Toronto's Best
In honour of my last night in Toronto, I've decided to make this post about the things that make this city great.
Let's start with: The best (public access) view of the city.
Toronto Island. Nothing beats the view from the city when you're not actually in it.
Close runner up would have to be the top of the Spadina steps right beside Casa Loma. Want a nice first-date night finisher? That's the place. Then, if you're feeling adventurous, climb over the wall to the Casa Loma garden and take a walk in the woods. You won't regret it. Unless you get caught, I guess.
The best place to play pool.
I'm extremely biased when I say: Monarch Tavern. Such a great little hang out spot tucked away in Little Italy. I've had so many good times there I couldn't count. Great staff. Good food. You can't go wrong.
The best dancing.
Easily Sneaky Dee's "What's Poppin 90's Hip Hop" Night every Wednesday. Always a solid turn out. The twerk competition is lit. And you win money if you compete and win.
The best cool hang out spot.
Again, Sneaky Dee's. If you like writing on the walls, the tables, the benches. Tattooed and Pierced servers. And rock music on the speakers. Sneaks is your place. Especially if you want all day breakfast or nachos... YUM.
The best cozy hang out spot. (Ideal for Winter)
Kalendar. Also in Little Italy. So worth it. Especially if you can get the booth in the back room. What I always order: baked camembert and their hot apple cider with cinnamon whiskey. Mmmmm.
The best gym.
CardioGo King West Club. This place basically has everything. A lovely staff, full gym, spin class, kick boxing, even arial yoga. Massage, chiropractor, physiotherapy, acupuncture/TCM, nutritionist, and a horde of personal trainers. Not to mention individual shower rooms AND dry sauna.
The best summer spot.
The Island, again. Take a water taxi if you can. Ride a bike if you can. You'll love it. It's a great stay-cation. And if you're feeling risqué, check out the nude beach at "Hanlan's Point". You might be a bit traumatized, but I doubt you'll be disappointed.
The best dog park.
Trinity Bellwoods "Dog Bowl". If you walk along the path you'll find a spot that overlooks the whole "Bowl", it's such a nice place to sit and watch lil doggos run around.
The best bike shop.
That's gonna have to be Ride Away Bikes for me. Great crew. Super nice guys. Fair prices.
The best brunch spot.
Saving Grace. On Dundas. Always SO good.
The best karaoke.
ALSO Monarch Tavern. Thursday night Steve-o serenades you at the start, then throughout the night. It's a blast.
The best massage therapist.
ME! Ahahah. Kidding. But seriously, for guaranteed great massage therapy go to Flex Massage on Yonge. If you can't afford full price, check out the student clinic at Sutherland-Chan located between Spadina and Bathurst on Dupont.
The best Toronto band.
I'm going to say Alexisonfire. You don't have to agree.
The best delivery company.
SendIt. No ifs, ands or buts. Great crew. Great service.
The best activities.
Aside from the ones I've already listed, probably gonna say knife throwing. TKTO is the place to go!
The best bagel spot.
Nu Bagel in Kensington Market. Love it.
The best Bartender.
Jay at, you guessed it, Sneaky Dee's. I love this man.
The best hot chocolate.
Zavida on Yonge makes this Turmeric HC that is THE BEST HC I've ever had, EVER. They also make the best Brie grilled cheese. And have an awesome staff!
The best burgers.
Burgatory OR Burger's priest. You can't go wrong.
The best tattoo artist.
I will have to go with Kat Gomboc. Super talented. Super fast. Super easy going. Makes great conversation. And they can't smell you, like at all.
The best way to get around the city.
On a bike. Plain and simple.
The best place to be a tourist.
Kensington Market. All the way. Especially on a Sunday in the summer.
The best place to have a good time with friends.
Snakes and Lattes. Any location. Such a great concept, really great time. If you don't have fun, there's something wrong with you.
The best Latin Dance instructor.
Stilian Kostov. Such a wonderful person, funny, patient, easy going. He's the one to teach you for sure!
The best place to have a bon fire.
The Leslie Spit. Also known as Tommy Thompson park. You may want to ride a bike. But there's some really great spots along the shoreline where you see nothing but flat horizon, and brick/stone/rebar beaches. It's really beautiful and kind of post apocalyptic.
