The Dundas West Guide: our 21 favourite places between Ossington and Lansdowne
The strip of Dundas West between Ossington and Lansdowne has not been immune to the wild gentrification going on directly south of it. New restaurants, stores and bars have been cropping up for the past couple of years (Red Canoe, a swank Canadiana shop, opened two weeks ago), but there is a hesitation in the ’hood to turn Little Portugal and Brockton Village into the next Ossington. Incoming business owners make a point of blending in with the long-standing family-owned bakeries, soccer bars and pho stops. Even in new establishments, the decor has a thrift shop feel, and the prices cater to locals rather than destination diners. From east to west, here are our 21 favourite Dundas West spots for cheap eats, good music and authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Communist’s Daughter
This cramped dive bar marks the end of the Ossington strip and is easily missed due to the misleading Nazaré Snack Bar sign still hanging outside. Relics are appreciated inside, as well—the decor is a bizarre mishmash of flea market finds. Nevertheless, on weekends the place overflows with a mix of working class and young music lovers drawn in by the live bluegrass swing jazz band that plays by the front window.
If you go: Come on a Saturday afternoon and find a good standing spot. Order a beer, some pickled eggs and watch as people become so enamoured of the music that they completely miss their streetcar.
Communist’s Daughter, 1149 Dundas St. W. (at Ossington), 647-435-0103.
Nova Era Bakery
The ongoing debate over who has the best custard tarts on the strip comes down to Caldense and Nova Era (we think Nova Era wins by a tiny margin). This location of the 11-year-old bakery chain is a hub for gossiping Portuguese grandmothers, as well as young writers going at it on their laptops—a juxtaposition that speaks to the neighbourhood’s character.
If you go: In addition to the tart ($1.10), check out the bolo de arroz, a rice muffin that tastes like a lemony pound cake ($1.10).
Nova Era Bakery, 1172 Dundas St. W. (at Ossington), 416-538-7700, novaera.ca.
Red Light
Owner Pol Cristo-Williams has bookended the Ossington strip with rock-tinged holes in the wall: first Sweaty Betty’s, and last year, Red Light. The new bar maintains his philosophy of serving only beer and no-fuss, uncomplicated mixed drinks. There’s a big spirits selection and a healthy collection of single malts, as well, though it’s pretty much a pint ($6) and bottle crowd.
If you go: Turn up before 11 p.m., when tall cans of PBR are $5.
Red Light, 1185 Dundas St. W. (at Ossington), 416-533-6667.
Camp 4
The bar, named after a camping site in Yosemite, is finding its identity since opening in May 2010—is it a rowdy soccer bar, a music venue, a hipster outpost or all of the above? Who cares? It’s a much-appreciated Ossington alternative that keeps its beer local (Beau’s and No. 9 IPA) and serves a mean old-fashioned. The decor follows the urban-naturalist aesthetic to a T—painted-out brick, reclaimed woods, industrial signs—but it’s still an unpretentious and honest place to have a pint.
If you go: Try Camp 4’s take on old-fashioned tequila and bourbon ($13).
Camp 4, 1173 Dundas St. W. (at Ossington), 416-546-6780, camp4.ca.
The Garrison
When Sneaky Dee’s booker, Shaun Bowring, headed west to open The Garrison in October 2009, so did many of Sneak’s music lovers (especially after the Wavelength showcase moved to this venue). Trampoline Hall, a beloved lecture series, also ditched College for Dundas, pushing the local arts scene farther west.
If you go: Check the Garrison Web site for a list of shows (tickets are around $10) and album launches. The intriguing Trampoline Hall, in which three people give lectures on wildly different subjects, is definitely worth a trip.
The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W. (at Lakeview Ave.), garrisontoronto.com.
Monkey’s Paw
This second-hand bookshop focuses on unusual subjects, like sexual delinquency, taxidermy and billiards. Shopkeeper Stephen Fowler named the store after a W.W. Jacobs short story about a cursed monkey paw that grants three wishes—not The Simpsons Halloween special.
If you go: This is a great place to browse, but check out the new arrivals on the store’s Web site to get an idea of the collection of curiosities. We were particularly drawn to a 1938 book that dealt with female medical problems ($25) and a 1966 paperback collection of Marquis de Sade’s work ($14).
Monkey’s Paw, 1229 Dundas St. W. (at Ossington), 416-531-2123, monkeyspaw.com.
Casa da Ramboia
Its stuck-in-the-’80s appearance means Casa da Ramboia is easily missed by the uninformed. Well, it’s their loss: owner-chef Isabel Carvalho creates Portuguese meals that are filling, flavourful and authentic. The unrestrained hospitality of the proprietor translates into huge portions, carried to the tables by joyous, helpful servers.
If you go: Until August 25, 2010, the staff is on a very European month-long vacation. The sea-inspired food is worth the wait, like grilled sardines ($10) and the cataplana ($35)—a big pot of mussels, clams, shrimp, bacon and sausage in a spiced broth.
Casa da Ramboia, 1282 Dundas St. W. (at Dovercourt Rd.), 416-534-0407. Closed Sunday.
Red Canoe
Red Canoe has been making its name with Canada-themed clothes and accessories for eight years but opened its first store only in July 2010. It’s a testament to the continuing popularity of Canuck style: CBC and RCAF logos appear on shirts, sweats and bags; scarves are patterned with provincial tartans; and moccasins are hand-made by native Canadians in Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan.
If you go: The CBC gem tee is a favourite ($32.50). The rugged RCAF kit duffle ($150) will stand out on a luggage belt crowded with Samsonite and Louis Vuitton overnight bags.
Red Canoe, 1356 Dundas St. W. (at Rushmore Dr.), 416-205-1271, redcanoebrands.com.
Grain, Curd and Bean
Owner Mike Wdowiak keeps GCB living up to its name by offering Epi breads, cheeses from around the world (but mostly Quebec and Ontario) and damn good Americanos. The shop, open since November 2008, is a popular place for the stroller set to stock up on such basics as milk and bread while the kids are distracted by buttery croissants and cookies.
If you go: The hummus ($4.55) made by Wdowiak’s wife, Yvonne, is worth a pit stop, as is the selection of local cheese, like the semi-soft fleur en lait from Lancaster (100 grams $8).
Grain, Curd and Bean, 1414 Dundas St. W. (at Gladstone Ave.), 416-533-1418, Facebook page.
Gayley’s Café
This family-run all-day breakfast spot forgoes the bells and whistles and focuses on such breakfast staples as bacon, eggs, sandwiches and Bennies. Service is always quick and attentive—especially from the matriarch, whose motherly tone drives home the fact that this is a mom and pop shop.
If you go: The big breakfast ($13) will cure any hangover with two eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausages, home fries, toast and a fruit salad. Folks preparing their hangovers for the next day will be happy to know that bottles are available ($4.50–$5.50).
Gayley’s, 1424 Dundas St. W. (at Dufferin), 416-538-3443.
Salsicharia Pavao
The neon signs flashing in the windows—“chicken!” “beef!” “goat!”—are beacons to the area’s discerning carnivores: they’ve come to rely on this family-operated butcher’s huge selection of cold cuts, Portuguese sausages and fresh meat, like rabbit, lamb and veal. Though Pavao has been calling Dundas West home since in 1990, the first shop opened in the Azores more than 40 years ago. Outlets still exist in Terceira, Faial and São Miguel.
If you go: Don’t be afraid to specify a particular way to cut the meat, like bacon ($4.99 a pound) sliced as thick as you’d like.
Salsicharia Pavao, 1435 Dundas St. W. (at Gladstone Ave.), 416-533-7667, salsichariapavao.com.
Zoots Café
This coffee bar represents all that’s great about Toronto’s indie café trend: spacious seating, welcoming staff, idiosyncratic decor and a menu that rivals its coffee drinks. Melanie Janisse opened the place in January 2009 and named it after her old workplace in Detroit: Zoots. Considering the following it already has, it seems like this café has been here forever.
If you go: Grab a mate, a table, order a latte ($3), bite into one of the daily sandwiches ($10) and try not to knock anything over while playing Yahtzee.
Zoots Café, 1438 Dundas St. W. (at Gladstone Ave.), 416-536-2233.
The Henhouse
The Henhouse doesn’t advertise itself as a gay venue, but the laid-back bar is as popular among west-end queers as it is with neighbours looking for a local. The reputation probably stems from Katie Sketch and Jenny Smyth’s former membership in the all-girl Vancouver band The Organ, which once appeared in an episode of The L Word. The group broke up in 2008, and the two now churn out drinks, grilled cheese sandwiches and weekend breakfast fare.
If you go: Cameron’s Lager is the only thing on tap. At $5.50 a pint, though, the beer, the friendly crowd and killer jukebox keep the crowds coming back.
The Henhouse, 1532 Dundas St. W. (at Sheridan Ave.), 416-534-5939.
Brazil Bakery and Pastry
The tarts are hit-and-miss, but sweets are not why Portuguese ladies flood this yeast-scented place every morning. They and many others come for the mind-boggling selection of freshly baked breads, most of which are proudly displayed in the front window.
If you go: While picking up a loaf for dinner, pick up a milk tart ($1.10), which is heaps better than the custard variety. Bonus points if it’s ordered in Portuguese.
Brazil Bakery and Pastry, 1554 Dundas St. W. (at Sheridan Ave.), 416-531-2888, brazilbakery.ca.
OMG Baked Goodness
OMG’s muffins and croissants may be available in cafés across the city, but we believe it’s always best to go straight to the source. Last October, after running a wholesale business for two years, Lesley Mattina set up shop on Dundas West and brought along her modern take on baked goods, including vegan cupcakes (that taste anything but), oversized cookies, and seasonal muffins bursting with berries.
If you go: Cool off with a Mosicle, a frozen mocktail on a stick in such rotating flavours as watermelon and jalapeño with ginger, and cantaloupe with pineapple and lavender ($2.50).
OMG Baked Goodness, 1561 Dundas St. W. (at Sheridan Ave.), 647-348-5664, omgbakedgoodness.com.
Lula Lounge
This colourful, beloved music venue focuses on world music—mostly Latin, Cuban, African and jazz—but considering it has weekend dance lessons, art exhibitions and an affordable brunch menu (try the poached eggs on polenta cakes with spinach and smoked salmon, $10), it’s more of a community centre than anything.
If you go: Check the Web site for upcoming events, which range from free to $15. Dinner-and-a-show packages are $49.
Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W. (at Brock Ave.), 416-588-0307, lulalounge.ca.
The Atlantic
Chef Nathan Isberg made amends with his old bosses at Coca, and together they opened The Atlantic in April 2010. The ever-changing menu focuses on the “lower part of the food chain”: steaks and charcuterie are out, seafood and veggies are in. Although his spin is fresh (like frogs’ legs marinated in Korean chilies), the dark blue walls and nautical kitsch fit in with the decades-old mom and pop shops that line Dundas West. Isberg even kept the old Atlantic sign.
If you go: Bring a couple of friends to share the small plates. We like the striped bass ceviche with pickled cucumber ($8) and the steamed mussels with garlic, vinho verde and basil ($7).
The Atlantic, 1597 Dundas St. W. (at Brock Ave.), 416-219-3819.
She Takes the Cake
Former TV producer Adrienne Weinberg set up shop in spring 2008, bringing a modern, elegant contrast to the traditional Portuguese bakeries that dot the neighbourhood. Selections range from simple, three-tiered wedding cakes to a vibrant cupcake tree blooming with sugar flowers. The roster includes more novel requests, such as cakes shaped like cheeseburgers, PS3s and Edward Cullen’s brooding visage.
If you go: Be warned that the retail shop is closed until September, but the wholesale part of the company is still catering.
She Takes the Cake, 1600 Dundas St. W. (at Dufferin), 416-538-2253, shetakesthecake.ca.
Pho Phuong
The food and atmosphere at this Vietnamese restaurant are a step up from downtown’s other pho joints, which seem to be either delicious but dingy or sleek but bland. Aside from the obligatory banh hoi, spring rolls and giant bowls of pho, less common dishes include blood pudding congee.
If you go: An extra-large bowl of house special pho ($8.25) is always comforting on a rainy day. Pair it with spring rolls ($4 for two), which have a thinner and crispier wrapper than at most places.
Pho Phuong, 1603 Dundas St. W. (at Brock Ave.), 416-536-3030.
JC Pimentel Photography
Dundas West, home to many art galleries, may seem like a strange location for a spot devoted to celebrity snapshots, but photographer George Pimentel strives to treat his subjects with the inventive glamour of the golden age of Hollywood. There are no paparazzi post-rehab shots here: Brangelina, Clooney, Ford and other A-listers are all immortalized with wit and style.
If you go: Remember that the place is a working studio, so take a quick, admiring browse before moving on.
JC Pimentel Photography, 1661 Dundas St. W. (at Lansdowne), 416-537-9918. jcpimentel.com.
Naco Gallery Café
Naco, a once-derogatory term for Mexicans that has been reclaimed by the country’s youth, was one of many new establishments that reinvigorated the neighbourhood in 2009. It’s winning fans with a lineup heavy on book readings, new media exhibits, Toronto art shows and dance parties. Plus, there’s a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes all under $9.
If you go: The dance parties are great, but it’s also a relaxing lunch spot. Order the mole Naconda ($7)—corn tortillas with black beans, chicken and mole sauce finished with sour cream and avocado—and then a mug of spicy hot chocolate ($3.25).
Naco Gallery Café, 1665 Dundas St. W. (at Brock Ave.), 647-347-6499, nacogallery.com.
MORE TORONTO NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDES
Our favourite 21 places along the east end’s main drag
Our 25 favourite eating and shopping destinations along Parkdale’s Polish drag
24 spots worth getting lost for
25 spots that are giving the street a good name
Our 26 favourite spots along the charming strip
26 essential destinations for shopping, eating and drinking
22 hot spots along the west end’s hippest avenue
Are you kidding? You want me to click 23 times to view this feature? How about putting the user experience ahead of your pageview count? F*&!
Portuguese grandmothers are not called Nonnas. The correct term is Vavo. Why would you substitute the Portuguese word for Grandmother for the Italian word for grandmother? Why not just “Grandmother”?
I agree with ChrisToronto. Your user experience is garbage!
No Eno Teca Sociale??? The best thing that popped up recently in this hood!
Great selections!!! NACO should have been #1. ;)
Speak for yourselves. This works amazingly on iPad!!
Yeah, 23 page slideshow is ridiculous. iPad or no.
I agree. I ain’t clicking 23 x
I have to scroll down every time a new page loads…fix that shit
These pages take way to long to load. I’m out at #3.
I have to agree regarding the unwieldiness of this. I got to #4 and then gave up.
Well, I made it to #10. Ten tedious, slow-loading pages.
To whomever did the research and wrote the content — nice work.
But don’t you find it soul-sucking to work for a corporation that is so greedy that your work only gets one-third read? I mean, I know these site are all about selling advertising, but this one is downright piggy.
I LOVE Novera – they have the best custard tarts! Thanks for this guide, Dundas West is my favourite part of the city.
Good to see Camp 4 (best bar on the stip) and The Atlantic (Nathan has been great since Coca) get the mentions.
Ps – Are you seriously complaing about clicking a button 23 times? If it’s the worst thing to happen to you today feel lucky about your life. haha.
Enoteca Sociale is a major anchor on this small strip. I agree with John, best thing that popped up on this strip and easily a contender for best new restaurant in Toronto this year.
Great feature on this great neighbourhood – but you guys missed two excellent shops on this strip – Independent Designers Outlet, offering independent Canadian designer overstock for a steal, opened up a year ago & Beadle is a great place to shop for accessories-jewellery, bags and all that good stuff!
This is my hood!
I friggen LOVE Gayley’s! My boyfriend and I go there whenever I have a morning off, and I’ve been there with my mom a few times. It’s not just for hangovers but those mornings are also included lol
OMG Baked Goodness has the most amazing carrot cake with the most amazing cream cheese icing! Also, nutella croissants, maple syrup tarts, and homemade popsicles!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM…..
Ummm, you’re calling the Saturday afternoon jazz at the Communist’s Daughter bluegrass??? No mandolins and fiddles in Red Rhythm miss. In your first piece, you blow your authority – you guys still have fact checkers?
Red Canoe is mentioned yet Beadle has been on this strip for years selling Canadian Handmade products like jewellery, handbags, pottery and t-shirts. http://www.beadlestore.com
How about using some tasteful language instead of garbage.
Seems like the junk food one eats just comes back out, in the form of garbage.
And then there’s the junk TV to add to this diet.
And lo, and behold, the junkies go out into the world, and think the way they speak and the way they act is normal. How degrading is that!
Comments on peoples’ efforts to present a lot of helpful information that reads like it came out of a landfill is really pointless and serves only to spread the smell of it over the entire landscape.
Live up guys. Not down. Don’t be a flathead. Show some quality intelligence in your comments. You have alternatives to what you read or see? Suggest it, then. Don’t be an embarrassment on your city and your country.
How many of these cool dining and eatery establishments cater to healthy eating? Aye? I mean, really heathy eating!
I totally agree that 23 separate downloads is a ridiculous format for this article – just put it on one page, please!
I am proud of my hood being in such a great feature. I would also like to thank those who mentioned my little shop Beadle. I have had my shop open here for 4 years now and have had the pleasure to watch all these places open up around me. I also live here and I am thrilled to call Dundas West my home. Beadle didn’t make it in this feature but it’s so great to see all my favourite places that did. This is so good for our little area that is struggling to thrive. Thank you Toronto Life and to all my loyal customers and neighbours. http://www.beadlestore.com
You forgot PORTS!!!!!!!!!!!! PORTSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! the best karaoke spot evah
I usually never comment but agree with everyone who found 23 click and waits not very friendly…I was really intereasted in this feature but only had the time/patience to go to 9…so sad…
Add my name to the list of people complaining about your 23 page set up. I suspect you want to sell more ads on all these pages, but you won’t sell as many when you’re pissing everyone off. Get real.
I love these Guides! Kudos to those involved who do the research, visit the area, take the photos and put together a nice little piece to help promote certain areas. The one for Mt. Pleasant was excellent. But I am in agreement with so many others on this post and others – the whole slideshow concept – iPad or no iPad – is a pain and offers a terrible user experience. Slow loading, constant need to scroll up and down – there has to be a much, much . . . much better way for Toronto Life to provide such wonderful pieces of information without exhausting the patience of the user.
Ridiculous. Put all of this on ONE PAGE PLEASE. There’s no way I’m clicking through all this.
Agreed about the clicking. I’ve commented about this in many articles before.
I’d be happy if they would show at least a handful on each page, if the individual page ads are really what Toronto Life is all about.
ok already with the complains about the clicking, functionality etc… Let’s see more feedback about the strip!! -positive ones!
How could you miss
p|m Gallery
you smellers!
:)
This post has a lot to offer. Unfortunately viewing the information in this user unfriendly manner was not an enjoyable experience.
I’d love to get some user feedback on my magazine if that’s possible. http://thinkmag.net We’re more than happy to listen to the user so do leave comments either on the blog or on facebook, whichever your prefer.
What about Lansdowne and Bloor – Bloordale!?! Can we have the best of Bloordale soon?
Great work!
You folks are all way too impatient!
no black dice cafe? sad.
http://www.blackdicecafe.com/
It is a good list and I agree that this is yet another one of Toronto Life’s many poor design flaws. On the other hand Pacha Lounge, a hidden pearl under Sleep Country Canada, has been missed. Check it out http://www.pachalounge.net
There is live beyong… what about the junction? Drop in play, classes, coffe shops, etc…
What about Black Dice Cafe?
http://www.blackdicecafe.com/
and Unlovable?
Really difficult to click your mouse, isn’t it? Get over it.
Clicking 23 times is not a problem, but 23 full page loads is ridiculous (play Toronto Life is a slow website). There are dozens of free JavaScript based slideshows available that don’t require page reloads anyone with basic HTML knowledge can use. If you’re not going to use one don’t make slideshows.
Review is great and much warranted in the new hot area of Toronto. Also agree that your interface at 23 clicks is s**t.
Love these places.
Thanks for the excellent photography.
I dont mind clicking 23 times.
I agree with all the complaints about navigation. Couldn’t go further than the 5th suggestion because it was so annoying. I hate it when magazines try to make you read an article over several pages.
King Catering is throwing our inaugural Caribbean Holiday Pop-Up Taster on Sat Dec 27 at The Ballet (227 Ossington Ave). Join us for 5 courses of Caribbean cuisine, music by DJ Jay Dunaway, and after-party complete with burlesque dance. Tickets: http://www.kingcatering.ca
Man great variety for me to check out! Since i’m one of those that will probably need a good meal after a hard night or a espresso before work this gave me quite a few ideas. And holy smokes did i laugh at the complaints about the format with clicking 23 times hahahahaaahha!!! Its not 23 flights of stairs guys.
I agree with everyone who says that this was a badly put together slide show…the biggest problem is that the 22nd entry (I can’t believe I made it through) is actually not open anymore and has not been for around three years. Way to stay current Toronto Life. That space is now Wallflower, a really great bar and restaurant run by Jane Ferriss. You should try it sometime.