I’m coming out to Toronto (from Calgary) at the end of next week to work from our T.O. office for a couple or three months. The company has rented me an apartment around Queen Street and McCaul Street. Is this a decent area for me? I’m into interesting (but not especially expensive) restaurants, clubs/pubs/live music venues that I can hang out alone at (since I don’t really know anyone in Toronto), coffee shops, book stores, and other stuff that is just plain interesting. Any advice on how to keep busy while I’m there would be appreciated. I’ve only been out a couple times before, and always just for two or three days.
Queen and McCaul? Just go outside, really. You’re in one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Toronto.
I recommend Tiger Lily’s noodle house, just east of Queen and John, also Amato’s pizza just east of Queen and Bathurst. You’re a bit noth of the mainstream club area, and a bit east of a bunch of goth, punk, and alternative clubs and bars. Jamie Fraser’s Books is close, too- science fiction and fantasy. We went there during TorDope.
I usually go to Savage Garden, a no-cover goth club at Bathurst and Queen, conveniently close to several good restaurants. Tell me what you like, and I’m sure we can recommend something.
Sounds like the right area for you to be.
Lissla has described it accurately. You really are within walking distance of everything that she mentioned and everything that you are looking for and more. You are also near the downtown core, the Art Gallery of Ontario and Chinatown and transit is at your doorstep. You are near to some great dining as well.
Try perusing Toronto Life for a better idea of what’s available nearby. They CityGuides are a good resource.
Of course, see all the attractions; CN Tower, a Blue Jays game, a Leafs game if you can afford it, the Royal Ontario Museum, maybe a big show or two. All are reasonably accessible, a short transit ride away.
Seethis thead.
I am indeed in an interesting and busy area of town! It should be fun.
I have two questions:
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Is there any easy way for me to find a walk-in clinic near either my apartment (Queen & McCaul), or my work (Sheppard Ave W & Chesswood Dr)?
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Does anyone know the area that I live and can suggest a reasonably sized grocery store within walking distance? So far, I’ve found a monstrous one that is too far to bring home more than a couple bags of groceries, and really tiny ones near just around the corner. Somewhere in between would be nice.
Thanks
Isn’t there a food place in the Village by the Grunge, er, I mean, Grange (just up McCaul)? It’s been a while since I’ve been in there…
There’s an all-night Dominion food store at Bloor and Walmer. Go out the Walmer Road exit of Spadina subway station, turn left, and cross Bloor. It’s not particularly close to you, but it is all-night and close to the subway, and is therefore useful to remember for emergencies.
Clinics? Best thing is to look in the phone book.
Walk north to part of Chinatown. Lots of grocery stores. Of course, they carry mostly Asian food (well, duh!) but you can buy lots of staples and vegetables and things, and it tends to be cheap.