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The latest restaurant buzz, including what’s opening, what’s closing, and where to eat, drink and be seen
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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Rainbow Songs over, say The Mercantile? Seriously?
April 22, 2010 at 5:52 am | by Mardi@eatlivetravelwriteAnd where’s the Revue and She said Boom?
A more serious omission: The Intersteer!
April 22, 2010 at 6:44 am | by JasonAnd 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.
April 22, 2010 at 6:56 am | by KarenYeah, who doesn’t love hanging out at a hardware store on a Saturday afternoon in spring?
April 22, 2010 at 8:25 am | by JonasThanks 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).
April 22, 2010 at 8:45 am | by AndyHow about getting someone who actually LIVES in the area to write about the best spots to visit. Just sayin’.
April 22, 2010 at 9:21 am | by AnaNot 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.
April 22, 2010 at 9:31 am | by NatalieTo 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.
April 22, 2010 at 9:44 am | by AlexanderGreat roundup. I appreciate the concentration on “lower roncesvalles” too, we’ve been left out for a long time. Go LoRo!
April 22, 2010 at 9:57 am | by ChristianGreat 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!
April 22, 2010 at 11:11 am | by YvonneAnd 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!
April 22, 2010 at 12:29 pm | by MichelleIt’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.
April 22, 2010 at 12:30 pm | by BeanGlad 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).
April 22, 2010 at 12:37 pm | by funkybarbSome 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.
April 22, 2010 at 1:23 pm | by Josh DAgreed that Revue should have been included.
April 22, 2010 at 5:04 pm | by Toronto JenMy recommendations…
chocolate brownie from Mabels and korean short ribs from Rowe Farms. hello deliciousness!