Toronto-Age |OT2| open for business. All aboard; http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433263
This thread comes from ConvenientBox's idea of a Toronto Age thread we can use to discuss all the happenings of our city (and GTA). I thought it might be a good idea to include a few helpful links for people as well, after seeing my fair share of Where do I find work, Where can I find an apartment threads specific to TO.
Feel free to lend advice, and supply links for the OP. I don't plan to keep it updated every day, but this thread can be used for discussion in general. I'll be polishing this thread though, and any information, articles, or whatever you guys have would be great.
Toronto is a huge city, spanning some 630 square km. What was once five municipalities was amalgamated into one in the late 90s, giving birth to the 'Mega-City' of Toronto. If you're looking for an apartment, this can be quite an adventure. Vacancy rates are low, and anything downtown in the core will come at a premiums. However, if you spend enough time searching, there are deals. And of course, amazing neighborhoods outside of downtown like Roncesvalles, Leslieville, and more.
Finding work can being even more of a chore. Take it from an immigrant. Canadians value Canadian experience specifically, and even then, jobs are tight with a relatively high, but not too threatening unemployment rate.
Helpful Links:
Craigslist.org - A godsend to the Toronto rental market. You can find everything from basement apartments to condos to bungalows for rent
Viewit.ca - has a terrible interface, but if you can move past that it's a very helpful tool in apartment searching
Kijiji - An alternative craigslist, but has a few helpful search features lacking on its big brother.
Where to find Work:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/
http://www.monster.ca/
http://www.workopolis.com/EN/Common/HomePage.aspx
Video Game Shops:
[DT & Danforth] Game Centre - For current generation titles this place is golden with many new releases already marked down. Vintage collection can be good at times. recommended by DevelopmentArrested, Joule and EvilMario
[DT] A&C Games - Location just south of Bloor on Spadina, this is the best vintage video game collection in the City. They have a vast collection of imports, rarities, and they let you haggle. They even respond to your e-mails promptly. recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[Y&E] Gamerama - Five minute walk from Yonge and Eg, Gamerama has a decent collection of recent generations, and of vintage titles. Their customer service leaves something to be desired, as staff is of little help. If you're uptown though, it's worth checking out. recommended by EvilMario
[DT] Game Shack is a hidden little shop. You might have been past Yonge and Dundas a thousand times and never noticed it. Well, if you venture into the Atrium on the north side of Dundas, you'll come across this shop. While tiny in size, they have a decent collection of recent generation titles, even PC. They offer a variety of anime DVDs as well. recommended by Dissonance and EvilMario
Comics, Manga, Cards and Action Figures:
[DT] Silver Snail is a good comic shop if all you want to do is shop. It's not as friendly and personal as your neighbourhood comic shop, but it's clean and uncluttered, like a music store chain type feeling.recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[DT] The Beguiling can't be beat. It's renowned throughout North America, and it's virtually the birthplace of Scott Pilgrim (the owner is the real life "Wallace".) recommended by lunarworks
[DT] AnimeXtreme is a fairly good choice. They have a good selection of comics, manga and other oddities.[/QUOTE]
[DT] 401 Games - While this shop is known more for its Warhammer and Magic, it carries a good selection of popular culture memorabilia and board games in general.recommended by EvilMario
[DT/NorthYork]Hairy Taruntula: One of the little hobby shops around the downtown area. Their prices are pretty okay and have some good sales at times too. recommended by Joule
Book Stores:
[Annex] BMV Books - Fantastic book store with a huge selection of new and old. Head downstairs for a great manga and comic collection as well. recommended by Zombie James and EvilMario
Audio Records, Music, and CDs:
[Annex] Sonic Boom - is a pretty great record store, if it hasn't already been mentioned. They have a great selection and some pretty cool in-store events. They carry a selection of movies, and games as well. recommended by Slime
[Queen West] Criminal Records - Really nice little store with excellent vinyl selection, great service and some in-store events. recommended by Slime
[Queen West] Rotate This! - Good vinyl selection, and probably the best place to buy cheap concert tickets in Toronto. recommended by Slime
Coffee Shops:
[DT & Beaches] Ideal Coffee: Holy shit this coffee is good. Also one in Kensington if that is closer for you. Lots more hippies there though. recommended by Boomba
[DT] The Hoof Cafe: Not technically on Ossington (located on Dundas right near Trinity Bellwoods) but goddamn this place is something else. Small menu but some of the most original eats in Toronto. I love this place. Their big brother (The Black Hoof) is across the street and is great as well. recommended by Boomba
Landmarks, Museum and Tourist Traps:
CityPASS: For those looking to visit at least a few of the major tourist attractions in the city, the CityPASS is a must buy. Currently at $67.97, you'll want to see at least three attractions to make it worth your purchase. The attractions you can see with the pass are; CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Sceince Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo. I would only actively avoid the Science Centre, which has really deteriorated over the years, and is a pretty poor kid's amusement centre now.
[DT] CN Tower: One of the tallest structures in the world at 1,815 ft tall, the CN Tower is the most defining part of Toronto's skyline. And it serves as a good point of reference if you're lost downtown. Riding up the tower will set you back a steep $22.00 , but it's more of a value if you've obtained a CityPass to see other landmarks as well.
[Midtown] Casa Loma: A Gothic Revival style house built by famous architect E.J. Lennox (who did plenty of other Toronto landmarks). There are tours, but I prefer to just wonder around exploring the house and gardens.
[DT] Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): A museum focusing on world culture and natural history, the ROM has notable collections of dinosaurs fossils, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history. The ROM recently underwent renovation/expansion, and now is one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of architecture in the city. New exhibits, and events run throughout the year.
[Scarborough] Toronto Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world by both size at 287 hectares (710 acres), and animals at 16,000/400 species. It is divided into six zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. It's located around a half hour outside of downtown for most people, but is accessible by both TTC and GO Transit.
[DT] St. Lawrence Market: A huge selection of specialty shops, delis, bakeries, fish and food in the south building, and a weekly Farmer's Market in the north building. recommended by EvilMario, Dyno
[Bloor West/Roncy] High Park: One of the largest and more 'rural' parks near downtown. A third of the park is made up of natural Oak Savannah / Prairie Grass ecosystem. There are a large number of trails, a gigantic fenced in off-leash section for dogs, sport fields/arenas, a petting zoo, playgrounds for kids, fishing on the west side and in late April/May, a large number of cherry blossoms. recommended by EvilMario
Asian:
[DT] Sweet Lulu - If you're in Toronto and you haven't been, you're sincerely missing out. They're super popular, in the last 4 years or so they went from like 2 to 6 locations. recommended by Kinitari
[DT] J.Time (Cheap Japanese) - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Xe Lua (aka Pho Train): A pretty good place to have pho. Inexpensive and good portions. My favourite pho place by far. recommended by Joule
[DT] Salad King - A great Thai place serving numerous hungry Uni students on the cheap. The food is spicy, and delicious. At least.. it was. Waiting on their new location to open soon! recommended by Oichi and EvilMario
[DT] CJ's Lunchbox - ..near Queen/Spadina is a good weekday spot for cheap sushi during lunch. It's good take-out sushi with very friendly staff and it's not horribly over priced
Burgers:
[Beaches] Burger's Priest - probably the best burgers I've had recommended by RS4
[DT] Dangerous Dans - Burger joint. recommended by RS4
[DT] Craft Burger - Go to Craft Burger if you want a great burger place. It's just west of King and Spadina. Gets voted #1 pretty regularly if I recall. recommended by grumble
[Parkdale] Stampede Bison Grill - Stampede makes great cheap burgers and poutine. Cool patio for people watching. Queen & Brock. recommended by ProdicalFlame
Burritos/Mexican:
[DT] Burrito Boyz - A small franchise that has spread across the city and the GTA. recommended by RS4
[DT] Big Fat Burrito - An expanding Burrito franchise in the city. recommended by lunarworks
Fish & Chips
[Leslieville] Reliable Fish & Chips - A tiny mom n' pop fish shop that has been around for what seems like an eternity. Too far outside downtown for most to notice, it puts popular (for some reason) joints like Chippy's to shame.
Indian:
[Parkdale] Mother India - has the BEST roti that you will ever have. Their butter chicken roti (+ spinach) are soooo amaaazzingggg. Their lamb roti is freaking delicious too! Get it medium or hot! Honestly, this is the best take-out roti that I've ever had. recommended by Hieberrr
[DT] Little India - THE BEST butter chicken ever! They also had another one, but I forgot the name of it. recommended by Hieberrr
Pizza:
[DT] Pizzaria Libretto: Best pizza I've had in Canada. Their simpler menu options are amazing (try the Margherita pizza). Great spot for a date and probably the best lunch deal possible...$15 prix fixe every day. Dinner will be a 45 minute wait on most nights. recommended by Oichi and EvilMario
[DT] The Big Slice - Looooved this place when I was at Ryerson. it was my place to study because it was hella cheap and tasted decent. recommended by Oichi
Poutine:
[DT] Smokes Poutinerie - Decent poutine with plenty of variety (Pulled Pork, so good), and multiple locations downtown now. recommended by RS4, criesofthepast and EvilMario
Restaurants (General):
[Danforth] Messini's - Greek food recommended by RS4
[DT] Sneaky Dees - awesome nachos, other food and a concert venue recommended by RS4
[DT] Shanghai Cowgirl - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Jumbo Empanada (Chilean) -recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Utopia - A cheap place that serves one of the better nachos and poutines in big servings! recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] The Black Bull on Queen Street has an excellent patio to have a beer on a nice summer's day. It's wonderful, sitting out there, with all the people going by. recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[DT] Gandhi Roti - tiny little place but their medium butter chicken roti will make you think you died and went to food heaven. recommended by grumble
[DT] Victory Cafe for food/drink. Cheap eats in general, even cheaper/awesomer specials, and some nice brews too. Really good pub food (amazing Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Club) and an incredible beer selection.recommended by Boomba and somuchwater
[DT] Boehmer: Amazing atmosphere and good eats. Great wine list and some half decent scotch at a reasonable price. recommended by Boomba
[DT] Union 72: Good meat. Like, really good. recommended by Boomba
Vegetarian:
[Danforth] Jeans Vegetarian Kitchen - Asian Veggie cuisine, famous for their gigantic Pad Thai. recommended by whitehawk
Pubs/Bars/Breweries/Clubs (will split this up later):
[DT] Pub: Pour Boy - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Club: The Dance Cave - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Bar/Venue: Horseshoe Tavern - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Nirvana- A bar with cheap and decent food/drinks, awesome sweet potato fries, and even better sangria. Kind of a hipster place but who cares.recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] Red Room- A lot like Nirvana, except maybe less polished and more student-oriented (it's close to UofT). Cheap food and drinks, good sangria.recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] Pauper's Pub in the Annex. It's got a piano guy on the second floor, who takes requests, and a rooftop patio. recommended by lunarworks
[DT] The Madisonrecommended by lunarworks
[DT] Three Brewers - They brew beer in-house, food is good recommended by BigJonsson
[Queen West] Velvet Underground - Other club that plays rock music. recommended by BigJonsson
[Queen West] Tattoo Rock Parlour - Club that plays rock music recommended by BigJonsson
[Y&B] Crown and Dragon - Very good wings, they won best wings in TO last year recommended by BigJonsson
[DT] Sin and Redemption - Very good Euro beer selection at domestic prices! recommended by BigJonsson
Toronto-Age |OT2| open for business. All aboard; http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433263
This thread comes from ConvenientBox's idea of a Toronto Age thread we can use to discuss all the happenings of our city (and GTA). I thought it might be a good idea to include a few helpful links for people as well, after seeing my fair share of Where do I find work, Where can I find an apartment threads specific to TO.
Feel free to lend advice, and supply links for the OP. I don't plan to keep it updated every day, but this thread can be used for discussion in general. I'll be polishing this thread though, and any information, articles, or whatever you guys have would be great.
Toronto is a huge city, spanning some 630 square km. What was once five municipalities was amalgamated into one in the late 90s, giving birth to the 'Mega-City' of Toronto. If you're looking for an apartment, this can be quite an adventure. Vacancy rates are low, and anything downtown in the core will come at a premiums. However, if you spend enough time searching, there are deals. And of course, amazing neighborhoods outside of downtown like Roncesvalles, Leslieville, and more.
Finding work can being even more of a chore. Take it from an immigrant. Canadians value Canadian experience specifically, and even then, jobs are tight with a relatively high, but not too threatening unemployment rate.
Helpful Links:
Craigslist.org - A godsend to the Toronto rental market. You can find everything from basement apartments to condos to bungalows for rent
Viewit.ca - has a terrible interface, but if you can move past that it's a very helpful tool in apartment searching
Kijiji - An alternative craigslist, but has a few helpful search features lacking on its big brother.
Where to find Work:
http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/
http://www.monster.ca/
http://www.workopolis.com/EN/Common/HomePage.aspx
Video Game Shops:
[DT & Danforth] Game Centre - For current generation titles this place is golden with many new releases already marked down. Vintage collection can be good at times. recommended by DevelopmentArrested, Joule and EvilMario
[DT] A&C Games - Location just south of Bloor on Spadina, this is the best vintage video game collection in the City. They have a vast collection of imports, rarities, and they let you haggle. They even respond to your e-mails promptly. recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[Y&E] Gamerama - Five minute walk from Yonge and Eg, Gamerama has a decent collection of recent generations, and of vintage titles. Their customer service leaves something to be desired, as staff is of little help. If you're uptown though, it's worth checking out. recommended by EvilMario
[DT] Game Shack is a hidden little shop. You might have been past Yonge and Dundas a thousand times and never noticed it. Well, if you venture into the Atrium on the north side of Dundas, you'll come across this shop. While tiny in size, they have a decent collection of recent generation titles, even PC. They offer a variety of anime DVDs as well. recommended by Dissonance and EvilMario
Comics, Manga, Cards and Action Figures:
[DT] Silver Snail is a good comic shop if all you want to do is shop. It's not as friendly and personal as your neighbourhood comic shop, but it's clean and uncluttered, like a music store chain type feeling.recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[DT] The Beguiling can't be beat. It's renowned throughout North America, and it's virtually the birthplace of Scott Pilgrim (the owner is the real life "Wallace".) recommended by lunarworks
[DT] AnimeXtreme is a fairly good choice. They have a good selection of comics, manga and other oddities.[/QUOTE]
[DT] 401 Games - While this shop is known more for its Warhammer and Magic, it carries a good selection of popular culture memorabilia and board games in general.recommended by EvilMario
[DT/NorthYork]Hairy Taruntula: One of the little hobby shops around the downtown area. Their prices are pretty okay and have some good sales at times too. recommended by Joule
Book Stores:
[Annex] BMV Books - Fantastic book store with a huge selection of new and old. Head downstairs for a great manga and comic collection as well. recommended by Zombie James and EvilMario
Audio Records, Music, and CDs:
[Annex] Sonic Boom - is a pretty great record store, if it hasn't already been mentioned. They have a great selection and some pretty cool in-store events. They carry a selection of movies, and games as well. recommended by Slime
[Queen West] Criminal Records - Really nice little store with excellent vinyl selection, great service and some in-store events. recommended by Slime
[Queen West] Rotate This! - Good vinyl selection, and probably the best place to buy cheap concert tickets in Toronto. recommended by Slime
Coffee Shops:
[DT & Beaches] Ideal Coffee: Holy shit this coffee is good. Also one in Kensington if that is closer for you. Lots more hippies there though. recommended by Boomba
[DT] The Hoof Cafe: Not technically on Ossington (located on Dundas right near Trinity Bellwoods) but goddamn this place is something else. Small menu but some of the most original eats in Toronto. I love this place. Their big brother (The Black Hoof) is across the street and is great as well. recommended by Boomba
Landmarks, Museum and Tourist Traps:
CityPASS: For those looking to visit at least a few of the major tourist attractions in the city, the CityPASS is a must buy. Currently at $67.97, you'll want to see at least three attractions to make it worth your purchase. The attractions you can see with the pass are; CN Tower, Casa Loma, Ontario Sceince Centre, Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo. I would only actively avoid the Science Centre, which has really deteriorated over the years, and is a pretty poor kid's amusement centre now.
[DT] CN Tower: One of the tallest structures in the world at 1,815 ft tall, the CN Tower is the most defining part of Toronto's skyline. And it serves as a good point of reference if you're lost downtown. Riding up the tower will set you back a steep $22.00 , but it's more of a value if you've obtained a CityPass to see other landmarks as well.
[Midtown] Casa Loma: A Gothic Revival style house built by famous architect E.J. Lennox (who did plenty of other Toronto landmarks). There are tours, but I prefer to just wonder around exploring the house and gardens.
[DT] Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): A museum focusing on world culture and natural history, the ROM has notable collections of dinosaurs fossils, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history. The ROM recently underwent renovation/expansion, and now is one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of architecture in the city. New exhibits, and events run throughout the year.
[Scarborough] Toronto Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the world by both size at 287 hectares (710 acres), and animals at 16,000/400 species. It is divided into six zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. It's located around a half hour outside of downtown for most people, but is accessible by both TTC and GO Transit.
[DT] St. Lawrence Market: A huge selection of specialty shops, delis, bakeries, fish and food in the south building, and a weekly Farmer's Market in the north building. recommended by EvilMario, Dyno
[Bloor West/Roncy] High Park: One of the largest and more 'rural' parks near downtown. A third of the park is made up of natural Oak Savannah / Prairie Grass ecosystem. There are a large number of trails, a gigantic fenced in off-leash section for dogs, sport fields/arenas, a petting zoo, playgrounds for kids, fishing on the west side and in late April/May, a large number of cherry blossoms. recommended by EvilMario
Asian:
[DT] Sweet Lulu - If you're in Toronto and you haven't been, you're sincerely missing out. They're super popular, in the last 4 years or so they went from like 2 to 6 locations. recommended by Kinitari
[DT] J.Time (Cheap Japanese) - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Xe Lua (aka Pho Train): A pretty good place to have pho. Inexpensive and good portions. My favourite pho place by far. recommended by Joule
[DT] Salad King - A great Thai place serving numerous hungry Uni students on the cheap. The food is spicy, and delicious. At least.. it was. Waiting on their new location to open soon! recommended by Oichi and EvilMario
[DT] CJ's Lunchbox - ..near Queen/Spadina is a good weekday spot for cheap sushi during lunch. It's good take-out sushi with very friendly staff and it's not horribly over priced
Burgers:
[Beaches] Burger's Priest - probably the best burgers I've had recommended by RS4
[DT] Dangerous Dans - Burger joint. recommended by RS4
[DT] Craft Burger - Go to Craft Burger if you want a great burger place. It's just west of King and Spadina. Gets voted #1 pretty regularly if I recall. recommended by grumble
[Parkdale] Stampede Bison Grill - Stampede makes great cheap burgers and poutine. Cool patio for people watching. Queen & Brock. recommended by ProdicalFlame
Burritos/Mexican:
[DT] Burrito Boyz - A small franchise that has spread across the city and the GTA. recommended by RS4
[DT] Big Fat Burrito - An expanding Burrito franchise in the city. recommended by lunarworks
Fish & Chips
[Leslieville] Reliable Fish & Chips - A tiny mom n' pop fish shop that has been around for what seems like an eternity. Too far outside downtown for most to notice, it puts popular (for some reason) joints like Chippy's to shame.
Indian:
[Parkdale] Mother India - has the BEST roti that you will ever have. Their butter chicken roti (+ spinach) are soooo amaaazzingggg. Their lamb roti is freaking delicious too! Get it medium or hot! Honestly, this is the best take-out roti that I've ever had. recommended by Hieberrr
[DT] Little India - THE BEST butter chicken ever! They also had another one, but I forgot the name of it. recommended by Hieberrr
Pizza:
[DT] Pizzaria Libretto: Best pizza I've had in Canada. Their simpler menu options are amazing (try the Margherita pizza). Great spot for a date and probably the best lunch deal possible...$15 prix fixe every day. Dinner will be a 45 minute wait on most nights. recommended by Oichi and EvilMario
[DT] The Big Slice - Looooved this place when I was at Ryerson. it was my place to study because it was hella cheap and tasted decent. recommended by Oichi
Poutine:
[DT] Smokes Poutinerie - Decent poutine with plenty of variety (Pulled Pork, so good), and multiple locations downtown now. recommended by RS4, criesofthepast and EvilMario
Restaurants (General):
[Danforth] Messini's - Greek food recommended by RS4
[DT] Sneaky Dees - awesome nachos, other food and a concert venue recommended by RS4
[DT] Shanghai Cowgirl - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Jumbo Empanada (Chilean) -recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Utopia - A cheap place that serves one of the better nachos and poutines in big servings! recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] The Black Bull on Queen Street has an excellent patio to have a beer on a nice summer's day. It's wonderful, sitting out there, with all the people going by. recommended by lunarworks and EvilMario
[DT] Gandhi Roti - tiny little place but their medium butter chicken roti will make you think you died and went to food heaven. recommended by grumble
[DT] Victory Cafe for food/drink. Cheap eats in general, even cheaper/awesomer specials, and some nice brews too. Really good pub food (amazing Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Club) and an incredible beer selection.recommended by Boomba and somuchwater
[DT] Boehmer: Amazing atmosphere and good eats. Great wine list and some half decent scotch at a reasonable price. recommended by Boomba
[DT] Union 72: Good meat. Like, really good. recommended by Boomba
Vegetarian:
[Danforth] Jeans Vegetarian Kitchen - Asian Veggie cuisine, famous for their gigantic Pad Thai. recommended by whitehawk
Pubs/Bars/Breweries/Clubs (will split this up later):
[DT] Pub: Pour Boy - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Club: The Dance Cave - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Bar/Venue: Horseshoe Tavern - recommended by lunarworks
[DT] Nirvana- A bar with cheap and decent food/drinks, awesome sweet potato fries, and even better sangria. Kind of a hipster place but who cares.recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] Red Room- A lot like Nirvana, except maybe less polished and more student-oriented (it's close to UofT). Cheap food and drinks, good sangria.recommended by latinlikeaviolin
[DT] Pauper's Pub in the Annex. It's got a piano guy on the second floor, who takes requests, and a rooftop patio. recommended by lunarworks
[DT] The Madisonrecommended by lunarworks
[DT] Three Brewers - They brew beer in-house, food is good recommended by BigJonsson
[Queen West] Velvet Underground - Other club that plays rock music. recommended by BigJonsson
[Queen West] Tattoo Rock Parlour - Club that plays rock music recommended by BigJonsson
[Y&B] Crown and Dragon - Very good wings, they won best wings in TO last year recommended by BigJonsson
[DT] Sin and Redemption - Very good Euro beer selection at domestic prices! recommended by BigJonsson
Toronto-Age |OT2| open for business. All aboard; http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433263
I was born there but I'm in Edmonton now. I go to Toronto every summer for a month, though, and that's always fun. Plan is to move back after school and get a job in finance or real estate.
