The Roncesvalles Guide: Our 25 favourite eating and shopping destinations along Parkdale’s Polish drag
Referred to as Little Poland by long-time residents and Roncey by the younger crowd, the Roncesvalles strip is one of the few neighbourhoods in the city that has earned its “hip” label without been invaded by raucous nightlifers. Progress keeps marching forward here, despite an ongoing road rehabilitation project that has claimed a few business causalities. We recommend spending a spring Saturday visiting these 25 spots.
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Vincent Sushi
Due to limited space (there’s room for exactly three tables), this little-known sushi joint is more takeout than sit-down. Still, it’s a well-kept Roncey secret that there is family-run hole in the wall that serves 18 pieces of good-quality maki for $9. On a sunny day, hungry shoppers walk their orders to a bench in Grafton Park for a relaxing break.
Open since: November 2007.
It item: Despite having a signature Vincent Roll (tuna, cucumber, tempura flakes, avocado, roe, $8), we prefer to stay away from spicy-mayo abominations and stick to the 15-piece sashimi lunch ($13), for which the chef—the only person who knows what’s fresh—picks the fish.
Vincent Sushi, 67 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-516-1956, vincentsushi.com. M–W 11:30–9, Th–Sa 11:30–9:30, Su 3–9.
Film Buff
Film Buff is a director’s movie rental store, with wire shelves devoted to stuff not found at Blockbuster: film noir, queer cinema, BBC box sets and Cantonese flicks not starring Stephen Chow. The store is equally well known for serving ice cream and publishing an annual retrospective with dozens of witty (but not snobby) staff reviews.
Open since: May 1999.
It items: Take advantage of hard-to-find titles ($3.98 for a five-night rental), like the disturbingly good Japanese thriller Ichi the Killer, or Wai-keung Lau’s Infernal Affairs series, which Scorsese ripped off, er, remade.
Film Buff, 73 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-7078, thefilmbuff.com. M–Su noon–10.
Cherry Bomb Coffee
It wouldn’t be a proper Roncey guide without mentioning one of Toronto’s favourite cafés—one that’s as famous for its baked goods as for its coffee. Unfortunately, some third-wave coffee shop enthusiasts harp on the fact that there isn’t free Wi-Fi or ample seating, but for the most part, people love the shop’s grab-and-go concept and continue to vote it as one of the best places for coffee and cookies in the city.
Open since: March 2005.
It items: Pair a cappuccino ($2.50) with a scone ($2) or, if they’re not yet sold out, one of the famed chocolate oatmeal cookies ($1.50).
Cherry Bomb Coffee, 79 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-516-8212, cherrybombcoffee.ca. M–F 7–6, Sa 8–6, Su 9–6.
Super Kolbasa
Though most think of Benna’s Bakery when it comes to Polish delis, it’s not as fun to browse through on the weekends, when hordes of families buy their groceries. Super Kolbasa is just down the road, and like a true old-fashioned deli, they sell only Polish food.
It items: We love snacking on a big piece of pork schnitzel for the shockingly low price of $2.70. Tip: it tastes just as good cold as it does heated up.
Super Kolbasa, 83 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-588-3759. M–Sa 9–8, Su 9–5.
Planet Kid
After spending three years on Queen West, owner Sarajane Fillmore moved her high-end boutique to these digs, where parents adorn their kids with hard-to-find Canadian brands like Baby Ben, Kid Brother, Shoe Babou, Mini Mioche, Red Thread Design and Fillmore’s own line, Hankware.
Open since: June 2009.
It items: The ever-popular Hankware Firekid coat ($99) is exactly what it sounds like: a black firefighter’s coat with a bright yellow lining. Also adorable is the melton wool Red Riding Hood cape by Patouche ($80), which can double as a Halloween costume.
Planet Kid, 87 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-537-9233, planetkid.ca. Tu 10–5, W–Sa 10–6, Su noon–5.
Tinto Coffee House
Owners Ricardo Rozental and Elvia Saenz bring a bit of Colombian flair to this strip, although their café is better known for their vegan-friendly menu and free Wi-Fi. Abundant seating and the aroma of spices in the air make this a great place to spend an afternoon. They even sell magazines—all CanCon—for perusal in the cozy upstairs nook.
Open since: August 2005.
It items: The Inga Pirca salad ($10.75) gives a good dose of protein—quinoa, bulgur and lentils—mixed with tomatoes, greens, cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and olives tossed with a paprika and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. They also pull a decent shot of fair-trade espresso for $1.75.
Tinto Coffee House, 89 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-530-5885, tinto.ca. M–F 9–9, Sa–Su 11–6.
Thin Blue Line Cheese
Continuing with the neighbourhood’s hunger for local food, this cheese boutique specializes in Canadian cheeses that owner Marc Rozender organizes by milk type (cow, sheep, goat). Since the space is small, the selection—which also features some French and English cheeses—is carefully edited.
Open since: October 2006.
It items: Chèvre Noir, a Quebec goat’s milk cheddar, is a favourite of the owners and the customers ($6 per 100 grams). First timers must try the Blue Benedictin, also from Quebec ($48 per 100 grams), to truly understand the shop’s name.
Thin Blue Line Cheese, 93B Roncesvalles Ave., 416-840-6966, thinbluelinecheese.ca. M–F 11–7, Sa–Su 11–6.
Frock
A modern-day flapper is probably the best way to describe the customer who sorts through Frock’s feathered headbands, whimsical pendant necklaces and accessories from Montreal designers Bodybag, Valérie Dumaine and Eve Gravel. Downstairs is the fabulous little salon, Frock Head, run by Dawn Larson.
Open since: May 2003.
It item: A grey knee-length dress from Eve Gravel ($159) with cap sleeves and a ruffled front mixes secretary chic and Victorian romance.
Frock, 97 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-516-1333, frock.ca. Tu–F 11–7, Sa 11–6, Su noon–5.
Hawk Eyes
Every month, Rachelle Turner spends over an hour creating a new window display using vintage textiles and refurbished furniture so passersby see a calming cottage scene rather than a hodgepodge of dusty relics haphazardly thrown together. The attention to detail is present throughout the shop: her signature style (pastels and whites with the occasional punch of colour) shows homeowners that vintage doesn’t have to mean dated.
Open since: December 2007.
It items: The electric blue dresser with mirror ($475 each) featured in the display window would add an adorable touch to a child’s bedroom, and vintage vase-like lamps ($95–$125) add a dash of whimsy.
Hawk Eyes, 103 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-916-6212, shophawkeyes.blogspot.com. Tu by chance or apppointment, W noon–6, Th–F noon–7, Sa 11–6, Su noon–5.
Rowe Farms at Roncesvalles
Sure, there’s a Sobeys down the street, but foodies know to come here for good stuff—the quality of the free-run chicken and pasture-raised beef is evident just by looking at them. But this isn’t an old-school butcher shop: Kings of Leon plays on the overhead speakers, and customers cooking for one can ask the butchers to open any packaged meats in order to buy a single serving.
Open since: December 2008.
It items: Jamie Kennedy’s chicken, beef and turkey stocks made from the bones of Rowe Farms animals ($8 for a one-litre jar, plus $1 deposit). And, just in time for barbecue season, nitrate-free hot dogs ($5 per pound).
Rowe Farms at Roncesvalles, 105 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-588-4383, rowefarms.ca. M 11–7, Tu–F 10–7, Sa 10–6, Su 11–6.
Mrs. Huizenga
Catherine Huizenga’s consignment shop is strewn with second-hand clothing, furniture and knickknacks—making it eerily like our grandma’s attic. It’s easy to spend an hour here browsing through the old children’s books, postcards from the early ’70s and jewellery.
Open since: August 2005.
It items: A framed print of a blank family tree from the ’70s caught our eye, ($90) as did a $50 Mad Men–era Remington typewriter.
Mrs. Huizenga, 121 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-533-2112, mrshuizenga.com. Tu–W 10–7, Th–F 10–8, Sa 10–5, Su noon–5.
Imelda
“Cute and comfortable” is the mantra behind this newish shoe store where sandals, clogs and chunky heels are laid out on shelves made from distressed wood (flashy stilettos on Lucite fixtures don’t fly in this neighbourhood). But the emphasis on comfort doesn’t mean earth tones and frumpy footwear. In fact, shoppers love Imelda for its stylish offerings (from El Naturalista, Miz Mooz and Colcci) and its quiet setting (a rarity in shoe stores nowadays).
Open since: March 2009.
It items: A fun pair of slate blue Camper sandals with a rainbow toe strap ($176). A pair of brown Oliberté sneakers ($115) stand out among the small selection of men’s offerings.
Imelda, 123 Roncesvalles Ave., 647-344-1006. Tu–F 11–7, Sa 11–6, Su noon–5.
Ko Fruit Market
Two generations have worked at this family-run, pro-organic produce market that opened long before organic was dubbed chic by canvas bag–toting urbanites. Stop here for a non-caffeinated pick-me-up, like a bottle of Harmony Organic milk or some blueberry juice.
Open since: 1984.
It items: It’s hard for a grocery store to have an it item, but be sure to check in during fiddlehead, fig and strawberry seasons—Ko has the best of each on the strip.
Ko Fruit Market, 143 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-588-9587. M–Sa 8:30–9, Su 8:30–8.
Buddha Dog Toronto
Before gourmet burgers and high-class poutines took over the city, there was Buddha Dog, with its four-inch wieners of Wellington beef topped with local cheeses and unusual sauces. People seem to love or hate these haute dogs from Prince Edward County, but with the tapas style of serving giving different jolts of flavour with each dog, we come down on the love side.
Open since: August 2007.
It items: Considering the small size of the dogs, people usually order two ($2 each) and add a squiggle of sauce and a slice of cheese (25 cents for each topping). We recommend pairing the hot mozzarella with the pepper jelly, or the cheddar with the Indian butter.
Buddha Dog Toronto, 163 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-2007, buddhafoodha.com. M–Sa 11–7, Su 11–4.
Chopin Restaurant
Charm and tradition are paramount at this Polish restaurant best known for its no-fuss approach to food and the live music played on the upright piano every Saturday night. Sometimes, it’s classical Chopin; other times, it’s “Let’s Get Physical.” Either way, the piano gets people coming back.
Open since: 2000.
It items: The borscht with dumplings ($5.25) is popular on chilly nights, and the Polish plate for two is an ideal intro to the country’s cuisine: schnitzel, cabbage rolls, potato pancakes and pierogies ($36).
Chopin Restaurant, 165 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-536-6228, chopinrestaurant.com. M–Su 11 a.m.–2 a.m.
Granowska’s
Named after owner Elizabeth Klodas’s mother, Maria Granowska, who had her own bakery in Lodz, this Polish bread and lunch spot is considered the anchor of Roncesvalles. In addition to its longevity and reputation as the go-to place for pierogies and traditional baked goods, one of Granowska’s claims to fame is that it baked the ceremonial bread for Pope John Paul II when he made his first visit to Canada in 1984.
Open since: 1972.
It items: Aside from the pierogies ($9 for six), Polish doughnuts (called paczki) are a big draw (around $1). They’re fluffier and less sweet than the kind Canadians are used to and are filled with gooey jellies like rosehip, poppy seed and chocolate.
Granowska’s, 175 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-533-7755, granowskas.com. Tu–Sa 8–8, Su 8–5.
Lit Espresso Bar
The success of this relatively new addition to the neighbourhood is already evident as owner Joe Angellotti just opened a second location on College. In November, the café caused quite a stir among the local coffee crowd when it switched from Intelligentsia to Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters (called the “new Starbucks” by Time), but regardless of coffee politics, people continue to fill the place because of the staff (every customer has a favourite barista), the panini and, of course, the joe.
Open since: September 2008.
It items: A panino ($5–$8) and an Americano ($3 double) make for a quick and cheap lunch.
Lit Espresso Bar, 221 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-538-9700, litespressobar.com. M–F 7–6, Sa–Su 8–6.
Rainbow Songs
Instead of renting Baby Einstein DVDs, new parents enroll their kids in Rainbow Songs’ music classes that teach kids up to age five about song structures and language. Held every morning, courses are divided by age group and run up to 14 weeks ($155–$220 per session).
Open since: September 2009.
It item: Summer classes are ideal for keeping the kids busy while school’s out.
Rainbow Songs at Roncesvalles, 277 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-535-5247, rainbowsongs.com.
Mabel’s Bakery and Specialty Foods
An alternative to all the Polish bakeries on the strip, Mabel’s carries a large stock of breads from Thuet and St. John’s Bakery in addition to homemade pies made from organic wheat and fruit. It’s a one-stop-shop for a last-minute host gift or a take-home meal.
Open since: November 2008.
It items: The orange blondie ($2.75) is a delicious twist on the typical square: an orange-flavoured cake topped with citrus cream cheese icing. Caution: the icing is thicker than the cake.
Mabel’s Bakery and Specialty Foods, 323 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-2333, mabelsbakery.ca. Hours: regular, M–F 8:30–7:30, Sa 8–6, Su 9–6; summer (starting Victoria Day weekend), M–W 8:30–7:30, Th–F 8:30–8, Sa 8–8, Su 9–8.
Brad’s Takeout and Eatery
From the outside, the dim lighting and minimal decor makes the place look like it’s out of business, but locals know it’s one of the best places in the neighbourhood for Sunday brunch (arrive early on weekends to avoid the rush). The best seats are in the back where a giant skylight bathes the room in natural light.
Open since: February 2008.
It items: The lunch crowd typically goes for the burger and home fries ($9.50), but we prefer to take advantage of the brunch menu, particularly the crispy croissant stuffed with scrambled eggs, peameal bacon and aged cheddar with a side salad ($9.75).
Brad’s Takeout and Eatery, 325 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-533-2723. Brunch, W–F 11–3; dinner, W–Sa 5–10.
Fat Cat Wine Bar
Owner Mathew Sutherland breaks up the family-oriented vibe of Little Poland with a sophisticated menu that blends French, Spanish and Portuguese influences. The small sharing plates make for a great first date meal, particularly during the summer when the intimate back patio is open. Price points hover between $5 and $13 (wine by the glass tops out at $12), so it’s an especially good place for penny-pinchers looking to impress.
Open since: September 2005.
It items: The dips with crostini are musts ($6), as are the yukon potatoes baked with caramelized onions and smoked bacon ($10). Also worth noting is that buck-a-shuck oysters are available everyday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Fat Cat Wine Bar, 331 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-535-4064, fatcat.ca. M–Sa 4–midnight.
Alternative Grounds
The owners of this coffee roaster and café boast that they’ve been using nothing but fair-trade coffee for the past 15 years; customers are reminded of the company’s devotion to the environment and the global community at every turn. The walls are covered with posters promoting fair-trade, collages of regular customers, maps of the world and event postings for women’s groups.
Open since: June 1995.
It items: The chai latte ($3) is a multi-flavour experience that fits in well at a café with so much going on.
Alternative Grounds, 333 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-534-5543, alternativegrounds.com. M–Th 7–7, F 7–8, Sa 8–8, Su 8–7.
A Good Read
First editions, collectable and autographed volumes are what sets Gary Kirk’s used book shop apart. The front of the store is devoted to new and used books, while the back is where the real goods are: glass cases showing books autographed by Pierre Trudeau and Anne Rice, as well as a Life of Brian script signed by Eric Idle and Michael Palin.
Open since: July 21, 2007, at 12:01 a.m., to be exact. The opening was timed to the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
It items: A signed copy of Dark Water by Japanese horror master Koji Suzuki (known best as the man who unleashed The Ring) is $175, and a copy of The Mummy signed by Anne Rice is $500. Also interesting is a copy of Art of the Steal signed by the real Frank Abagnale—portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me if You Can ($100).
A Good Read, 341 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-538-2665. Tu–Th and Su 11–7, F–Sa 11–9.
The Local
The model of a neighbourhood pub, The Local’s decor is best described as miscellaneous: a disco ball, exposed brick, Christmas lights, mismatched chairs (and notably, no TVs or clocks). A lively but not rowdy crowd comes for the regular live music shows, such as the Hamstrung String Band on Mondays and folksy Ron Leary on Wednesdays.
Open since: December 2004.
It items: The tried and true Local Burger with fries ($13) with a pint of the Local Lager ($5.50). Surprisingly, they have edamame ($7) and a kids’ menu.
The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave., 416-535-6225, thelocalpub.ca. M–Su 5–2, Su 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Coffee and All That Jazz
Think Harlem during jazz’s golden age: red and cream checkerboard floors and framed records. Decorated with vintage instruments—a sax, trumpet and trombone—this café is a popular hangout for members of the laptop mafia, many of whom travel to the neighbourhood to enjoy the free Wi-Fi, mellow vibe and fair-trade coffee from Reunion Island.
Open since: 2002.
It item: A small cappuccino runs slightly higher than average at $3.20 (medium $3.90; large $4.40), but it’s a small price for a clear conscience.
Coffee and All That Jazz, 72 Howard Park Ave., 416-531-7622, coffeejazz.com. M–F 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Sa 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Su 9–8.
MORE TORONTO NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDES
• The Path Guide: 24 spots worth getting lost for
• The Harbord Guide: 25 spots that are giving the street a good name
• The Mount Pleasant Guide: Our 26 favourite spots along the charming strip
• The Leslieville Guide: 26 essential destinations for shopping, eating and drinking
• The Ossington Guide: 22 hot spots along the west end’s hippest avenue
Rainbow Songs over, say The Mercantile? Seriously?
And where’s the Revue and She said Boom?
A more serious omission: The Intersteer!
And where’s Dressers–a Roncy go-to for great affordable fashion? How about Kennel Cafe — the ‘hood is dog paradise afterall? And Pollock’s…sure it’s a Home Hardware chain, but family-run and filled with great staff who know their nuts and bolts.
Yeah, who doesn’t love hanging out at a hardware store on a Saturday afternoon in spring?
Thanks for the wonderful south-to-north tour along one of Toronto’s most enjoyable neighbourhood high streets. I see you had to make some hard decisions on your top 25. HOWEVER, I think you have missed two establishments that for me define the strip, the Revue Cinema (possibly the best independent cinema in the city) and Gate 403 (one of the few remaining jazz and blues bars in town).
How about getting someone who actually LIVES in the area to write about the best spots to visit. Just sayin’.
Not a bad list but not great either…….Have to agree with most of the comments above – without Intersteer (intimate patio in back, the “regulars” who seem like characters from a movie), The Mercantile and the Revue on the list, you missed the boat.
To the commenters above, I don’t live in the area but I already know about the Revue Cinema. I’ve been there a bunch of times. This roundup didn’t need to include it.
I suspect Toronto Life’s goal was to inspire a weekend jaunt over to Roncey, and in this they fully hit the mark. Tons of places in this roundup I didn’t know about. Tons of new reasons to make a trek over there. If you’re a retailer listed among these 25, be prepared for your business to double, especially after the streetcar roadworks debacle.
Great roundup. I appreciate the concentration on “lower roncesvalles” too, we’ve been left out for a long time. Go LoRo!
Great Roncey list! However I would just make two suggestions – For the best although not really advertised treat at Granowska’s ask for a thin waffle roll that is filled with fresh whipped cream upon order – simple but delicious!!! Chopin restaurant is good however Polonez is the premiere Polish restaurant – confirmed by the traffic in and out of the place – excellant food!
And for incredible pizza how about Homebaked Pizza Company? As a resident of Ronces for almost 15 years, it was a welcome addition to the neighbourhood!
It’s unfortunate that your article totally ignored some stores that were there from the beginning of the area when it was “Little Germany” – the last German store from that era is The Old Country Shop- it’s been open for 48 years on Roncey’s. How about Pollock’s Hardware? Shame that the past is so soon forgotten.
Glad to see Mrs. Huizenga’s on the list but The Mercantile was a serious omission. Also totally agree that The Intersteer and Homebaked Pizza should be represented. There’s no need to list every coffee shop on Roncey (outside of the chains). You can’t walk up the street without tripping over them. Maybe pick a couple that are standouts or institutions (my picks would be Cherry Bomb & Alternative Grounds).
Some of my best days in Toronto have started with a coffee and scone from Cherry Bomb followed by a walk through the park. Cherry Bomb: You have my heart.
Agreed that Revue should have been included.
My recommendations…
chocolate brownie from Mabels and korean short ribs from Rowe Farms. hello deliciousness!
Roncesvalles is terrible. I would stay away. Ok fine, some consider it the last remaining true “old” Toronto neighborhood; some may find its little quirks — like the weekly Sorauren farmers market or Pumpkin festival at Halloween, or true old school hockey rink built overtop a baseball diamond in winter, charming– but really, it’s not that good. Go to Leslieville, or Ossington, or College Street. Anywhere. But. Here. Roncesvalles is hard to get to, anyway. It’s uphill, which would exhaust you. There are lots of old people, and old people smell funny. You have to walk through Parkdale, and it’s dangerous, because of, you know, Those People. You’ll probably get harassed for change. Who likes change, anyway. Okay, fine, you can visit. But only once. And you can’t have the duck. But if you go, please be like Karon and give yourself a misspelled hipster name and Tweet about your time there. They’d love that. And you can make a list just like Karon’s, avoiding half of the local-local spots, and instead suggest a half dozen places locals would never go, places run by her friends Myke and Dahna and Cat. Yeah, do that. That would be ok.
Dressers is a must (missed?) on this list. Ania Skin Care is a great little beauty salon as well. you need about 25 more spots on this list!
Sasha – that was the best post ever – totally made my night! thank you :)
So many awesome spots missed, Benna’s – the best deli on the street on the south end, also Chicago Meats – another great deli at the north end. Didnt mention any of the drug stores, with the great personal service, or Bistro 299, what a fabolous restaurant, and Tangerine Salon, what a great crew, and also The Village Spa, amazing little day spa with the personal touch from Nicole the owner/operator.
What about Another Story Bookshop. It was nominated as one of the top 3 independent bookstores in Canada by the Canadian Booksellers Association last year and no mention in Toronto Life!!! It has books that I can’t find elsewhere. Another Story is my favourite bookstore in the city, not just on Roncesvalles.
Best cabbage rolls in Canada are from the Super Kobasa
I am very disappointed in this article – it really shows a TOTAL lack of understanding of both neighbourhoods and neighbourhood businesses. I am disappointed at a list of 25 great spots that includes a second-rate secondhand bookstore but ignores one of Toronto’s most innovative and exciting independent bookstores – a real gem in this city – Another Story — with a collection of titles for that is chosen with real care and thought and has the best children’s book section in the country! Why is a venue that is neither shop nor eatery included rather than the Revue movie theatre with its fabulous programming – it’s not just a repertory film house but does some innovative series programming as well ? And why aren’t any of the great Thai spots here? Toronto Life once again fails to adequately represent a real neighbourhood because it hasn’t really done it’s homework!
I too am very disappointed with this article and with Toronto Life for having published it. I’m pretty sure that most of you would agree that Vincent Sushi is not a good restaurant. Cheap raw fish? Sounds farmed! Scary.
Also, why the heavy focus on South Roncesvalles? Karen certainly does not live in the neighborhood and has not provided us, the readers of Toronto Life, with well-thought journalism. Shame.
I really hate how Toronto Life Online insists on putting lists of this number over as many pages. I wish they’d stop doing it this way and put at least 5 on a page. Once, they had 50 pages for a list of 50 things. I lose patience after about 3 clicks- each one accompanied by an annoying pause, even though I have ultra high speed internet and a fast computer.
How could they miss River Restaurant our cit’s most successful social enterprises. Shame on you Toronto Life – River serves great food and solves the problem of no experience no job double bind for Toronto’s at risk young people.
Gee, “eating and drinking” at all those clothing boutiques sounds DELICIOUS.
Brad’s??? Really?? Never ad a good experience.
The article is titled “Our 25 favourite eating and shopping destinations…” so not having the Revue on the list makes sense. (not knocking the Revue of course!)
The list isn’t bad at all, although there are a few good things that were missed.
For neighbourhood folks, Pollock’s home hardware has a terrific staff; I don’t really like the Mercantile – a bit pricey, and Qi (healthfood store), carries alot of the same products.
Kennel Cafe is also terrific, with a really friendly helpful staff.
A new gem in the neighbourhood, although its closer to Dundas St is MariClaRo, at 457 Roncesvalles. AWESOME handmade bags and accessories from many different local canadian craftspeople. That should be on the list!
It complements shopping at Frock, etc.
I need to agree with “me” up there.
The way Toronto Life online publishes lists, each item on a separate page, makes for cumbersome reading and just annoys your readers.
I understand this is done to maximize ad space, but give us a break! Listing a few items per page would still give you numerous pages to sell ad space.
Screw you Sasha! You are obviously from the east end, and can’t wait for 5 years until the east becomes cool again. Ronces is an awesome neighbourhood, and the “old people” show that it is a true neighbourhood, full of families, young professionals, and yes hipsters, but at least it’s not consumed by hipsters, who invade areas and start up narrow venue bars and cafes and then abandon the area when it gets played out. On a side note I agree with the other posts that the list is a little heavy on lower Ronces, but still shows some of what the neighbourhood has to offer. Oh and I’d rather walk through Parkdale and be approached by passive crackheads for change, than Moss Park and be scared to death. Parkdale was also featured in Now magazine as one of the hottest areas in Toronto, so obviously you’re not up on your game. Wrongbar is the leading Electronica bar in Toronto, while places like The Parkdale Drink and Blondies are great places to party; all of which are walking distance (downhill) from Ronces. The thing that makes me so upset about this post is your complete lack of knowledge on the area, Ronces had its streetcar rails ripped up to have water mains replaced and that created over a year of constant construction which resulted in multiple businesses closing, if anything Ronces needs this boost, so thank you Toronto Life.
Brad. You obviously missed the point of Sasha’s post. It was a brilliant tongue in cheek praising of Ronces, while at the same time criticizing the author’s obvious lack of knowledge about the neighborhood. The L.A. Story reference about the duck made me howl.
Did anyone read this article who’s not from the Roncey/High Park neighbourhood?
Roncesvalles – okay, I’m not cool, but I’m cool with that – is indeed a place with more than 25 great places. But, some days are better than orthers; that is true of any location in any city.
But Sasha’s comments are not “tongue in cheek” when they offend. Humour at the expense of anyone else is not funny. Substitute “women”, “gays”, “blacks”.”Scots” for the odour reference and see how unfunny, un”tongue in cheek” it is.
Sasha needs to develop a true sense of humour, so that one can tell what he or she truly thinks.
As to the other comments, they are honest, enlightening, poignant, and funny at times. Thank you for giving me so many new doors to open, uphill or down.
Completely agree with “me” as well, I hate reading Toronto Life articles posted likes this over 27 page. Very frustrating.
not sure if Sasha is a resident and wants to scare people away. Seems like she/he (not sure which – maybe if s/he changed the spelling a bit to help us understand?) certainly likes to get negative – even if it is tongue in cheek. I live right on Roncy and I can say that all the 25 places listed, and all the other ones (Review, Dressers, Mercantile, Another Story) are fantastic. Its a really great old neighborhood with a new kind of buzz – maybe as the kids who were all born there 4, 8, 12 and 15 years ago start growing up and getting social lives we will see another kind of nightlife. BUt for now its a day life place, with tons of kids of all ages – and a really good place to spend some time, rain or shine.
This is by far the best, coolest and most genuine of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. I grew up nearby, even went to the nearby high school and I have always loved it for its people (which has always been a mix of old, young, everyone in between, professionals, old timers, etc.) who have kept the neighbourhood authentic and fun without any pretension, which unfortunately, has become a rare thing in this beautiful city.
To those who point out the flaws in the article of shops missed, you’re right! To who wrote the article, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to enjoy the neighbourhood more because this neighbourhood really has more than at first meets the eye. As an aside, its location is amazing as well–next to High Park, walking distance to the lake, close enough to take a street car across College St. (from the park). What’s really best is that it’s kind of a secret, so please everybody, shhhhhh!
this list sucks! where is intersteer? krak? benna’s? the revue? abysmal! is this the gentrifier’s guide to roncey?
The Mercantile is a horrible place. It caters to people who need to pay seventeen dollars for a bottle of vinegar in order to feel good about themselves.
The newer businesses on Roncesvalles are transforming a once cool and unique street into a yuppie strip mall. Every article like this just accelerates the destruction of the place.
I’m with Sasha, please stay away from Roncesvalles. You’ll hate it.
INTERSTEER!
Also, Benna’s Bakery for fresh bread, sausage and Tymiks Pickles (the greatest pickles on earth).
What about Dressers? Simply the best place to shop for clothing on Roncesvalles, and last minute gifts.
Another Story Bookshop is one of my favourite bookstores in the city. Why it wasn’t on this list is beyond me. I understand that you can’t put everything on the list but Another Story deserves to a part of any “best of” list. Their selection is superb. I’ve found books here that I couldn’t find anywhere else in the city. With many local, independent bookstores having difficulty keeping the lights on, it’s nice to see one that seems to be doing well.