Shake Shack isn’t just dipping its toes into the Toronto food scene — it’s diving in headfirst. After their first Canadian location opened in June at the always-busy Yonge & Dundas, they’re already preparing to add two more locations this winter.
First up: Union Station, where you will soon be able to fuel up on your way to catch the train or grab a quick bite before heading to a game. Union’s Shake Shack is one of the few worldwide that will feature a full bar, offering cocktails crafted exclusively for the location. The Shack vibe will also get a local twist with artwork from Toronto-based illustrator Pui Yan Fong, whose work captures the energy and diversity of Union Station.
Shake Shack is also landing at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, one of the city’s premier shopping destinations. This spot promises to be more than just another fast-casual joint. Toronto-based queer Mestizx/Latinx artist Vivian Rosas will bring her signature bold, inclusive illustrations to the Yorkdale location, creating an artistic environment that celebrates community.
Both new Shacks will serve up the signature classics fans love—think 100% Canadian Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, and crinkle-cut fries — all made fresh and free from antibiotics or hormones. And of course, no meal at Shake Shack is complete without dessert. Expect hand-spun frozen custard made with premium Canadian dairy, real cane sugar, and cage-free eggs.
In both locations, you’ll be able to pair your meal with local beer and wine, like the ShackMeister Ale from Bellwoods Brewery and wines from Ontario’s Rosewood Winery.
According to Billy Richmond, Business Director of Shake Shack Canada, Toronto has welcomed the brand with open arms.
“Both Union Station and Yorkdale Shopping Centre offer unique opportunities to engage with our guests in new ways,” he says. “We’re excited to bring Shake Shack’s signature hospitality and high-quality food to these vibrant locations.”
Shake Shack’s roots go back to a humble hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park in 2004, but it’s since grown into a global sensation with over 520 locations worldwide, including in cities like London, Tokyo and now Toronto.
Vintage clothes and tattoos tend to go hand-in-hand as an aesthetic, which is why it’s such a joy to be able to get both in one place. In fact, if you’re a thrifter in the Koreatown neighbourhood, you may have already made a habit out of stopping by First Kiss Tattoo and Vintage for a Saturday morning shop and discounted flash tattoo (a weekly promotion that the shop began last spring).
Owner Rebecca Daniels has been thrifting her entire life, but didn’t think to get into the resale business until she was approaching her forties. In 2018, her son was just a baby and Daniels was looking for work that would allow her to keep him by her side, so she and her then partner, a professional tattoo artist, decided to unite their passions and open a business together: a half tattoo shop, half vintage store at Palmerston and Bloor.
The shop closed for a year at the onset of the pandemic and opened up again just down the street in 2021, this time with only Daniels at the helm. “I was really determined to stay in Koreatown,” she says. “It’s very community-minded, and I’m always commiserating with my neighbours who also have their own businesses. Everyone is really supportive.”
She is one of those very supportive neighbours of course, one who always has her “mom hat” on. Her son, who has grown up with the shop as a second home, can often be seen sitting on the couch playing video games.
“In some ways, I feel like I’m a mother to all my customers who come in,” laughs Daniels. “The best compliment that I ever got was from one of my regular customers. When we closed down the first shop and we didn’t know if we would ever reopen, she wrote me a beautiful message saying that coming out of the change room at First Kiss Tattoo and Vintage reminded her of coming down the stairs on the first day of school, in her first day of school outfit, and hearing her mom tell her how great she looked.”
Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler
Knowing that the tattoo service was such a pivotal aspect of her business, Daniels began to rebuild it on her own in the shop’s new location, slowly recruiting artists until she had a team of four — Andrew White, Max Perris, Ulrich Alvarez and Aya Danzig.
As evident as each of their passion is for their work, the artists are equally friendly and easy-going. As far as tattoo shops go, it has to be one of the most welcoming ones in Toronto.
This was intentional on Daniels’ part. “This is a place where you can come and feel safe and happy,” she says, “and I want everybody to leave feeling a little bit better than they did when they got here.”
White —who started working in a tattoo shop at 15 and rose up the ranks from sterile tech worker to apprentice to professional tattooer — worked at the first iteration of Daniels’ shop and was graciously welcomed back. Perris had previously been a customer of his who developed an interest in tattooing and followed White to the shop in 2022 after his own apprenticeship.
Alvarez and Danzig were both invited to the shop by Daniels, who was impressed by their work on Instagram. Alvarez, who is originally from Mexico City, is largely self-taught and originally came to the shop as a customer. Under White’s guidance, he matured his practice and did his first professional tattoo at First Kiss in the spring of 2023.
Each of them do American traditional tattoos, while Danzig’s work verges towards more contemporary, fine lines, and Alvarez’s takes inspiration from Mexican Chicano artists. Now Daniels, who previously only had tattoos by her ex-partner, has tattoos by all four of the artists.
“At first tattoos were just something that I fell into, and now that I have the shop I’ve really leaned into it,” she says. “Of course I want to be tattooed by the artists in my shop. It’s a sign of having good faith in them and showing that I love their work and I trust them.”
It was White’s idea to start the Saturday flash special, which spiked in popularity after a local vintage seller shared a viral TikTok video.
“People sometimes have to wait for a little while, but they’re always super happy to wait and just seem to enjoy hanging around here,” says Daniels.
As for the reasoning behind the weekly promotion, White explains that they wanted to reintroduce people to the traditional Western format of tattooing — meaning walking into a tattoo shop and choosing a tattoo off the wall without premeditation on the design or its meaning. But the main objective was to ensure it was accessible to all customers.
“Despite what sensationalized depictions of classic Western tattooing throughout history try to tell us, tattoo customers come from all backgrounds,” he says. “Many marginalized people have felt excluded from classic tattooing by the prejudice of one or many tattooers. We feel that the recurring weekly discount in addition to providing a welcoming environment offers a low enough financial risk that hopefully gives us the opportunity to dispel the myth that there is any person who does not have a place in traditional tattooing.”
The team aims to curate a cohesive technical look, so that customers can expect the same quality and character regardless of which artist is available. “If someone comes in to get tattooed by us, they want that First Kiss look,” says White.
Courtesy Emma Johnston-Wheeler
After you’ve been inked (or while you’re waiting) you’ll probably want to peruse the clothing racks at First Kiss Tattoo and Vintage, sourced partly by Daniels and partly by friend and colleague Hilary Bregman, who previously owned Monarch Vintage in the neighbourhood. Bregman describes the selection as a wide array of eclectic, simple but interesting staples ranging from the ’40s to contemporary.
While the inventory is heavily femme-oriented, Daniels makes a point of avoiding gender specific labels. “I’ve never wanted anyone to feel like they’re going to the wrong section to get what they want,” she says. “I often feel like vintage shopping is more of a process of discovery, which works better if you’re not looking for something specific, because it’s almost like you and the piece find each other.”
She never disregards a unique piece because it’s damaged, rather taking the time to mend it and ensure it’s given a second life. “I’m constantly fixing little moth holes, repairing things, placing buttons and laundering,” she says proudly.
You can visit First Kiss Tattoo and Vintage at 652 Bloor St. W., and take advantage of the Saturday Tattoo Special every Saturday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
Taylor Swift will be performing in Toronto next month as part of her epic Eras Tour, and Torontonians can get ready for her performances by participating in a giant scavenger hunt contest! The Toronto (Taylor’s Version) Scavenger Hunt Contest, hosted by Destination Toronto, will feature song clues leading to iconic locations throughout the city.
Running from now until Nov. 29, fans can sign up for a digital pass at Toronto (Taylor’s Version) Scavenger Hunt Contest. Swifties have to solve thirteen clues inspired by Taylor Swift’s lyrics and check-in on the digital pass once they are in the vicinity of the city landmark. Every check-in near a clue location will unlock an entry into the raffle for a grand prize weekend getaway for two at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto! The prize also includes dinner at the 360 Restaurant atop the CN Tower, and a $500 gift card for the Eaton Centre. If you don’t win the grand prize, a weekly prize will be awarded, so you’ll also have a chance to win a curated Taylor Swift-themed gift box!
“As Swifties solve song clues, they will also discover iconic city landmarks, cultural attractions, urban green spaces and more,” said Andrew Weir, CEO & President at Destination Toronto. “When fans truly explore our city, more communities and businesses benefit from that visitor spending.”
Not only will Swifties be put to the test about their Swift knowledge, but ticket sales will also help support a charitable donation (of up to $13,000) to the Community Music Schools of Toronto. This music school provides free music lessons, instruments, and social development programs to children aged 4 to 18 throughout the city (Destination Toronto will donate $7,000 to the school, and for every check-in during the scavenger hunt, an additional $50 will be donated up to a maximum of $13,000). A track recorded by the school’s students was sampled in Swift’s song, “Nice to Have a Friend”, off her Lover album.
As we previously reported, more than 240,000 concert-goers are expected to attend Swift’s “Eras Tour” shows at the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto next month, bringing in over $282 million in economic impact and over $152 million in direct spending to the city. Swift will perform across two weekends at the Rogers Centre — from Nov. 14 to 16 and Nov. 21 to 23. If you weren’t lucky enough to grab tickets, you can still participate in the ultimate Taylor Swift fan experience! Prior to Swift’s performances, the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be transformed into Toronto’s Version: Taylgate ’24, featuring live DJ sets, interactive dances, makeup sessions, and sing-along spaces.
Toronto hotels, restaurants, and businesses are experiencing Swift fever, too, with many gearing up for the onslaught of tourists by creating ingenious methods to cater to Swift super fans.
L-R: Summer Mcintosh, courtesy @summermcintosh/Instagram, Kembali at the Toronto Zoo, Catherina O'Hara in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Halloween is slowly creeping up on us, and the stress of figuring out a unique look for the night is palpable. Streets of Toronto has compiled a list of Halloween costumes based on the city we all know and love, with varying levels of specificity. From dressing as your favourite celebrities who toured around the city to escapee animal inhabitants, your costume will be sure to impress this Halloween.
The feud of the year involving the Toronto rapper everyone loves to hate is perfect fodder for a couples (or enemies) Halloween costume. Don some OVO and don’t forget to shout over each other all night.
Orangutan on the run
Kembali the orangutan made headlines this year when he briefly escaped the Toronto Zoo by cartwheeling his way out. Wear all orange, a primate mask and swing from the street lights to honour him.
Go as a Swiftie
Courtesy kindkarmaco.com
Taylor Swift practically broke the internet this year when she announced that The Eras Tour was coming to Toronto. Don your favorite thrifted frilly dress and shiny headwear, and make sure you have a few lyrics in your back pocket to belt throughout the night.
At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Summer McIntosh took the world, and pool, by storm. She stole our hearts when she won four individual medals at the games, reaching immediate Toronto icon status. Rock a swimming cap, matching goggles, and make sure you had a few maple leaf stickers on there. A full length race speedo would tie the look together, but we all know the city is freezing, so opt for a knee length parka to look like you’re about to walk out to the pool.
Ball out as a retro hooper
It was announced this year that Vince Carter would have his number retired by the Toronto Raptors, opening the door for the last-minute Halloween costume to make sense. Throw on a pair of old basketball shoes, some high socks and long shorts and don your favourite Raptors jersey — preferably with Carter on the back.
It’s no secret that Deadpool 2 was a blockbuster hit, and we got to see Deadpool in a bunch of street outfits. Played by Ryan Reynolds (who is from Vancouver, but gets to be an honourary Torontonian for his yearly support for SickKids), the character was shot in full costume, with bits of his own style worn over top. Get a cheap Deadpool costume and customize it by wearing your favourite pair of jeans, maybe a jacket and definitely a toque on top.
Be Catherine O’Hara’s most iconic spooky character
We were delighted to see Catherine O’Hara return to the big screen for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as the iconic Delia. A very Moira-esque black cape, red wig and top hat will do for this look.
Hydro One’s no. 1 enemy
Courtesy N Carter/Flickr
In what seems to be an annual tradition, a raccoon caused a massive power outage across the city this year. Grab a raccoon mask and wrap yourself in power lines to pay homage to the pesky trash panda.
Hand out passwords as your favourite streaming service
Streaming services cracked down heavily on password sharing this year in Canada, which gives you the opportunity to make a bit of a mockery of them. Dress in red for Netflix or blue for Disney Plus, and hand out cards all night with fake passwords on it.
Pay homage to Olivia Chow’s inaugural look
@oliviachow/Instagram
Olivia Chow came into her own this year as Toronto mayor, and some of her looks have been terrific. Rock a powerful, statement jacket with off coloured bottoms and a blouse on top. Bonus points for getting a wig that mimics her haircut — and more points for those who try to emulate her iconic Caribana look.
Canadian Open fan
Bianca Andreescu (Mauricio Paiz)
Bianca Andreescu made her return to the Canadian Open this year, and with the prominence of the Challengers movie, this is the year to go out as a full blown tennis star. Get a racket, tennis skirt and athletic top, while finishing off the look with Andreescu’s infamous white visor.
Halloween is probably the only time that adults can get away with acting like kids in candy stores. Seriously, who could stand still among colourful displays of sweet-and-sour treats, sugar-coated jellies and artful rows of chocolate truffles? Here are seven of the best candy shops in Toronto where you could indulge your sweet tooth.
The Candy Bar
@thecandybartoronto/Instagram
Located near College and Ossington, this is one of the best TO shops for imported candies, boxes of handcrafted chocolates, and a wide assortment of unique treats (where else would you find Prawn Cocktail Crisps or a Cadbury Curly Wurly?). 849 College St.
Bulk Mine
@bulk.mine/Instagram
This candy shop has been a Toronto favourite for more than 20 years. It’s centrally located (between Yonge/Bloor and Yonge/Wellesley) and offers a huge range of bulk products (think bulk gummies, wrapped bulk candy, bulk bubble gum etc.). They also have a large selection of retro candies and chocolates (e.g., Cowtails Chocolate, Nerds Wildberry Fruit Savage, 100 Grande Bars) and European imports. It’s also one of the only downtown shops you’ll find the super chocolatey German Milka Triolade bar. 655 Yonge St.
So Sweet Canada
@sosweetcanada/Instagram
The meticulous selection, featuring over 100 brands, is constantly expanding to include the most exotic imported candies and treats, including retro cereals, cotton candy and a variety of chocolates bars. You and your little goblins could lose yourselves for hours. 5328 Hwy. 7, Woodbridge
Kandy Krazed
@kandykrazed/Instagram
This fun and colourful candy shop is owned by husband and wife team Joey and Steven Davidson, who started the brand as a home-run business in 2019 that quickly pivoted to home deliveries during the pandemic. Now, the team has a flagship retail location on Eglinton Avenue West that houses rare and novelty candy from around the world! 454 Eglinton Ave. W.
Kandy Sweeties
@kandysweeties.ca/Instagram
This North York location specializes in hard-to-find candy reminiscent of your childhood, offering over 2000 retro and contemporary sweets, chocolates, lollipops, licorice, taffies, and more! Check out some of their exclusive products, such as PMS dark chocolate bars, 80’s “wicked” candy, and “beaver droppings” (maple-syrup flavoured candies). 81A Kincourt St.
Sweet Magic
This shop is located in the Chinatown Centre on Spadina and, according to reviews, offers the best Asian sweets/chocolates in the city (try everything from various Japanese Kit Kat flavours to Glico’s Watering KissMint chewing gum). 222 Spadina Ave # 130
With over 450 different candies—all offered at one standard price—this spot is practically daring you to leave without a bag full of sweets. Rare, unique, and imported treats from across the globe? Check. It’s even being compared to Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City — an over-the-top candy paradise where the treats aren’t just food but part of an immersive, jaw-dropping experience, turning candy shopping into an all-out spectacle. Level one of the Eaton Centre,
Last week, customers were caught off guard when they found the bar closed and a notice from the landlord stating that the rent hadn’t been paid. Now, the community is rallying behind Peaches through a GoFundMe campaign started by the owners, Veronica Sayes and Anthony Fushell, to raise funds for legal support and staff wages.
In a message shared on the GoFundMe page, Peaches expressed the gravity of the situation:
“We are currently locked out of the wonderful place they, thems, femmes, queers, boys and girls have called home for the last two years for a safe and welcoming space to watch sports.”
Owners Anthony Fushell and Veronica Sayes
The closure, which owners claim happened abruptly, has left both staff and ownership without access to their belongings, tips, electronics and paycheques.
“Our staff, and ownership team have been denied access to the building by the landlord, despite many requests to retrieve our belongings.”
Peaches redefines the sports bar scene with its commitment to inclusivity. Named after the iconic female team from A League of Their Own, the west end bar was designed as a welcoming haven for Toronto’s queer community, blending sports with a sense of belonging.
“We understand, especially in Toronto, falling victim to landlords who do not understand community is not uncommon,” the message continues, alluding to the challenges faced by other queer-friendly establishments in recent years.
The GoFundMe campaign is calling on the community to help Peaches navigate the legal battle ahead.
“We are hopeful we will be able to come to a peaceful and prosperous solution, but we have started this GoFundMe to help with legal costs, support to negotiate with our landlord, settle with our wonderful local suppliers, but most importantly, to help support our incredible hardworking staff.”
In just three days, Peaches has already raised $3,356 through their GoFundMe, as the community rallies behind them.
Fall is synonymous with cozy knits, watching the leaves change colour (from a cottage in Muskoka, if you’re lucky), and, of course, sipping on a hot, hand-crafted beverage from your favourite coffee shop.
While pumpkin spice will always be a popular pick, Canada’s harvest season offers a ton of other flavours to enjoy, like maple, toasted hazelnut, caramel apple and more. Here are five cafes worth checking out for your latte fix.
Rustle & Still
@rustleandstill/Instagram
Nothing says fall like a spicy cup of chai. Rustle & Still’s matcha pandan latte is the perfect pick-me-up for those who prefer tea lattes to espresso lattes. It blends vibrant matcha green tea and the sweet, aromatic essence of pandan, combined with steamed milk for a uniquely flavourful drink. Add a tahini dark chocolate chunk cookie and you’re golden.
With two locations in the city, Arvo is a trendy coffee and wine bar that also has a bottle shop. There are a series of fall-inspired lattes on the menu, including the hot date latte which combines some of the best fall flavour profiles into one warm, steamy caffeinated drink with a surprising twist–there’s no espresso in it! It’s the perfect fall drink for those who want to skip the caffeine but still enjoy a cozy cup. The latte blends house date puree and spiced ginger, topped with cinnamon and steamed milk. Of course, if you want to, you can always add a shot of espresso!
Neo Coffee Bar specializes in Japanese-style pastries, sandwiches, and espresso-based drinks. Recently, Neo announced the return of two fall-inspired drinks, which include the classic pumpkin spice latte, and maple kinako latte, which features organic milk, kinako (soybean powder), and maple syrup. Neo is also serving a special London Fog cake roll which Paris perfectly with any latte.
Elephant Grind Coffee
@drinkmymug/Instagram
If you’re a chocolate lover — who isn’t? — stop in to Richmond Hill’s Elephant Grind Coffee for a decadent and delicious Nutella latte. A luscious blend of rich espresso and velvety Nutella, creates a heavenly harmony of chocolate-hazelnut indulgence in every sip.
Indulge in the city’s finest scones at Dark Horse, renowned not only for their delectable pastries but also for their exceptional specialty coffees, including the rich and comforting Snickerdoodle latte, the coffee cardamom matcha and the mulled chaga apple cider. Visit any Dark Horse location to experience their latest fall drinks, filled with the cozy, autumnal flavours that are guaranteed to add an extra layer of warmth to your daily coffee ritual.
Halloween is just around the corner, and Toronto’s spookiest train is making its way to the abandoned Bay Lower Station for Torontonians to enjoy a hauntingly fun weekend!
This Saturday and Sunday, thrill-seekers and candy lovers alike can join in on the frights and delights at the family-friendly Halloween Fest! Festivities will include a trick-or-treat train for kids to fill their bags with (nut-free) candy. Those up for a bit of a scare can cross the platform and step aboard the spooky train, where you’ll encounter the creepiest creatures in town (kids can hop on board, but parental discretion is advised).
Costumes are welcomed, so feel free to dress up, and there will be TTC-themed merchandise available to purchase!
For a bit of a history lesson, attendees can also explore the spooky origins of Bay Lower Station — Bay Lower hasn’t operated as a subway station since 1966, but it’s considered a hidden treasure in the city. Located deep beneath the city streets, Bay Lower has been featured in everything from music videos to Hollywood blockbusters, but there are eerie urban legends surrounding the station.
In case you need plans this weekend. ? Halloween Fest is back! Save the date for family-friendly fun, with all proceeds going to the @uwgreaterto!
? October 26 & 27
? Bay Lower Station
?$5 per entry, free for kids two and under
The best part is — proceeds from the event will go to the United Way.
“By attending Halloween Fest, you’re not only having a great time but also making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community and have a fantastic time while doing it,” TTC Chair Jamaal Myers said in a statement. “As an employee-led initiative, Halloween Fest is a testament to the dedication and community spirit of the TTC employees who serve our city so well every day.”
The TTC Halloween Fest will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 27. Admission is $5 per person, and kids under two years old can enter for free. Attendees can enter from Bay Station through the Cumberland Street level automatic entrance (on the south side of Cumberland St., west of Bay St.). Bay Lower Station is only accessible by stairs, although some activities will be available at Bay Station’s concourse level.
Halloween is creeping up on Toronto, and if you’re all about the spooky vibes but want to skip the loud parties and bar scene, you’re in luck. The city is packed with fun alternatives that cater to your love of the eerie. From chilling musicals and suspenseful plays to hair-raising horror films, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the thrills without stepping into a raucous celebration.
So grab your friends and get ready for a night of frightful fun at one of Toronto’s many events designed for those who appreciate the darker side of entertainment!
1. HORROR & HILARITY
Evil Dead The Musical delivers a blood-soaked, hilarious horror experience at the Randolph Theatre. This 20th Anniversary production revives the legendary splatter zone for a night of wild gore. Catch it on Halloween night and it will also running until Jan 5.
A terrifying blend of Shakespeare and improvisation launches Tarragon Theatre’s season with a Halloween twist, as three goblins lead audiences through a chaotic, interactive Macbeth. On until Nov. 3.
3. MURDER MYSTERY
Experience the Deadly Masquerade at the Old Mill, where guests will savour tapas and music while unravelling a chilling murder in a Gothic ballroom filled with hidden dangers. Oct. 31 from 7 to 11 p.m.
On Halloween night, catch The Sh*tty Beatles at the Horseshoe Tavern for a live show that promises an authentic, emotional ride for die-hard Beatles fans.Featuring core members of Toronto supergroups ZEUS and The Golden Dogs, this tribute brings the Fab Four’s iconic catalogue to life with precision and passion. Expect a setlist filled with hits and B-sides from all eras, crafted with love and guaranteed to win over Beatles fans of all ages.
5. TERROR IN 3D
Experience Eldritch Theatre’s Phantasmagoria 3D!, a thrilling live journey through arcane rituals and cosmic horror. Inspired by 18th-century theatre, it fea- tures ghosts and demons using innovative techniques. Running from Oct. 30 to Nov. 10, it’s a must-see for those seeking a thrilling, immersive adventure.
Drake’s birthday is this Thursday, and in honour of the Toronto rapper, Torontonians can dig into free Dave’s Hot Chicken sliders on his special day.
The promo is taking place at every Dave’s Hot Chicken location on Oct 24, from 11 am-9 pm, and anyone can participate! Just download the Dave’s Hot Chicken app, drop by your local Dave’s, and scan the reward for a free slider (one per person).
Three childhood friends — Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and Tommy Rubenyan — launched the now-popular Nashville-style hot chicken franchise in 2017 in an East Hollywood parking lot (with portable fryers and folding tables in tow!)
In 2019, the team began franchising the Dave’s Hot Chicken concept, and the company has since sold the rights to more than 1,000 franchise locations in the U.S., Middle East, and Canada. Today, it’s recognized as the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the U.S.
“We love that Drake is choosing to celebrate his birthday with Dave’s guests,” Bill Phelps, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s CEO, said in a statement. “As this brand expands from coast-to-coast and abroad, it’s the authenticity of the food, founders, team members and investors, like Drake, which ensure we’ll continue to blow peoples’ minds.”
The free sliders are only available when visiting the restaurant (not through online ordering or third-party delivery services) but, in typical Toronto fashion, there will likely still be long lineups, so get to your closest location early this Thursday if you want to munch on some free food.
Dave’s has five locations in Toronto: 1582 Queen St. W., 2066 Yonge St., 1130 Queen St. E., 328 Yonge St., and Commerce Court (The Path) – 181 Bay St.
We’re about two months away from Christmas, but it’s never too early to plan for the holiday season, and one particularly beloved winter village. The Distillery District is bringing back Toronto’s favourite winter wonderland — The Distillery Winter Village. The village will run daily from Nov. 13, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, allowing visitors to embrace the magic of the holidays, stroll the historic cobblestone streets under a canopy of lights, meet Santa and his elves, and revel in the glow of a super festive 55-foot-tall silver fir Christmas tree! Seriously, if you can only attend once this season, then attend the enchanting tree lighting ceremony on opening evening — you’ll literally feel like you’re in a Christmas movie as Santa flips the switch on the towering tree, lighting up the night sky.
There will also be tons of new events and activities to look out for this year, like the Distillery’s own ‘Aurora Borealis’— wander through a dazzling winter wonderland inspired by iconic Northern Canadian vistas, featuring light projections over snow-capped mountains, trees, and a two-person sleigh (perfect for festive photo ops).
If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), check out Santa’s Village, nestled inside the Soulpepper Theatre Atrium. Kids can meet Santa, warm up with delicious hot chocolate, and of course, grab a keepsake photo with the man in red. Children can write their letters to Santa and ‘mail’ them at the North Pole Post — a five-foot-tall British-style mailbox located beside Santa’s Village.
For Taylor Swift fans, it appears that her influence affects holiday celebrations, too! With the singer’s Toronto leg of the Eras Tour coinciding with the return of The Distillery Winter Village, visitors can participate in a ‘Swiftie Holiday Hunt’ to win specially crafted friendship bracelets. Swift-themed cookies and friendship bracelets will also be available for purchase (although the Swift experience will only be available while Taylor is in town, until Nov. 24).
Adults can get cozy at the Naughty or Nice Bar. The 40’x45′ bar will be covered by a heated tent and offer festive cocktails like mulled wine and hot sangria.
Entertainment will include The McGregor Carollers as they perform traditional holiday favs, with lyrics projected on the Spirit of York so everyone can sing along. On Sunday afternoons, a French–English singing sheep quartet, The Alpine Merry Sheep Choir, will prance around the village singing tender and whimsical Christmas classics (inevitably bringing smiles to everyone’s faces)! And you can bring your pets too — visit the Pawpin’ Clicks booth near Santa’s Village to get professional holiday photos of your beloved pet and family!
Food vendors will also be decked out in holiday-themed décor! To memorialize your whole experience, take dazzling Insta pics by the giant 10′ family wreath, ice arches, vintage Santa sleigh (with reindeer), and more!
The Distillery Winter Village is located at The Distillery Historic District, 55 Mill St. The village will be open from Nov. 13, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, with the tree lighting ceremony taking place on Nov. 13 at 6 pm. Tickets range from $15 – $39.50 and are required from Thursdays to Sundays after 4:00 p.m. and daily from Dec. 16 – 31 after 4:00 p.m. Any other time, entrance is free. Kids aged nine and under always enter for free.
Stefano’s Diner has officially opened in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, bringing a new plant-based dining option to the area.
Located at 1265 Dundas St. W., on the corner of Dundas and Dovercourt, this diner is a younger sibling to the Michelin-recommended restaurant Gia. Notably, it is home to what Canadian icon Dan Levy has called the best vegan sandwich he’s ever had.
The diner was inspired by owner Jenny Coburn’s late dog, Stefano, and began as a pop-up within Gia during the pandemic. Due to high demand for takeout options, a permanent location was established just down the street.
Stefano’s Diner aims to cater to the growing interest in plant-based cuisine, particularly among younger generations like Gen Z and millennials. The menu includes a variety of offerings, such as the Italian Sub with plant-based meats and the Eggplant Parmigiana. A standout is the Extra Veg Burger, featuring a blend of beans, vegetables and garlic aioli.
In addition to regular menu items, Stefano’s will feature a monthly special created by local chefs. For example, this month’s offering is a Crispy Maitake Mushroom Sandwich, developed by former Gia chef Matthew Ravenscroft.
Other menu highlights include the plant-based Salmon Beurre Blanc, lasagna layered with walnut ragu, and refreshing salads like the Insalata Nizzarda. For those seeking lighter fare, small plates include focaccia, plant-based Brie, and arancini.
To complement the food, Stefano’s Diner offers a range of beverages, including cocktails such as the Picante Panini and mocktails like the Fugazi. Brunch is served on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. featuring plant-based breakfast options like avocado toast and French toast.
Stefano’s Diner is open Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to late night, inviting diners to experience a new twist on traditional diner fare.
