Toronto’s east end often gets a bad rep, as most residents will opt to pass and hit up some trendy spot on Ossington — but, honestly, their loss (and way more inconvenient, if you ask me).
Toronto’s east end, especially Leslieville, has been thriving with great eats, unique shops, and a charm you won’t find in the west end. Many east enders ride-or-die for some of these coveted spots, and all of them are worth a trip.
So, if you’re new to the area or just want a reason to take the 504 to the end of its line, here are some of the best things to do in Leslieville.
Shopping
A little bit of retail therapy isn’t going to hurt anyone, and there are some unique shops in Leslieville where you can find eclectic gifts for friends or a small treat for yourself.
The Flamingo is always stocked with some of the cutest local vendors selling apparel, prints, bath supplies, and more. For choice thrifted finds, check out Good Market, which has been frequented by this year’s best new artist winner at the Grammys, Chappell Roan!
No trip in the neighbourhood is complete without a stop in at Queen Books, a local darling with friendly staff and a wide variety of books that’ll have you filling your shelves.
Other recommendations:
Activities
Just looking to spend a day in Leslieville without spending a dime? There are plenty of things for you to do down at the Leslie Street Spit!
A sandy spot to take in the views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline can also be found just above at the Leslieville Lookout Park and a Japanese-style mini-forest. Just below is Tommy Thompson Park, which is lauded as the best place for bird-watching in the city, with more than 300 recorded species spotted onsite.
Leslie Grove Park is a vibrant community park that hosts regular outdoor events year-round, hosted by the Leslieville BIA.
Other recommendations:
Coffee shops
Whether it’s a quick morning brew or a space to work that has a sweet treat, a coffee shop can make or break a neighbourhood. Luckily, you can find a great cup of joe anywhere in Leslieville.
While the coffee and treats at Mercury Espresso are great, the spot is beloved in the community for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere. And you can’t talk about coffee in Leslieville without talking about the spot that’s been around since 1993 (and for good reason), Tango Palace.
New to the neighbourhood, Masa Deli has opened its second location right in Leslieville, so the east end can get its hands on the deli’s beautiful breakfast sandwiches.
Other recommendations:
Restaurants
Toronto’s Leslieville has no shortage of incredible dining spots, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you can usually find it.
The pizza in this area is next level, with spots like Descendants and Blondies, but a hidden gem is Tropical Joe’s for a great patty and a hefty portion of Jerk Chicken. Completo is also a treasured spot, along with Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant — or “The Nose” for those in the know.
The area is constantly opening up new spots as well, like Bar Mini, which is serving up some pickled plates and sandwiches you’ll want to take home.
Other notable recommendations:
- Plant-based eats from breakfast to dinner at Cafe Atwood
- Get yourself a schnitzel from Hastings Snack Bar — you won’t regret it
- The smash burgers at Samaira’s Kitchen are incredible
- Affordable lunch? The Banh-Mi combo at Mi Mi’s is just under $9 and worth every dollar
- Gale’s Snack Bar probably has the cheapest eats in Toronto
Drinks
Responsible drinking is required in Leslieville, lest you get lost in the sea of craft cocktails and breweries that surround the area.
Poor Romeo has incredible craft cocktails and a cozy vibe. Pinkerton’s Snack Bar is so well known for its cocktails, it has an in-house canned spritz, Dynamite Kid Cocktails, which lets you take home some favs like Aperol Spritz, Negroni, French 75, Martini, and Sherry + Tonic.
Leslieville is also the birthplace of the baseball-themed Left Field Brewery, and those beers are, to say the least, a home run! Some personal go-tos include the Squeeze Play Cherry Pie Sour, and the game day classic: Ice Cold Beer!
Other recommendations:
See you in Lesliville!
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