While the gaudy glow of Honest Ed’s may be a flickering memory, the Annex is still a bright spot among Toronto’s neighbourhoods.
Heavily featured in the cult classic Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the area has adapted over the years, with new and vibrant restaurants popping up all the time. But with all the new spots in the area, there are still a few mainstays that have held strong for decades.
So take a stroll through this coveted neighbourhood and discover some of the best spots the Annex has to offer.
Shopping
If you love going through the stacks at bookshops, the Annex is the spot for you.
The flagship BMV has been an iconic second-hand book spot since 1997. A Different Booklist, just south of Bloor on Bathurst, has been a community hub for over 30 years with friendly staff and a vast selection.
You can also find specialty reads at comic shop Thunderstruck Books and a horde of various magazines at Presse Internationale.
Shopping for the latest fashion trends? Common Sort is the consignment shop for you, with a personal shopping service that can help you get your style together.
Other recommendations:
- Master chefs can visit Nella Cucina for all their kitchen needs
- Bateman’s Bicycle Company has been the go-to bike shop for many in the city
- Lloyd’s Barbershop has been a staple of Toronto’s Black community since 1979
Activities
The Annex has long been a cultural hub for Toronto, Lee’s Palace being a prime example as a prominent venue for many famous bands coming to the city since it opened 40 years ago.
But the Tranzac, a community-driven arts non-profit, is a charming hub of up-and-coming artists that features three performance rooms, a zine library, and a residency program where artists in this city can experiment.
Don’t forget about Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, the world’s first and largest documentary cinema. This cinema hosts some of the best documentaries year-round, along with the Hot Docs Film Festival and other community screening events.
The area also holds many pieces of Toronto history, being the home of the City of Toronto Archives and the historic Casa Loma, which is definitely worth the trek to see.
Other recommendations:
- The programming at Tarragon Theatre is always something to keep an eye on
- The area has a plethora of parkettes to stop and smell the flowers
- The Nordheimer Ravine is a hidden hiking path leading to Sir Winston Churchill Park and its grand off-leash dog park.
Coffee shops and bakeries
In my opinion, the bakery in Bathurst Station deserves a Michelin star and is the only place in the city to get beef patties. But if you’re looking for a more traditional bakery or coffee shop, there are several cute spots in the Annex you can visit.
Creeds’ new spot on Dupont Street has made extra space for its grocery offerings, but it’s still one of the best places to grab a coffee and work. You can still spot iconic writers like Academy Award-winning writer-director Sarah Polley.
First and Last is also a cute caffeination station with a charming vibe and delicious treats.
Other recommendations:
Restaurants
While Anthony Rose has dominated Dupont with hit restaurants like Fat Pasha and Schmaltz Appetizing (RIP Fet Zun and Rose and Son’s), the Annex is always brimming with the best brunch spots and rave-worthy dinners.
Chadwicks is the real MVP of the area, serving up some of the best brunch in the city, along with a dinner menu that’s top-notch.
Last, but certainly not least, Roti Cuisine of India is a beloved spot serving up delicious Indian dishes that won’t burn your palate — unless you ask for it.
Other recommendations:
See you in the Annex!
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