Get to know the city by taking a deep dive into its neighbourhoods. Make this the next stop on your itinerary or spend a whole day exploring here with this guide to The Junction by local writer, Natalie Taylor.
The Junction, one of Toronto’s most lively neighbourhoods, is named because of its geography: the intersection of where four railway lines in the area meet, and its adjoining area, the Junction Triangle (extending from Lansdowne to its main strip of Sterling Road).
After a long battle to absolve prohibition in 1997, the neighbourhood boomed and has since become a sought-after place to live and visit. Here are my picks on getting the most out of the neighbourhood.
This cultural hub transformed the former Tower Automotive Building in its new address at 158 Sterling Road. The 55,000 square foot space will feature five floors of gallery, studio, and exhibition space.
The third home of the popular art gallery, Angell has always been ahead of the trend and opened in Toronto’s newer gallery district on the Junction Triangle Dupont strip. With its contemporary, and evocative exhibitions, galleries and project spaces, this is a must-see for art lovers.
Culinary enthusiasts will now have a new eatery just across from the neighbouring MOCA, which includes a bakery, bar, and larder, as well as base for Drake’s Catering services.
Whether you’re in the makeshift “living room,” in the 140-seat dining room amongst a curated selection of eclectic art, at the takeout counter, or coffee and cocktail bar, there’s a buzz from the chefs in the open-concept kitchen and the custom installations from local artists.
Hipsters flock to the Instagrammable breakfast nook steps away from Lansdowne Station. If you’re not noshing on smashed avocado toast or the brekky roll on a bleacher bench, make sure you get an expertly-crafted flat white from its Australian owners.
Smack dab at the corner of Keele and Dundas Street West, Chica’s Nashville Hot Chicken is the perfect beginning to a food crawl. The retro diner setting takes second stage to the filling fried chicken sandwich and the meals, which consist of either a chicken breast or thigh, a side of coleslaw or corn salad, white bread, pickles and buttermilk ranch dip.
This deli house’s porchetta could contend for one of Toronto’s best sandwiches: crispy pork shoulder stuffed with fresh rapini, provolone, truffle sauce, chilli sauce and grainy mustard. Come back for the jerk chicken sandwich, the smoked meat deli sandwich that could rival Schwartz’s in Montreal, and the $5 peameal bacon sandwich as part of its all-day breakfast special.
Though there are a number of sophisticated Italian pizzerias and wine bars nearby (Nodo, Annette Food Market, Bricco), Vesuvio’s has been an institution of The Junction for over 50 years and spearheaded the neighbourhood’s reform on prohibition in the late 1990s. Classic Italian dishes and personal size pizza combinations either in its main dining room or take-out counter next door are popular with the whole family.
Comfort food classics reign supreme at this local brunch staple. Opt for the fried chicken and waffles, two variations of eggs benny, grits, and biscuits & gravy.
Noted as being one of the best brew pubs in the city and constantly bustling inside, Indie Ale House is a triple threat. They serve varied and flavourful beer, have a fantastic gastropub menu that ranges from small bites to heartier menu items, and have a fully outfitted bottle shop to boot. Their sampler beer menu enables you to pick your favourite before investing in a pint or to try everything if you’re indecisive.
This neighbourhood joint near Sterling Road in the Junction Triangle is popular amongst locals for their signature cocktail pitchers, cozy and hidden back patio in the summer, and mulled wine and thermos cocktails in the winter. Look out for their drink specials from 5-7 p.m. on weeknights.
Word nerds won’t feel out of place reading a book at the scrabble tiled bar while imbibing on a cocktail named after popular tomes. Noteworthy events include a regular book exchange, drop-in book club, themed book months and book trivia.
Blink and you’ll miss this secret music venue, created by the owners of The Hole in the Wall. (Look for the orange door beside Silk Restaurant and make your way to the basement.) Whether you want to play some pinball or check out a new high-calibre talent or sing your heart out at a tribute night or karaoke, this is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.
A block away from the Dundas West strip on Annette, sink into one of the leather chairs in the back while sipping your espresso or catch up with friends near the window in this light-filled cafe. It truly is the perfect neighbourhood cafe with a strong espresso to match.
Bunker up on the wifi and americano at this spacious cafe with eclectic decor that makes you feel like you’re at an airport in the 1970s with its mismatched chairs and airplane mural. If you’re at the Junction Farmers Market, you can grab and go with service at the back door.
Smash is a design enthusiast’s paradise, home to many salvaged doors, couches, artwork and other unique furniture. Its specialty is signs, many of which you’ll see in popular restaurants around town, including neighbour Playa Cabana. Its space is of great inspiration for explorers.
A curated selection of designers from Scandinavia and Japan can be found in this shop’s aesthetic, which sells everything from furniture and antiques to textiles, objects, and accessories.
The unisex shop sells gear that is distinctively Canadiana and utilitarian, ideal for travelling.
This menswear boutique offers the best of locally-made clothing, accessories, and personal care including brands Naked + Famous, Arc’teryx Veilance and Malin + Goetz.
The third outpost of this popular boutique, Coal Miner’s Daughter specializes in whimsical pieces for women; many made by Canadian designers.
The boutique sells an eclectic mix of treasures from women’s clothing and jewellery to tarot cards, candles and postcards. Look for their newest offshoot for men, Beau Men's nearby.
See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every door
there's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.
See it. Snap it. Share it. In every neighbourhood, around every corner, through every door there's something that begs to be discovered in Toronto.
#OPENYOURCURIOSITYMore Insights & Ideas from Locals
A Foodie’s Guide to Toronto’s Gerrard Street East
15 of the Best International Desserts in Toronto
6 Hotel Rooftop Bars with Epic Views of Toronto
Best Hot Chocolate Spots in Toronto
31 Celebration-Worthy Restaurants Offering Takeout
Around the World with Toronto Food Trucks
9 Kid-Friendly Breweries and Beer Bars in Toronto
Local Faves: Top 10 Spots for Comfort Food in Toronto
Make these Toronto Cool-Weather Cocktails at Home
Plan the Perfect Day in Gerrard Street’s Little India
You Only Live Once: 9 Over-the-Top Toronto Experiences
Stories from the 6ix: Sasha Exeter
Stories from the 6ix: Ryan Silverstein
Stories from the 6ix: Chloe Wilde
Stories from the 6ix: Adeyemi Adegbesan
10 Cheap and Cheerful Winter Activities in Toronto
Jump into the Junction: A Neighbourhood Guide to Toronto’s Hip Hotspot
Romantic Views: Toronto’s Scenic Winter Strolls
Back for More: Tips for Repeat Visitors
Glamorous Girls’ Weekend Getaway in Toronto
7 Summer Favourites You Can Experience Now
From Love Beads to Lamborghinis
Keen on Kensington: A Neighbourhood Guide to Toronto’s Eclectic Market
Welcome to Leslieville: A Guide to the East End Neighbourhood
Let the Fringe Festival Guide You Through Toronto
Festivals and Exhibits that Will Make You Love Winter
15 of the Most Instagrammable Street Art in Toronto
Literary Toronto: Guide for Book Lovers
Art Galleries to Visit This Fall
A Foodie’s Guide to Museum Hopping
Can’t-Miss Music Festivals (And the Must-See Venue) of the Summer