A Bloordale Crawl

Stephen Fowler, owner of used bookstore the Monkey’s Paw, offers a tour through his neighborhood’s main drag, where Toronto’s past, present, and future coexist.

Ransack the Universe

“A somewhat mad but completely diverting vintage shop packed with housewares, objects, and oddities.”

Vena’s Restaurant

“Hole-in-the-wall source for West Indian curry and roti. Proclaims itself the ‘Best Roti in Town’ and may well be. I’m a very loyal customer.”

Wenona Craft Beer Lodge

“A pub with a rustic Canadiana theme and a formidable rotating list of Ontario microbrews on tap. Gets pretty raucous on trivia night.”

Wise Bar

“A small, urbane bar with a nice patio out back. My current favorite for meeting up with friends.”

COO Café Bread or Rice

“This is a curious but very sweet mom-and-pop sit-down place serving modest Japanese-inspired comfort food. Almost impossible to describe, so I send everyone there to find out for themselves.”

Siberia Vintage

“Definitely the coolest of several vintage-clothing shops on this strip.”

Kink Toronto

“Discreet and approachable sex toys and fetish gear, much of it handmade by local artisans.”