Item: a glossy magazine that keeps track of these things says Queen East is now cooler than Queen West. Why does everything always have to be a competition? Wherever it ranks on your relative hep-o-meter, Leslieville does offer gallery hopping and designer furniture shopping without all the 905 tourists making you curse your trendsetting taste. That and an increasing number of good bars and restaurants.
OLD STANDBYS Good food, a glass or four of wine, and a table under the stars — in a neighbourhood short on patios, Joy Bistro (884 Queen E., 416-465-8855) has fresh air to spare with a side patio overlooking a soccer field perfect for brunch and a more intimate courtyard-style patio for romantic evenings.
The Citizen (730 Queen E., 465-0100) may be the best resto in the ’hood and has a few tables under a shelter out front for patio addicts.
You say gentrify, Jilly’s (106 Broadview, 416-466-8756) says cheap rooms by the week in the Broadview Hotel, strippers and cheap food. So much more authentic than a boutique art space, no?
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK There’s a Russian flavour to two of the hottest new joints: Rasputin Vodka Bar (780 Queen E., 416-469-3737) offers vodka tastings, custom cocktails and a narrow room that looks like a hip update on grandma’s eastern European digs. The Comrade (758 Queen E., 416-778-9449) offers polished wood, leather and hipster tunes. Da!
n Prohibition (696 Queen E., 416-406-2669) is a sleek, friendly “booze emporium” — which is what they wanted to name it. Ask them about it while you drink.
ALSO, CHECK OUT Soma Restaurant & Lounge (703 Queen E., 416-778-7662) for cocktails and DJs, Kubo Radio (894 Queen E., 416-406-5826) for Asian food, Barrio Lounge (896 Queen E., 416-572-0600) for tapas and tunes, Tango Palace Coffee Co. (1156 Queen E., 416-465-8085) for coffee in the backyard and Leslie Jones (1182 Queen E., 416-463-5663) for food outdoors.