A Local’s Guide to Cabbagetown: 15 Must do’s
Cabbagetown is home to white collar workers, artists, and the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in all North America. Perhaps because of this, there are several antique and home decor shops in the area as well as amazing restaurants and even an urban farm. Here’s our guide to things to do when you visit this charming community.
How to get your day started:
Jet Fuel has long been a favourite destination for Toronto’s coffee addicts. The cycling themed coffee shop has bright red walls and is filled with creative types working away, plus it has an amazing sound system, catering to their tastes. Their coffee is velvety and smooth, with extra attention paid to the ratios of milk to foam, and even of micro foam to dry foam. They even have their own drink called the ‘Jet,’ with a more balanced ratio of foam and milk than a latte. The pastries are delightful too, so stop by soon to fuel your day, and especially your bike ride.
Enjoying your weekend outdoors:
Although the park is technically outside of Cabbagetown, it’s so close it may as well be in it. It’s one of the oldest parks in the city and home to two off-leash dog parks, a playground and, most importantly, the beautiful Allan Gardens Conservatory. This greenhouse is full of lush vegetation year-round, with each room bringing a new landscape. Turn the corner from the main hall, filled with tall tropical trees, and you’re surrounded by cacti or turtles and orchids. This place is perfect for photoshoots or just hiding from the harsh winter cold!
On the more family-friendly end of things is Riverdale Farm, which is reminiscent of the earliest settlements in the area. The farm is open every day, and entry is always free, so its always a good idea to head over with your family, partner, friends or even on your own! The farm is also connected to the trails of Toronto’s beautiful ravine system, making it the perfect gateway for escaping the city life. Check out the gardens and get to know their livestock at the 11:30am demonstration every day, they’ve got cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens, and there’s some friendly cats wandering the property too!
Delicious Restaurants:
F’Amelia has some of the best North Italian food in the city with a vegetarian-friendly menu of specialty pasta, pizza and more! The restaurant is in a cozy little converted cottage and has a spacious solarium and patio. It’s also joined by Extended F’Amelia, a wine bar with bar snacks tucked in next door.
This gastropub and Cabbagetown institution truly does food so well that it’ll keep you coming back. Their menu is humorously divided into the type of cutlery the dishes require (i.e. ‘fork and spoon’, or just ‘no cutlery needed’) and they’re open for weekend brunch too! It’s laid back, but popular, so get there early and it’s the perfect place for some beers (or whiskey) with friends.
This is another pizza place that’s got people raving. It serves delicious thin crust pies (with gluten free and vegan options), and has a selection of beers on tap, as well as wine. There’s little seating in this cool, airy joint so the tables are communal, adding to its friendly neighbourhood charm! You can also get your pizza to go.
Finish the Night off right:
Another cozy Cabbagetown romp with excellent pub food, weekend brunch and a familiar atmosphere. On top of that, they have what might be the best selection of local craft beer in the city, trivia nights on Mondays and Tuesdays, and a whole lot of board games!
Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Cabbagetown neighbourhood, this cocktail bar boasts a rich history and eclectic charm. Formerly home to the beloved Super Bargain Thrift and Discount Store for over four decades, this establishment now serves up some of Toronto’s finest cocktails and snacks. Located at 441 Parliament St., the venue retains the nostalgic allure of its past life, with a sign bearing the original store’s name still proudly adorning the front door. Whether out of fondness or mere inertia, the name remains, a testament to the enduring spirit of this locale. The owners of Super Bargain’s journey has been one of transformation and triumph, as they’ve breathed new life into a hidden gem. Despite its modest beginnings, the bar has become a vibrant hub, beloved by locals and visitors alike.