The Howl's Guide to Toronto

Thoughts | Roxana Moise

Toronto is a big city, but once you find your niche, you’ll see that friendly faces await you everywhere! Use this guide to explore some of the Howl staff’s favourite spots in Toronto.

Clothing Stores

SHONEY’S CLOTHING

222 Augusta Ave

One of the Howl’s favourite stores for reasonably priced vintage finds! Look for anything from flapper dresses to cowboy boots, and have a friendly chat with whoever’s behind the counter.

BUTTERFLY

42 Kensington Ave

The place to find quirky, affordable accessories like rings and earrings.

CREEPS

363 Spadina Ave

Some of the coolest streetwear in Toronto. Come here to find alternative jewelry and Y2K-inspired clothing styles.

BLACK MARKET

272 Queen St W

This place is a classic for a reason! Check out their ten-dollar knit sweater rack and array of jewelry.

TRIBAL RHYTHM

248 Queen St W

This vintage store in the trendy Queen St W neighbourhood has some great finds and a friendly ambiance.

Fun Shops

THE ROCK STORE

154 Harbord St

Beyond its extensive collection of reasonably-priced crystals, candles, and books, we have yet to find anybody who is less than obsessed with the peaceful ambiance and soothing music of the Rock Store.

COZY GROTTO

437 Spadina Ave

When you’re done buying affordable stationery, hair accessories, and cat figurines at Cozy Grotto, make sure to check out the back room and add your own colourful sticky note to the collection on the walls.

BAKKA PHOENIX BOOKS

84 Harbord St

This independently-owned science fiction and fantasy bookstore is a great place to find your next read with the help of the knowledgeable staff.

SONIC BOOM

215 Spadina Ave

It’s easy to spend a full afternoon perusing the records, cassette tapes, and gifts at this popular music store.

BMV BOOKS

417 Bloor St W

A member of the Howl once bought three books here for $4. This three-leveled bookstore has an excellent collection of affordable used books and comics.

Nightlife

POETRY

224 Augusta Ave

A Kensington spot for intimate live jazz and cocktails! Get there early to find space in the narrow bar or on the back patio, and make sure to have cash on hand for any cover fees.

SUPERMARKET BAR & VARIETY

268 Augusta Ave

This restaurant offers all kinds of evening entertainment, whether you’re looking for concerts, open mics, or dancing. Keep an eye out for performances from the up-and-coming artists of Toronto!

DANCE CAVE

529 Bloor St W

Located above Lee’s Palace, this night club offers a blend of retro, indie, and pop music and is a popular haunt for students. It’s always free when you show your student ID!

THE MADISON AVENUE PUB

14 Madison Ave

Any student guide would be remiss without mentioning the Maddy, a reformed Toronto mansion with three bars, patios, a dance room, and occasional live music.

Museums

ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

100 Queen’s Park

This museum is a wonderland of dinosaur skeletons, ancient Egyptian history, classical busts, medieval armour, and more. Post-secondary students enter for free on Tuesdays!

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO

317 Dundas St W

Take in works by Indigenous artists and the Group of Seven before climbing to the top floor of the museum for a panoramic view of the city. Visitors under the age of 25 receive free admission.

Food

MOTHER’S DUMPLINGS

421 Spadina Ave

This well-known dumpling spot deserves every ounce of its fame. Try the boiled pork and bak choi dumplings or the steamed BBQ pork buns!

PIZZERIA DA MARIO

253 Augusta Ave

After a long day (or night) in Kensington, head to this pizzeria for a fresh thin-crust pizza to share with friends.

SIZZLER KABAB

381 Spadina Ave

This restaurant provides flavourful Indian food until 3:30 AM, making it the perfect place for a meal any time of the day. (If you are ordering takeout, please learn from our mistakes and ensure that you’ve selected the right location.)

FLO’S

70 Yorkville Ave

This diner in Yorkville has delicious breakfasts at reasonable prices. Take a walk around the neighbourhood when you’re done! (Allegedly, a member of the Howl spotted Eugene Levy eating here.)

LOV

620 King St W

While this eye-catching restaurant is the perfect place to take dinner photos, it is also a great place for a delicious vegan meal.

KOS

61 Bellevue Ave

Speedily-served, beautifully-plated breakfasts can be found at this cozy Kensington restaurant. Try the patio in warmer weather!

FAMOSO NEOPOLITAN PIZZERIA

386 Bloor St W

An Italian restaurant with a cozy ambiance and plenty of tables to meet with a group of people. The garlic bread is delicious.

OZZY’S BURGERS

66 Nassau St

Delicious. Poutine. That being said, check out this spot for hamburgers, grilled cheeses, chicken fingers, and more!

BLACKBIRD BAKING CO

172 Baldwin St

Foccacia! Almond croissants! Sourdough! Stopping at this well-known Toronto bakery is a must-do in Kensington.

FILM CAFE

230 Augusta Ave

Over the span of the day, Film Cafe transforms from a brunch cafe and study spot to a cozy place for cocktails and live music.

Cafes

ALMOND BUTTERFLY

100 Harbord St

A sweet cafe that offers baked goods and hot drinks to mull over with a friend while people-watching at the window.

FIKA

28 Kensington Ave

This Swedish-inspired spot offers sandwiches and baked goods to be enjoyed on their back patio. Anecdotally, their mint tea is delicious.

MOONBEAN

30 St Andrew St

Espresso-based drinks, smoothies, and juices can be found at this Kensington locale. Try their lattes!

DARK HORSE ESPRESSO BAR

215 Spadina Ave

When you walk past the windows of this cafe, you’re sure to see people working at the large communal tables. Come here to treat yourself with a coffee while studying.

Parks

GRANGE PARK

Beverley St & McCaul St

This lively park, dominated by the back facade of the Art Gallery of Ontario, is the perfect place to lay down a blanket and have a picnic.

TRINITY BELLWOODS

790 Queen St W

Head further west on Queen St W to reach this well-known park in a vibrant neighbourhood. Walk amongst its trees or admire the art on the streets nearby.

HIGH PARK

1873 Bloor St W

This enormous public park is the perfect place to spend a day! Rent a bike from one of its many Bike Share locations and pedal down to the lakefront to admire the water.

Hobby Spots

GWARTZMAN’S ART SUPPLIES

448 Spadina Ave

Be warned that if you enter this well-supplied art store, you will find it hard to leave without a new pen, watercolour palette, or notebook. 

DOWNTOWN CAMERA

89 Queen St E

Come to this camera store near the Eaton Centre to buy film, develop film, and receive high-quality scans.

YARNS UNTANGLED

90 Nassau St

Any knitter, crocheter, or textile artist would be pleased by the collection of yarns at this boutique. Check their website to find out more about their biweekly stitch nights!

WEST CAMERA

690 Queen St W

This camera store in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood offers film scans, prints, and sometimes even $5 rolls of expired film.

A&C GAMES

452 Spadina Ave

What’s in a game? Video game and trading card game supplies all find a home here. If you need anything from a retro console to a deck box, this is the place to be!