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[dudeworld]

Most of my friends and family are laughing at me with the most common response of "WTF is there to do in Ottawa?" "dullest city blah blah..." but seriously I really don't know which way to go...

As much as I love Toronto, I'm going to agree with the guy a few posts above. It'll just be 2 years, plus Toronto and Ottawa are pretty close. It's like driving from Edmonton to Calgary, which isn't THAT long. It's like what, 5 hours or so? That's how long it takes me to fly to Toronto

 

[EricHasNoPull]

I've lived in both cities (currently live in Toronto), and really, unless you're living in downtown Toronto, living in Ottawa isn't bad at all. Suburbs in both cities are plagued with big box stores and terrible traffic, except housing's cheaper in Ottawa.

How's life near/in Ottawa "downtown" if even there is such a thing?

I don't want to hang out at The Rideau Center like an old man on the weekends, know what I'm saying?

For 2 years? Just go to Ottawa. Even if all you do is mooch off the free musuem visits every Friday night, you'll probably never run out of things to do if that's your worry.

I'm getting pretty decent answers here, fuck! maybe I should create thread about this, as I'm really torn and can't make-up my mind these days... and there's literally people standing by and waiting for me to make a decision, I know they wont be standing by for long though.

 

[lunarworks]

Best bars/clubs: loose moose, brant house, drake hotel

The Loose Moose? Seriously? That pitiful place is for bros from the 905 who are too scared to venture far from Union Station.

A far better bar-bar is the [DT] Pauper's Pub in the Annex. It's got a piano guy on the second floor, who takes requests, and a rooftop patio. [DT] The Madison is also pretty good too, in that respect.

ProTip: If looking for a bar, avoid The Brunswick House AT ALL COSTS. Fucking UofT fratboy rapist mecca.

 

[MPW]

Why not a Canada-age thread ? Why must you discriminate against non-Toronto Canadians ?

because toronto is the centre of the universe

not vancouver

Best videogame store: game centre

where is this located?

i've been to gameshack but not a big fan

 

[Region-FreeWii]

Best videogame store: game centre
Best restaurants: porchetta, caplanskys, black hoof
Best bars/clubs: loose moose, brant house, drake hotel

This man know what he's talking about

 

[EricHasNoPull]

The Loose Moose? Seriously? That pitiful place is for bros from the 905 who are too scared to venture far from Union Station.

A far better bar-bar is the [DT] Pauper's Pub in the Annex. It's got a piano guy on the second floor, who takes requests, and a rooftop patio. [DT] The Madisonis also pretty good too, in that respect.

ProTip: If looking for a bar, avoid The Brunswick House AT ALL COSTS. Fucking UofT fratboy rapist mecca.

Wait what!? you hate UofT fratboy rapists, but yet you are recommending The fucking Madison House?? have you been there lately? Not to undermine the shithole that Brunswick House IS though, but yeah.. Madison is only a few notches better in that regard.

Also: Drake Hotel is usually full of Hipster (trying too hard) Torontonians who think they are cool but not actually cool.

 

[firehawk12]

How's life near/in Ottawa "downtown" if even there is such a thing?

I don't want to hang out at The Rideau Center like an old man on the weekends, know what I'm saying?

I'm getting pretty decent answers here, fuck! maybe I should create thread about this, as I'm really torn and can't make-up my mind these days... and there's literally people standing by and waiting for me to make a decision, I know they wont be standing by for long though.

There's an Ottawa thread here from a few months ago you can check out.

where is this located?

i've been to gameshack but not a big fan

Yonge and Charles is their main location.

 

[Perfect Blue]

Oooooh I need to check out these game stores. The one I go to is called Game Shack at Atrium. It's pretty small but has some good stuff.

 

[iddqd]

HEI

I`m new in Toronto (week 3 is currently finishing).

Is there a good sport bar that does not take a cover charge
when your watching the UFC?

I live on Dundas, close to Dufferin but if the bar is good, walking or taking transit is NO PROBLEM!

 

[lunarworks]

Why not a Canada-age thread ? Why must you discriminate against non-Toronto Canadians ?

Start your own goddamn Canada-Age thread. We're not stopping you.

As a world class city (there, I fucking said it), I think we've got more than enough reason to start a thread of our own.

The rest of the country tirelessly tries to knock us down whenever we show any sort of pride in our city, like some abusive family who can't have us "rise above our station". Enough of that shit. Toronto represent. (I absolutely love Canada, but enough of the Toronto hate.)

 

[DevelopmentArrested]

The Loose Moose? Seriously? That pitiful place is for bros from the 905 who are too scared to venture far from Union Station.

A far better bar-bar is the [DT] Pauper's Pub in the Annex. It's got a piano guy on the second floor, who takes requests, and a rooftop patio. [DT] The Madison is also pretty good too, in that respect.

ProTip: If looking for a bar, avoid The Brunswick House AT ALL COSTS. Fucking UofT fratboy rapist mecca.

Moose is a dive but whatever. Its a Jays fan hideout. Madison is pretty garbage, its a UofT mecca as you put it too (same for Einsteins). i like Paupers for the roof only.

 

[lunarworks]

Wait what!? you hate UofT fratboy rapists, but yet you are recommending The fucking Madison House?? have you been there lately? Not to undermine the shithole that Brunswick House IS though, but yeah.. Madison is only a few notches better in that regard.

Also: Drake Hotel is usually full of Hipster (trying too hard) Torontonians who think they are cool but not actually cool.

Actually, I haven't been to the Madison House in ages. I just liked the layout and atmosphere, when I was there. It's not actually my kinda place, just a suggestion for someone who thinks The Loose Moose is amazing.


The Drake. Never actually been there. Walked past, though. It is indeed the hangout of the elite class of hipster. The rich, fancy type who are beyond wearing day-glo '80s t-shirts. They get some good concerts there, though.

 

[Boomba]

Gotta love [DT] Victory Cafe for food/drink. Cheap eats in general, even cheaper/awesomer specials, and some nice brews too.

 

[DevelopmentArrested]

WTF? Loose Moose? Not even in the top 100 in Toronto. Hell, maybe not even top 500. It has a good location, and that's about it.

Again just a fan fav here. I realize its pretty trash

 

[jenov4]

Good thread, will contribute tomorrow. Just catching up on the reading here. GO Toronto!

 

[lunarworks]

[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.

 

[Presco]

Ossington is my current favourite spot for good restaurants. You can go affordable and delicious or splash out a bit of cash and have an amazing night. Usually a gallery to check out after dinner as well if that's your sort of thing. Highlights include:

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.

Boehmer: Amazing atmosphere and good eats. Great wine list and some half decent scotch at a reasonable price.

Union 72: Good meat. Like, really good.

Ideal Coffee: Holy shit this coffee is good. Also one in Kensington if that is closer for you. Lots more hippies there though.

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.

 

[Hieberrr]

Toronto-GAF, believe me when I say this: Mother India (located in 1456 Queen St W. In Parkdale) 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. You can either go there and sit down and eat, or you can choose to order it and pick-it up yourself (they'll give you a container for it that will keep it warm). They don't do delivery though. The inside is pretty nice too; nothing crazy, but nice enough not to be one of those random chains that just sell fast foods or something. But yeah... GOGOGOGOGOGOGO! Those are the only two things Ive tried there, and they are godly!

BELIEVE!

Also, Little India, located downtown (at 255 Queen St. West) near Much Music has THE BEST butter chicken ever! They also had another one, but I forgot the name of it.

But anyways, I would definitely recommend the two

 

[EricHasNoPull]

Actually, I haven't been to the Madison House in ages. I just liked the layout and atmosphere, when I was there. It's not actually my kinda place, just a suggestion for someone who thinks The Loose Moose is amazing.

It's true, the layout is cool, kinda reminds me of a big cruise ship or something, so many floors, decks, levels. But the atmosphere theses days mostly consist of drunk, sweaty First year University kids concentrated in smelly, soggy, moldy old pub rooms.

Not a bad place actually if you are in your early-mid twenties and want to score with a hot small town, naive Uni chick! Not bad place to pick up at all, but yeah, not for the older, mature crowd.

The Drake: You nailed it better than I did.

RE: Ottawa, I made a thread about it a couple months ago: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413276

(I ended up not going to Ottawa myself, looks like I may end up in TO... so this thread is pretty useful for me!)

Hey Thanks, If not personal, may I ask what was the reason why you didn't go to Ottawa?...wait maybe I should just read your thread instead.

 

[Entropia]

RE: Ottawa, I made a thread about it a couple months ago: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413276

(I ended up not going to Ottawa myself, looks like I may end up in TO... so this thread is pretty useful for me!)

 

[whitehawk]

As a Torontonian for 19 years, I can highly recommended this restaurant. Jeans Vegetarian Kitchen at Greenwood and Danforth.

http://www.yelp.ca/biz/jeans-vegetarian-kitchen-toronto

 

[lunarworks]

Ossington is my current favourite spot for good restaurants. You can go affordable and delicious or splash out a bit of cash and have an amazing night. Usually a gallery to check out after dinner as well if that's your sort of thing.

I've only been down Ossington during daylight hours. I like browsing the galleries and vintage shops, but as someone who is perpetually broke and generally sticks to the tried and true, I haven't yet had the opportunity to try out the restaurants or nightlife.

Edit: Damn, I still wish I lived downtown.

 

[Slime]

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. I'm seeing Do Make Say Think there next month.

Also: Rotate This, Criminal Records

 

[lunarworks]

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. I'm seeing Do Make Say Think there next month.

As seen in:

Anyway, great store. I've been there on so many Friday evenings. (It's open 'til midnight.) There's a great vinyl section in the basement.

 

[Heshinsi]

Lived in Toronto for 9 years. Now I'm stuck here in the Arctic wastelands known as Edmonton. Want to go back so bad!

 

[BigJonsson]

Need to add
[DT], [Richmond Hill] Duffs Famous Wings - Best wings ever
[Sauga] West 50 - 100 beers on tap, good food
[DT] - Bier Markt - Food is pricey but very good beer selection
[DT] Sin and Redemption - Very good Euro beer selection at domestic prices!
[Vaughan] - All Star Wings - 100 flavours of wings, not as good as Duffs but damn close
[DT] Crown and Dragon - Very good wings, they won best wings in TO last year
[DT] Tattoo Rock Parlour - Club that plays rock music
[DT] Velvet Underground - Other club that plays rock music
[DT] Three Brewers - They brew beer in-house, food is good

 

[firehawk12]

As seen in:

Anyway, great store. I've been there on so many Friday evenings. (It's open 'til midnight.) There's a great vinyl section in the basement.

Now you'll draw out all the hipster haters!

Their music selection might be good, but their movies and games are priced stupidly. I'm not sure why they even bother if they're not going to be serious about that part of their store.

 

[whitehawk]

Now you'll draw out all the hipster haters!

Their music selection might be good, but their movies and games are priced stupidly. I'm not sure why they even bother if they're not going to be serious about that part of their store.

Agreed. Although I went there yesterday and bought a fairly rare vinyl for $9. Not bad, but I couldn't see myself buying much else there.

 

[Zombie James]

Anyone mention BMV? It's pretty close to Sonic Boom. And The Pump (probably the best pub food i've had).

 

[EvilMario]

Added most of the request to the list(s). I'm probably going to go through and trim it down though. Any listings and recommendations without a quick one, or two line blurb will likely be axed if I can't put anything myself. Try to add a comment, or two if you can!

This is great feedback though guys. I already have a years worth of places to try out.

I'll start editing the location tags as well, because 'Downtown' can be broken into quite a few neighborhoods, which may help people who are looking for something nearby.

 

[Lard]

What street is Bakka on this month?

Also, anyone remember the name of the bookstore next to World's Biggest?

I went in there for the first time a couple of months ago out of random curiosity after passing it by all the time, and they had some insanely cheap books in there.

 

[dudeworld]

Lived in Toronto for 9 years. Now I'm stuck here in the Arctic wastelands known as Edmonton. Want to go back so bad!

LOL you and me both bud. but at least it was decent today. except the roads are still shit

 

[Entropia]

Hey Thanks, If not personal, may I ask what was the reason why you didn't go to Ottawa?...wait maybe I should just read your thread instead.

Long story short, the reason I was going to, but ended up not going: A woman.

LOL you and me both bud. but at least it was decent today. except the roads are still shit

I lived in Calgary the past 4 years, now I'm in rural south western Ontario... I miss Calgary immensely. It was the perfect city for me, it was nice and spread out, although the transit sucked it was a pretty nicely laid out city and absolutely beautiful.

 

[Slime]

EvilMario, here are some descriptions for the other two things I mentioned, if you want to add them:

Criminal Records: Really nice little store with excellent vinyl selection, great service and some in-store events.

Rotate This: Good vinyl selection, and probably the best place to buy cheap concert tickets in Toronto.

 

[lunarworks]

For shopping and just plain hanging around, may as well add these neighbourhoods:

Queen Street West
Kensington Market
The Annex
The Beaches

...actually, scratch that. There's far too many. Just link to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_neighbourhoods

 

[EvilMario]

For shopping and just plain hanging around, may as well add these neighbourhoods:

Queen Street West
Kensington Market
The Annex
The Beaches

...actually, scratch that. There's far too many. Just link to this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_neighbourhoods

Yeah, the list of neighborhoods in the city is insane. I'll probably list a few major neighborhoods and 'group them' together with a list of 'things to do'.

EvilMario, here are some descriptions for the other two things I mentioned, if you want to add them:

Criminal Records: Really nice little store with excellent vinyl selection, great service and some in-store events.

Rotate This: Good vinyl selection, and probably the best place to buy cheap concert tickets in Toronto.

Thanks for the descriptions, added.

 

[somuchwater]

Anyone mention BMV? It's pretty close to Sonic Boom. And The Pump (probably the best pub food i've had).

As someone said above, try the Victory Cafe too. It's close by and has really good pub food (amazing Mac 'n Cheese, Chicken Club) and an incredible beer selection.

 

[mYm|17|]

I love Toronto when I was there like 15 years ago :lol

I went to this one food place, I think it got shut down, but you would bring this card to a certain food station and they would stamp it for you. I must of had like half the card filled out from a ton of different places

 

[BigJonsson]

I love Toronto when I was there like 15 years ago :lol

I went to this one food place, I think it got shut down, but you would bring this card to a certain food station and they would stamp it for you. I must of had like half the card filled out from a ton of different places

Marche?

You'd get the card stamped and then pay at the end?

They brought that back recently!

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

I'm heading to Toronto for the first time next week for work. First time!

 

[EvilMario]

I'm heading to Toronto for the first time next week for work. First time!

Welcome to the icy-wonderland. Do you know what hotel you're at, and are you seeing any of the sights while you're in town?

 

[mYm|17|]

Marche?

You'd get the card stamped and then pay at the end?

They brought that back recently!

I totally forgot what it was called but yea, you would get your card stamped. I thought it was pretty cool.

Will have to go back to Toronto one of these days. My favorite city in Canada

 

[TurtleSnatcher]

Welcome to the icy-wonderland. Do you know what hotel you're at, and are you seeing any of the sights while you're in town?

Probably not. Just doing a 2 day trip to show off our game in some meetings then flying back

I would love to catch a Maple Leafs game.. gonna go look that up.

 

[BigJonsson]

HEI

I`m new in Toronto (week 3 is currently finishing).

Is there a good sport bar that does not take a cover charge
when your watching the UFC?

I live on Dundas, close to Dufferin but if the bar is good, walking or taking transit is NO PROBLEM!

Canadastarboxing.com will list all the bars showing UFC........there are a ton of choices

All boston pizzas show UFC and don't charge cover

 

[Naked Snake]

Great stuff OP. Kudos!

 

[soultron]

Needs more Fran's Restaurant.

Great thread, EM! Makes me proud!

Also, fuck the Toronto hate. I'm with you, lunarworks.

I love Vancouver. I love Montreal. I love Canada in general. I don't get the TO hate.
Just because one person/Leafs fan gave you shit doesn't mean we're all dicks.

EDIT: I want to see Vancouver and Montreal threads. Because I love you guys too. c:

 

[EricHasNoPull]

Just because one person/Leafs fan gave you shit doesn't mean we're all dicks.

Who takes a Leafs fan seriously nowadays anyway? How could a Leafs fan "offend" other teams?


"Your team is only 5 times better than us, the Leafs and not 10 times like most teams in the NHL!" ???

Sorry I don't follow NHL closely, but I am aware of the Leafs sucking, unless things have changed?

 

[cloudwalking]

whoa, nice timing on this thread. i'm gonna be going to toronto at the end of march with my husband, and my in-laws will possibly be joining us.

i know it's not exactly tourist season, but my grandmother (who actually lives in peterborough) is turning 80 and my mother's entire family will be gathering there to throw her a big birthday party. i never get to see that side of the family due to them being scattered all over canada, so i decided to take the opportunity.

so since we'll have an 8 hour flight and wicked jet lag to deal with coming from switzerland, we planned to arrive a few days before the rest of the family and spend some time in toronto, seeing the city.

i'm sure the OP will prove very helpful! i wonder, though, if anyone has any hotel recommendations? we're looking for something in the downtown that is less than $200 a night for 2 people.

also, how much would a taxi cost, roughly, from the airport to the downtown area?

 

[soultron]

Who takes a Leafs fan seriously nowadays anyway?

It was a joke.

EDIT: If I had a car, I would be yours and jarosh's personal chauffeur. And male escort. c:

You can arrange flat rates from the airport to the downtown core hotels for about $45-55 CAD, but I'm sure if you looked harder you could find a better deal. Reserve ahead of time if you can! Do a google search really quick and you should be able to find some good results. I just googled "flat rate taxi from Pearson airport to downtown Toronto."

 

[firehawk12]

also, how much would a taxi cost, roughly, from the airport to the downtown area?

Taxi was around 50 bucks last year. Might be more.

If you're feeling brave and you don't have a lot of luggage, you might try to catch the public bus that goes to the subway. That'll be 3 dollars each in that case.