and sheets of lardo that are as thin and translucent as vellum. But the hot food—all of it made on a four-burner electric stove—steals the show every time. Crispy sweetbreads, say, that are poached in milk, then smoked out behind the restaurant and served with cauliflower-studded polenta. The menu is bold (anything featuring brains here is an epiphany) in spite of a few noble misses (the porcini reduction on the sweetbreads plate tastes like Oxo cubes). With apologies to Yitz, Pancer and, yes, even Caplansky, the tongue sandwich here is the best deli food in town. Van Gameren is a more interesting, more consistent chef than just about anyone else working in Toronto right now, and he has also set a new tone for dining in the city. Co-owner Jen Agg’s masterful mixing could make an exceedingly happy drunk of almost anyone; the wine list has personality but not a lot of depth. No reservations; cash and debit only. -
According to owner:
This historic landmark was once the most famous ballroom in Toronto. For 85 years it was home to great musicians such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington – and now the Palais
Royale has undergone a revival, taking its place as one of Toronto?s premier event venues. Catering to a new generation in a spectacular setting overlooking Lake Ontario, our state-of-the-art venue will inspire those looking for innovation within an urban oasis.
Style, originality and service beyond expectation? this is Palais Royale. She is the pulse of the modern ballroom.
The Palais Royale can now entertain a number of different events such as weddings, social and corporate events for 350+ sit down dinners or 800+ receptions. The surrounding property has been completely landscaped and a brand new two tiered deck faces the lake front, a perfect setting for any event. -
According to Sara Waxman:
For a change, a menu without pasta or pizza.
For a change, the pungent flavours of Peru.
Cumin and cilantro perfume dishes with names like Anticuchos and Mariscos al Vapor. On the cusp of the University of Toronto campus and the Annex, this cozy corner café fulfills the change of pace that we crave. Tables are bright ceramic tile. Hand-knotted wall hangings and banquette covers add to the warm, natural look. No glitz, no gimmicks, but plenty of glow.
Homemade, dense corn bread is divine. Wine-doused oysters are crusted with toasty Parmesan. Whole chicken breasts are folded on skewers, charcoal-grilled, and served with a salsa of feta, coriander, and dill. Sea bass gets the same brochette treatment with a garlic and chili salsa. Salads have zip. Tropical juices like guava, passion fruit, and mango revive jaded taste buds, and the liqueur-laced coffees are heady. If you can, ignore the sometimes obtrusive voices of pompous academics who frequent the place, inhale the aromas that waft in from the kitchen, and pretend it’s sunset in South America. -
According to owner:
At i deal coffee our beans are carefully selected and roasted with the desire to return to the traditional, “old style” bakery or roasterie of the past, yet be able to still accommodate the demands of the 21st century consumers who want their Guatemalan Huehuetenango organic, bird friendly, co-operatively farmed coffee roasted to a dark french and poured in an eighteen second double shot espresso.
i deal coffee uses a system where we grade each of our coffee’s for its sustainability factor using four categories we feel contribute to an ideal world. These are; environmentally, socially, politically and economically. -
According to the owner:
The Emmet Ray Bar Services The Toronto Area. Offering A Great Selection Of Bar Snacks Including Marinated Olives, Candied Walnuts And A Selection Of Cheeses And Cured Meats. For A Heartier Meal Try A House-Made Potpie With Chicken And Chorizo Or Lentils And Squash, Our Rotating Wine List, More Than 40 Types Of Whiskey And Nightly Drink Specials Will Always Keep You Coming Back. -
According to owner:
Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of one of Toronto?s most delicious, authentic barbecues. At Highway 61 they only use the finest, natural ingredients when preparing your meal. The meats are produced by local farmers, who use only vegetarian feeds and who do not use hormones or antibiotics. Meats are smoked on site using a secret blend of oak and Niagara fruitwoods. Add in the special famous sauce and you don?t just come for a meal at Highway 61, you have a genuine Southern barbecue experience. Don?t forget to check out their exceptional list of local craft beers while you kick back on the patio and listen to their extensive blues collection or even one of the frequent live bands. -
According to the owner:
Since its establishment in January 2008, Delux has become one of the pioneering restaurants of the Ossington Avenue boom in Downtown Toronto. Delux has a neighbourhood feel combining polished and friendly service with impeccably executed, market driven menus that feature rustic French cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and flavour. Delux has an intimate setting which reflects an endearing yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests to indulge in its unique and tastefully prepared food. A second dining room in the back allows for larger groups to enjoy private dinner parties for any type of special occasion. -
According to the owner:
The blanket form is one of the most basic of all human creations; it covers, it comforts, it warms and it celebrates. We are swaddled in it at birth and shrouded in it at death. When crisis or trauma strikes, the blanket is one of the first objects to be offered – considered essential to human survival.
Yet today the blanket is mundane and unrecognized. The intent will be to offer the opportunity to pause and consider the simplest of textile forms under which we conduct a great deal of our lives. -
According to George Foulidis:
The Boardwalk’s Apple Crumble is the best ever sampled. The chef’s artistry with presentation is very much apparent in this speciality. Served on a blue dinner plate sprinkled with icing sugar, it was surrounded by generous dollops of real whipped cream. A slice of orange, strawberry and mint leaf completed the artistry. I always believed that dining at a Toronto landmark should be special in every way, and just dawdling over dinner on a weekend afternoon at the Boardwalk BBQ Pub is a special treat. -
According to the owner:
The Wine Bar would like to welcome you to come in and try our delicious small plates using local ingredients paired up exclusive wines. -
According to the owner:
At Gourmet Burger Co. we have one goal and that’s to make the best burgers possible. We start with the freshest local ingredients, delivered daily and we age our own 100% Canadian farm raised beef for a minimum of 30 days.
You can also feel great about taking our delicious burgers away as all our packaging is 100% biodegradable.
We do one thing only and one thing very well, we make great tasting burgers. Fresh never frozen seasoned just right, that’s our promise to you.
ENJOY. -
According to website:
Welcome to BMO Field! With a capacity of 20,000, BMO Field is home of Canada’s National Soccer Team as well as Toronto FC, Canada’s first Major League Soccer team. BMO Field is located at Exhibition Place in Toronto and is Canada’s first soccer-specific stadium.
In the Summer of 2007, BMO Field was the main venue for the 3rd most watched sporting event in the world, the FIFA U-20 World Cup, in which it hosted over 260,000 people and 12 games. In its first year of operation, over 500,000 people entered BMO Field’s gates. -
According to owner:
Mackenzie’s High Park is a classic neighbourhood pub nestled in the heart of High Park. Within walking distance of High Park Subway, High Park, and Bloor West Village, Mackenzie’s High Park offers a unique neighbourhood pub feel with original and vintage photographs, antique picture frames, and comfortable seating. -
According to owner:
Premium Rhythm Bar is Toronto’s newest hot spot located in the rich and vibrant community of uptown Toronto. Sleek yet classy, refined yet sexy, Premium Rhythm Bar evocative layout is truly a piece of art unto -
According to owner:
Welcome to the Cave of Kama Sutra Lounge. Conveniently located at 173a Eglinton Ave east, Just steps away from Yonge Street. This is uptowns hottest nightspot. The Cave of Kama Sutra Lounge is Sexy and Sophisticated featuring many VIP booths to serve you and your friends. -
According to the owner:
This 70 seat, much anticipated, local pub on the increasingly popular Queen East strip fills a much needed void in Leslieville. The Roy features Sunday brunch, a British menu with standard pub far and a well stocked brew list. -
According to the owner:
In combining timeless tradition with a modern touch, Spirale Banquet & Convention Center serves to be the perfect venue choice for special occasions ranging from personal to business. With a highly convenient location in the core of midtown Toronto and just a 5 minute drive from 4 major hotel chains, there is simply no reason for guests to miss out on your momentous event.
Spirale features 3 banquet halls with separate courtyards, entrances and reception areas preserving the often desired, exclusive feel. Each staff member goes through our mandatory training program to ensuring that your guests are faced with nothing less than impeccable service. A customizable capacity for intimate crowds of 50 to large parties of 1000, combined with exemplary service, makes Spirale the optimal venue choice. -
According to owner:
A loyal clientele has been flocking to The Paddock for more than 60 years, seeking a fuss-free pub (a real pub, not the gimmick-festooned Firkin version) where the bartender knows the difference between a gimlet and a gibson—just two of the classic bevies available on an impressive cocktail menu. An overhaul in the mid-’90s resulted in a slightly sleeker feel (oak-panelled walls and chrome accents were among the additions), as well as an infusion of hipsters. Thankfully, the live music (such as Kevin Quain’s piano tunes on Tuesdays) remains rooted in the era of hep. -
According to the owner:
Situated on Toronto’s coolest new street, Ossington, is LeVack Block. With its grand windows and corner location LeVack Block provides the perfect place for watching the street come alive as the sun goes down.
In the front room a vintage bar with a wrought iron cage welcomes you into the large dining room with striped walls, kitschy figurines and Parisian turn-of-the-century erotica. The warm room with its many retro chandeliers is dim and creates the perfect setting for a romantic meal or a fun get together with friends. -
According to the owner:
Like many a foodie before them, Hanif Harji and Ryan Fisher chatted about making plans to open a wildly original café/retail outlet in Toronto. But unlike many a foodie before them, they actually did.
Not long after Harji (owner of Kultura and Nyood) and Fisher (who hails from Firkin Group of Pubs) sat down with designers Sara Parisotto and Hamid Samad (of Commute Home) to discuss the idea of opening a hip dosa café for the Queen West masses, Madras Pantrythey discovered that the owners of Klaxon Howl liberated their space for a back alley location further up the street (now at 694r Queen St. W., behind Magic Pony). -
According to the owner:
A 1970s eyesore on the outside, a quaint web of courtyards within, Hazelton Lanes was once fashion central for the rich and glamorous, but in recent years it has declined: expect to find more than a few vacant shops. But things are looking up: there’s an upscale gym-cum-yoga space and a high-end Whole Foods Market in the basement (celeb spotting in the aisles is now a regular pastime for locals). At Andrew’s you’ll find well-curated designer sportswear and evening wardrobes for the carriage trade. The trendy TNT offers exclusive LA labels (Teenflo, Theory) for both male and female fashionistas and visiting celebrities; the tranquil Teatro Verde is an upmarket home accessories shop and florist. To provide fuel for flagging shoppers, Lettieri café serves a wicked espresso. -
According to owner:
At the Windsor Arms, historic and new-millennium amenities are fused together to create a delicate balance of old-world charm and modern decadence. Windsor Arms Hotel is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand collection of over 500 independently-owned exclusive hotels in more than 58 countries. Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries, and game and wilderness lodges. -
According to Jason Butler:
At Ki, chefs prepare dishes in both the open principal kitchen and at our sushi bar. Choose the environment and cuisine that suits your pleasure.
Dishes are meant to be shared, with a sensation of flavours brought steadily to the table throughout the meal. The experience flows and the enjoyment unfolds – a fresh take on the Japanese style of leisurely eating and drinking with friends. -
According to owner:
Hand made ravioli, gourmet panini (Italian sandwiches) and luscious desserts can be had at Masquerade. The cafe is situated in the financial district of Toronto. Reservations are not required. -
According to the owner:
The Done Right Inn is a moderately priced casual bar located by Queen St. and Bathurst St. in the Queen West area of Downtown Toronto. This lounge spot features a patio, open on sunday in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Musa is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Dundas and Bathurst area of Downtown Toronto. Musa specializes in mediterranean cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
We’re known for our warm, Irish hospitality so relax and let us take care of all the details for your next event. We can assist you in designing a unique event, from specially created menus to live entertainment. -
According to the owner:
Magpie Cafe is a moderately priced casual bar located by Dundas St. and Bathurst St. in the Portugual Village area of West Toronto. This lounge spot features a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
From early evening dining to a much later night of dancing and enjoying an adult beverage or two, Piccadilly Circus Toronto is an always-spirited night out in the Toronto Entertainment District.
For whatever time you head out, Piccadilly Circus Club Toronto is never short of excitement. An amazing bar menu and weekly wing specials often draw people looking to catch the game or live PPVs throughout the week and on weekends. Sporting events are broadcasted over the five 52-inch screens and more flat screens located around Piccadilly Circus Bar Toronto while guests enjoy a causal evening amongst friends in tabled seating areas. The Piccadilly Toronto bar staff ensures everyone in attendance is well served with superb selection of drinks and a traditional bar-style menu available. A games room, DJ booth and large accommodating dance floor are all put to good use later in the evening as the club fills to capacity with spirited partygoers looking to dance and meet new people while enjoying a night out in Toronto. -
According to the owner:
Part parlour…part garden…part labyrinth under the stars – Tryst is a multi-sensory experience that beguiles and enchants. Catering only to a discerning clientele, Tryst features three distinct salons that pay tribute to themes of opulence, extravagance and unspoken sensuality. From the wickedly indulgent to the secretly intimate, an evening at Tryst is a journey into pleasure.Tryst has been designed to excite the senses. Sleek, seductive and international in style, each salon offers the luxuries of a premier nightclub and the amenities of a world-class venue. Near the main entrance, the double-height Havana Lounge wraps each guest in the richness of teal wood paneling; elegant columns and chandelier lighting suggest the intimacy of a secret rendezvous. An ornately sculpted courtyard garden leads from the Havana Lounge to the Loft where soaring 20-ft ceilings shimmer with constellations of light. A glimmering cocktail bar teases the eyes with its pearlescent finish while velvet settees overlook the starlit garden and offer the promise of lingering conversations.From the Havana Lounge or the Loft, a single flight of stairs connects to The Club – the beating, throbbing heart of Tryst. A pulsating fusion of sight and sound, The Vegas Suites is a darkly opulent subterranean sanctuary. Floor to ceiling columns give way to the open space of a dance floor flanked by a shimmering granite bar stretching the length of the room. From the premium service luxury of exclusive VIP booths, guests overlook the dance floor and its frenzied revelry. Above it all, a shining infinity ceiling reflects the sweat-slicked bodies that merge and move below. -
According to the owner:
The Dog’s Bollocks’s is the neighbourhood destination for get-togethers for large groups and friends. They are known for their wings, burger selection and outstanding butter chicken, but they serve great food from all over the world, so there is something to please everyone. With 20 different beers on tap, The Dog’s Bollocks’s is a great place to come for a fun night out! Open 7 nights a week, visit them and join their friendly staff and watch sporting events on the big screen tv, play pool or relax with friends. Join The Dog’s Bollocks’s for Karaoke every Thursday night, Fridays hosts a DJ and dancing and Saturdays is UFC Fight Night. -
According to the owner:
Set in a friendly African ambience, Pero is beyond that which you would expect in a restaurant. Bringing to life what can only be called an exceptional taste of both food and culture, we can assure you that every visit is one to remember. -
According to the owner:
Apalla Indian Cuisine unveils a new definition of Indian contemporary. Executive chef and owner Sukhwant Singh brings years of experience offering an appetizing menu featuring a variety of flavour-full Curries and Tandoori dishes. The casual but elegant atmosphere of Apalla’s dining room provides the perfect setting for cozy candlelit dinners, family gatherings and corporate functions. The delightful and friendly staff will ensure that the dining experience at Apalla will be most memorable. -
According to the owner:
Dovercourt House is home to a number of well-respected, highly regarded and artistically talented performance companies, events, dances and dance schools. Among those are: Odd Socks/Swing Toronto (Swing Dance, Events, Workshops and Classes), The Hogtown Swing Dance Academy (Swing Dance School), Bees Knees (Swing Dance School) , The Player’s Academy (Theatre School), Retroroadshow (80’s Video Dance Event), Paradiso (Argentine Tango Dances and Classes), La Mariposa (Argentine Tango Dances and Classes), and Mambo Tribe (Salsa Dances, Events and Classes) all of whom make the 1st floor or The Hall at Dovercourt House their home base: Kaeja d’Dance (Dance Performance Company), princess productions (Dance Performance Company), MAS Mambo School of Dance (Salsa Dance School), PushPULL Dance (Dance Performance Company) and The Move (Expressive Dance Event) all of whom make the 2nd floor or Dovehouse Ballroom their home base and: Corpus (Dance Performance Company), Salsa Stephanie’s Dance Studios (Salsa School and Dances), Journey Dance (Meditative Dance Class) all of whom make the 3rd floor or Dovercourt Penthouse their home base. -
According to the owner:
Fly Nightclub is a favoured gay hot spot. It has three floors and one dance floor, with two balconies, a catwalk, and many lounging areas. The cover is usually $10 before midnight, and $15 between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. -
According to the owner:
The Annex, located in the heart of Toronto, has long been a destination for artists, bands, nightlife and culture in the Bathurst and Bloor area. We’re proud to be welcomed into the mix with our unique taste of Live music and DJ Nights. BIG THANKS to the thousands of Torontonians and non- Torontonians alike, who’ve made us your party spot, week after week. We’re a fun alternative to the typical club scene, where you can still party, dance, and have tons of fun. This is your club, we just work here.
Like our name suggests, we draw in all styles, people, sights and sounds to make it a place you can call your own. Our staff has some of the most recognized faces in the city and also the friendliest.
Since our opening in February of 2007, we’ve grown bigger and better, offering a range of great events from raucus dance parties to intimate live indie music shows. -
According to the owner:
The overall decor of Gabby’s has also evolved over the years. Once a Roadhouse look, now a much softer, cleaner, more contemporary casual dining look. Our latest locations feature generous wood booths, the walls offer rich wood finishes, natural stone and exposed brick topped with our signature nostalgic signage and conversational pieces. A host of large plasma screen TV’s, rich earth tone colors and great music round out the theme. Our image is a reflection of today’s consumer needs and the change in current styles.We are very proud to say that after nearly two decades of serving this great city, our Toronto based company is still owned and operated by the same founding family. If you have experience in the hospitality industry and are looking for a business opportunity we selectively offer franchise opportunities outside the downtown core.
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According to the owner:
Located in Little Italy, Revival is about community, the five senses, and a return to the simple things that make an evening out a memorable one. -
According to the owner:
Toronto’s first upscale Mexican restaurant focuses on the traditional Mexican dishes generally found in Latino homes. With Mexico City-born owners Arturo Anhalt (front of house) and his brother Andrés (behind the stove), authenticity is no problem. Milagro has a varied and tasty selection of “las botanas,” dishes to be placed in the center of the table and shared. Especially good are the mixed mushrooms sautéed in olive oil with epazote and the taquitos rosarito, tacos piled with shrimp, ripe avocado, refried bean and tomatillo. Pan-seared rib-eye tacos with Serrano salsa, a las botanas, is bound to have many takers at the table. Such as they are, the ceviches—-fresh with seafood and lime juice—-are fine. More interesting, based on their mama’s recipe, is the chiles rellenos, a goat cheese-stuffed, smoky ancho chile pepper served with warm salsa verde and refried beans. Tortillas are homemade, and a spicy house-made fresh sangrita accompanies any of the over 35 tequilas offered. The wine list affords over 80 well-chosen, well-priced selections. Save room for the desserts like natilla de cajeta, custard flavored with goat’s milk caramel and rich, home-style cheese flan. -
According to owner:
The menu ranges from cheap delights like the soup and sandwich deal and salads to pricier items such as stuffed crepes, quiche, and eggs benny or florentine.
But back to the soup and sandwich. Every day the feature items change. Soups you may come across are Carrot & Ginger Soup, Tomato Fennel Soup, or even the hearty Potato & Leek Soup. Match that up with your choice from a pair of sandwich specials ranging from the Apple Cheddar Sandwich (my fave!) to Tuna Salad or Poached Chicken and Tomato.Unlike next door at Gab’s you won’t find the Campbell’s chicken noodle that was yesterday’s special is STILL today’s (and tomorrow’s)… no no… Soups are made daily and from scratch in house. Don’t be surprised if they are “out” of a particular item on busy days.. once the batch is through, it’s through.. no frozen bags to nuke around here. -
According to owner:
From inception, the idea behind Lobby has been to reinvent the experience of stylish and sophisticated dining and lounging in the vibrant heart of downtown Toronto.
Our constant strive for innovation has led to the upcoming cutting-edge redesign of Lobby for September 2006 by the “Designer Guys” which will elevate Lobby once again to its modern potential.
Lobby’s sophisticated style, intuitive service and intimate grasp of modern tastes and needs ensures our clientele an unparallel level of cosmopolitan modern luxury. -
According to the owner:
Table 17, located in the heart of Leslieville/Riverside, is a fun casual neighborhood wine bar and bistro.
With an ever-changing seasonal menu, inspired by local ingredients and European preparation techniques, Table 17 is a great option for those that live in the neighborhood or for those from outside the Leslieville/ Riverside area that are looking for an inspired meal in a warm, welcoming setting. -
According to owner:
Welcome to The Gull & Firkin! We are located at 1943 Queen St. East, just east of Woodbine Ave., in the heart of the Beach. A quaint English-style pub, The Gull is the ideal neighborhood locale to meet your friends for a pint and great Firkin fare.
Attention all sports fans, come in and watch all the big games on one of our 11 flat screens. In the warmer months, you can enjoy our 50 seat patio, the only raised patio on Queen Street! -
According to the owner:
Back in 2008, a for lease sign went up in the window of Trinity Bellwoods’ Art Photo Studio, making some West Queen Westers a little nervous. Would the prime location price out all the little guys? Apparently not. This spring, the studio’s decidedly dated green tiles were replaced by a white exterior and bright sign announcing the arrival of Nadège Patisserie—a high-end bakery and café that opened in early July -
According to Owners:
Experience the hospitality of an authentic Irish Alehouse and Pub!
Pogue Mahone’s Irish Pub meticulously harnesses all the traditions of Ireland to recreate a genuine Irish establishment in the heart of downtown Toronto. Featuring a classic pub menu and a fabulous Irish brunch, Pogue Mahone’s provides the perfect backdrop for get-togethers for large families, friends or sports teams! Celebrating a special occasion? No one throws a party like us! If you are hosting a birthday, family event, dinner and drinks for clients, a holiday celebration or a post-game victory party, we can provide you with a full range of services for food, beverages and entertainment.
The sincerest of welcomes, an unsurpassed pint of Guinness, plus a varied selection of traditional Irish cuisine and pub fare will ensure that a “mighty” time will be had by all. -
According to Owners:
The Poor Alex is rigged with full lighting and audio capabilities; 24 channel audio, 24 channel lighting, black box stage inclusive with an in house technician.
Our 4000 sq. ft. is fully licensed, air conditioned with a capacity of 199 has been creatively designed for multi tasking your performance or event.
This new space is ideal for theatre, cabaret, comedy, music, fundraisers, workshops, corporate and private events. Television and film are also welcome.
For rentals and inquiries contact Valerie Morgan. -
According to Owners:
It may be a dumpling house, but this small and chic Dundas West restaurant (with small tables, red walls and black floors) also offers other Chinese and Taiwanese favourites—entrées like Szechuan beef, kung pao chicken, fried noodles, spicy salted shrimp, braised eggplant and fried vermicelli. Steamed and pan-fried dumpling fillings include pork and chives, pork and vegetable, beef, chicken and vegetarian. Mains $4.50–$12. -
According to Owners:
Bamboo Buddha Chinese Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located by King St. W. and Bathurst St. in the King West area of Downtown Toronto. Bamboo Buddha specializes in chinese cuisine and features delivery, luncheon, take out in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Mackenzie’s High Park is a classic neighbourhood pub nestled in the heart of High Park. Within walking distance of High Park Subway, High Park, and Bloor West Village, Mackenzie’s High Park offers a unique neighbourhood pub feel with original and vintage photographs, antique picture frames, and comfortable seating. -
According to the owner:
Rossini Restaurant serves more than authentic Italian cuisine. They offer Fine dining in a warm comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Perfect setting for those special occasions, a romantic dinner for two or just a night out with family and friends. Fresh ingredients, given special attention with an upscale presentation gives you a welcomed dining experience. -
According to the owner:
With the disappearance of Queenshead Pub at Queen & Bathurst, the strip was aching for a dark, cool and not-so-chic bar for locals to kick back in. The Queenshead folks didn’t abandon locals, of course… 751 opened up a little further west and is filled with eclectic vintage furniture lit only by dim lights and their reflections in the cheap drinks. -
According to owner:
Lick’s Homeburgers® & Ice Cream is a Canadian quick casual restaurant chain with a dynamic concept and vibrant atmosphere dedicated to enhancing a growing need for quality products in the fast food industry. Our motto is, “GREAT FOOD, SERVED FAST!” Our restaurants create a comfortable, inviting environment that incorporates a friendly family feeling with show biz and panache. Lick’s has become a phenomenon, and the beginning of a new wave in fast food dining. While Lick’s restaurants typically are 2,000 to 3,000 SF, a smaller Lick’s concept of approximately 1,500 SF is under development for urban markets and may include one or two drive-thru windows.
Immediate opportunities are available for Master Franchises in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ottawa regions. -
According to the owner:
Although, soft spoken, brewmaster Michael Duggan is far removed from the “Bob and Doug” world; the man does, however, appreciate the beer genre as much as our Canadian icons. At Conners Brewery, and later as the founding brewmaster at Mill Street Brewery, Duggan has been a crucial component of the Canadian craft brewing industry. His Ontario firsts include organic, hemp, coffee porter, weiss and barley wine beers.Building on this legacy, Duggan has finally found a great spot to house Toronto’s latest microbrewery, Duggans Brewery, while simultaneously launching his own brand, No. 9 IPA. This double launch gives Duggan even more street cred for brewing some of the world’s finest beers and ales.
-
According to the owner:
When Irie Food Joint closed its doors in October, it wasn’t a considerable surprise. Not due to it being compromised in any way. It’s just that with the economy being in the state that it is, it’s difficult to see how any restaurateur makes a go of it. To us jaded martiniboys.com writers, it appeared that Carl Cassell, who busted Irie onto the scene over ten years ago and who recently opened Harlem on Richmond St. E, was making an educated decision to consolidate his would-be soul food empire. -
According to owner:
At Starbucks we source the finest and freshest ingredients and use them to bring you delicious foods that complement our range of coffee.
In our stores, you will find enticing, exciting and tasty offering to enjoy as you snuggle up with your cup of coffee. From pure indulgence to healthy indulgence, for breakfast, lunch, snacks & treats, come into your local Starbucks and enjoy the experience.
Expertly prepared by hand, made with the world’s best coffee and wonderful premium ingredients. Your favorite Starbucks® beverage is waiting for you. -
According to the owner:
The Bathurst Street Theatre is a theatre in Toronto, Ontario, that is housed in a former church. The Gothic revival building is located at 736 Bathurst Street at Lennox, one traffic light to the south of Bloor Street, Honest Ed’s, the Bathurst Street Subway Station, and across Bathurst from Central Technical School. -
According to owner:
Pearl Harbourfront Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located by Queens Quay and York St. in the Harbourfront and Islands area of Downtown Toronto. Pearl Harbourfront specializes in chinese cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
Enjoying a Thai meal usually consists of beautifully decorated and delicious cuisine. All of these shared with family and friends.
According to the owner:
We, at the Green Mango believe that all those who walk into our establishments are considered as “family”. Our Chefs take pride in preparing each dish with the finest premium ingredients. (Just like Mom would!)
Since 1980, the Green Mango has been bringing Torontonians the Best Thai cuisine. From its conception in a small Toronto alley to the present four locations, the Green Mango has not lost its belief… that each customer is part of our family and they deserve the BEST.The Green Mango has received many awards, ranging from the Consumers Choice award to television and print media awards for its cuisine and customer service.
Welcome HOME and we hope you will enjoy your visit with us… -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Gabby’s, a Toronto-based restaurant/bar chain with a strong focus on great quality, mainstream casual food at affordable prices. All locations proudly serve our signature dishes and provide an excellent selection of draught and bottled beers, an extensive liquor selection and excellent sports coverage. Gabby’s is a proud Canadian company that’s been serving Toronto since 1989. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Gabby’s, a Toronto-based restaurant/bar chain with a strong focus on great quality, mainstream casual food at affordable prices. All locations proudly serve our signature dishes and provide an excellent selection of draught and bottled beers, an extensive liquor selection and excellent sports coverage. Gabby’s is a proud Canadian company that’s been serving Toronto since 1989. -
According to the owner:
Have you heard whats happening at the Ferret?
There’s nothing quite like the old traditional English-style pub favourites when you’re Firkin hungry. From tasty appetizers, to mouthwatering entrees, to decadent desserts, our menu has what you’re looking for. -
According to the owner:
In 1992, fresh out of University and ‘determined’ to find a job, Brent Poulton was fortunate to find a position under entrepreneur Louis Nemes at Bistro on Avenue – one of Toronto’s best wing & rib bar and grill restaurants. One could say that Louis took Brent ‘under his wing’.
Working under Louis’ tutelage, Brent mastered his operations and management skills along with Bistro on Avenue’s philosophy and service practices. A few short years later, Brent and Louis partnered to open the first St. Louis Bar and Grill in the popular Yonge-Eglinton area of midtown Toronto. The idea behind the concept was admittedly simple: provide a superior chicken wing and rib product in a casual neighborhood bar setting at competitive prices. This simple idea was an instant hit with local patrons and St. Louis Bar and Grill quickly evolved into something more than a neighborhood hot spot, gaining the reputation of ‘best wings in the city’ and Toronto’s ‘best kept secret’.
In 1998, with Louis’ career winding down and Brent’s just starting up, Brent bought out Louis and became the sole owner of the Yonge-Eglinton location. Despite the tremendous popularity of the restaurant, the ever-increasing business volume and repeated requests by numerous investors seeking franchise opportunities, Brent initially fought the temptation of expanding the restaurant through franchising. He explored various growth models and decided to take on the expansion of the St. Louis Bar and Grill brand as a multiple store model, all the while focusing on developing and implementing a ‘systematic’ approach to management and operations. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Zipperz/Cellblock.
A popular piano bar and nightclub, in the heart of Toronto’s gay community. You’ll find two experiences in one central location.
Zipperz is where people of all backgrounds gather in an expansive piano bar setting to sing along to great standards and camp classics; a comfortable lounge to watch a live cabaret act, tell stories and enjoy the friendliest bar staff in the city, make new friends and have a drink.
Cellblock , with a unique stainless steel dance floor, is known within the community to host some of the best drag shows during the week. On weekends it is one of the popular spots in the city with various house DJ’s spinning all your favorite dance tracks. -
According to owner:
The Watermark Irish Pub and Restaurant is bringing the luck and charm of the Irish to the Harbourfront District! Located in the Queen’s Quay Terminal, Watermark features a panoramic view of Toronto’s harbourfront, seating for 240 inside the pub and patio space for up to 220 overlooking the waterfront. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Gabby’s, a Toronto-based restaurant/bar chain with a strong focus on great quality, mainstream casual food at affordable prices. All locations proudly serve our signature dishes and provide an excellent selection of draught and bottled beers, an extensive liquor selection and excellent sports coverage. Gabby’s is a proud Canadian company that’s been serving Toronto since 1989. -
According to the owner:
Essentially a restaurant with a lounge embedded in it, LOL is split into two floors. The main floor is dedicated to dining and laid-back drinking, with banquette seating, red and brown curtains, and a back area for VIP bottle service. I still don’t understand the allure of going to a club to hang out in a private room with your own entourage, but if that’s your thing, LOL has you covered. Each bottle service area is separated by a curtain, so no plebes may encroach upon your private party.
If you want to party with the masses, head downstairs, where the restaurant dissolves into an intimate club with more seating, more bottle service, a live DJ, and the obligatory dance floor. In other words, this will be your typical Little Italy lounge. The formula’s been used before, but if the place defies all odds and lasts then Adina will be laughing all the way to the bank. Presumably out loud. -
According to the owner:
King Falafel Restaurant is a very affordable casual restaurant located by Eglinton Ave. W. and Bathurst St. in the Forest Hill and Eglinton West area of Midtown / Uptown. King Falafel specializes in middle eastern cuisine and features halal meals in a casual atmosphere. -
According to owners:
After many years in the planning, the Inn opened on October 1, 2001 featuring 60 beautiful appointed rooms and suites. The familiar name “The Old Mill” had now evolved to reflect this lastest addition – “THE OLD MILL INN”
As our motto says “VALLIS HUMBRIA ANGLIAE PARS ANGLIA PROCUL – in the valley of the Humber, a bit of England far from England”, the beautiful setting, charming atmosphere and impeccable service of The Old Mill has warmed hearts far and wide. Truly over the centuries, The Old Mill has earned its reputation as a Toronto tradition.
The Old Mill Inn now stands to be part of the many memories and wonderful stories for generations to come. -
According to the owner:
The interior of the bar is predominantly a dark royal red, and the walls partially covered in light finished wood. The regal look is accented by two large low-hanging chandeliers. The wall behind the bar is translucent red, backlit and covered with crisscrossing wood shelves for liquor, giving an impression of a classy tic-tac-toe game. On the east and west walls there are large flat-screen monitors displaying ads geared towards the gay crowd (this is near Church and Wellesley after all).
The clientele is predominately young and gay but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for straight customers – the drinks are unique, the food is excellent, as their chef, Patrick Munn, just came out with a new tapas menu. I tried the grilled peanut chicken as well as the sweet potato latke served with curried aioli, and was blown away – and I don’t usually care for latkes. However, a sense of humour is required as Saturdays will feature “Barbie BBQ” –guest drag queens will host, while delectable morsels are passed around between 1pm and 7pm. -
According to owner:
Fionn MacCools Irish Pub – St. Clair Ave. is a moderately priced casual bar located in the Yonge and St. Clair area of Midtown / Uptown. This pub spot features a casual atmosphere. -
ccording to owner:
The CNE is not only active in and important to Toronto and surrounding areas, we are also a leader in the fair/event industry. The CNE is the largest and one of the longest running annual events in Canada and the fifth largest fair in North America. -
According to the owner:
Tangier Nightclub is a moderately priced casual bar located by King St. W. and Bathurst St. in the King West area of Downtown Toronto. This dance bar and nightclub spot features a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
Ultra casual and eclectic atmosphere located in the Beach specializing in micro and imported beers, featuring live music, Dj’s, entertainment, beer tastings. PA system for public speaking. Seating for 30 plus 10 at the bar. Capacity higher for cocktail parties.
Parking is available on street and there are plenty of municipal parking lots nearby. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Toronto’s newest night club in the trendy King Street west. Sixty-9 Bathurst will create an environment and venue to fill the entertainment void in Toronto. The sensibility of old cultures will meld with current trends to create a venue that is unique in design and unrivaled in the execution of the entertainment experience.
Sixty-9 Bathurst is one of the hottest places to be on a Saturday night in Toronto. It is bustling with beautiful people, sensational DJ’s and an atmosphere that will make you leave your worries at the door. Tables are often sold out in advance, so the sooner you book, the better. Our sexy staff is committed to giving you high quality service and ensuring that your expectations are exceeded. -
According to owner:
We Deliver!
New to King West Chic Chinoise, caters to Pan-Asian dining experiences with an elaborate all day menu as well as Dim Sum specials. With affordable prices, exquisite atmosphere and generous portions Chic is absolutely a great destination after or before work, shopping, theatre etc. Their VIP room is also available and it accommodates up to 70 guests. -
According to the owner:
Whether it be for a seasonal festivity, a business gathering, a birthday party, or an intimate affair, we welcome you to Harlem.
Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, Harlem celebrates the joy of Toronto’s cultural diversity and the art of entertaining. It is a rebirth of creativity in Food, Art, Music, and Cocktails. -
According to owner:
Our Toronto Restaurant and bar features a huge main bar and dining area and four private rooms accommodate groups of any size. Call us to book your next party or special occasion. Great staff make your visit something you won´t forget and tell you why our restaurant is so popular. Our southwest atmosphere is casual and contemporary. Need to do a little business over lunch, wireless internet is available to all. The seventy item menu accommodates any taste. Don´t miss our fabulous steaks. Tex-mex flair in our menu makes it unique. Check our daily lunch and dinner specials. We are the best value in the airport area. Plenty of free parking and walking distance to most of the major airport hotels. -
According to the owner:
C’est What Brew/Vin Pub Restaurant, Toronto’s true local flavour in craft beer and comfort food since 1988.
A great value “ethno-clectic” menu, 35 craft brews on tap, fine whiskies from the world over, and a select all Ontario VQA wine list are all part of the casual, relaxed experience here.
Located in the cellar of a historic century old building in the St. Lawrence Market area, C’est What has an Old Town charm that appeals to Bohemians and Bay St. bankers alike. It offers diversions such as board games, pool tables, and a TV room.
C’est What is also the home of an Internet radio station, whatsnext.ca, featuring independently produced recorded music and all performances from the adjoining performance room. -
According to owner:
Kimling Chinese Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Scarborough area of East Toronto. Kimling Chinese Restaurant specializes in chinese cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Located in the heart of Little Italy on College Street, Touché Lounge sparks up the atmosphere with its upscale design and crowd.
Whether you are looking to have
a drink with your friends or
dance the night away, Touché
is the perfect choice for your tonight’s hotspot. -
According to owner:
Live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Skylounge redefines patio dining with an elegant oasis found just steps from bustling Bloor Street West. Sleek sofas intermingle with Brazilian wood tables, where Executive Chef Christopher Perera’s Mediterranean tapas-style menu offers smaller portions ideal for sharing. Open May to October, weather permitting. -
According to owners:
We offer three luxurious banquet rooms to accommodate from 25 to 475 guests. Whether you are planning a wedding reception, a conference, a religious event or a family gathering, we will provide you with the perfect setting for your event! Our elegant decor will be sure to captivate your guests and create a sophisticated ambiance for any important function.
Providing you with the perfect setting for your most memorable occasions.No matter how you choose to celebrate your special day,
we will take care of every detail, so you can relax…. and enjoy! -
According to the owner:
The King West strip needs another trendy resto-lounge like a fish needs a typewriter. Then again, there’s always room for more “Are-You-Hot?” buff boys and bottle-blondes. But if you think Blowfish is just another hotspot for Toronto’s beautiful people, you’re wrong. For starters, the menu effortlessly fuses traditional Japanese ingredients with classical French and pan-Asian influences. For another, the room is considerably more intimate than its tony competitors. Housed in a spiffed-up Bank of Toronto building dating back about 70 years, Blowfish owes its refinement to a restored elegance that honours its historic setting. Designer Johnson Chou’s first restaurant commission incorporates de rigueur minimalism with seamless integration of design details. -
According to owner:
The service is always friendly, the atmosphere is casual, and the bar selection is quite extensive (vodka Ting anyone?). Compared with other Jamaican restaurants, the prices are a little bit steeper than normal (about $1-2 more per dish), but this is likely because it is a sit-down type place. My favorite is the oxtail, but the stew chicken and jerk pork are also staples. I like having the different options of mixing your meats — so you can get half oxtail, half stew chicken, or any meat in combination with one another really. -
According to owner:
Original Motorcycle Cafe & Lounge is a moderately priced casual bar located by Queen St. and University Ave. in the Entertainment District area of Downtown Toronto. This dance bar and nightclub spot features a dressy casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
Mostly referred to in hushed tones and furtive head nods, Toronto’s soon-to-open Salt Wine Bar has been one of the most hotly-yet-slyly anticipated restaurants on Ossington Avenue. It’s announced fall 2009 opening comes hot on the heels of Toronto City Council’s controversial one-year moratorium on new bars and restaurants on Ossington Avenue between Queen and Dundas. Having filled in its paperwork right before the deadline, Salt has grabbed one of the last available licenses(dictated by The Man) for these fertile three blocks of Ossington, perhaps adding an unwarranted boon to its mystique.Like Salt Tasting Room in Vancouver (but with no actual affiliation), the spot will serve a selection of cheese, wine, and charcuterie, adding to the list of trendy carnivorous restaurants in Toronto. Owner/chef William Tavares has already notched plenty of hotspot experience with his ever-popular Le Gourmand cafes, and will bring that experience to an area well used to dining hotspots.
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According to owner:
The recession hasn’t dimmed the Fifth’s penchant for caviar and chateaubriand, nor the elegance of the surroundings. One of the most stylish dinner venues in the city, the candlelit loft is leavened by such quirks as dog masks glued to the ceiling. Andreas Feist, former chef at Harbour Sixty, is the latest to interpret owner Libell Geddes’s vision of an old-school grill menu, and he does so with finesse, adding his own touches of spice. For example, peppery steak tartare and a delectably moist crab cake enisled by citrus-wasabi mayo. The rib-eye is excellent, exquisitely crusted and running with juices. Desserts don’t offer the decadence of yore. Sticky toffee pudding is too spongy and light beside its roasted banana ice cream. Manager Fernando Temudo ensures smooth service. The pricey wine list is red-heavy to match the meat, though there’s not enough by the glass. Mains $27–$61. -
According to owner:
Hugh’s Room is a warm, spacious and inviting 200 seat music venue located in Roncesvalles Village in Toronto, and host to the finest in Canadian and International folk/roots artists, since opening in April, 2001. The fully licensed dining room offers a full menu with tantalizing salads, appetizers and lovely main dishes. Hugh’s Room offers an air conditioned dining room, free parking and we are a 5 minute walk from the subway. -
According to owner:
Just in case there was any doubt that Ossington was set to become Toronto’s uber-hotspot, Jezebel has opened near Dundas. Indeed, Ossington is under constant threat of over-saturation, but until now it has never seen a spot quite like Jezebel. Part extravagant nightclub, part exclusive party lounge, and part upscale burlesque house, Jezebel is in a class all its own – Ossington or beyond. It’s sure to have its detractors, but there’s no denying that it’s truly unlike anything else. -
According to owner:
Spanning two millennia, the Ein-stein Cafe and Pub has been serving the neighbourhood and university community since 1996. With our relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and comfortable environment, you’re sure to make Ein-stein your home away from your home away from home… -
According to owner:
A unique hideaway in the heart of Bloor West village. Comfortable, cool ambiance in an urban chic space. Perfectly polished service paired with an elegantly understated menu. A familiar place to relax, unwind, and most importantly, to dine.Chef Nigel Finley’s passion for cooking was inspired at an early age. He spent his later years training under renowned chefs such as Mackenzie Taylor and Michael Statlander, and working at top restaurants in Montreal, Halifax, and Australia. Chef Finley’s fresh contemporary cuisine is sure to please any palate. -
According to owner:
Six Degrees promises to be a truly unqiue and intimate experience. An elite upscale venue with over 12,000 square feet of chocolate themed VIP areas, sleek stainless steel bars and a host of plush leather couches. Six degrees is without a question the destination choice. -
According to owner:
Our Polish restaurants, bakeries and delis are famous throughout the city. There is no better place to enjoy schnitzel, sausage, ham hocks, sauerkraut and traditional Polish pastries. Walk into one of the traditional old world restaurants and you are welcomed by Polish language, music and traditions.
But Roncesvalles also boasts fine restaurants catering to every culture or taste. Cajun, Greek, Asian, Indian and Thai restaurants can all be found here, reflecting an increasingly diverse and dynamic local community. If you are just looking for a place to relax, you have your choice of several coffee shops where you can spend an afternoon chatting or watching people pass by from the patio. In the evening, Roncesvalles comes alive with the sound of conversation and music from our many pubs and bistros. -
According to the owners:
Wheat Sheaf Tavern is a moderately priced casual bar located by King St. W. and Bathurst St. in the King West area of Downtown Toronto. This pub spot features a patio, open on sunday in a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owners:
Calisto is named after a Roman Cave, and true to its namesake, the restaurant promises “Intimate Candlelight Cave Dining.” Yes, there may be many spots to grab a martini on College Street, but there are few spots that promise cave dining. Split over two levels, the top floor will act as a restaurant/bar with a Southern Italian menu designed by owner Gianfranco Lo Ponte, and the bottom floor will be a lounge and event space, perfect for live entertainment, DJs, and private parties. -
According to the owners:
The Burroughes Gallery
The Burroughes Gallery occupies the entire 3rd floor of the Burroughes Building. A significant landmark building located where the Fashion and Art+Design district meet.
Top of the Burroughes
With breathtaking views of the downtown skyline, one visit to the roof and you will never see Toronto the same way.
Bliss Gallery
Bliss Gallery is a unique rental space gallery. The gallery occupies a portion of the 6th floor of the Burroughes Building. A significant landmark building located where the Fashion and Art+Design district meet. -
According to owner:
Harbourfront Centre, on Toronto’s waterfront, is an innovative non profit cultural organization which creates events and activities of excellence that enliven, educate and entertain a diverse public.A vibrant home for the culture of our time, inspiring people through the magic of the creative spirit. -
According to owner:
Experience the beauty of Toronto’s waterfront at the city’s most picturesque outdoor patio, SPLASH PATIO BAR at Harbourfront. Open annually 7 days a week in the summer months from approximately June to September, this lakefront retreat offers a full service bar, and a casual menu featuring specialty items that include; wood burning oven pizzas and gourmet wraps.
This scenic lakeside patio sits adjacent to the Harbourfront Centre band shell, a complimentary outdoor venue with seating for 2000 people that showcases a variety of weekly live performances ranging from acoustic to dance, theatre and much more. Suitable for families, friends, couples, out-of-town visitors and cultural enthusiasts, Harbourfront Centre has a full schedule of events and activities suitable for everyone from all ages and backgrounds. -
According to owner:
Hibiscus Restaurant is a moderately priced casual restaurant located by College St. and Augusta Ave. in the Kensington Market area of Downtown Toronto. Hibiscus specializes in vegetarian cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owners:
Riverdale Perk Cafe & Espresso Bar
Toronto – Riverdale’s best kept secret.
On your way to work, or while taking the kids to school…or simply come on in and enjoy a hot cup of java or an intimate luncheon.
Discover it for yourself! -
According to owner:
Ezra’s Pound is a moderately priced casual cafe located by Dupont St. and Spadina Ave. in the Annex area of Downtown Toronto. This cafe spot features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owners:
If your hair starts to clog your sink, don’t make a puppet out of it; that’s just creepy. Also, don’t deal with your newly exposed skin with a bottle of spray paint. Furthermore, a goatee and muscles don’t compensate for head gleam. Embrace your dome, damn it. Ditch your hat collection and grow that horseshoe out. If that doesn’t placate your self-consciousness, drink away your insecurity at the Bald Spot Pub – what? This place is called the Auld Spot? Sorry, my mistake. Well, whatever its name is, it certainly is one of the Danforth’s finest neighbourhood pubs. With innovative yet comfortable fare and a solid lineup of draught, the Auld Spot draws the hairy and shiny alike. -
CLOSED !!!
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According to the owners:
After three years of stimulating Montrealers’ senses and stomachs, O.NOIR is excited to bring it’s extraordinary culinary adventure to Toronto.
Already the rage in Europe, Australia, L.A., New York and Montreal – O.NOIR – Canada’s first-ever “Dine in the Dark” restaurant now invites Torontonians to experience food, drink and conversation like never before – without their sight!
“It’s a sensual dining experience like no other!” says O.NOIR owner and founder Moe Alameddine… “When you eat food in the dark, your remaining senses are heightened to savour the smell and taste of food. Even simple, everyday dishes like potatoes and yogurt take on a culinary flare.”But O.NOIR does more than just fire the imagination and stimulate the senses. After a few hours in complete darkness (that’s right, no flashlights, matches, cell phones, cigarette lighters or luminous watches), customers gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be blind – just like the restaurant’s entire wait staff.
This socially conscious concept sprang from Jorge Spielmann, a blind pastor in Zurich who used to blindfold his dinner guests at his home so they could share his eating experience. In 1999, Spielmann opened Blindekuh (German for Blind Cow); a project aimed at teaching the sighted about the sightless world, and provide jobs for blind people.
“How lucky am I.” Moe proudly states. “I get to do something I love and make a difference”.
Good cause or not, O.NOIR offers everything you’d expect from a fine restaurant: Great service, a delicious menu… plus, a culinary experience like no other! -
According to owner:
Intimate and relaxed, this casual café specializes in home-cooked Italian dinners. Owner and chef Antoinete Sacco whips up such old-school classics as veal pizzaiola, oven-braised osso buco, chicken piccata and homemade ricotta-stuffed ravioli. Chianti bottle candelabras and checked tablecloths add a homey touch. Everything is made à la minute. -
According to owner:
Acrobat Lounges reputation for excellence has garnered numerous accolades. Named Best Special Event Venue by the North Toronto Post, it is one of the city’s most sought-after venues for private events. From its exquisite gourmet cuisine to its unique decor and professional, attentive service, Acrobat creates the perfect dining experience.
Centrally located at Yonge and Eglinton, in the heart of mid-down Toronto, Acrobat provides the ultimate setting for an unforgettable event. Stunning decor, rich fabrics, crimson walls, ornate fixtures and hand-painted reproductions of classic works of art provide a dramatic setting for Acrobat’s cutting-edge cuisine.
Acrobat’s culinary expertise knows no geographic or stylistic boundaries. Visualize the meal of your dreams, and well turn your vision into reality. We are also happy to accommodate Kosher events through a special arrangement with Zuchter Berk Creative Caterers, C.O.R.
From wedding ceremonies and receptions to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, engagement parties, corporate events, office catering, product launches and fundraisers, Acrobat exceeds all expectations. We’ve been referred to as one of the city’s hidden gems. Discover us today. -
According to owner:
Caffe Senator is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Yonge and St. Clair area of Midtown / Uptown. Caffe Senator specializes in international and global cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owners:
“For 24 years we’ve shared this seasonal classic and played a part in Toronto’s holiday cheer,” said Bouman, artistic director and founder of Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement, in a statement. “My Nutcracker production has never been the same twice, so each year we give our audience a little something different to enjoy in addition to the enchanting story they already know and love.” -
According to the owners:
Executive Chef, TV celebrity chef and recording artist Roger Mooking, and his Chef de Cuisine Nelson Fernandez know how to appeal to palates that appreciate quality ingredients, attention to detail and impeccable presentation of a tapas style menu. We saw all age ranges there on the Wednesday evening that three Tempo Toronto people went out to dine, including fifty-plus foodies like me.
The dinner menu covers the range from smaller dishes such as candy cane beet salad, to more substantial soft shell crab, and then a lamb tagine – which I almost ordered. We opted for the $45 Soul Food / Feed the Body three course, plus dessert, tasting menu, and were thrilled with the result. Because we were three, and as there were two choices in each course, we all ordered so that we could try everything. -
According to owner:
Like an old-world winery on the outside, the Liberty Bistro is a great place to spend time with friends and enjoy tasty delicacies.
Savour gourmet food and excellent wines. Enjoy great service in a delightful ambiance.
Join us at the Liberty for live jazz, open mic’s, and other fine entertainment. Welcome! -
According to the owners:
A true Little Italy landmark, The Dip, as the locals know it, has been a family-owned business for 42 years!
“The Dip” has a menu specializing in Italian fare and offers take out and catering. Only at the Dip can patrons try their talents in creating their own “Three ’P’s”: Pizza, Pasta and Pannio! And for those looking to satisfy their sweet-tooth, Toronto Life voted them the Best Sicilian Canoli in the City!
Come and experience breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts or just drop by for a coffee or perhaps a late night bite to eat.
With Valpolicella wines by the glass starting at $6.50 and Cafe Dip Primo Lager pints for $3.95, Cafe Diplomatico is very affordable no matter what you’re in the mood for!
Cafe Diplomatico is the unofficial headquarters for all World Cup action so make sure you check out the huge, famous Cafe Diplomatico patio for all June 2010 action!
The Dip is a central part of The Taste of Little Italy, Fiera and a 350 seat closed-street party!
Come on in and experience a part of Italian-Toronto history today.
“Best Sicilian Canoli in the City”
Toronto Life
There are 2 theaters near this venue. For more Movies & Showtimes go to our Movie Guide
Show on map
Royal Cinema
608 College St. West
Today
Comedy
At Home by Myself… with You details
Today
Drama
Zooey & Adam details
Show on map
Innis Town Hall
2 Sussex Ave
Thursday
Action/Adventure
Taras Bulba details -
According to owner:
We’re Canada’s #1 trade show and convention facility – at the center of Toronto. Our venue has over 600,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space including 64 meeting rooms, a world-class 1,330-seat theatre and two well-appointed ballrooms. We’ve been host to events and conferences as large as the International Aids Conference, to the renowned Canadian International Auto Show, and as intimate as private sales meetings.
Our dedicated staff, technologically advanced facilities and enviable reputation for food and service excellence help to make each event we host a truly unique experience for groups of 40 to 40,000. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Inviting, inspiring, innovative, incomparable. We’re your partner in creating memorable events. -
According to the owners:
The cozy two-story location features seating for 40 on the main floor and 20 on the second floor and a great Yonge Street Patio for people watching in the trendy Yonge and Eglinton shopping area. In addition, the second floor features a 60" big screen HD TV, a pool table and is perfect for private parties and group functions of 10 to 30. We are located on Yonge Street north of Eglinton and south of Lawrence Avenue at Briar Hill. Parking can be found at the meters in front, on all the neighboring side streets, or the “P” parking lot across the street. For subway access, exit at the Eglinton stop, north exit. We feature 5 TV’s including two 42" HD PLASMA and a 60" HD BIG SCREEN and always play the big game. -
According to the owner:
Aurum: A stunning multi-level VIP Room with elegant textures, plush comfort and dazzling overtures of elegance. The Upstairs Aurum section can accommodate parties from 5 people to 100 people. The incrediblt designed balcony areas overlook the adjacent downstairs Aurum dance floor below. Private windows overlook the stunning Main Room giving a true VIP experience. Seperate washrooms and DJ facilities make it possible to make the upper floor of Aurum into it’s own intimate affair. Down stairs, Aurum gives a warm and intimate feeling highlighted by a crystal chandeliere, comfort seating stretching along a fabriced wall leading to a private raised VIP section. Aurum is the perfect place to dance the night away.
Republik Room: In honor to the legendary club before XS, The Republik Room features a second to none audio and visual experience with fiber optic curtains surrounding the dancefloor giving the feeling of dancing under the stars. An 8’ by 40’ Concert Stage, 6.5 WATT Full Colour Laser Theatre, LED Waterfall, Six Hydraulic Trusses with 8 Rotating Plasmas Screens, over 60 Intelligent Lights, Confetti Cannon’s and 7 Private VIP Areas make the Republik Room the premiere choice for the downtown nightlife adventure -
According to owner:
Complete tapas-style dinners for $45 per person (lunches $28), including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine. Average main $10/$8. Open Monday and Tuesday 8 am to 7 pm, Wednesday to Friday 8 am to 2 am, Saturday 9 am to 2 am. Closed Sunday, holidays. Licensed. WiFi. Access: nine steps at door, washrooms in basement (Adelaide); eight steps at door, washrooms on same floor (King). -
According to owner:
Since opening our doors in 2004, we have had the honor of offering over half a million customers the experience of the authentic modern Italian espresso bar. Today we continue to welcome visitors with the personal touch of our caring staff, quality foods, cultured atmosphere, stunning design and of course…the finest in coffee and espresso based beverages. With TWO locations in Toronto we invite you make us part of your day and allow b to change a “routine” into a warm memorable experience…each and every time. -
According to Dr. Peter Simon:
Over the past decade, The Royal Conservatory has set in motion a series of far-reaching and evolutionary changes in the role of arts organizations and their ability to affect society.Over the past year, we continued to benefit from the contributions of our Board of Directors, our National Advisory Board, our Capital Campaign Cabinet, our Foundation, and our management team and employees. Their enthusiasm and hard work has made this a tremendous year of progress for The Royal Conservatory.We are immensely grateful to our supporters for helping us to move forward to create a society in which the arts are embraced by all citizens as catalysts for achievement, pathways to self-exploration and bridges to mutual understanding.
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According to owner:
“Toronto” is an aboriginal word meaning “place of meeting.” What an appropriate name for the most culturally diverse city in North America, plus the location of yet another great rockin’ meeting place – the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto! Located directly across from the massive Eaton Centre department store mall, our memorabilia-stocked restaurant serves up distinctive meals and refreshing beverages for any rocker with a taste for diversity. So roll on in and get ready to rock the night away at Toronto’s bustling Hard Rock Cafe. -
According to owner:
A great place to come to watch your favourite sports, Like being at the game! : we have three huge 100 inch projector screens, plus 12 TVs around the bar to catch all the action. -
According to owner:
The Cabana Club concept is refined yet relaxed while providing you the luxury and service that you would experience at a 5-Star resort. The look and texture of the club is paired perfectly for you to experience unmatched comfort. VIP Bottle Service Cabanas are exclusive, dark and sexy. Two Roof top patios, are lit to match the atmosphere. Large Dance floor with intimate DJ Booth playing the hottest music. Not to mention our Beautiful Cabana staff waiting on all your needs. -
According to owner:
The Cabana Club concept is refined yet relaxed while providing you the luxury and service that you would experience at a 5-Star resort. The look and texture of the club is paired perfectly for you to experience unmatched comfort. VIP Bottle Service Cabanas are exclusive, dark and sexy. Two Roof top patios, are lit to match the atmosphere. Large Dance floor with intimate DJ Booth playing the hottest music. Not to mention our Beautiful Cabana staff waiting on all your needs. -
According to owner:
If you go to Suba Nightclub at College and Spadina, you should go after midnight and you should be young and it will also probably be helpful if you are slightly (to fully) hard of hearing. If you go around 11:30pm like I did, you will be the only patron there and there won’t be any other bodies in the space to absorb the WALL OF SOUND coming from the live DJs. You won’t be able to order a drink because the bartender can’t hear you, and you will really start to wonder what you are doing there. -
According to owner:
Junction-goers looking for a slice of the downtown nightlife scene are finally in luck. Margret, the area’s newest bar, has DJs on weekends and a food menu meant for sharing, with meat and cheese plates garnished with fancy jellies, nuts and fruits. And, yes — there is even homemade ping pong. -
According to owner:
Smack across from the Scotiabank Theatre on Richmond Street West, the warehouse-sized Frequency Nightclub has come to life with a nightly plethora of clubland-lifestyle fun under-what else? – a 10,000-square-foot metropolis. This open-space, multi-leveled, pink-floored multi-club has the potential of offering a diverse night, and -depending on what section you’ve gotten stuck in – the chance to hear the voice of your one-night stand.
Loud Indian trance beat music and bottle-service banquette pods on the main level suggest that you’ve entered a club, the main room reflecting its crowd: good-looking and young, fashionable yet unfussy. Aesthetically, Frequency Nightclub’s transient theme is more Miami (please, can we end the Miami infatuation) than the smart-alecky intensity we’ve come to expect from clubland. -
According to owner:
Labyrinth Lounge is a moderately priced casual bar located by Bloor St. and Bathurst St. in the Annex area of Downtown Toronto. This lounge spot features a patio, in a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
It’s the most enduring landmark in the entertainment district. With the finest Jazz music in town, fabulous service and the most exquisite Cajun-Creole dining Toronto has to offer, we’ll take you down the path of New Orleans.
Over the past eight years, N’awlins has reached infamy both in Toronto and abroad, but don’t take our word for it…Check it out on your own. -
According to owner:
Black Skirt is a casual restaurant located by Charles St. and Yonge St. in the Yonge Downtown area of Downtown Toronto. Black Skirt specializes in italian cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to owner:
Dedicated solely to ice hockey, The Hockey Hall of Fame is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup. -
According to the owner Donnie Blais:
Rancho Relaxo offers all the classics like burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and goes beyond with fresh fish, pozole, made to order guacamole and desserts you need to make room for. Their menu wouldn’t be complete without a huge vegetarian/ vegan/ gluten free section, and Rancho Relaxo isn’t all beans and bell peppers when it comes to vegetarian/vegan food either. Taking tofu to new heights in their own creation Tofu Borrache a mix of tofu tequila and cactus. Chilli Rellano’s makes a stuffed and seasoned poblano pepper into a gourmet meal and their savoury veg based soups like garlic and camote, can be served as an appetizer before you enjoy the vegetarian/vegan option on all their tortilla entrees. The re-fried beans and rice are meat stock free and dairy or gluten free, and they are fully equipped to serve up one of the best vegetarian dishes any way you like it. Rancho Relaxo also takes pride in offering Margaritas done right, with fresh squeezed lime juice, premium tequilas, and salt rimmed glasses and of course served at your table.Rancho Relaxo also caters and the restaurant can hold 80 ppl, if your need larger style catering Blazing Kitchens their catering side can accommodate up to a 1000 ppl for film, T.V., movies, weddings, fundraisers, benefits and banquets.
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According to owners:
Standing at 553.33 metres (1,815.39 ft) tall, The CN Tower was the tallest free-standing structure on land in the world for over 32 years, until September 12, 2007, after it was surpassed in height by the Burj Dubai. It continues to remain the tallest free-standing structure in the Americas and an icon of Toronto’s skyline, attracting more than two million tourists annually.
One of the Tower’s six glass-fronted elevators was enhanced to present a new perspective on the viewstraight down. A portion of the elevator’s floor now features two glass panels, giving a thrilling and memorable experience to the top.
The CN tower also offers 3 wonderful dining options; 360 Restaurant, a fine dining and award wining restaurant with a spectacular view, Horizons Cafe, a casual dining cafe with the same breath taking view and Far Coast Cafe, a snack bar located at the base of the CN Tower. -
Dhaba Indian Excellence says…
In the year of 1998, P.K. Ahluwalia the chef owner-operator created 309 Dhaba, a dining experience that customizes the menu at your table and prepares special requests for allergies or vegetarians. Dhaba has been called “Inventive”, “Innovative”, “Astonishingly good” -
According to the owner:
It’s just before midnight, and the locals are filing into Strange Love, the latest spot in the College Street hood. The party is just beginning to lift off, and bartenders are preparing to fuel the influx. There are plenty of lounges in this area, with a more sophisticated atmosphere for the mature clubgoer – you know, the sophisticated clubgoer. However, there are some things that I think need a little massaging. And one of them just happens to be the nightlife.
Which brings us to Strange Love. -
According to the owner:
College Street’s favourite neighbourhood spot does updated Italian food with simplicity. The long room, closely set tables and open kitchen make diners feel like lucky co-conspirators here. If the noise level reaches a bit of a din, or the dark-wood banquettes feel less than cushy, buttery walls and glowing hatbox-shaped fixtures cast it all in the dim light of a great bistro – as does friendly, unobtrusive service.
Torontonians and in-the-know late-nighters have all done time here, sampling simple, fresh and elegant favourites, perfectly prepared. Commendable restraint characterizes an ethereally fluffy little Gruyere omelet (sweetly presented with one orange cherry tomato for punctuation). A spicy tomatillo sauce complements a row of flawlessly grilled prawns. A meal of small plates is near divine. Entrees, like impeccable seared scallops with creamy squash and spinach risotto, or roasted free-range chicken that would make Julia Child proud, are highly recommended. -
According to the owner:
Homemade classic Italian cuisine in a casual fine dining setting. Catering to a clientèle that yearn for classic food and great martini’s. -
According to the owner:
Like Baldwin Street or, to some, Cumberland Avenue, Markham Street in the Annex has a hidden feel to it. Off the beaten path but far from inaccessible, the strip just south of Bloor has a wealth of worthy drinking spots, including Southern Accent and Central. The best of the bunch is the student-friendly Victory Café. -
According to the owner:
Century Room is a moderately priced trendy bar located by King St. W. and Spadina Ave. in the King West area of Downtown Toronto. This lounge spot features a semi formal atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
Orbit Room is full of people who appreciate great musical talent and its presentation in a setting designed to enhance the quality of the music and the comfort as well as the enjoyment of the players and the listeners.
Toronto’s Orbit Room nightclub offers live bands seven nights a week in a beautiful but unpretentious room designed to create great acoustics while featuring a vibe that emphasizes fun. In addition to the super music, it’s a great place to meet others who share your tastes!
Located on the upper floor at 580 College St. in Toronto, in the heart of the city’s famed Little Italy district, Orbit Room is co-owned by longtime live music connoisseur Tim Notter and Alex Lifeson of the band Rush.
Together with a staff that understands how to enhance your nightclub experience, they’ve been featuring some of the country’s top players in a variety of genres for over 11 years. An unheated patio at the back of the club allows smoking privileges. The club is also available for private functions and a full kitchen is able to provide catered food of excellent quality at a reasonable price when requested. The club can be reached by telephone at 416.535.0613 and its home website is at: http://www.orbitroom.ca -
According to the owner:
Inspired by Belgium’s passion and unparalleled reputation for the finer things in life, the Bier Markt brings you the ultimate dining experience; knowledgeable staff guiding you through the art of pairing beer to complement your meal in an atmosphere that balances sociability with sophistication. From our Markt Seafood Tower and the celebrated Paulaner Hefe-Weizen to our expert Steak Frites aand the infamous Chimay Trappist Ale, with over 100 brands from over 24 countries, each pairing is sure to be memorable. Join us and see for yourself how we combine food, entertainment, and beer in a completely unique way. -
According to owner:
Rockwood+Grass is an event space like no other without comparison.
Located in downtown Toronto Rockwood+Grass is a 7,500 square foot Nightclub and Event Space comprised of 3 levels. Each level features unique decor and has it’s own distinct personality and flavor. Every level has state of the art sound and audio offering all types of sounds including Hip-Hop, R&B, House and Rock & Roll. -
According to owner:
These days we all want something new, fresh and relevant. This New Year – Rediscover Ultra. Hidden behind the ‘ornate red doors’ at Queen and Soho, this new evolution of Ultra Supper Club continues its celebrated reputation for dining, cocktails, socializing and stargazing for its ever-evolving clientele. Elegant restaurant, hip nightclub or Miami-esque rooftop patio – Toronto’s Ultra has it all.Ultra also offers Special Events & can accommodate groups of up to 30 in the Private Curtain Area. In addition to the extensive menu, a Bar Menu is also available with Bottle Service commencing at 11:00 p.m. to close.Ultra Supper Club’s bar and dining area are wheelchair accessible. Please note that the patio is not wheelchair accessible. -
According to the owner:
College Street Bar serves rustic Italian cuisine, and is a restaurant lounge with a capacity of 140 people. It is located on College Street right in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy district. It is frequently visited by the young at heart, hip and coupled looking for great food and a cozy bar scene.
After 15 years, College Street Bar remains a place to see and be seen. A destination for supreme seafood, the restaurant serves up some of the tastiest and most popular pasta and seafood combos in the area. Beginning your evening with a fantastic selection of great food and ending it with live music.
Just a relaxed, warm, and inviting environment with a great vibe and acoustics where one can sit, and feel comfortable sipping one of their great martinis offered, which is just a pint of their local microbrewery specialties. -
According to owner:
The holidays are just around the corner … Looking for a truly memorable private party for your Company, Friends or Family?… think Marcel’s Bistro, Le Saint Tropez or Zazou Lounge!
The Best of France under one roof!
As a special ‘thank you’ to all our loyal customers, we would like to offer a unique promotion this holiday season. For those who would like to book a holiday event of 25 people or more at any one of our three venues, we will discount $100 from your event AND we would like you to have a FREE dinner for two as our thanks for booking with us.
Please contact Roberto or Nancy, mention promo code DT129 and that you would like to book your event with us. Happy Holidays and all the best for 2010!
Situated above Le Saint Tropez, Marcel’s serves award winning French cuisine since 1984. Specialties include grilled venison with lingon berry jus; roasted rack of lamb with rosemary-juniper reduction; fennel seared Atlantic salmon filet with passion fruit beurre-blanc and daily specials. Classic French desserts include crème brulée and profiterole au chocolat. The space is bright, airy, with large mirrors listing daily specials and soft classical music wafts overhead. Perfect setting for business lunches and romantic dinners. Unpretentious, professional and impeccable service. Exclusive selection of fine wines, many by the glass. -
According to owner:
HERS Night Club is an exclusive, on-premise adult swinger’s bar and nightclub. HERS boasts over 10,000 square feet consisting of a sexy club area and a private lounge.CLUB FEATURES (OPEN AT 9) featuring:
3 Sexy Bars
Massive Dance Floor
Top CLUB DJ’s
VIP Areas with Bottle Service
Outdoor Heated Patio
Adult Videos
Sex Swing
Over 50 play on-premise play areas -
According to the owner:
The 2 Cats vibe invokes a swanky notion of Rat Pack types, lounging about with jet fuel cocktails, a zest for life and no need for sleep. The place seems to attract just this type of crowd. Another haven for fun-luvin people.
The overhead speakers pump out a hodge-podge mix of dance music. As the night begins, you might hear the song stylings of Erykah Badu or Maxwell, and as it progresses, the place gets jumpin’ with a prepared mix of underground house. The musical choice adds to the ambiance, casting an unpretentious mood over what can often seem like an affected crowd. -
According to owner:
Agora The Restaurant At The Art Gallery Of Ontario is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Chinatown area of Downtown Toronto. Agora The Restaurant At The Art Gallery Of Ontario specializes in contemporary and eclectic cuisine and features a casual atmosphere.
Create timeless memories with the perfect wedding at the spectacular Frank Gehry–designed Art Gallery of Ontario.
With 7,200 square feet of uninterrupted space and a panoramic southward view of the city skyline and the CN Tower Baillie Court is an inspired setting for a full range of corporate and social functions. -
According to the owner:
Designed as an autumn retreat, Päaeez has a cosmopolitan look and feel. Distressed leather booths line one side of the room while white brushed leather ottoman-like seats and palm trees fill the back “drink lounge” area making it a great rainy-night bar.
“This lounge project was a year in the making,” says owner Hamed Afshar. “We wanted to build not just another bar, but a room that we would want to hang out in again and again.”
And that they did; Precipice Studios – designers of Toronto’s SpaHa, the just-opened Lobby, and the New York Wallpaper* offices – are responsible for the Päaeez design, right down to the custom-made, stainless-steel light fixtures that hover over the front seating area. -
According to owner:
ocated in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, Joe Mamas is the newest and hottest live entertainment venue to hit the King Street strip. Specializing in the classic sounds of Motown and rhythm and blues, Joe Mamas cooks Tuesday thru Saturday, call for seasonal Sundays, offering a true Southern Style Menu specializing in Steaks, Seafood and Ribs. To get a taste of what we have, come down and check it out for yourself and remember. If it tastes like yo mamas it’s Joe Mamas! -
According to owner:
The 36-seat Senses Restaurant is subtly stylish but decidedly upscale. The contemporary à la carte menu features innovative dishes that highlight the season’s best ingredients. And, the extensive wine list is sure to challenge any well-informed wine connoisseur. The exquisite 14-seat private dining room is perfect for an exclusive Chef’s Table dinner.Restaurant open Tuesday to Saturday 6p – 10p
Bar open daily, 4p – 1a -
According to owner:
A funky urban saloon. Come revel in pure comfort food. Burger Bar is serving only the best naturally-raised meat, wild fish, and home crafted vegetarian dishes. Idiosyncratic dishes blending world cuisine ingredients and flavours include Saag Poutine (Indian Paneer cheese and a rich spinach gravy over French fries) and cheeseburger spring rolls. Weekend brunch offerings include Toronto Island Fries (smothered in homemade chili) and baked brioche (sandwiching five-year-old cheddar and topped with spiced pecans and home-made ricotta). At the bar: well-crafted cocktails using all house made ingredients, and a few modern twists, plus local micro brews & craft beers and a wide range of unique and hard-to-find spirits. -
According to owner:
The Freetimes cafe is fully licensed restaurant, and venue for new acoustic music. It can be described ed as an affordable, entertaining, interesting, soulful, delicious, and a great place for great people. It is divided into three separate section, the club, bistro, and the bar. With excellent acoustics and great sight lines, the club room features local, national and international folk, roots, and blues artists in a quiet listening environment.The bistro accommodates couples and large groups. Enjoy a micro brewery draft, a glass of wine, a hot apple cider, or whatever your heart desires. -
According to owner:
A landmark hot spot on Queen St. West in downtown Toronto, the Rivoli is an ever evolving destination. The busy Restaurant serves eclectic global comfort food; at the intimate Side Bar, patrons cozy up to enjoy cocktails and great music; the Pool Hall upstairs offers vintage tables, full menu and comfy booths; the best people watching in town goes down on the Patio, while the Rivoli’s Back room features some of the finest programming in the city from alternative live Music to Comedy and spoken-word events.
Serving up great food and art since 1982, the Rivoli is a popular restaurant and night club on Queen St. West in downtown Toronto, located in the the original Rivoli Theatre, home of 1920’s vaudeville and burlesque. In the ‘80s, the Rivoli was synonymous with Toronto’s black-garbed Queen West scene (Mike Myers’s Saturday Night Live German club character Dieter is said to have been inspired by a Riv waiter). This reputation has changed as much as the club’s clientele, but the Riv’s atmosphere is still unique. -
According to the owner:
Insomnia offers a broad tapas menu featuring crostini, calamari, crab cakes, proscuitto-wrapped asparagus, edamame, quesadillas and more. There are also soups, salads, and sandwiches like avocado grilled chicken and a Black Angus beef burger. Pasta dishes range from chicken, seafood or shrimp linguine to roasted tomato or walnut penne. And the entrées include New York striploin, capon chicken, Teriyaki stir-fry and seasonal vegetables. The bar is well stocked with wines, liquors and liqueurs, specializing in martinis and specialty coffees.The catering department from Insomnia has been a favourite on local film sets for years, along with a regular presence at weddings and other gatherings. The main courses prepared in Insomnia’s kitchen include Korean short ribs, Filipino chicken, Mandarin teriyaki, Hoison sweet chili cod filets, roasted sage chicken quarters, deluxe prime rib, veal asiago, Atlantic bay salmon, and more. The dinner rolls are from Ace Bakery, plus cakes and pastries direct from Dufflet.
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According to the owner:
When stepping into Shallow Groove, one enters an underground party that caters to both the College Street club and lounge crowds. Using a unique layout, Shallow strikes a balance between those who want to move and those who want to mingle. The dance floor is large enough to hold a pack of eager clubbers but is situated so as not to intrude on the casual lounge atmosphere throughout. Of course, to pull off this balance requires a staff that knows how to deal with two distinct but agreeable crowds. This is no trouble at Shallow, which prides itself on having some of the friendliest staff in the city.A deceptively large underground space, Shallow Groove has nooks and crannies to suit anyone on the lounge or club scene. A warm and sexy vibe is felt throughout, complimented by soft lighting and the dark tones of the finishes. It’s easy to find plush leather for a group to sit and chat, while the large bar area allows for casual conversation, and the busy dance floor serves its purpose for more intentional mingling. With a different DJ spinning different beats each club night, there’s a sound for everyone. Secluded areas allow for a private chat with a date or a new acquaintance, perhaps one who emerges from the friendly, well-dressed crowd.
The club also opens its doors and lends its ambience for private parties of up to 270 people on Thursday and Sunday nights. With three separate bars serving all night, you won’t be waiting long to get back to your party with a fresh cocktail in hand. Of course, the groove is really the top priority at Shallow so rest assured – this isn’t one of those places that turn the lights on at 2 a.m.
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According to the owner:
Nestled in a historic Victorian home in Cabbagetown is one of the city’s best kept secrets…Big Mamma’s Boy. This charming restaurant features homemade food that supports local farmers, meaning almost everything served in naturally raised or organic. Say hello to your new hotspot!
Step inside this cozy joint and you’ll immediately feel at home. Chandeliers, a burning fireplace, a comfy patio, and a large upstairs lounge complete the homey feeling. On the menu, discover made from scratch Italian delicacies that focus on organic meats, vegetables and dairy products. The apps menu boasts organic leafy salads with a twist. The house salad becomes exotic when loaded with seaweed, broccoli, and carrots topped with pomegranate vinaigrette. The Manitoba farmer’s sausages, served with sweet hot Russian mustard and goat cheese, and the naturally raised beef meatballs (topped with homemade organic tomato sauce) are phenomenal.
Bring an appetite because Big Mamma’s entrees are, well, big. On the small but selective dinner menu, discover vegetable-loaded beef lasagna, mouthwatering cabbage rolls, and a handful of gourmet pasta dishes. Regulars can’t stop raving about the slow-cooked ribs that are smoked for five days, and then basked in homemade maple, peach, and chipotle BBQ sauce. If that doesn’t catch your fancy then the gourmet pizzas will. On Friday and Saturday nights, this joint is loaded with regulars who come to enjoy a decadent topped pizza with their pals. Among the standouts is the signature big Mamma (grilled chicken, goat’s cheese, pesto, artichoke hearts, and sun dried tomatoes) and the Canadian beaver (pepperoni, bacon, double cheese, button mushrooms, and Spanish onions). -
According to the owner:
Nestled in a historic Victorian home in Cabbagetown is one of the city’s best kept secrets…Big Mamma’s Boy. This charming restaurant features homemade food that supports local farmers, meaning almost everything served in naturally raised or organic. Say hello to your new hotspot!
Step inside this cozy joint and you’ll immediately feel at home. Chandeliers, a burning fireplace, a comfy patio, and a large upstairs lounge complete the homey feeling. On the menu, discover made from scratch Italian delicacies that focus on organic meats, vegetables and dairy products. The apps menu boasts organic leafy salads with a twist. The house salad becomes exotic when loaded with seaweed, broccoli, and carrots topped with pomegranate vinaigrette. The Manitoba farmer’s sausages, served with sweet hot Russian mustard and goat cheese, and the naturally raised beef meatballs (topped with homemade organic tomato sauce) are phenomenal.
Bring an appetite because Big Mamma’s entrees are, well, big. On the small but selective dinner menu, discover vegetable-loaded beef lasagna, mouthwatering cabbage rolls, and a handful of gourmet pasta dishes. Regulars can’t stop raving about the slow-cooked ribs that are smoked for five days, and then basked in homemade maple, peach, and chipotle BBQ sauce. If that doesn’t catch your fancy then the gourmet pizzas will. On Friday and Saturday nights, this joint is loaded with regulars who come to enjoy a decadent topped pizza with their pals. Among the standouts is the signature big Mamma (grilled chicken, goat’s cheese, pesto, artichoke hearts, and sun dried tomatoes) and the Canadian beaver (pepperoni, bacon, double cheese, button mushrooms, and Spanish onions). -
According to the owner:
Welcome to Gabby’s, a Toronto-based restaurant/bar chain with a strong focus on great quality, mainstream casual food at affordable prices. All locations proudly serve our signature dishes and provide an excellent selection of draught and bottled beers, an extensive liquor selection and excellent sports coverage. Gabby’s is a proud Canadian company that’s been serving Toronto since 1989. -
According to the owner:
The layout is a bit odd, but it works. It’s three narrow floors, each with a bar and a small dance space. DJs spin from the top floor and that’s where the most robust dance floor culminates, although the second floor is usually rammed with people mingling in a bar-like atmosphere with the music playing overhead.The bathrooms in this place are amazing! Clean and slick and completely redesigned. And here’s a little heads up, they’re unisex. But if you’ve ever been to “boystown” you already know they all are.
In terms of the best nights to go, it really is a mixed bag. Recently both Hott Nuts and Eva Christina Presents (both born and bred at the Beaver on Queen West) have hosted parties there, which goes to show how open the crowd is. The music is dance music in it’s broadest sense: house, disco, fidget, pop, hip hop, new wave, mashups and anything else that might get the crowd shaking a tail feather.
Gairy Brown’s StraightBoy on Saturdays is the back bone of a host of weekly events at Straight and like Fashion Fridays or any special events, it draws a lot of young men and women between 19-30 who are well dressed, live downtown and are looking to mingle and dance. Resident DJs include Dirty Dale and Mark Falco among many returning guests. -
According to the owner:
The first and only true cyberpunk bar. When William Gibson first coined the phrase he couldn’t have imagined anywhere quite like this. Ask yourself, what would happen if Giger and Salvadore Dali decided to open a dance club together whilst under the influence of crystal meth? Answer: the wildest ride to alternative hell you have ever seen.
Specializing only in cutting edge alternative music, THE SAVAGE GARDEN is the only place where GOTHICS, INDUSTRIAL FREAKS, & TECHNO HEADS, can feel completely at home. Pour yourself into the tightest P.V.C. outfit you can find, and come see us. The Savage Garden is total immersion into a techno future electronic environment. From its steel clad doors, to the many metallic creatures gathered in its corners. Uncompromising in decor and in music, from Industrial to Retro, Goth to EBM, Noise to Trance.THE SAVAGE GARDEN is ‘REDEFINING REALITY’ -
According to owner:
Main Room One
The MAIN ROOM hosts an oversized dance floor underneath a retractable glass roof, while a raised Mezzanine level is where you will find the city’s attractive and sophisticated VIP’s partying above it all. This custom-built patio is the best Toronto will ever see, featuring a massive retractable glass roof that enables cigarette smoke to escape and fresh air to come in. Spring, summer, fall or winter…. the roof will be open. Rain… no worries! An automatic awning high in the sky assures complete protection from the elements, ensuring that the dance floor creates a euphoria that no other club can even begin to emulate. Granite bars, glowing Onyx, Marble floors, projection screens and the very best See And Be Seen VIP booth seating is just two steps from the dance floor.
Main Room Two
For a more relaxed setting, get comfortable in our Lounge area, the most intimate booth seating in the city, offering a complete view of the venue from the secluded rich leather sofas. This Room offers gorgeous oak floors, a spectacular pressed-alloy feature wall, plasma view monitors, and granite bars and glowing Onyx.
R&B Room
This rooms features a state of the art custom bar retreat with a separate DJ and cozy leather banquette seating. Relax in Room Two’s lounge atmosphere and separate dance floor with frosted glass windows and a massive plasma view monitor. -
According to the owner:
Nocturne is a new nightclub/lounge located in the heart of downtown Toronto on Queen Street West near Bathurst. The name “Nocturne” literally means “works of art inspired by the night, especially music”. This nightclub is bringing a fresh approach to Toronto nightlife offering something new and different each night of the week in a venue that can appeal to anyone yet still lives up to the strong personality associated with Queen Street.Nocturne is a midsize venue with a capacity near 200 patrons and includes a DJ booth and stage for live music or performances. The space is ideally suited for intimate shows, including a unique central bar area with a dedicated dance floor on one side and a large VIP lounge room on the other side. A thrust stage with optional runway are also available for fashion shows or other special events.
Our menu is reasonably priced but higher quality than a typical nightclub. We offer exclusive wines, unique cocktails, and a premium beer selection. Out custom cocktail menu was specially designed by mixologist Courtney Stewart.
The interior design of Nocturne brings the outside inside, showcasing classic street lamps and park benches in a striking visual setting of polarized mirrors, satin curtains, and cobblestone. Black light accents are cleverly positioned to illuminate drinks and not faces. The reinforced dancefloor has a mirrored wall accented by programmable LEDs, while moving ray lights react to the crowd. Raised seating along the wall creates ideal room for spectators.
The overall ambience of Nocturne is unique and inviting, reminiscent of European nightlife. It provides a dark moody atmosphere yet maintains an air of class and sophistication. -
According to the owner:
The historic site originally belonged to the Gooderham and Worts distillery, and became a popular site for film location shoots, until being transformed into a pedestrian-only village in 2003. Special events include a Sunday farmer’s market from June through October, live jazz, blues and folk performances in summertime, the Contact Toronto Photography Festival, and high profile fundraising events like Fashion Cares. The distillery’s fermenting cellar is the main location for special events, seating up to 600 people amidst the industrial chic setting of timber beams and limestone walls. The versatile event facilities for rental also include the Young Centre for Performing Arts, three art gallery spaces, three restaurants, and Balzac’s Coffee House.
Retail stores in the Distillery are one-of-a-kind outlets for furniture, kitchenware, home accessories, jewelry and ceramics, automobile, motorcycle and sports memorabilia, stereo equipment, cocktail wares and casual clothing. Handcrafted beers are produced at the Mill St. Brewpub and a retail outlet for Segways also provides guided tours. Also, a studio retail space offers demonstration and classes on how to make art with fire. Fine art galleries are located throughout the Distillery District, with spaces dedicated to photography, painting, sculpture and installation. A bakery, pastry shop and chocolatier call this environment home, alongside finer dining options ranging from pizza and pasta to steak and seafood.
The Distillery District quickly established itself as a performance venue for higher forms of art. Several modern dance and theatre companies are headquartered here, along with the theatre program of George Brown College. Soulpepper Theatre Company is the best-known full-time tenant, with an annual program of acclaimed productions onstage at the Young Centre for Performing Arts. The cluster of heritage buildings in such a uniquely preserved urban environment ensures every visit to the Distillery is guaranteed to provide new discoveries. -
According to owner:
The Adelaide St. Pub breaks the mold in Clubland with an actual pub with beers on tap and sports playing on the tube.A local pub that is better focused on the hip entertainment district clientele and locals. The space is intimate and modern, the food more upscale and interesting than the nearby Firkins, Foxes, Hooters, and As(tor)s’s. The kitchen is practically part of the bar. -
According to the owner:
The historic site originally belonged to the Gooderham and Worts distillery, and became a popular site for film location shoots, until being transformed into a pedestrian-only village in 2003. Special events include a Sunday farmer’s market from June through October, live jazz, blues and folk performances in summertime, the Contact Toronto Photography Festival, and high profile fundraising events like Fashion Cares. The distillery’s fermenting cellar is the main location for special events, seating up to 600 people amidst the industrial chic setting of timber beams and limestone walls. The versatile event facilities for rental also include the Young Centre for Performing Arts, three art gallery spaces, three restaurants, and Balzac’s Coffee House.
Retail stores in the Distillery are one-of-a-kind outlets for furniture, kitchenware, home accessories, jewelry and ceramics, automobile, motorcycle and sports memorabilia, stereo equipment, cocktail wares and casual clothing. Handcrafted beers are produced at the Mill St. Brewpub and a retail outlet for Segways also provides guided tours. Also, a studio retail space offers demonstration and classes on how to make art with fire. Fine art galleries are located throughout the Distillery District, with spaces dedicated to photography, painting, sculpture and installation. A bakery, pastry shop and chocolatier call this environment home, alongside finer dining options ranging from pizza and pasta to steak and seafood.
The Distillery District quickly established itself as a performance venue for higher forms of art. Several modern dance and theatre companies are headquartered here, along with the theatre program of George Brown College. Soulpepper Theatre Company is the best-known full-time tenant, with an annual program of acclaimed productions onstage at the Young Centre for Performing Arts. The cluster of heritage buildings in such a uniquely preserved urban environment ensures every visit to the Distillery is guaranteed to provide new discoveries. -
According to owner:
The Finest Thai Cuisine in the North York Area!!! Our Chef’s carefully prepare every dish with the freshest Ingredients and take extra care to ensure every dish is cooked to perfection. Our goal is to provide you with best quality freshly prepared Thai food and provide an authentic “Thai Experience” in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. So, come on by and enjoy a candle lit dinner while our smiling staff pampers you………………
Thai food is most often quickly stir fried, steamed, or grilled. Such cooking methods, plus the use of fresh ingredients make it unusually healthy. Almost always, eating Thai style is a social affair that involves a group of people. -
According to the owner:
Founded in 1832 by Brothers-in-law William Gooderham and James Worts, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery eventually became the largest distillery in the British empire. Set on 13 acres in downtown Toronto, the forty plus buildings constitute the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America. The Distillery District is a national historic site.
In just the past few years, The Distillery District has become one of the most romantic and enjoyable destinations in the City. The Distillery District is Toronto’s first pedestrian only village and the city’s only historic district. From the brick lined streets to the European piazza styled areas, The Distillery District is, as the Globe and Mail asserts, “a picture postcard draw”.
Like Soho in the 1960’s, The Distillery District has become an area associated with creative thinking and expression. The area’s rebirth has been dedicated to promoting arts, culture and entertainment. Over the past few years this new landmark facility has attracted the best of the best, including internationally acclaimed galleries, artists from all corners of the arts spectrum, theatres, restaurants, cafes and boutique retailers. -
According to the owner:
Charlene Giugovaz, Michael Hoggett and Luigi Muia with their families and staff have hosted the most memorable weddings and personal celebrations.
Solardome Place boasts three elegant ballrooms for the perfect setting
for beautiful beginnings and unforgettable celebrations.
Excellent dining from the simple to the more exotic feasts will
Grace every table to create a memorable dining experience.
Solardome Place invites you to experience classic elegance at its finest.
Making that special occasion or event an affair to remember through our rich and luxurious surroundings. From the moment you enter the front doors you will find our “dedication to excellence”. -
According to owner:
The bar is equipped with high tables by the one bar, a vintage themed lounge area in red, an elevated stage, a dance floor, and yes, even a disco ball! A very standard bar/lounge set-up, nothing too original, yet average enough so that anyone can migrate through comfortably without getting lost.
The drinks are cheap – could that be the catch? Although the bar selection is minimal, so perhaps not. After my orders of Bailey’s, Amaretto Sour, and Liquid Cocaine shots got turned down by the witty bar tender, I settled for beer to avoid further rejection. But hey, who doesn’t like beer? (At least they had imported… I’ll give Neutral points for that)
Or could the catch be the entertainment? Neutral hails itself as an alt rock bar, a place where young talents perform on stage. The bar hosts anything from live bands, new rock, classic alternative, dance and reggae DJ’s, to film and poetry sessions. Each day of the week is dedicated to a different scene attracting a following of a diverse College street crowd. -
According to the owner:
Fin Izakaya, a newish gastro-pub near Yonge and Eglinton, entices diners with an extensive menu. In Japan, as it does here, izakaya means “place for sake”, and references casual pubs serving high-end snacks. Fin Izakaya’s tempting, picture-heavy menu summarizes the concept by scrawling “tapas” across several categories of selections. Ranging from fresh vegetable salads and pickled kimchis to sashimi plates and wagyu hotpots, the artful menu promises enough flavour to excite any sample-happy gourmand. -
According to the owner:
The Bovine Sex Club – or simply ‘The Bovine’ as its regulars call it, has been a mainstay of Toronto’s underground music and bar scene since 1991. It announces itself with a tangle of rusting old bicycles above the doorway, a taste of a surreal, post-apocalyptic junkyard aesthetic of which there is much more inside. To call the Bovine’s interior “décor” would be like calling its menu ‘cuisine’: slightly missing the point. It looks intimidating, but the club aims to be a friendly hangout for a wide range of ages and musical tastes, from 19 years old to 65, and from emo to hardcore. If its style is a snarl, its service is a twinkle in the eye.
Where the Bands Go To Drink
The Bovine has always been closely connected to both local and international music scenes. Local bands hang out here and famous groups often congregate for drinks at the bar when traveling through town. It’s definitely a musician’s and music lover’s scene.
No Dance Floor, No Dance Music
The Bovine does not aspire to be a Richmond West meat market. Yes, its focus is music – but it doesn’t want to be a dance club and has no dance floor. Open every night of the week, it tends to attract different crowds on different nights. Just as the bands like to drink here, a lot of them play here, too. You never know what night of the week that there is going to be live music, or what style it is going to be.
Drinks: Yes. Food: Maybe
The Bovine shares an owner with Shanghai Cowgirl next door, and particularly hungry patrons are invited to order in from there. The food is classic diner: burgers, fries and comfort food staples. Drinks-wise, there are 5 beers on tap, and the bar sells more Jagermeister than any other bar in Canada. -
According to owner:
Toronto has really needed a great smoked meat sandwich; now our long awaited answer to Montreal?s Schwartz?s and New York?s Carnegie Deli has come and it is indeed Caplansky?s. -
According to owner:
Intersteer (a.k.a the “Romantic Place”) is indeed a rare bird in the rapidly gentrifying Roncesvalles strip. It sells pickled eggs & It’s wood paneling bar fridge is from the 50’s, . just like some of it’s daily patrons… But seriously, some of the most interesting, eclectic mix of people in T.O’s “wild west end” can be found here at 1 AM any given night of the week. Owner Eva is always ready to accept anyone and everyone, all are welcome. One of the few places left in the area where REAL people are allowed to be themselves without judgement, except for maybe “Andrew” (washroom graffiti: “for a bad time, call Andrew”) he’ll judge you free of charge. Great juke box, pool table and amazing cabbage rolls, . It is a defiantly “romantic” place , in a Jack Kerouac sense of the word, for sure. -
According to the owner:
The main floor dining room, with its deep shades of red, is reminiscent of the old CIBC bank the building used to house. The décor is heavily influenced by the building’s history, with old-fashioned street lamps lining the aisles and an old tellers cage suspended above the bar. Sink into one of the room’s big, comfortable booths and enjoy a relaxing lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. The cuisine – a vast array of appetizers – is best described as pub fare with flair.One floor up from the main dining area is the Paupers Lounge – a great spot to enjoy one of the 16 beers that Paupers keeps on tap. Choose from the imported Guiness, Smithwicks, and Strongbow Cider; or reach for a premium Steam Whistle Pilsner or Creemore Springs. Come on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy live music, or pop in another evening to play with the jukebox and choose your own tunes.
Directly outside of the main dining room is the Paupers Sidewalk Café, a delightful outdoor patio with seating for 90. It is a great location to take in some people watching as you eat lunch. But on a warm Toronto night, nothing tops the pub’s licenced rooftop patio, with its comfortable seating, Cabana-styled bar and incredible views of the city’s skyline. Get there early and stay all night.
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According to the owner:
A classic staple for the Queen West neighbourhood, Shanghai Cowgirl is a good representation of the enclave’s élan. Calling itself “Toronto’s Rock N Roll Diner”, the atmosphere of Shanghai Cowgirl is indeed well cultivated, a space of mixed retro-modern sensibilities. The interior provides an oblong bar to one side (replete with a string of orange-clad stools), a line-up of mini-booths suitable for two, and single tables running its centre. A backyard patio enclosed with brick and wood slating can accommodate up to 80 patrons. Reasonably priced, the fare attracts the frugal-minded, while its overall mien makes it a comfortable place to while the hours away over a pint or two.The menu at Shanghai Cowgirl is really a pastiche of comfort food, spanning pub fare, some Asian favourites, and finger foods. All day breakfast will do justice to the hangover, with choices in bagels, eggs, French toast, omelettes, and corn beef hash. From the “almost healthy” portion of the bill of fare, a host of salads (in peppercorn Caesar, Greek, warmed spinach, and mixed green varieties), are saddled beside some more questionable picks like poutine, chilli fries, and onion rings. Hearty plates of battered chicken fried steak, liver and onions, “ghetto chicken” with fried mushrooms and gravy, broiled salmon, and pierogies with mushrooms, feta, and sour cream, are under the “things mom used to make” banner. Two Asian choices are on board as well, like the Shanghai noodle, prepared either hot, medium, or “wimpy”, with a choice of egg and veggies or chicken or pork.
Of the hand-held variety, Shanghai Cowgirl is well known for its burgers (veggie or meat), with optional toppings of watercress, fried egg, roasted garlic, havarti, avocado, chilli, peameal, feta, and more. The grilled cheese is nothing to sneeze at, a triple decker with various options, like garlic butter and tomato, havarti, jalapeno, and avocado, or blue cheese with peameal. Other sandwiches include the trailer trash sushi (griddled chicken with wasabi mayo and watercress), open-faced roast beef, tuna melt, and Rueben on rye. For the vegans, a conglomeration of sprouts, avocado, hummus, lettuce, and tomato are placed between slices of brown toast.
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According to owner:
Pole-dancing under red and blue strobe lights, the talented female strippers are the main attraction of the Zanzibar Tavern, a popular nightspot in downtown Toronto for tourists and residents alike. The darkly lit club has a long, full-service bar to the right, next to the big main stage where girls of all shapes and sizes put on tantalizing strip shows. Lined with poles on either side and with a dazzling golden curtain behind, the stage can be viewed from all corners of the tavern. Patrons come for the variety of girls (usually at least 30 on staff) and their inventive getups, from voluptuous Latinas suited up in skimpy lace or blond, girl-next-door types decked out in denim. Expect to be frequently hit on by the women, as they make their business in promoting lap dances, table-side numbers or private-room “forbidden” shows. -
According to owner:
When you are hungry and there is only a candy bar in sight, do you grab for that candy bar?Now, imagine if between your hand and that candy bar, we placed an apple? Might you choose that apple? Our goal is simple: Freshii wants to be that apple.
Through our vision of Fresh Food, Custom Built, Fast, Freshii is focused on becoming the most convenient choice for healthy and fresh meals and snacks served quickly in a cool, clean, and environmentally sustainable setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. -
According to owner:
When you are hungry and there is only a candy bar in sight, do you grab for that candy bar?Now, imagine if between your hand and that candy bar, we placed an apple? Might you choose that apple? Our goal is simple: Freshii wants to be that apple.
Through our vision of Fresh Food, Custom Built, Fast, Freshii is focused on becoming the most convenient choice for healthy and fresh meals and snacks served quickly in a cool, clean, and environmentally sustainable setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. -
According to the owner:
This is for all the men who enjoy stripping down to their underwear or less at the best underwear party in Toronto! -
According to the owner:
Whether you want to get up close and personal with your favourite indie rock icons, or sweat the night away dancing to your favourite tunes, Lee’s Palace can do plenty to satiate your rock and roll desires. -
According to the owner:
The menu has a strong touch of Asian flavour on a contemporary international menu. Miami ribs marinated in Hoisin are accompanied by a Japanese citrus ponzu sauce; grilled lamb chops are glazed with lemongrass and mint; rare tuna, flavoured with citrus and sesame comes in a dashi broth. For those with a taste for more traditional flavour pairings, there’s the straightforward grilled striploin that comes with oyster mushrooms, pont neuf and herb butter. And for those with ceaseless appetites, the seafood platter overflows with lobster tail, mussels, jumbo shrimp, scallops and calamari in a rich white wine tomato sauce; and the meat platter boasts sausage, Miami ribs, steak, pork skewers, potatoes and greens.
The tasting menu offers couples or groups a sampling of a range of fare and Wednesdays include a three-course prix fixe menu for more modest mid-week dining. Two additional menus are open to groups of 12 or more (one prix fixe and one tasting menu), part of Brant’s appeal to big group functions, which it can amply host. The restaurant has a steady events business that includes corporate functions, big parties and more intimate affairs in a range of spaces. Beside the main dining area, a private room and a terrace accommodate a range of revelers. -
According to the owner:
Prime Gallery has established an international client base over the decades, helping to nurture and assist emerging and established collectors, museums and public galleries in the development of their collections. Those clients extend from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England to the local George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art. Many other corporate and private collectors around the world have accessed Canadian art with help from the Prime Gallery.
Exhibits at the Prime Gallery have included group shows dedicated to wearable pearls, the art of tea, an exhibition of erotica and sensual works, a salute to Pride Week, summer whimsy, and winter chill. Paintings of landscapes, seascapes, and racehorses, avant-garde creations made of natural and synthetic materials, vases, sculptures and tapestries have all been featured in this gallery setting. -
According to the owner:
A seductive spot on the Danforth strip, Lolita’s Lust establishes an atmosphere of passion for food, wine and companionship. The bohemian atmosphere includes dishes from around the globe and the adjacent Chinchilla Lounge is suited for receptions, corporate events and celebrations. With its location in the thick of Greektown, the establishment is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets for nightlife.
Dinner at Lolita’s Lunch includes plenty of small plate options: Several inspired salads, foie gras, tiger shrimp martini, beef carpaccio, grilled calamari, steamed mussels and prosciutto are on the tapas list, along with feta cream tiger prawns made perfect for sharing. The larger entrée list ranges from a hamburger, rack of lamb, filet of beef, seared chicken breast and lamb shank, to lemon-scented crepes, seared salmon, baked halibut, grilled tuna and seared mahi mahi. Baby bok choy, feta scallop potato, sautéed mushrooms, rapini and green beans, charred asparagus and polenta fries are just some of the side dishes.
Lolita’s Lust devotes just as much attention to the dessert menu: Bread pudding, lemon tart, flourless chocolate cake, vanilla crème brulee and pumpkin cheesecake are the main sweets. Coffee is prepared Spanish, Irish, Monte Cristo or Menage a Trois style, along with blueberry tea, espresso and cappuccino. Ice wines from Australia or Niagara are just the tip of an extensive bottle selection. Make your pick and savour it along with your meal. -
According to owner:
Canada’s hockey heritage dates back over a century,
yet one thing has never changed: this great game of ours has always demanded skill, dedication and passion.With a family heritage of four generations, building on 100 years of serving up cold beer and warm hospitality, we are delighted to be behind the bench, leading the winning team at PUCK’N WINGS
Like Skate, Shoot, and Score…Good food, great vibes and outstanding service will ensure you, our loyal fans, enjoy an exceptional experience. We promise to fulfill your needs in our arena, and hope you appreciate our commitment. Enjoy our Spirited Vintage Wing & Salad House!
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According to the owner:
A lackadaisical space dressed in cases of books and racks of magazines, Tequila Bookworm’s atmosphere draws artists and Queen West dwellers alike. Bring in your MacBook to surf the web on the free Internet connection or the monologue you’re looking to commit to memory. Depending on the server’s mood, beats from St. Germaine to the Beatles can be heard as tunes spin in the background while you read away. Order up liquids from the caffeinated category (featuring fair-trade coffee and loose leaf teas) or choose from six beers on tap.
The menu is of the light lunch variety featuring tapas, sandwiches and gourmet salads like the patron favourite avocado, Asiago and toasted walnut mix. Recharge those creative skills with some sweets such as a number of fresh fruit waffles topped with home-whipped cream or real ice cream from Bobcaygeon Ontario’s famed Kawartha dairies. Cookies, cakes and pies are sure to delight at the end of your meal.
Exposed brick, red walls and a long, but minimalist bar create a relaxed space for diners. Alongside the magazines (peruse from a selection of current events, fashion, music, lifestyle and alternative rags) and books is featured artwork to muse and perhaps purchase. The upstairs, housing vintage style seating (think grandma’s worn but comfy couch), provides additional seating, leading to a cozy outdoor patio that accommodates around 20 people. A café fit for a lazy weekday afternoon and no need to stand around the bar, the restaurant is full-service. -
According to the owner:
From the crosshatched wires netting the dark exterior, it’s plain to see that the Velvet Underground meshes well with the Gothic culture surrounding Queen Street West. No, it’s not posh or pretty like the usual clubs of Richmond and Adelaide, but its staying power is quite apparent, opening its doors in 1995. An enterprise of the Liberty Entertainment Group—the megabase-of-operations for Tattoo Rock Parlour, Phoenix Concert Theatre and Rosewater Supper Club—The Velvet Underground is an alternative scene for an alternative clientele.
Club-goers are met by a long darkened den replete with a long wooden bar, where the thirsty angle for elbow-room amid a mob of the alcohol-starved. A raised area to the left features a couple of pool tables, while further on is the heart of the dance floor, peppered with supporting beams to lean upon when it’s time for a break. The opposite side of the room has another raised area with table seating and another, somewhat slighter bar. Down those stairs is a mini-lounge with a slew of black couches. The whole is adorned with Goth décor, like sculptures made from scrap metal—angels and centaurs that overlook the space.
The club welcomes goths and punks five out of seven days a week, who come to let off a little steam of the dance floor. Full Tilt Wednesdays have Tina Sixx and DJ Quito spinning punk, alternative, and retro ’90s. Second Renaissance Thursdays feature alternative rock with DJ Osaze. DJ Jay and Terry play both retro and new rock on Fridays, while DJ Joe adds some hip hop to the new rock mix on Saturdays. Sundays are reserved for DJ Oz and the staple brew of alternative and retro. -
According to the owner:
Toronto nightclubs live on a different time scheme south of Queen Street. High rollers are only willing to shell out the big bucks if they truly believe that it’s at a real it spot. And since nothing can stay cutting edge forever, it doesn’t take long before a revamp becomes necessary. Such was the case with the former West Lounge, which has been rebranded as Cobra. -
According to the owner:
French cuisine is prepared with fresh and pure ingredients in the charming Paris-inspired setting of Matignon, tucked away just south of the Yorkville district. The bistro is especially accommodating of group events, including decadent wedding celebrations for straight or gay couples, students commemorating a special occasion, or large parties who want to be served in style. A specially priced prix fixe menu is always available.
Matingon’s lunch menu includes soups both hot and cold, and hors d’oeuvres like poultry in terrine, baked bread in goat cheese, and a dozen escargots. Duck sausage, minced grilled chicken breast and steamed mussels are some of the main courses, along with Black Angus steak, grilled salmon and fresh vegetables over pesto pasta. Other vegetarian meals are available upon request and the kitchen also serves up different appetizer and entrée creations on a daily basis.
Dinner at Matignon includes more elaborate dishes, both as rotating daily specials, and established menu items along with a comprehensive wine list. Braised fish and shellfish, grilled salmon, roast rack of lamb, Provimi veal and tiger shrimp dishes take centre stage each evening. Desserts include dark chocolate layer cake, crème brulée and profiteroles with ice cream and hot chocolate au Grand Mariner, plus a drink list designed especially for after dinner. -
According to the owner:
Few cultural institutions in Toronto have the staying power of Second City, whose comedy revues and improvisational events are now held next door to Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant. The troupe’s legacy dates back to Chicago in 1959, with its Toronto outpost opening at the Old Firehall theatre in 1973. The list of Second City alumni remains a staggering cross-section of North American comedic legends, including cast members of Saturday Night Live, the creators of the Broadway show The Drowsy Chaperone and those responsible for the offshoot television series SCTV from the mid-1970s through mid-1980s. The next generation of talent can always be glimpsed on the Second City stage, whose main production includes satirical skits inspired by current events and relationship foibles, along with biting parodies of popular music and media.
Second City also operates a renowned training centre that helps breed talent for its main stage and touring companies, while providing an opportunity for anyone to explore their own comedic potential. Corporate workshops incorporate a series of exercises dedicated to helping employees foster teamwork outside of the office environment. There’s also an outreach and diversity division dedicated to nurturing talent from a diverse group of faces and programs that provide intensive workshops for youth and a teen improv program with its own troupe. The Second City Canadian Touring Company performs in smaller cities, but returns to the Toronto stage each Monday to put their funniest faces forward.
Live improvisation is at the core of all Second City creations and there’s an opportunity to watch the cast try out new comedic ideas after each main stage show, often drawing from audience suggestions. This spontaneous performance method was key in establishing the careers of Toronto alumni like Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers and Martin Short. For those seeking some food with their comedy, a dinner package is available in conjunction with Wayne Gretzky’s, which can also be designed to accommodate larger groups. -
According to owner:
Tucked away in a back alley entrance off Richmond Street, the line-up runs long for the highly coveted admission into This is London. The hyper-exclusive club, housed in a renovated warehouse, places strict standards on its prospective clientele; if you don’t have haute couture in your wardrobe, you probably won’t get inside. Abstaining from students and the sneaker-clad, This is London caters to the mature club-goer. While Fridays are more lax, with just a “style code” in effect, Saturdays are, for all intents and purposes, closed to women under 20 and men under 23. But if you can bypass the main gate, you will be among the society of very important (and very pretty) people.Primarily the sounds of hip hop, house, R&B, funk, soul, and rock are spun by notable DJs, with the occasional live music slated to entertain. Theme nights are big at This is London, and past occasions include Viva Las Vegas (with gaming), Australia (safari-wear encouraged), and Hustler Saloon (for the cowboys and cowgals).
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According to the owner:
Satisfying the demand for hot and fresh food from late morning through the following dawn, Ghazale is tucked into the building that houses the historic Bloor Cinema, offering Lebanese take-out around the clock since 1995. This bustling stand, named for the Turkish word for beautiful, offers salads and dips, stuffed vegetables and grains, shawarma and kabobs, plus Middle Eastern desserts.
The family-run Ghazale features recipes directly from Beirut, Lebanon, where similar stands offer similarly cheap eats. Falafel or veggie sandwiches are served up with all the fillings, along with chicken or beef shawarma, and chicken livers. Tabbouleh, chickpea and cabbage salads, hummus and babaganoush are all menu highlights as well. Grape leaves, cabbage rolls, bell peppers and bulgur and rice are also featured delicacies. The Lebanese-style moussaka mixes an eggplant stew with chickpeas, onion and garlic in a tomato sauce. Four kinds of baklava or sesame seed cookies are available for dessert. Seating in the compact room is scarce, but there’s plenty of public outdoor space on surrounding side streets.
Ghazale’s stretch of Bloor Street, in the heart of the Annex, continues to evolve with eateries offering tastes from around the world. Ghazale’s late-night hours have made it a regular ritual for cab drivers, hungry students and nighthawks looking for some edible gratification on their way home from the party or a bar. Patrons at the adjacent rep cinema are also fond of grabbing a post-show bite. -
According to the owner:
If you’re particular about the pub experience you’re after, Dominion on Queen will likely satisfy you. If you’re there for the jazz, you’ll want to sit in the larger of the pub’s two rooms. At the back of the room is a long bar, with plenty of local craft brews on tap with names like McAuslan Apricot Wheat Ale. There is also a retractable big screen TV at the back of the room. It’s retractable for a reason. When the big game is on, so is the TV. But when music is the focus, Dominion patrons don’t want any distractions. If you’re not into the music, you can sit in the smaller room, where you can also play pool on one of two tables. The other option is the patio. On the corner of Queen and Sumach streets, it gets plenty of use in the summer months.
Dominion’s menu is comprised mainly of standard pub fare. Starters include nachos, chicken fingers and calamari, while mains include a variety of burgers and paninis. There are a variety of pasta dishes and some more elaborate entrées as well, such as free range chicken stuffed with spinach and goat cheese. Dominion has a brunch menu with eggs, breakfast sandwiches, French toast and waffles. If you can handle it, you might try one of the brunch “eye-openers,” like the Tequila Sunrise Double.
From Wednesday through Sunday, Dominion hosts jazz bands of all types. Big band, Latin, funk, bop — Dominion books it all. Sunday afternoons are typically open-stage affairs. Throughout two or three sets of music, a house band will be joined by local pros and amateurs. You never know who might show up for a tune or two. -
According to the owner:
It’s neither a public venue nor a traditional members’ club. Atelier is an exclusive room for local and visiting A-listers, suit über-bosses, and select hangers-on. Biometric technology, rather than a VIP pass or Pin, is used at the door to recognize members for admittance.
Atelier’s partnership – designers/cofounders Marc Kyriacou, John Tsoumaris, Michael King and Antonio S. Tadrissi – possess an enviable resto-bar-biz pedigree. Just tell yourself that you don’t need Atelier anyways. Feel better? I thought not. -
According to the owner:
Located across from Ontario Place, Gossip Restaurant provides fine dining along the Lake Shore. Modern and elegant, the spacious and open-concept dining room is fitted with a myriad of candlelit tables furnished with leather-backed seats, luxurious booths, and a large patio with a spectacular view of Lake Ontario. As the dinner crowd turns to the cocktail set, Gossip transforms into a lounge worthy of Entertainment District status. Private rooms are available for more intimate gatherings, equipped with sound proof paneling and wireless Internet.
Winner of the Silver Spoon Award for best Mediterranean food three years running, Gossip Restaurant is committed to market fresh fare. This being so, the bill of fare does change with the seasons, but what patrons will see is a well-rounded menu that flirts with international cuisine. The tapas list, for instance, features small plates of Guinness-braised short ribs, Caribbean jerk chops, duck confit pizza, and Chinese pork ribs. For lunch, proscuitto sandwiches with arugula and mozzarella, grilled salmon with white bean salad, and cappelinni arrabiata with gulf shrimp, are some samples for the noon hour. Dinner sees such items as crispy goat cheese polenta, honey-roasted quail, vanilla butter poached grouper, and New Zealand rack of lamb. Gossip also serves an extensive range of canapes, some sushi plates, and a special summer menu for lighter fare. -
According to the owner:
The fastest sushi delivery in town is promised from this counter on Queen Street West, between Bathurst and Spadina, an area associated most often with the artistic sensibilities of Toronto. And with the neighbourhood becoming more resident friendly, the spots for a quick bite or take-out are improving, too. I Love Sushi caters to those wasabi and rice cravings, guaranteeing friendly and attentive service. They are even willing to come straight to your door to provide sushi satisfaction.
Vegetarian choices are a substantial part of the I Love Sushi menu, with appetizers including steamed spinach or asparagus, and Japanese mushrooms grilled in garlic butter. Meatless rolls also come with tofu, broccoli and avocado, plus vegetarian udon and soba, maki, and sushi sets. The full range of seafood sushi and shashimi items can be a prelude to the special rolls, like I Love Sushi’s signature blend of tuna, salmon, avocado, and smelt egg. Chicken, beef, or salmon teriyaki, and shrimp tempura are the entrée options, available with tempura, assorted sushi, or a California roll. And the list of appetizers includes grilled chicken on skewers, assorted seafood sautéed in garlic butter, and deep fried Japanese mushroom stuffed with shrimps.
Rice bowls at I Love Sushi are filled with all the standbys: Chicken, beef, and shrimp, plus curry chicken or beef, spicy salmon and tuna, barbecue eel, steak or shitake mushroom. Noodles are mixed with shrimp and vegetable tempura, curried beef, or soba served cold and with a special sauce. Party trays are a popular part of gatherings in nearby condos: 60 rolls of varying sizes and tastes are laid out in combinations that will leave the squarest guests feeling well rounded. -
According to owner:
Southside Johnny’s Bar & Grill is a moderately priced casual restaurant located in the Etobicoke area of West Toronto. Southside Johnny’s Bar & Grill specializes in grill cuisine and features a casual atmosphere. -
According to the owner:
A lot can be said about the Queen Street strip between Spadina and Bathurst: it’s not what it used to be; it’s lost its crown to Ossington; it’s too commercial; it’s dirty, etc. But, one aspect of this stretch of Toronto that cannot be disputed is its urban quality; from yoga mats and run-down flower shops to tattoos and t-shirts, Queen West is extraordinary in its effortlessness.
But, for Eduardo Lee, proud owner of Queen Street’s just-opened Venezuelan eatery, Arepa Café, that Queen Street flavour is definitely for the better. By marketing Arepa not as an ethnic restaurant but as a “hybrid between Venezuelan and Toronto urbanity,” Lee’s choice of location was spot on. The ease with which Arepa Café has adapted to the Queen Street dynamic is not a surprise, given that Lee has a degree in environmental design and many years experience in the restaurant industry. -
According to owner:
Fieramosca is not a place for the indecisive. Their lunch menu alone is chock full of soups, salads, appetizers, pastas, pizzas, meat and fish dishes. Ever-popular salads such as the Caprese, Caesar and Arugula are a familiar option for the traditionally-minded. Those who are looking for something a little different might want to try the Insalata Di Mare, a lettuce-less salad made from calamari, clams, mussels, shrimp, potatoes and a warm olive oil and lemon juice dressing. If you’re more “soup” than “salad” you can start with fresh tortellini or minestrone. The pizzas and pastas, meat or fish dishes are perfect for the lunch-time rush.After Dark
The menu changes slightly for dinner. Salads, soups and appetizers remain essentially the same but you’ll enjoy the addition of night-time apps like the La Bresaola Della Valtellina E Radicchio Alla Griglia –dry tenderloin and grilled radicchio with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Dinner also opens the main options up to include such dishes as the Scaloppina Cleopatra, a veal scallopine with sautéed shrimp and mushrooms, bathed in a white wine sauce and served alongside steamed veggies. -
According to the owner:
At the corner of Yonge and Wellington looms a majestic work of 19th century Italianate architecture, a beautiful piece of Toronto’s history. Formerly the Bank of British North America, it is now site to the Irish Embassy Bar & Grill. Its entrance is secured with pillars supporting a semi-circular tympanum, with chiselled detailing that indicate old times. The conversion from bank to bar has not compromised the decadent interior, for among the simple black tabletops and seating are great columns supporting the amazing cross vaulting of the ceiling. With its original floor tiling still in place, the Irish Embassy makes a great venue for enjoying the history, as well as drink and food. Situated in the overlap of the entertainment and financial districts, the Irish Embassy caters to the upscale, casual crowd, serving a fine selection of ales and a pub menu that goes above and beyond the deep fryer.
As all Irish pubs tend to serve fish and chips, the Embassy does so also, but with a difference. The plate consists of Atlantic salmon encrusted with almonds and served with a maple garlic glaze. For a more traditional take, they also serve Kilkenny battered haddock. The choices for the fish abound, with bacon-wrapped scallops, crab and shrimp cakes, smoked salmon on soda bread and P.E.I mussels with a garlic or coconut broth. Also serving a hearty Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and striploin steaks, there are plenty of menu items to ensure you have your fill. Also serving brunch, lunch, and a late-night menu until 1 a.m., you certainly won’t go hungry. -
According to the owner:
Welcome to the Flatiron and Firkin. We are located at 49 Wellington Street East in the heart of the historic St. Lawrence Market district, right inside the Flatiron building. Visit our 80 seat, sidewalk patio from April to October, or come dine and drink or watch the game on our big screen tv, in our cozy street level pub in the winter months. Whether you are catching a game at the ACC (only a 5 minute walk away) or taking in a concert at the Hummingbird (right across the street), we are the perftect spot to grab some firkin pints or firkin grub before or after your event! Hope to see you at the Flatiron and Firkin soon!! -
According to the owner:
In Dublin, there is a district called Temple Bar—known for its artsy culture, wild nightlife, and medieval aesthetic. In Toronto, Fynn’s of Temple Bar on King West embraces the charm of this historic quarter, representing the authentic Irish pub with a bent on healthy food, community outreach, and festive spirit.
Down some steps, the side entrance opens to a largely wooden interior, replete with an oblong bar that anchors the room. A long communal island is set in front of this pub mainstay, while the perimetre is peppered with half booths and banquettes, as well as classic table seating in a raised area. With exposed brick, a traditional snug with stained-glass trimmings, artwork exalting Irish landmarks (like the Guinness Brewery), and large windows that reveal the foot traffic of King West, Temple Bar proffers an unpretentious, inviting space to eat, drink, and be merry.
Temple Bar takes to the drink, with beer flights of your own making, a grand selection of single malts, and an array of Irish and American whiskey. Weekly drink and food specials add incentive to stick around, and daily features incorporate more menu items to the already massive bill of fare. Best described as Irish pub fare with gourmet twists, the cuisine provides the traditional (fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Dublin steak and mushroom boxty), the more exotic (chicken tikka masala, Italian sausage flatbread, Tuscan chicken wrap), and the unusual (jalapeno cheese fondue, santa fe salmon salad, chicken tikka masala boxty). Finish with banana bread pudding, a chocolate volcano, some french vanilla ice cream—or just another pint of Guinness. -
According to the owner:
Finding a couple of pool tables in a bar or lounge is not all that uncommon. However, they are usually a haphazard afterthought. At Andy Poolhall, though, there are five red velvet tables, and they figure heavily into the venue’s vibe. In fact, they set much of the tone for the social dynamic. There is also a lounge area with a dance floor for those who are too fidgety to take a clear shot. The lounge space is ’60s inspired, and any genre of DJ an end up spinning therein.
A notable feature about Andy’s DJs is that they don’t play Top 40. They’ll play funk, disco, rock, soul, British rock, post punk, dirty disco and electro-clash, but not current chart-toppers. The idea is to entertain by setting a mood, not by numbing you with whatever is being tired out on the radio. Indeed, it hasn’t been uncommon for breakdance battles to break-out, not to mention things keep shaking until well after last-call. Since the DJs are often out to do their own thing, though, requests are generally not encouraged, and those for pop-divas are outright ignored.
With the ’60s motif, the ambiance is part and parcel of the evening. Deeps red with splashes of purple, green, black, and while set the groove. The furniture, moreover, is far from square. Bubbly, pleather chairs offer a surprisingly comfortable breather for the go-go groove on the dance floor. Then there is the row of black and white chairs designed by Pierre Paulin, who also designed the chairs in the Concorde waiting area at JFK airport in New York. Finally, the basement location and low-lit ambiance give the club a truly underground vibe. Andy Poolhall might be in the thick of it on College Street, but inside seems much more far out. -
According to owner:
Our Toronto restaurant is the perfect spot for dining at any time of the day. Enjoy a signature breakfast, relaxing lunch or an express meal. Our menus offer something for everyone. Join us for dinner to experience superb Continental cuisine paired with local and imported wine selections. -
According to owner:
The wicker chairs and Buddhist statues make KU stand out from the crowd. Great for lounging around in the sun in the daytime, but in the early evening this place comes into it’s own when it is the perfect place to sit yourself down and people watch. It plays great music and is definitely one of THE places to be seen. -
According to the owner:
Established in 1876, Ye Olde Brunswick House truly is one of Toronto’s oldest taverns. Going through many phases and growing pains over the years, “The Brunny” as it is sometimes referred to – and still does – has sported many faces, the most recent being applied during major renovations in 2005. This facelift has brought the establishment quite close to its original splendor while still maintaining important elements of a modern facility. A variety of gold-trimmed mirrors and other graceful artifacts and images line the walls between 11 plasma televisions hanging over the light paint and dark woods.
Ensuring that all facets of life are enticed through Ye Olde Brunswick House’s double doors, a variety of the aforementioned “faces” show themselves depending on the evening. Working strongly as a family restaurant by day, the venue easily breezes into subtle pub/pool house by evening and slips into its slinky, youthful, energetic club at night. With the means to house 10-400 people, Ye Olde Brunswick House is ready to assist in making any family function or corporate event unforgettable at the drop of hat.
For those simply looking to enjoy a decent meal, Ye Olde Brunswick House has refined its menu to offer a taste of everything to anyone. It’s yet another face kicked off by 10 draughts and extending into a wide menu including daily specials, wings, nachos and burgers, salads, pizza and pasta, vegetarian stir fry and multiple chicken, steak and fish options. Maybe it’s the chameleon-like essence to The Brunny that has made it an enduring city landmark. -
According to owner:
MIX overlooks the bustle of King Street and gives you a stylish and contemporary vantage point to people watch at the heart of the Entertainment District. Serving expertly prepared martinis and specialty cocktails along with beer and wine make MIX the place to be seen. -
According to owner:
This cheery and bright sushi bar is in the heart of trendy little Italy. There are many dinner boxes available but also many house specialties such as roasted eggplant in miso sauce and shrimp and salmon tempura. The thick slices of salmon sashimi are also highly recommended. Green tea ice cream topped with crispy noodles is for dessert. Sake and domestic and Japanese beers are on the bar’s list. -
According to public review:
It is an amazing place, very hard to find any other like this. Good work Alex. -
According to the owner:
With an upbeat atmosphere and a crowd packed with beautiful people, this is a Devil that doesn’t seem so bad. With a 25-and-over-policy enforced at the door, Devil’s Martini provides a place for a mature crowd to let their hair down. Quality cocktails at reasonable prices set the stage for what always promises to be a great party. The ample dance floor is kept packed all night by a mix of Top 40 from yesterday and today.
While the name might suggest that the drink selection is limited, that’s certainly not the case. Martinis are a specialty, but the fully-stocked bar offers an abundance of cocktail options. Also, a wide selection of premium, imported and domestic beers are available in bottles for those who want the cocktail crowd without the cocktail.
The atmosphere is lofty and open, with high ceilings and columns running along the bar, accentuated by well-placed mirrors. Soft lighting and candles add to the dim but comfortable setting. The look is completed by ample seating areas to chat with friends or to get to know someone new. The dance floor is always busy, as this place is no secret and the party is always in full swing. Get there early- the crowd arrives in droves to make sure they’re in on the action. -
According to owner:
Grossman’s is the legendary Toronto blues club on Spadina Ave., with alumni that includes Jeff Healey and Danny Marks. As the daily bustle of Chinatown dies down, and the garbage flaps up and down the sidewalk, it begins to feel like you’re on Lonely Street. Is there a more perfect bar to duck into? Musicians sweat out the blues on stage, while weathered regulars line the bar. Everything is covered in a layer of grime and ashes. This is not a case of bad housekeeping; this is character. This is the real deal. -
According to owner:
Libertines in Liberty Village
The Academy of Spherical Arts is a local Liberty Village institution, and proudly occupies a large portion of what used to be a billiard table factory. Its name is more than an in-joke for lovers of the gentle art of billiards. In its early days it was, indeed, an Academy, “fostering excellence in billiards through teaching and friendly competition.”Relax and Shoot Some Pool
The Academy consists of four distinct rooms: the Samuel May room, the John Brunswick Room, the Georges Chenier Room, and opened in 1999, the art nouveau-themed La Belle Epoque. Each room features carefully maintained antique billiards tables of various sizes and colours. Décor varies from room to room, but design coherence is maintained by certain common threads: high, beamed factory ceilings, warmly coloured walls, inviting leather couches and chairs, and antique hardwood floors.Dining at the Academy
This establishment focuses on billiards and special events, and isn’t a restaurant in the conventional sense – although most days there is room to just show up and order a meal. Lunch consists mostly of soups, sandwiches, and salads. Conversely, dinnertime guests can partake of penne with chicken, Cajun catfish, or grilled lamb loin. A table d’hôte is available for special events. -
According to the owner:
This spot on Richmond street has reincarnated time and time again, as it was formerly Room 471, Zinc, and Sucre. Out of all of those, I definitely prefer Toika the best. It creates more of a classy dance scene than others up the street filled with 19 year old girls (or at least you hope they’re 19). The prices aren’t obscene either, which is a possibility when we’re talking lounge-ey upscale bars. A beer is around $6, which isn’t that bad. It just means you won’t be incoherent drunk after 20 minutes of being there.
Although the space overall isn’t huge, there’s space for you to get your groove on, and will be more of once they tear out the old kitchen. I always get jiggy in my kitchen and practice my hip hop moves- everyone knows the slippery laminate flooring of kitchens is the best place to practice sliding around. Don’t try and tell me you don’t run and slide on any slippery surface- and Toika Lounge is the perfect spot to showcase your moves. Just make sure you really hone them before going all out- no one wants to see you doing the snake if you end up looking like a fish out of water. -
According to owner:
P.J O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Restaurant is an ideal venue to meet with friends for a bite and a beer, to catch a game on one of our LCD flat screen televisions or to enjoy some traditional Celtic and contemporary music performed by one of our live bands every Friday and Saturday nights.
Tucked away behind the King Edward Hotel, on the revitalized Colborne Street, this charming Irish pub is situated close to the Air Canada Centre, Hummingbird Centre and other major attractions.
Whether you are with a friend, a group or a business party, great care will be taken of all your needs.Featured on Restaurant makeover for the adjoining Pat Quinn Lounge, and chosen by the National Post as one of Canada’s best restaurants, P.J O’Brien’s continues to preserve the charm and Irish hospitality for which it has become renowned. A truly authentic Irish pub with copper-topped bars, traditional pub fare, a premium selection of draft beers and wines and a choice of over twenty Irish Whiskeys all contribute to our famed allure.
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According to the website:
Nikki Beach Toronto’s final evening of events was Thursday September 17, 2009. We would like to thank everyone who visited us during our memorable stay in this vibrant city. “Toronto has grown from its place as the most influential fall film festival to the most influential film festival period.” – Rebecca Winters Keegan, Time Magazine. For its Canadian premiere, Nikki Beach welcomes you to experience the city from new heights during the Toronto Film Festival. From September 10th – 17th, Nikki Beach will uproot its infamous film festival party hub from the beaches of the La Croisette to the towers of Toronto in the heart of Yorkville. For 8 days and nights, Nikki Beach will present the hottest movie premiere after-parties and club nights at the popular late night hotspot, The Roof Lounge of the Park Hyatt Toronto. A haven for celebrities and industry elite, Nikki Beach will undoubtedly add allure to an already highly anticipated event. -
According to owner:
What makes this place good is that there are just no Chinese/Viet/Thai restaurants that’s an acceptable walking distance in this area Yonge & Davenport Intersection (next to Toronto Reference Library) in the winter time. The food is decent and is not very expensive at all. Hard press to find an Asian restaurant with comarable quality and prices in this area!! -
According to owner:
Pan-Asian restaurants offer signature dishes from different Asian countries. The Spring Rolls menu leads with Thai cuisine, and follows it up with Chinese and Vietnamese cooking. The Spring Rolls pad Thai is award winning. Try variations on this classic such as curry pad Thai or satay pad Thai. An array of noodle dishes is also featured in the Chinese category. From Shanghai (thick wheat noodles) to chow mein (crispy egg noodles) to Ho Fun (thick rice noodles), there’s something on the menu for everyone. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese selection offers hearty bowls of pho, a vermicelli noodle soup made with chicken, beef or seafood.Urban Vibe
Without being overly trendy, Spring Rolls exudes an urban vibe. Its simple and minimalist setting entices juicy conversation and ignites close connections. It’s no wonder Eye Magazine voted it as Best Dinner in 2004. CBC Radio also hailed it as a “Don’t Miss.” The Spring Rolls team strives to make every new restaurant that emerges better than the last. -
According to the owner:
Having as recently as last year transformed this 1904 classic brick and beam building into a smart, comfortable and modern British style restaurant, Crush Wine Bar has endeavored to combine extensive knowledge of food and wine with well priced menus and, approachable, professional staff. Particular attention has been paid to the wine list with something to suit every pallet and pocket.
Crush Wine Bar seats up to 100 people in the main dining room, with 50 people in the adjacent bar. We also boast a spacious outdoor patio for alfresco dining.
Downstairs, our private dining rooms seat 18 and 36 people, and may be combined for a stand up canapé party for up to 80 people. These are versatile rooms able to cater to everything from board meetings, product launches, birthdays and other celebrations. For larger parties Crush Wine Bar is available for exclusive hire which may include Weddings. -
According to the owner:
The Carlu is a venue that offers a real sense of authentic style. This striking seventh-floor venue, originally an Eaton’s store, is a prime example of the Art Moderne style of the 1930s. Fully restored to its former glory, the venue’s name has been changed to honour the architect who designed the building. One of the most famous venues in The Carlu is the Round Room, where Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington once performed. The acoustics in the Concert Hall were known to be some of the finest in North America at the time.
The Carlu as a meeting place and venue has many distinctive values that set it apart from other rooms. Part of the special quality of the building is its attention to detail and one-of-a-kind decorations. For instance, Jacques Carlu designed the ethereal Lalique fountain specifically for the rooms. An original mural painted by the architect’s wife, Natacha Carlu, a famous Parisian artist, still hangs in the space today. Renovated in 2003, the venue is great for weddings, meetings, fashion shows and other presentations. A variety of rooms seats both intimate and large-scale functions.
When one enters the 10,000 square-foot Grand Foyer, they’re greeted with a clean, airy, light and elegant space. From this meeting place and lobby, one can adjourn to any one of the four rooms available to guests. The Round Room, the pride and joy of the Carlu, was once a dining room for stylish Torontonians and this feeling carries on today. The concert hall contains full backstage dressing rooms, perfect for cultural performances or audiovisual presentations. The Sky Room is the newest addition to the space, with natural light and special fixtures that allow for art and visual displays to be mounted. There are also other rooms for larger groups for dinners or other functions. -
According to the owner:
The accompanying menu includes specialties of the old Soviet Union – Russian bread and pickles, homemade blini, perogies, caviar and Zakouski or International Tapas, as well as other more familiar items. The caviar ranges from bargain-priced coloured eggs to the rare and fancy Sevruga, Beluga, or Canadian Sturgeon varieties. A tapas menu includes Russian garlic bread, mushroom duxelle croustinis and Russian sausage with caramelized onions and red peppers. Pravda’s happy hour – Monday to Friday, 5-7 p.m. – is the time for martinis and complimentary appetizers.
With its sleek interior, Pravda doesn’t really conjure images of mother Russia, but nevertheless it has a large collection of nostalgic icons. Portraits of Lenin, Stalin, Gorbachev, Ché Guevara, and Chairman Mao line the walls alongside the hammer and sickle flag and other remnants from deep behind the iron curtain. Since first opening, Pravda’s owners have expended considerable time and money into their intriguing interior. Finishing touches to the décor make it feel more like the Kremlin than a run-of-the-Soviet “voda” bar. Electronic sounds pulsate on most evenings, although Tuesday’s soundtrack is dedicated to more sedate music. Wednesday through Saturday, however, features a live DJ who injects a bit more excitement. -
According to owner:
At Scotia Plaza, you’ll discover a world of distinction located in the financial heart of Toronto, at King and Bay Streets. Offering an unparalleled business atmosphere, rich in spectacular architecture, exclusive amenities and personalized service, Scotia Plaza is home to an impressive roster of national and international blue chip clients – including the head office of The Bank of Nova Scotia. -
Inside The Reservoir Lounge, the club’s appeal is reflected in a raised stage. Easily seen from all parts of the intimate lounge, an open upright piano dominates the area. Bare brick walls and minimal décor reinforce the value of the evening’s performance. Each patron will not only hear every note played by the musicians; they’ll see every gesture.
Once you nab a table, The Reservoir offers a menu that will keep your stomach as satiated as your ears. Various sandwiches, tapas, and thin crust pizzas are all available. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, try one of the chef’s traditional salads. Otherwise, a house specialty is Malepeque oysters, served chilled on the half shell. A lengthy assortment of martinis, cocktails and wines are also available long after the kitchen closes.
Even This Reservoir Has Some Limits
From Monday through Saturday, live music at The Reservoir Lounge begins at 9:30p.m. However, a cozy setting often means there’s a shortage of seats much earlier. Check your watch, check out who’s playing, and check into the club with time to spare. -
According to owner:
Famous, innovative Tuscany style cooking for the distinguished pallet. Extensive wine list from Italy, California and the rest of the world. Excellent servers with impressive wine knowledge can be found in this historical downtown location. Specializing in private and corporate functions Bravi has been rated a top restaurant in Toronto year after year. -
According to the owner:
Although the South-Western cattle ranch motif and the Tex-Mex style menu may seem familiar, Sneaky Dee’s is not your typical Mexican pub and grill. Its Santa Fe interior decoration houses more than just a family restaurant. Sneaky Dee’s has been adopted as the home base for a diverse crowd of pierced and tattooed punks, clean-cut students, white-belted indie rockers and, yes, even families. Each of these groups can be seen in attendance on any given day or, thanks to the party-friendly hours of the kitchen, late into the night. Sneaky Dee’s weekend brunches are especially noted for bringing the establishment’s broad mix of cliques together to quietly bond in the brotherhood of the hangover.
The marks of the crowds that regularly visit Sneaky Dee’s can be seen, quite literally, on the wall. And on the tables. And on the chairs. One of the defining features of Dee’s is its friendly attitude toward customer graffiti which lends the bar an aura of intimacy as well as hinting at sanctuary for deviant and rebellious behaviour.
A well-worn room located upstairs at Sneaky Dee’s – one of the city’s most popular hangouts for alternative culture scenesters – the concert hall at Dee’s is experiencing something of a Renaissance. After a lengthy hiatus from hosting live bands, the upstairs has returned to the live music format with a vengeance in recent years. The mid-sized bar plays host to a wide variety of shows and events – ranging from performances by local start-up indie rock bands to more well-known artists from across Canada and around the world. Sneaky Dee’s upstairs has also begun to feature a variety of weekly and monthly rock’n’roll dance parties. -
According to the owner:
For a truly authentic Spanish experience, you’ve come to the right place. Rancho offers a massive menu of share-worthy favourites that will tantalize your taste buds. On the appetizer menu, you’ll find garlic drenched oven-baked bread, shrimp sautéed in white wine, and lip smacking steamed mussels in a marinara sauce. The main course menu offers traditional rice dishes mixed with a variety of veggies and meat options. Chicken entrees are delicately seasoned and topped with sautéed tomatoes, mushroom wine sauce and peppers. A visit to Rancho’s wouldn’t be complete without trying their always popular rainbow trout. This tender filet, stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat, is smothered with garlic and herbs for extra flavour.
Looking for a night of fabulous food and equally fabulous fun? El Rancho has a medium-sized dance floor where regulars and professionals can show off their sexy salsa dancing. No matter where you turn, Latin flair can be seen all over this joint, from the chandeliers to stucco walls and arched ceilings. Every Thursday night, enjoy two hours of professional salsa dancing lessons. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Rancho’s easygoing teachers can show you how to bust a move on the floor. Be sure to book early, as this venue becomes one happening place on the weekends. -
According to owner:
Most Important Meal of the Day
A great place to people watch, Maggie’s is right in the thick of things –on College across from St. Stephen’s in the Field and smack on the streetcar line. Quiet it ain’t, but quality it is. Staff is friendly and courteous, décor is a random smattering of mismatched tables, chairs, trinkets, local art, colours, and clientele. U of T kids mix with hipsters mix with middle-aged Italian men mix with your Grandma. Maggie’s is zero pretension and high popularity so make it over early, especially on weekends. Breakfast is served all day for the late risers and consists of greasy goodies like bacon, eggs, sausages, omelettes, toast and homefries. Spice things up by ordering garlic fries in place of standard homefries or asking for a side of tomato-basil sauce. The health-conscious are in luck –Maggie’s has a good assortment of wholesome breakfast options including bagels, waffles, granola, yogurt, poached eggs, fruit plates and French toast.Out There Options
The Oceanic is a popular item –poached eggs under smoked salmon atop a crispy potato pancake- as is the falafel platter, one of the restaurant’s lunch items. For a little over 10 bucks you get a handful of falafels, mixed greens, pita wedges and a collection of dips (including hummous, tabbouleh, tahini and sun-dried tomato tapenade) to sop up. Though the lunch doesn’t get nearly as much action as the breakfast, the lunch menu works hard to cater to all, complete with meals made for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. -
A centre for spirituality, social justice and the arts, Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church is the performance home of the Tafelmusik baroque orchestra and chamber choir, while its gothic setting also serves as a performance venue for eclectic pop acts. Built just a few steps west of the Bloor and Spadina intersection in 1899 as a Methodist house of worship, its function went through several transformations before its present-day status as home to four different religious congregations in addition to its use as a music venue and centre for community activism, support groups and dance, exercise and theatre classes.
Tafelmusik performs over 50 concerts each season from its Trinity-St. Paul’s base. Founded in 1979, the classical ensemble boasts 18 core members who perform on instruments and in costume consistent with the period in which the baroque music was written. The group also maintains an educational program including free student concerts and family matinées, along with school programs and a summer institute that provides young people with opportunity to learn all about baroque.
Regular classes held at Trinity-St. Paul’s run the gamut of dance styles ranging from ballet to ballroom and salsa to tango. Tai chi, yoga and stretch classes expand the definition of a spiritual centre to focus on developing physical health. Drama classes for children share the space with psychology discussion groups for adults. And the African tradition of integrating games with dancing, combat and music, known as Caporeia Angola, is also explored weekly at Trinity-St. Paul’s. -
According to the owner:
For an intimate scene in the typically gratuitous clubland, Footwork is worth checking out. The smaller-than-the-standard club has its unmarked entranced tucked away in an alley off Brant street, giving it that alluringly taboo speakeasy effect. The alcohol is legally poured and pushed until last call, and post- 2am. the bar turns into an after hours party till the wee hours of the morning. The space is L-shaped, with a bar area at its apex, a lounge to relax in between sets, and the requisite dance floor. Adorned with metal bar tops, padded cubes for seating, and a mixture of faux leather, prissy Victorian, and tropical sunset wallpaper, the perimetre is plastered with an odd mash-up of flavours. The dance floor is usually crammed with the energetic crowd, and the DJ booth is the natural point of focus, framed with stage-like curtaining. Another atypical facet of Footwork is its style code; it’s a casual place, and so the sneaker- and jean-clad are permitted entry.
The music at Footwork spans the house scene, bringing together the genres of electronic dance. From drum and bass, tribal, electro, techno, to trance, it ought to be the delight of the staunch house fan. Rehab Fridays feature an ever-changing line-up of local DJs, with cheap drinks served till midnight. Saturdays are a showcase of international talents, and Footwork’s large-scale sound system makes it a rip roaring good time. -
According to the owner:
Like an alter-ego that represents all those dark and dormant desires hidden deep within, Hyde Lounge plays with the notion of split personality. Hidden, the entrance of Hyde Lounge can be found in an obscured alleyway off Wellington. Once within, the design of Hyde Lounge looks like it was taken directly from the pages of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 19th century London. Soaring 15 foot ceilings reveal bare rafters, exposed brick mingled with Gothic wallpaper, and pink back-lit photos depicting the visages of both Jekyll and Hyde breaking free from one another, the main floor proffers plenty of booths for bottle service. The second floor has a similar effect, but is far more open with a large dance space rimmed with banquets and fake crocodile-skin ottomans, replete with an adjoining patio.A dress to impress code is in effect while the DJ spins house, hip-hop, R & B, reggae, and mash ups, depending on the night of the week. “Showcase Fridays” are different each week, kicking off the beginning of the weekend with such events as masquerades and freak shows. Table reservations are recommended, and booths can accommodate from 8 to 12 guests with bottle service. Also available for private parties, Hyde Lounge welcomes groups of 50 to 400, corporate bookings, fundraisers and charity events, fashion shows, product launches, CD release parties, art galas, wine tastings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, film release and wrap parties, as well as film and photo shoots.
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According to owner:
We specialize in Corporate and Private Functions, intimate gatherings of 10 people or groups of 80. Complete private facilities are available on our lower level. Office and home catering is also available. We will take care of the smallest detail, ensuring your functions run smoothly. For more information about our great rates and menu planning,
ask to speak with the manager. -
According to the owner:
There really isn’t anything quite like No Regrets Restaurant. This popular watering hole has everything you need to get the good times rolling. A secluded courtyard patio, large screen projection TVs, a satellite DJ sound system and wireless internet make No Regrets one happening place. Throw in a mouthwatering pub fare with a twist and you have a winner!
No Regrets menu features tasty dishes meant to be shared. On the appetizer menu discover smoked chicken quesadillas brushed with Cajun spices, and mini burgers lightly coated with cracked black peppercorn. Perfect for sharing is the sizzling mushroom skillet sautéed with spices and a creamy lemon pepper red wine sauce. Regulars adore the buffalo chicken flatbread topped with cheddar cheese and seasoned tomatoes topped with buttermilk ranch dressing. For one of the best salads around ask for the roasted garlic Caesar. Crisp romaine lettuce is tossed in creamy roasted garlic parmesan dressing with spiced croutons and maple bacon bits. You can stop drooling now!
Whether you sit by the open kitchen or at the secluded patio there is never a dull moment! Six microbrews on tap along with a handful of tasty drinks are divine in the summer. On the main menu discover homemade sandwiches served with your choice of summer potato salad, sweet fries or chick pea salad. Discover warm corned beef brisket piled high with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, along with roast beef topped with caramelized onion and sautéed sweet peppers. A handful of delicately prepared pastas are loaded with tasty toppings such as broccoli florets, fresh basil, and sun dried tomatoes. Lemon pepper salmon and massive topping loaded burgers complete a fantastic menu. -
According to the owner:
Pottery Barn is an American franchise of home furnishing retailers in the U.S. and Canada. Paul and Morris Secon founded the company in 1949 as a single store in Lower Manhattan. Since it was acquired in 1986, it is now an owned subsidiary of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. In 1999, Pottery Barn launched Potter Barn Kids, with a lineup of brightly hued furnishings more geared towards a home in your child’s bedroom.
The Barn offers a selection of stylish, affordable furniture, accessories and giftware. The collection includes everything from lamps to rugs, and draperies to stand-up grandfather and grandmother clocks. You’ll find comfy oversized sofas and chairs, with matching ottomans, coffee tables, TV units and bookcases to match the assortment. All products are designed exclusively for Pottery Barn and are coordinated to match the colors and styles of each season.
Most Pottery Barn locations have on-site Design Studios, which provide all the necessary tools to help nascent interior designers lay out their rooms. Also available on the web, you can print .pdf Room Designers, which illustrate the ideal placement of Pottery Barn furniture in any given bedroom or living room. All you need to do is gather basic information like dimensions and scale to the grid provided, and then arrange the cut-out furniture templates around the room. -
According to owner:
The relaxed nightlife of Roncesvalles Village is set by the mood at Gate 403. This piano bar features live jazz, blues, swing and folk music from local performers during the 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. cocktail hours (4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays) with another set between 8 or 9 p.m. until closing time. The club’s grand piano is frequently employed by the rotation of acts, from solo performers to bigger swing bands.Sublime Grub
Gate 403’s menu is dominated by a sublime selection of pub food. Cajun shrimp, calamari, grilled vegetables, mussels and chicken wings are there for the nibbling. Bruschetta, garlic bread, spring rolls, nachos, quesadilla, French fries, dumplings and a soup du jour round out the casual options. Burgers, club sandwiches, pita pockets, Philly cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches, BLTs and Gate 403’s own pizza are also essential eats. Prime rib steak, tequila lime chicken, spinach tortellini, fettuccini primavera and blackened chicken and shrimps are a few of the more formal entrées. Chicken stir fry, salmon filet, lamb curry, chicken fajitas and Mediterranean chicken are other menu favourites.Delectable Tastes
The kitchen at Gate 403 also serves up its share of salads: Spicy Thai noodle, spicy shrimp jump-up, beef teriyaki and Tandoori chicken are mixed up along with Mediterranean, Caesar and mixed green salads. And desserts include panna cotta, New York-style cheesecake, apple or pecan pie, tarfuto and a mini-roll with red bean puree. But food is just one component of the 403 atmosphere, where drinks and music keep a loyal clientele enthralled late into the evening. -
According to John Troupis and Nick Paroussis:
The Olympic Pantheon used to taste the Ambrosia (gods’ meal) and the Nectar (gods’ wine).At the Pantheon on the Danforth you can taste at least the same…
We promise it! -
According to the owner:
Located beneath the College Street Diner, Tiger Bar is a hidden paradise for the fiscally conscientious. There’s rarely a cover and beer costs a neat, tidy couple of toonies. Entertainment is eclectic and you’ll find everything from DJs to dance parties to live music, including bands like Tokyo Police Club and By Divine Right. As far as regular events go, Guitar Hero competitions take centre stage on Wednesday nights, and an indie rock dance party dominates Friday evenings.
Tiger Bar would look just like the family rec-room you grew up in…if you only you’d grown up with the Swiss Family Robinson. Think Gilligan’s Island meets That 70’s Show. Tigers, parrots and panthers peer out from behind the lush faux foliage of the bar’s wild jungle murals, while thick ropes of knit rugs cover the floor, and retro lampshades dim the room’s lighting. It’s as familiar as your best friend’s parents’ basement and 10 times as fun.
If Lost has taught us anything, it’s that when foraying into the jungle, one must do so with determination and perseverance. Such is the case at Tiger Bar. Though it’s of the city’s hottest new bars, it’s almost as though they want to make sure you know the secret handshake before they let you in. You have to work to find either of the entrances to Tiger. One is located inside College Street Diner; the second is in an alley off Lippincott Street, behind the breakfast joint, Aunties and Uncles. -
According to owner:
Established as a hotel and tavern over eighty years ago, the Cameron was converted from its original purpose to an avant-garde arts project in 1981. For over two decades now, the Cameron has been a member of the art community. It is a place to go for a beer, to see a play, hear a band, catch a book launch or reading, look at art, and be in the company of those who make it all happen. In a certain sense, the Cameron even fancies itself as Toronto’s answer to New York’s CGBG and London’s Matrix.A Varied Venue
What you will find when you enter are two smallish spaces which serve individual purposes. The back room hosts original plays and music, and the front room is where you will encounter most literary events and more intimate musical performances. But then, of course, such distinctions are anathema to the building’s spirit, so don’t be surprised. Just grab a seat and have a pint.Art & Music
What you will find in terms of company is anyone’s guess. Indeed, both the ordinary and extraordinary may be found here. Handfuls of locals regularly gather on the small fenced-in patio to enjoy a pint on a sunny afternoon. Similarly, the next Atwood or Lightfoot may well spend their off-time here as well. After all, Blue Rodeo once played the back room on a regular basis, and Ron Sexsmith was still playing it when he became Elvis Costello’s favourite singer/songwriter. -
According to the owner:
The Amazing Food Service Inc. was founded in 1981 as a one-man catering company with the objectives of providing good quality and delicious food, outstanding value and dependable service. While the company has grown from a one man show in to a powerful team of professionals, the initial objectives remain the same.
The Amazing Food Service operates as a full service catering company and can assist clients in all aspects of a function, including: planning the function, renting equipment (e.g. tables, linen, china, etc.), ordering liquor and hiring wait staff. -
According to owner:
Originally opened in 1978, the Acacia Centre is a HD ready cinema in the heart of downtown Toronto. -
According to owner:
Famous for its mouth-watering wings, specialty ribs and signature dipping sauces, St. Louis Bar and Grill is not just another restaurant and bar franchise concept; it’s a highly recognized brand name within the casual dining sector.Our approach to developing and marketing our food product has been, and continues to be, based on the principle of “differentiation”. Whether it’s the pre-spicing of our fresh wing product, our secret dipping sauce or the number of original wing and rib sauces featured on our menu, the proprietary nature of our menu offerings is what draws customers in time and time again. This has allowed us to maintain our competitive advantage in an over-saturated casual-dining restaurant franchise market.
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According to owner:
Famous for its mouth-watering wings, specialty ribs and signature dipping sauces, St. Louis Bar and Grill is not just another restaurant and bar franchise concept; it’s a highly recognized brand name within the casual dining sector.Our approach to developing and marketing our food product has been, and continues to be, based on the principle of “differentiation”. Whether it’s the pre-spicing of our fresh wing product, our secret dipping sauce or the number of original wing and rib sauces featured on our menu, the proprietary nature of our menu offerings is what draws customers in time and time again. This has allowed us to maintain our competitive advantage in an over-saturated casual-dining restaurant franchise market.
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According to owner:
Famous for its mouth-watering wings, specialty ribs and signature dipping sauces, St. Louis Bar and Grill is not just another restaurant and bar franchise concept; it’s a highly recognized brand name within the casual dining sector.Our approach to developing and marketing our food product has been, and continues to be, based on the principle of “differentiation”. Whether it’s the pre-spicing of our fresh wing product, our secret dipping sauce or the number of original wing and rib sauces featured on our menu, the proprietary nature of our menu offerings is what draws customers in time and time again. This has allowed us to maintain our competitive advantage in an over-saturated casual-dining restaurant franchise market.