$$$ = expensive
$$ = moderately priced
$ = inexpensive
Cool
Rebas
3289 Dundas W, at Runnymede, 416-626-7372. If you’re too young to remember Queen West’s “good ol’ days” – 1981 – Arlene Levin’s quirky coffee café recreates that anything-goes era. Organic fair-trade brews, weekend brunches ‘n’ barbecues and art programming on a bucolic backyard deck. Unlicensed. $
Classic
Swan & Firkin
2205 Bloor W, at Runnymede, 416-767-9222. Formerly Bert and Ernie’s, this Swansea pub features a busy sidewalk patio out front and a larger outdoor deck overlooking the street upstairs. $$
Great Food
Queen’s Pasta Cafe
2263 Bloor W, at Durie, 416-766-0993. If you’ve ever ordered “house-made pasta” anywhere else, chances are it was supplied by this west-side wholesaler. Get the real thing straight from the source at this casual Cal-Ital trat. $$
Also in the area…
A Dark Horse
2401 Bloor W, at Jane, 416-769-4696. $$
Troubador
3071 Dundas W, at Quebec, 657-345-8807. $