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Natalie "@nearafar" T.'s Profile
Hipster Havens
See All Lists
1. Bicyclette
Toronto, ON M6J 1G9
(416) 532-8048
Category:
Women's Clothing
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
4.5 stars Fellas, if you like your date's outfit, she probably brought it here.
VIBE
Goregous! This white shop used to be an art gallery. I thought it might be Angell but I think it was something else. Anyways, the space is perfect for a little…More »
2. The Ace
Toronto, ON M6R 1M3
(416) 792-7729
Category:
British
Neighbourhoods: High Park, Roncesvalles
This place is so lovely! If you want comfort food, this is the place.
And it was restaurant number 8 crossed off my Restaurant resolutions list.
http://wp.me/p1t9bx-k0
VIBE
Yes, I have to say it. So hipster. It is a long, narrow diner with plenty of…More »
3. Hopgood's Foodliner
Toronto, ON M6R 2M6
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: High Park, Roncesvalles
This place just had it's soft opening on Thursday so kids, RUN don't walk before you start waiting in line for a good hour to eat and drink here.
VIBE
As per Hopgood and the Hoof vibe, it's casual and relaxed. The infamous handwriting is on the…More »
4. School Bakery & Cafe
Toronto, ON M6K 3E1
(416) 588-0005
Categories:
Bakeries,
Canadian (New),
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhood: Liberty Village
School has branded itself well. I like it! I also like how they're very integrated into social media channels and care about its business. That said, it's a pain in the ass to get to, especially if you live in the east end. Homework time:
VIBE
The…More »
5. Yours Truly
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9
(416) 533-2243
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
4.8 stars
-.2 points for our bartender. She was a bit off.
What I love about this place is that it's a mix of a bar, a restaurant and a casual place to get a snack. It just ...works. The tasting menu is highly underrated.
APPETIZERS
We waited for 40…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/26/2012
I like it! Of course, I'm a sucker for word-smithery at the end of a letter (It's not a salutation… Read more »
6. Bar Salumi
Toronto, ON M6R 1B2
(416) 588-0100
Category:
Pizza
Neighbourhoods: Parkdale, Roncesvalles
What happens when you have an awkward date at a pub and all you've had are wings? You emotionally eat. And Bar Salumi is perfect for that.
VIBE
After being startled by the local homeless/crackhead in the street (it's the area --never a dull moment),…More »
7. Sneaky Dee's
Toronto, ON M5T 1T1
(416) 603-3090
VIBE
It's dirty; dilapidated; there's always a scene outside. Let's just say I wouldn't want to use the bathroom here. But you can't call yourself a Torontonian until you've been here. It's a rite of passage.
I ATE
I've only been here once but it was…More »
8. Cold Tea
Do I review? Don't I review? Sigh. That's how awesome this place is. The cat's out of the bag though so I will. Geez, on their first night they apparently had 140 people at the bar and it's not super easy to find. That's the fun part. I think I might…More »
9. Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters
Toronto, ON M5V 2J6
(416) 907-8524
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
Yay! This is my 100th review and my favourite coffee shop! (Tied with The Rooster). I saved it for this one.
VIBE
Bustling. If you walk by, you won't notice it (the sign helps) but inside it's like this coffee crack den that only insiders know about…More »
10. The Beaconsfield
Toronto, ON M6J 1J5
(416) 516-2550
Categories:
Pubs,
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
A classic Toronto bar right across the street from The Drake. Where Drake lineup spillover goes on the weekends. The best time to come here is mid-week when the "cool kids" hang. The owners also own Churchill so it's the same clientele.…More »
11. Tequila Bookworm
Toronto, ON M5V 2B3
(416) 504-2334
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Bars,
Sandwiches
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
VIBE
Tequila Bookworm....sigh...there is so much to say about the Worm. It has a lot of history and has had about three reincarnations. Its current state I think is one of identity crisis as some have pointed out. Here's the history: was a great,…More »
12. Ronnie's Local 069
VIBE
Dirty Hipster. You have reached the metaphoric holy grail if you are able to snag a seat on the patio. Oh, and service? There is none. You'll have to go to the bar to get that. Menus? What? You think this bar is actually an ESTABLISHMENT? Your…More »
13. Delux
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4
(416) 537-0134
Category:
Cuban
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
Relaxed. Casual. We were here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Perfect for a lazy weekend. Lots of dusty blue booths and if you go right when it opens, it's quiet. By noon the tables were pretty much gone. It's the type of place where the…More »
14. The County General
Toronto, ON M6J 1G9
(416) 531-4447
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
I went here last week with a foodie friend.
VIBE: This place, which was the old Oddfellows, really does feel like a farmhouse: wood encompasses the interiors and there's a very cool collage of photos representing Cumbrae farms, where County General…More »
15. The Avro
VIBE
How did I not know about this place?! Stumbled upon it on boxing day of all times (one of the few places open this day and most of them happened to be in Leslieville).
So this is the Avro: I walk in and someone I know from Elementary School…More »
16. Grand Electric
Toronto, ON M6K 1L4
(416) 627-3459
VIBE
I won't wax poetic on the other reviews so I'll try to be as succinct as possible. I went today (Sunday night). We got there right before 6 p.m. and there was a line up. 15 people in the bar right away and packed probably within the hour. It's…More »
17. 416 Snack Bar
Toronto, ON M5T
(416) 364-9320
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn,…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/2/2011
VIBE
We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar… Read more »
18. Churchill
Toronto, ON M6J
(416) 588-4900
Category:
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
Noisy/packed on the weekends; quite chill during the week from my experience. The bartenders know their stuff here and have saved me many times from a denied entry into Enoteca Sociale (rant: two hour wait to eat at the bar?! Please. GVG is good…More »
19. Shanghai Cowgirl
Toronto, ON M5V 2B5
(416) 203-6623
Categories:
Canadian (Traditional),
Diners
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West
Sometimes I have french fries with George Strombolopolous. This is one of those times.
VIBE
The best funkafied diner there is in the city. No fuss, no muss. Lovely tiling on the floors and comfy booths without the paper and crayons on the table.
We…More »
20. Gladstone Hotel
Toronto, ON M6J 1J6
(416) 531-4635
Melody Bar Burger - 3 Stars
So I had the burger here and thought I'd share for my burger diaries.
It was a solid burger. They cook it medium but it's stll a bit pink inside.
It's paired with some fancy mustard and lettuce.
I was not impressed that…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/16/2012
Nothing beats a staycation like sleeping at the Gladstone, ordering some pizza to eat in your hotel… Read more »
21. The Hoxton
Toronto, ON M5V 1M5
(416) 456-7321
Categories:
Dance Clubs,
Music Venues
Neighbourhood: Niagara
I was here to see the Dragonette Show for Canadian Music Week.
1. Run don't walk to listen to Dragonette. They're awesome! (and from Toronto. Actually, the lead singer is the daughter of minister Greg Sobara. Cray).
2. Where the hell is the Hoxton?!…More »
22. Crafted by Te Aro
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z6
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods
4.5 stars
It's nice to get to a new wi-fi, err, coffee place. Sip Sip.
VIBE
Gorge to the gorge. From the garage windows to the reasonably priced photographs of Toronto on the wall to the little alcove in the back, I love it. They have a sweet little…More »
23. The Federal
Toronto, ON M6J 3L5
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
Sandwiches
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
2.8 Stars (it's my Yelp and I'll 2.8 if I want to).
If you want inspiration on good lighting, this is your place. We hip hip hippity hopped to this hipster haven (how's that for alliteration?).
VIBE
Simple but effective decor. You've got the mason jar…More »
24. Model Citizen
Toronto, ON M5T 2M1
(416) 703-7625
Categories:
Accessories,
Women's Clothing,
Men's Clothing
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
VIBE
This is a cooler-than-cool shop. I see the owner Julian around in different neighbourhoods all of the time but he doesn't recognize me. That said, when he's in the store he's very lovely and "how are you?" chit chatty. The rest of the staff are…More »
25. Sweaty Betty's
Toronto, ON M6J 2Y8
(416) 535-6861
Categories:
Dive Bars,
Champagne Bars
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
3.5 stars
VIBE
Celebrity gossip of the day: Drew Barrymore has been sighted here more than once and I can see why she likes it. This was kind of the "original" hang out spot on Ossington before it became "Ossington." On a Saturday night, you're…More »
26. Swan Restaurant
Toronto, ON M6J 1G3
(416) 532-0452
Categories:
Diners,
Breakfast & Brunch
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
VIBE
Your friendly hipster neighbourhood joint. If you want to people watch or find someone that lives in the Queen/Dundas nabe or you just really like Formica tables, this is probably your place.
I absolutely love to people watch here. Especially at…More »
Recently updated lists from Natalie T.
Patio Lanterns (12)Patio side in the city. |
Libations (42)Where to get a good stiff...drink. |
King West and environs (13)King and Spadina area to Bathurst and Wellington area. Includes Spadina, Adelaide et al. |
Junction (1)Use your conjunctions in what is the weirdest-to-get-to neighbourhood I've found in the city. But it's a gem! |
Annex (5)St. George to Bathurst on Bloor and north to Davenport/Dupont. |
Last Chance for Romance (22)From First Date to Save the Date, where to take your sweetie. |
Mexicana (12)Mexican food. I'm a fan. |
All Time Favourites (14)The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again. |
Dive Bars (8)Let's jump off that board, shall we? |
Queen West (11)The first part of Queen St. downtown from University to Bathurst. |
See all 57 lists »
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Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool
East York, ON
Yelping SinceSeptember 2011
Things I Love Find Me Inmy blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column
My HometownToronto, ON
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've done this gig professionally
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCatcher In The Rye
My Favourite MovieI'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!
My Last Meal On EarthMother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.
Most Recent DiscoveryBellwoods Brewery
Current CrushLocal Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.