Daiter’s
The 50-year-old appetizing store is the last of its kind and, unfortunately, the owners put the building up for sale last year to focus more on the catering side. So head here for all your bagels, schmears and cured and smoked fish of all kinds while you can. You can also get bubie-approved latkes ($1.99) and kishka, a sausage made of chicken fat and matzo ($6).
3535 Bathurst, 416-781-6101, daiters.ca
United Bakers Dairy
In business since 1912, this bustling kid-friendly institution is only closed during the week of Passover and High Holy Days (Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah). The menu is extensive, but first-timers should get the cheese blintzes with sour cream ($6.99), kreplach ($11.99) or baked carp ($11.99).
506 Lawrence West, 416-789-0519, unitedbakers.ca, @UnitedBakersTO
Harbord Bakery
Another culinary landmark, Harbord Bakery is where plush loaves of beautifully braided challah are stacked high on the shelves and kids tug at their moms for the irresistible sprinkle cookies. The shop also makes wonderful cakes and pastries like danishes and pies, but be warned that pickings are slim around closing time.
115 Harbord, 416-922-5767, harbordbakery.ca
