It may now be hot spot for moviegoers and diners, but Yonge and Eglinton has a noble revolutionary history. In 1837, from just north of the crossroads, William Lyon Mackenzie led rebels from Montgomery’s Tavern downtown in an attempt to overthrow the government of Upper Canada and make it a republic. Mackenzie’s rebels were crushed.
Until the 1950s, that rebellious fervour was replaced by a sleepy vibe. Then, in 1954, the TTC launched its first subway line, making Yonge and Eglinton its northernmost station.
Development has surged dramatically since then. Though surrounded by relatively upscale housing for upper-middle-class families, the Yonge and Eglinton nexus, with its many apartment buildings, became known as a singles haven through the 80s and 90s. The area attracted eateries, an outpost of Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club and retail spots to cater to that clientele.
Lately, Yonge and Eglinton boasts family-centred neighbourhoods alongside a growing condo culture. Most people have to go kilometres to a movies theatre, but Yonge-and-Eg residents can walk to two multiplexes. Comedy lovers can hit Absolute Comedy at Yuk Yuk’s former location, and the retail and dining options have multiplied.
Here’s where to eat and shop in this midtown neighbourhood.
Where to shop
Yonge and Eglinton is going through an extreme makeover. Condos are going up everywhere, there’s the construction of the LRT, and that means new retail is moving in.
The neighbourhood has a blend of popular chain stores like Club Monaco (2610 Yonge, 416-487-0841) Gap (2635 Yonge, 416-487-1583) Lululemon (2558 Yonge, 416-487-1390) Mendocino (2526 Yonge, 416-488-1443) and American Apparel (2468 Yonge, 416-486-7781) interspersed with independent retailers.
Yonge and Eglinton Centre (2300 Yonge, 416-489-2300) now has a Winners (416-483-1664) where you can pick up an Alexander McQueen bag, and a Sephora opens this July. There’s an M by Mendocino (416-766-5111), and at Holika Holika (647-350-8887) you can pick up Korean beauty products including the popular Baby Silky Foot peel.
Up the road, Tommy Bahama (2488 Yonge, 416-440-4266) sells palm-printed summer dresses and shorts, and you can pick up a swimsuit or two at Sandpipers (2580 Yonge, 416-544-1063). For the more sporty types, there are four – yes, four – bicycle stores in the neighbourhood: Cyclepath Norco (2106 Yonge, 416-485-2453) Trek Bicycle (2063 Yonge, 416-481-8735) Bike Toons (2103 Yonge, 416-587-7204) and Sporting Life (2454 Yonge, 416-485-4440).
Men can get quality clothing at Jerome (2603 Yonge, 416-489-2494) and Intuition (2487 Yonge, 416-333-3780).
If you have money to burn, this neighbourhood has stores that will happily set fire to your wallet. Canopy Blue (2582 Yonge, 416-483-2583) stocks jeans, Black Halo dresses and Smythe jackets, or you might like Canon Blanc (2624 Yonge, 416-484-1616) or Joshua David (2525 Yonge, 647-343-2929).
If you prefer major labels, Sporting Life has lots, and consignment store Revival (363 Eglinton West, 416-480-0003) carries Erdem, McQueen and Oscar de la Renta. Note that sizes run small,and be sure to check out the wall of barely worn shoes. For more budget-friendly party dresses, there’s Poor Little Rich Girl (2094 Yonge, 416-322-7574) south of Eglinton.
Nothing looks good without the proper underwear. Pick up something lacy or a T-shirt bra from BeeStung (2504 Yonge, 416-481-2849).
Furnish your new condo with goods from Restoration Hardware (2434 Yonge, 416-322-9422) and the significantly cheaper but just as stylish Casalife (2532 Yonge, 416-922-2785).
Where to eat
Yonge and Eglinton has long been well served by white-napkin Italian trattorias like 7 Numbers (516 Eglinton West, 416-322-5183), La Vecchia (2405A Yonge, 647-849-3796) and Grazie (2373 Yonge, 416-488-0822), but the area is now seeing a new wave of laid-back eateries catering to a young crowd.
For some of the city’s best modern Middle Eastern, head straight for Tabülè (2009 Yonge, 416-483-3747). Check out Indo-Dutch snacks (with a side of cocktails) at the family of restaurants that includes Little- Sister (2031 Yonge, 416-488-2031), upstairs neighbour Bar Batavia (2031 Yonge, 416-488-2031) and the soon-to-open Noorden Food Bar (2110 Yonge, 416-358-0513, noordento.com).
A number of downtown-based eateries have headed north to cater to their uptown fans: Touhenboku (2459 Yonge, 416-551-6800) recently brought its rich ramen up from Queen West, while the northern outpost of Banjara (164 Eglinton East, 416-486-6644) handles the area’s tikka masala cravings. Those in search of healthier eats can head to the uptown location of Fresh (90 Eglinton East, 647-789-5480).
For a wild night out, Korean Cowboy (2368 Yonge, 416-519-1301) offers anju – Korean bar snacks – in a boisterous saloon-like room. Cibo Wine Bar (2472 Yonge, 416-925-0016) brings a slice of King West uptown through an über-slick atmosphere complete with a “wine angel” who, while suspended in a harness, fetches bottles. Beer drinkers will want to check out Granite Brewery’s brew pub and bottle room (245 Eglinton East, 416-322-0723).
If you’re after comfort food, quirky diner Uncle Betty’s (2590 Yonge, 416-483-2590) has what it takes to sate both small children and the grievously hungover – think all-day breakfasts and mac-’n’-cheese-stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches.
Advertising feature: Shop these great Yonge-Eglinton stores now!
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1
Modern Optical
Since 1968, Modern Optical has been curated by the hands of the Sarantopoulos family into one of the best-kept secrets in Toronto. The service is above and beyond, throughout the lifespan of your glasses. There are two locations in the city, and both offer convenience and great selection. Visit us and see things differently. Mention NOW and receive $50 off (not including contact lens purchases or eye exams).
TW: @modern_optical, FB: Modern Optical, IG: modernoptical1968
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2
The Rose and Crown
This family-owned and -operated pub has been an essential part of midtown Toronto for the past four decades. The Rose has kept its original character through the years, which maintains the connection between the generations that have made memories here. The live music every night and delicious meals make The Rose a great place to meet friends, catch the game or dance the night away. Drop by and meet the family. We look forward to seeing you.
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3
Rowe Farms
2503 Yonge, Toronto, OntarioAt Rowe Farms, we believe healthy eating means consuming food that is minimally processed, sustainably raised and locally grown. All of our animals are raised locally in a humane environment without the use of antibiotics and growth-promoting hormones. When shopping at Rowe Farms, you can find custom-cut steaks, fresh beef, pork and chicken. We also offer a selection of prepared foods, salads, daily soups, rotisserie chicken, ribs and grocery staples.
TW: @RoweUptown, FB: Rowe Farms
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Chronic Ink Tattoos
Our purpose is to do the best art tattoos in the world. It’s an ambitious goal, but it’s all we care about. We are grateful for the many people who have allowed us to be part of their stories – stories that are told on the best canvas in the world: the human body. Chronic Ink Tattoos feels privileged to be working with your inspiration, ideas and memories. We are a family of artists that has found a way to satisfy our need to create. We’ve heard that tattoos are therapy for the soul, and we can safely say that is as true for us as it is for our clients.
TW: @ChronicInk, FB: Chronic Ink, IG: chronicink
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5
SIP Wine Bar
The new hot spot in Toronto’s stylish Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, SIP Wine Bar offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas as the main attraction in a lively welcoming local restaurant. We always welcome reservations and hope to hear from you soon. Call us during business hours and we will be happy to reserve a table. We are proud to offer catering and event opportunities, as these occasions allow us to work more closely with our clients and dinner guests while sharing our dedication to exceptional food and service.
TW: @SIPWineBarTO, FB: SIP Wine Bar TO
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Pure & Simple Beauty
Pure+simple is a pioneer in providing quality all-natural skincare options for Beautiful Skin, NaturallyTM. Since its founding at their first location at Yonge and Eglinton in 2000, we’ve added two more Toronto locations at Yorkville and at King West, as well as one franchise location in downtown Waterloo on Bridgeport Road.
Pure+simple is proof that times are changing that there is a definite need for natural products and services that consumers are able to understand and trust. Over the past 15 years, we have built long-lasting relationships not only between products and consumers, but also between employees and customers.
TW: @PureAndSimpleCA, FB: Pure & Simple Skin Care , IG: pureandsimpleca
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Benefit Cosmetics Canada
Drop in now…walk out WOW! Canada’s first Benefit Boutique is your destination for tips, tricks and on-the-spot “make-uppers,” where beauty thrives and laughter is the best cosmetic!
As the global eyebrow authority, Benefit has been turning heads and raising brows for 40 years.
Our delightful team of experts deliver customized service with a smile. Shop our collection of makeup and enjoy an array of services that include signature brow shaping, facial and body waxing, threading, spray tanning and more. Wanna host a Beauty Bash? Our boutique is perfect for birthdays, showers and gals night out events, by special request.
FB: Benefit Cosmetics Canada, IG: @BenefitCanada
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8
The Cupcake Shoppe
The Cupcake Shoppe offers a total of 28 nut-free cupcake flavours, with 11 available in-store every day. Our cupcakes names are cleverly chosen by owner Suzanne Cooper and her staff of cupcake artists to make you smile. All of our cupcakes are baked daily using the freshest ingredients. We also offer custom cupcakes, mini cupcakes, cake pops, gluten-free cupcakes and hand-illustrated cakes made to suit your special celebration. Founded in 2003, the Cupcake Shoppe is Toronto’s first and finest cupcake bakery, and we know how much fun a cupcake can be.
FB: The Cupcake Shoppe Toronto
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Fresh on Eglinton
Fresh is Toronto’s original source for modern vegan and vegetarian food, both to eat in and to take away. Since our early days, we have made it our mission to prove that a plant-based diet can be satisfying, energizing and crave-worthy. We also offer a full line of raw, organic cold-pressed juice and a traditional made-to-order gourmet juice bar. Our menu is totally vegan-friendly, with dairy options available throughout, and our traditional juices are made right before your eyes. Our menu items have one thing in common – they’re all delicious!
TW: @freshsince1999, FB: Fresh Since 1999, IG: freshrestaurants
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South Street Burger
Since 2005, South St. Burger has served premium food in a contemporary, New York-style environment. The menu features fresh 4 oz and 6 oz 100% Angus beef patties that are additive-free and raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Grilled chicken breasts, veggie burgers, all-beef hot dogs and Oktoberfest sausages are also on the menu. There are 36 restaurants in Canada including six franchised units in Alberta, plus two more locations in Dubai. South St. Burger was recently named one of Canada’s best-managed private companies for the fourth year in a row.
TW: @southstburgerco, FB: South St Burger Co, IG: southstburger
