Out Traveler (Summer 2007) a division of PlanetOut Publishing Inc. an American gay travel magazine had this to say about Gay Toronto: " These days the Gay Village in Parkdale and "Queer Street West," as a section of Queen Street is now dubbed, Sizzle! ---- Toronto is on the list of growing international cities that claim to having more than one “gay village”. As most visitors to the city believe, Church and Wellesley is the hub of gay activity when planning a vacation or stop over. However, the west end of the city has gradually carved out a place on the map, known locally as the “Queer West Village Toronto,” or QWV. There has been a significant queer presence in this area for several years, but it is started gaining recognition as a viable alternative to the traditional Gay Village.

The Queer West Village is totally different than Toronto's traditional gay village, which is a white male dominate district of the city and mostly about Sex and Bathhouses. QWV is about the Arts, Culture, Indie Clubs and the Queercore Music Scene with a young vibrant mix crowd of all genders and orientations. Queer West Village Toronto, is an edge culture, willing to take risks, not concerned with what people think! There are no purely gay bars in this part of town. There are several funky dining establishments and accommodation options so you can actually plan a full itinerary in Queer West Toronto. We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re waiting for you!

Zoom Queer West Toronto Map

Village Location: Roncesvalles Avenue to Bathurst and College St W. to Queen Street. The heart of the village is in Parkdale.

The Inside Story Newspaper bringing you only the best of Queer Toronto has to offer.

Queer Neighbourhoods Bloor-Annex | Chinatown | Roncesvalles | Queen West | Little Italy | Little Portugal | Suburbs West

Bloor West Annex Neighbourhood   (top)

Bars & restaurants- The Annex
neighbourhood profile: About The Annex | West Village Happenings

A Bohemian funky area featuring trendy restaurants serving innovative cuisine. There’s always a new & hot restaurant in the spotlight here. City Map of the Annex | Take The Annex Video tour

Dance Cave- Lee's Palace - 529 Bloor St. W., one and a half blocks east of Bathurst St Exit the TTC at the Bathurst Subway Stationy. 24hr info line (416) 532-1598 Sin Sundays with tough chicks, dykes, rocker dudes and drag queens to end your week mingling and mating to the new wave, disco, old school, Goth, industrial, punk, ska and “cheese-o-rama”. DJ Shannon spins on Manic Monday's. An alternative for the already alternative queer. 10pm. No cover. The Annex neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

The Green Room -  (Best Reason to Venture Down a Dark Alley) First-timers have a hard time finding this obscure boozer hidden down the alleyway behind the Poor Alex theatre. Eventually, they find a two-storey warehouse full of Goodwill furniture and shelves of books that provide distraction when conversation dies amongst the queer literary set. Cheap all-day breakfasts, $2.95 too.  416-929-3253. The Annex - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Annex WreckRoom - 794 Bathurst Street Phone: (416) 536-0346. Formerly the Hacienda - New owners will be holding gay, queer, gender bender all night events Not wheelchair accessible. www.theannexwreckroom.com The Annex - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Chinatown & Kensington Market Neighbourhood   (top)

Bars & restaurants- Spadina Avenue and Kensington Market: | About Kensington Market | West Village Happenings

Renowned local folkster Bob Snider takes us on a tour of his Kensington Market neighbourhood, with him and his guitar. Watch Bob's Video In the 1920's, Kensington was know as the Jewish Market. Today, you can sense the city's funky, multicultural mix in shops packed with goods from Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, South America and Asia. Video tour of Kensington Market Part of Toronto's queer west end includes the, quintessential Chinatown that rivals all other chinatowns around North America. Video tour of Chinatown

The Boat, 158 Augusta Ave. 416) 593-9218 in Kensington Market.$$ Affordable There’s a new place to party in the Market. The Boat is a pirate ship-themed bar located at 158 Augusta and hosts weekly queer events. | Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Comfort Zone - 480 Spadina.416 975 0909. Afterhours nightclub. The Comfort Zone is unlike any other club. It's most infamous for its Sunday after-parties, which starts at sunrise and is rocking by mid-morning, wrapping up at around 3 am Monday. Line up starts at 5:30am, doors open at 6am on Sunday mornings- be ready to grease the doorman. Have your "line-by pass card" handy. Inside, you will find a low ceiling basement, lit only by black lighting. This is no fashion show. This is NOT for the faint of heart. Music is loud, and sounds great. The 19+ crowds are awesome. Best nights Thurs-Saturday.

El Mocambo - 484 Spadina Ave @  College;  Doors are at 10:00 pm Hosts weekly queer events. Get ready to strut your stuff ’cause this crowd means serious business out on the dance floor. 10 pm-3am. Trinity-Spadina. Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Sonic Nightclub - Opened April 29, 2006. Afterhours nightclub. Sonic takes over the premises formerly occupied by Boa Redux. Sonic opens fresh on the heels of a stint where the club was merely known as “270 Spadina.” David Morales – the Grammy Award Winner and owner of Stereo Nightclub in Montreal. A new designed leveling the dance floor with plush banquet seating on the 2 upper levels, custom-built sound and lighting from Dymax. Sonic Nightclub 270 Spadina Avenue. Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Supermarket (Best Place to Eavesdrop on Yuppie Angst) 268 Augusta Avenue,416.840.0501 Former owners of the ultra-funky College Street Lava Lounge have transposed themselves to become the hot new spot in Kensington Market. This diverse fusion restaurant offers dishes like the popular braised oxtail and veal shank with lemongrass topped with Thai basil, to tapas-style sharing dishes like grilled chimichurri calamari and sweet potato chips spiced with chipotle and sea salt. Feel like surfing the net while having an after-work snack? Bring your wireless laptop too, and ask your server for the password. On weekend evenings, the venue gets packed full of well-dressed people sipping drinks inside or on the outdoor patio. On “do-right Saturday” nights you will hear DJ Fase on the decks, rated one of Toronto’s finest, spinning a mixed bag of hip hop, funk, and classic soul. Dine, dance, and discover this unique oasis of coolness hidden inside hippie-town. Age group 18-25 Open 5.30 pm to 2 am $$ Affordable. (Kensington Market) Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Palmerston - Little Italy Neighbourhood   (top)

Bars & restaurants- College/Little Italy. Bordered by College St. to the north, Dundas St. to the south, Ossington. to the west and Bathurst Ave. to the east. About Little Italy | West Village Happenings | Other Restaurent Reviews

Andy Poolhall (All new as of Feb 14, 2008) 489 College Street. 416 . 923 . 5300 Daily 2:00 pm - 3 :00 am. (Gay Owned) ]It's been months and months and months in the making, but it is now official: Andy Poolhall has expanded to include the former Ciao Edie side, now all under one roof, one license and one name. This means there's more room to play, more seating, extra lounge space and we'll be able to move freely between the two sides. Increased capacity + loads of washrooms + 2 bars = more people, less lineups, more fun! Entry to the club will now be through the former Ciao side (already dubbed 'The Love Lounge' by Ms. Cozmic Cat!). This is also good news because it means that Andy Poolhall is now a wheelchair accessible space! There is an accessible entry, a wheelchair access ramp joining the two sides of the venue, and two fully accessible washroom stalls. Yes!!! At last! www.andypoolhall.com | Little Italy, Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Cafe Diplomatico - 594 College. 416-534-4637. $$ Affordable Still one of the most sought-after gay friendly patios in the city, summer seats 150. Expect lineups starting late afternoon for the patio. Reasonably priced food, homemade sauces, mix-and-match pastas, $14 pitchers of domestic draft. Sun-Thu 8am-2am; Fri-Sat 8am-3am. Little Italy - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Kalendar Koffee House 507 College St near Euclid Ave, (416) 923-4138. This has to be one of the most charming little restaurants in Toronto in years. Lavishly simple in style, it's become the place to hangout, eat and have coffee with friends or to just sit and read your newspaper. Order: French Toast - delicious. The food was very good. The atmosphere is excellent!! Service was very nice too. Comments: Delicious. The food was very good. The atmosphere is excellent!! Service was very nice too. Patio seats 18. Popular with gay, lesbian and queer indie crowd. $$ (affordable) Little Italy, Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Linuxcaffe, 326 Harbord Street at Grace in west Toronto. 416-534-2116. Opened around June 2005 and owned by David J Patrick.Inside you can start with a hot, dark organic espresso coffee and something from the simple menu, while you plug in your laptop. Linux newbies hang around and guru's visit, consultants pin their cards to the bulletin board and Linux authors make their books available for sale. Inside the front door is a pail of doggy cookies for your pooch, take one, it's free. The quaint summer patio seems to attract young comic book geeks and documentary film artists. Popular spot for local queer cyclists, on an otherwise deserted stretch of Harbord Street. Little Italy neighbourhood. | www.linuxcaffe.ca | Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Midtown - 552 College St near Euclid Ave (416) 920-4533. A much better-kept secret is The Midtown Hip queer crowd of twenty somethings come here for the large outdoor patio in front and pool tables in the in back. The fact it serves late-night munchies is a plus. Little Italy, Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Mod Club Theatre - (Best Place to Sanely Watch a Band) 722 College Street two doors east of El Convento Rico, 416-588-4663. Hours: Thurs, Fri and Saturday, 9:00 pm - 3:00 am Known for its britrock and swinging retro-mod dance nights. The crowd is typical circuit-fabulous, mixed up with: british mods, polyester-clad queer scenesters, '80s music fans, folks not quite sure what they’ve wandered into. The crowd ebbs and flows all night, thanks to its diverse musical selections. Little Italy - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Neutral Lounge, (Best Pop-Cultural Character Study) 349A College St West at Augusta.. 416-535-2384. $$ Affordable The place may not exactly be eye-candy but it looks like a hang-out spot. It’s the right sort of spot for the masses that enjoy Kensington Market. Since the bar hosts such a diverse assortment of events, ranging from Goth to Brit, chances are anyone can find a night to relate to. From “DJ’s Madame hair and doctor BAGGIE” Tuesdays to “Solidarity Sundays” Little Italy - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Revival 783 College Street  416-535-7888. $$ Affordable Since the beginning, Revival has provided a safe haven of good vibes to artists and dancers alike. It allows anyone who appreciates the arts, a chance to come together in rich surroundings. With a slogan of “Eat, drink, talk, listen” Revival does just that. While many would be surprised to find that it offers more than just generously-poured cocktails. Dominic Tedesco, one of the owners of Revival, is very proud of his club and happy to see it through its fourth year of business. “It’s an amazing place where the club community can connect.” . A great place to dance or lounge and a have lot of fun!!!!!! - www.revivalbar.com| Little Italy - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Sneaky Dee's - As throngs of local queers know, Sneaky Dee's is the place to go when you've given up on all other places. Anti-corporate, pro-feminist, pro-gay. Some of the better bar food in the downtown core. The great thing about Dee's is that their kitchen is open incredibly late (2 AM or something) and you'll walk away eating for under $15. Whether you're travelling north, south, east or west, all streetcars eventually have to stop at the corner of College and Bathurst. 416-504-7934. Age 20-40. $$ Affordable. 431 College Street, The live entertainment happens on the 2nd Floor, | www.sneaky-dees.com| Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Swallow Lounge - 292 College St. West (College & Spadina), Toronto 647-439-5876 $$ Affordable Swallow lounge is one of the latest and most stylish underground night clubs in Toronto. Basing it's layout on that New York lounge feel, it is definetely a "if you can find it, you know you're somebody" type of spot. One of the few spaces in Toronto where the crowd knows this is a best kept secret spot.www.swallowlounge.com | Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Little Portugal (Davenport South)  (top)

Bars & restaurants- Little Portugal (Rua Acores)
neighbourhood:  | West Village Happenings | History of Little Portugal

Cocktail Molotov - 928 Dundas St. W.,  416-603-6691  $$ Affordable Yes, this is the same place on Dundas that used to be a design store and, yes, some of those funky fixtures and artwork linger on in Cocktail Molotov, by-products of co-owner Jean Roland’s artistic talents. It’s the kind of place where Zappa records are just as likely to take a turn on the table as OutKast, and where the crowd isn’t likely to ever be described as “the pretty people.” This isn’t to say they aren’t fetching-they’re just more character actor than would-be starlet Queer Friendly Trinity Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Communist’s Daughter 1149 Dundas St W. at Ossington. 647-435-0103.  (Best Place to See a Fake Artist) An obscure dive with a brass address No. 119, an old store sign above reads "Nazare's Snack Bar"  and next door to a graffiti covered drug store. Don't let the curious moniker fool you: The C.D. isn't a Socialist meeting headquarters - the name is taken from a line from a ‘70s song. This queer friendly place is always full. Full means 29 patrons and all the Goodwill tables and chairs occupied. Service is friendly, the bathrooms clean, and the jukebox collection stellar. And miraculously, considering the young and with-it crowd, the pickled egg jar diminishes from half-full to empty each night. The reason? Hard to say; perhaps it’s just the beer. Though the juke-box vibe here on an average Friday night would send your hipster self into helpless paroxysms of joy. Little Portugal Queer West Toronto, Ontario

The Crooked Star 202 Ossington at Dundas. 416-536-7271 (Best Place to Release your Inner Slacker) Has quietly become the ad hoc meeting place, watering hole and, to some degree, home-away-from-home for many queer westenders. Touted as a neighbourhood bar, the Crooked Star aims to soothe and comfort the young locals that have recently made the Dundas West area their new back yard. With real estate development occurring at a healthy pace, what used to be a primarily Portuguese area is morphing into a distinct yet eclectic ‘hood, with young artists being drawn into it for its’ “homey” feel. The Crooked Star has that same homey quality. Decked out with folksy wooden booths and lit by regulation candlelight, the small space hosts alternative -DJs most nights, offers crock-pot specials from the kitchen weekdays and Coronation Street brunch every Sunday afternoon from 1 pm. Open from 11 am daily. $$ Affordable | Little Portugal neighbourhood. (Queer West Toronto, Ontario)

Dakota Tavern - (New Rock and Roll Country Bar ) A new place, opened January 2007, at 249 Ossington Ave just a few doors north of Dundas. 416.850.4579. Occassional queer event is being tried, starting with Steers and Queers, gay honky tonk, dance party. Websites: www.thedakotatavern.com | www.myspace.com/thedakotatavern | Little Portugal neighbourhood. (Queer West Toronto, Ontario)

Gayley's Fine Foods Ltd (Best Home Cooking in the Westend) 1424 Dundas St W Toronto. Family run business, at Gladstone, block east of Dufferin., 416-538-3443.  This a casual spot that's never too crowded, always has stacks of newspapers to read and whips up a respectable all-day breakfast for $5.95. Just don't be in a hurry: everything's made to order -- very slowly. substantial soup 'n' salad noshes in a relaxed room that would be horizontal if it were any more laid-back. Lots of mid 20-40's, urban closeted queers. But then Equity Showcase is just around the corner. Complete meals for $10 per person, including all taxes and tip. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 5 pm, Saturday 7 am to 5 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. Catering services too. Unlicensed. Cash only. $$ Affordable Little Portugal (Rua Acores) neighbourhood. Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Get Real Cafe - 135 Ossington Ave (n. of Queen Street). 416-532-4564 - This neighbourhood Is becoming a new underground queer hot spots, that few outsiders know about even here in gay Toronto. Take Get Real Cafe which offers internationally inspired homestyle vegetarian cooking with a gourmet flare. Vegan soups & entrees, eclectic salads, grilled sandwiches, organic coffees. Cozy, casual garden patio. Weekend brunch includes spelt flour crepes and waffles, organic egg omelettes and a vegan English breakfast. Open Mon-Fri 10-7pm and Weekends 10-4pm. Sandwiches include savoury tamarind marinated tofu, portobello mushroom croustades, grilled sweet and sour tempeh, and many more (all have wheat and dairy free options). and the salads include a vegan caesar. It is fairly small inside (only about 6 or 8 tables) but they have a back patio that seats 16. “...very healthy, refreshing and tasty!!” They also sell specialty health foods and gifts. $$ Affordable Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Julie's, 202 Dovercourt Road, ph: 416-532-7397. Patio seats 20. Under tall shade trees on a quiet street, Julie's offers Cuban cuisine that's not as incendiary as its Caribbean counterparts but makes for perfect drinking grub. Decor: a detail-correct 30s general store. Queer friendly boité Open Tuesday to Sunday 5:30 pm to 2 am. $$ Affordable Little Portugal (Rua Acores) - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Lula Dance Lounge - 1585 Dundas Street West, 2 blocks west of Dufferin. 416-588-0307. If you love live music, this is a great new place to see the raw musical talent of Toronto. Imported afro-cuban, sala, swing bands and spoken word nights. Little Portugal (Rua Acores) neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario. Toronto Star review May 3rd, 2007

Luna Cafe-181 Dovercourt Road on the corner of Argyle, two blocks North of Queen Street, Across the street from new Argle Lofts. Formerly a corner store, this cozy hip little boité serves up great sandwiches and brunch items. A place where local gay art & antique dealers hang out. Community table by the door has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the community. 416-588-3374, Little Portugal (Rua Acores) neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Saving Grace  907 Dundas Street West. 416-899-9186. Don't let their business card throw you off, just because it shows a crowned Virgin Mary holding a basket of bread buns. This bare-bones minimalist style cafe white, white and white with pale pine tables and a few very small, unobtrusive paintings on the walls. But owner-chef Monica Miller has not just adopted a look. The essence of her restaurant, from the menu to the service, is reassuringly uncomplicated. High ceilings, large front windows and all that white make the cafe bright to the point of crispness. The menu, typed on white paper, is brief and to the point: a soup, four salads, four sandwiches, a few pies. Most lunch items are $5 or $6, the priciest being a tomato-cheddar herb pie with green salad for $7. The is definitely queer friendly boité, with a dyke or two working in the kitchen. Trinity Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

White Orchid - 812 Dundas West (Two Blocks West of Bathurst) 416-214-5890. Wheelchair Access a hip little club for left-of-centre Queer DJ parties. Live venue for punk and indie bands. Drinks are cheap; $5.50 for a premium imported beer, and $5 for a mixed drink on a Saturday night is a bargain these days. Trinity Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Roncesvalles - High Park    (top)

Bars & restaurants- Parkdale - High Park
neighbourhood profile: History of Parkdale | History of High Park | West Village Happenings

Alternative Grounds Coffee House 333 Roncesvalles Ave., So popular regulars have their own coffee mugs stacked on a shelf. Two community boards by the door has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the queer community. Only Fair Trade coffee sold and served. Summer atio seats 20. A great place to try your  Gaydar!. Gay friendly sticker on front door. $$ Affordable. Roncesvalles neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Butlers Pantry Cafe - 371 Roncesvalles - a quaint little community cafe. 416-537-7750. Community ledge by the door has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the queer community. $$ Affordable Roncesvalles neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Cool Hand For A Girl is a new organic cafe located just east of Keele on Dundas St W in Junction. The cafe it occupies a small space, and the tables and chairs are a mish-mash of fun retro furniture. The walls are currently bare except for a cool black and white art installation on one wall. Cool Hand of a Girl serves a small selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts along with its organic coffees and herbal teas. Sisters Wren and Kim Jackson launched Cool Hand of a Girl in the Junction neighbourhood in March 2006. Wren, a first-time restaurateur previously ran a Queen St. W. art gallery. Their coffee is sourced from Toronto's Dark City Coffee Company. It's an organic, Fair Trade, medium roast, Viennese blend called Zen. On the weekend, the siblings add scrambles, omelettes and french toast into the mix. I got the feeling the owners are lesbians. Cool Hand of a Girl, 2804 Dundas St. W. (east of Keele St.), 647-892-0271. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed: Monday and Tuesday. High Park (Junction) neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Fat Cat Wine Bar & Bistro 331 Roncesvalles Ave.(phone 416.535.4064) The design of the place is very simple. The dark hard-wooded floors and white and yellow walls with tasteful details give this place an urban flair without the too-cool-for-school essence that many new establishments crave. The food is inspired by French, Portuguese, and Spanish cuisine. The menu is meat heavy but they can easily accommodate vegetarians or any other food specific diets that people might have. Their menu is basically a three-price tier of $7, $9 and $11 mini dishes. Their wine list is an extensive one, you can purchase wine by three or six ounce glasses or you can get a half litre or bottle. So for those who would like a night out without the congested downtown gay scene, the Fat Cat Wine Bar is the place to go with a group or with a date.| www.fatcat.ca | Parkdale/High Park. Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Gate 403 403 Roncesvalles Avenue, just south of Howard Park on the eastside - 416-588-2930 - Jazz blues bar. Roncesvalles area - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Grenadier Cafe & Tea House Located in picturesque High Park, know for it's gay men's peek-a-boo, woodsie cruising areas late at night (behind tennis courts and south end of park) . Open daily 7 am - 9 pm entrance off Bloor Street. Follow the signs to middle of High Park. 416-769-9878. Summer patio seats 300. High Park. Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Hugh's Room 2261 Dundas W Phone: (416) 531-6604 Liscened bar and reasonable priced food menu. 200 seat Blues, Folk, Irish & Celtic Jazz, Bluegrass and occassional queer musician. $$ Affordable Roncesvalles neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Loons - 416 Roncesvalles.(Howard Park) 416-535-8561. Patio seats 95. The beautiful etched-glass exterior makes a great first impression, and Loons lives up to its promise. The consummate neighbourhood watering hole, this Roncesvalles pub draws its fair share of regulars.Twelve beers and ales available on tap include Guinness and Caffrey’s, along with plenty of domestic brews. And it’s no wonder: the bartender seems to know everyone by name (or at least by their drink order), and there’s always a friendly crowd on hand for an after-work pint. $$ Affordable A heated backyard patio seats 95. Parkdale High Park neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Mitzi's Cafe- (named after 1950's girlie pin-up queen Mitzi Gaynor).100 Soraurin Avenue, closed Mondays otherwise 11-8 pm, two blocks north Queen St., west of Lansdowne Ave A breakfast hotspot for queer Pardale loft dwellers, newly weds, designers and writers. Brunch aficionados drive from across town on weekends for the oatmeal buttermilk pancakes. French toast that will rock your world and the best hash browns in the city. Cute summer patio for 14, and they'll serve you coffee while you're waiting outside for a table, which can take a while.. Community table by the door has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the queer community. 416-588-1234, owned by Mitzi's Sister bar listed below. Cash Only! $$ Affordable Parkdale neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

River restaurant - 413 Roncesvalles Ave: 416-535-3422. Hours: Tues.: 5 pm to 9 pm; Wed.-Fri.: 5 pm to 10 pm; Sat.: 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm; Sun.: 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm. $$ Affordable This cozy, wedge-shaped restaurant in Toronto's west end culls its staff from the ranks of Toronto's homeless and at-risk youth. Menu: Eggs benedict, burgers, pastas, salads, salmon, lamb, chicken dishes and the like. Dishes like burgers, pastas to pork tenderloin are priced between $10 to $18. Weekend brunches are all under $10. River has a children's menu. What makes River more than just a restaurant is All Aboard Youth Ventures - a non-profit charity that helps at risk youth. Since 1998 kids from the shelter system, many with less than a Grade 12 education are given the opportunity to get a year's training in the kitchen or on the floor. Over 160 youth have gone on to full employment in the food industry. Location Map | Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Tinto Coffee House - 89 Roncesvalles, at Marion, 416-530-5885 Colombia is responsible for what is perhaps the world's favourite drug - coffee. So it makes sense that Bogota-born Elvia Saenz and Ricardo Rozental would name their west-side coffee house Tinto, the Colombian slang for a cup of joe.The two-storey café on Roncesvalles Ave. is stuffed with comfy chairs and is fully Wi-Fi'd. Complete vegetarian, meals for $18 per person, including all taxes, tip and a fair trade Americano. Average main $9. Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Unlicensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement www.tinto.ca

Queer - Queen Street West   (top)

Bars & restaurants- Parkdale South & Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood: About Trinity Bellwoods | West Village Happenings

Funky little restaurants surrounded by cutting-edge fashion, galleries, antique shops and dance clubs. This is a place to hang out and be cool. Running through the village is a beatbeat driven queer street which, defies the ordinary Canadian stereotype with its live lingerie models and progressive music scene Video tour - Queen Street West

Bacchus Famous for having the best bread and meat fillings, but the vegetarian versions are a little mushy. Try the tasty chicken or goat and don't skip the delicious Guyanese desserts. 1376 Queen W. 416-532-8191. Parkdale - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

The Beaconsfield, 1154 Queen St. W., 416-516-2550 Across from hipster hub the Drake, this cozy corner resto-bar radiates warmth and low-key luxury. A scalloped stone façade—remnants of a branch of the now defunct Molson’s Bank—frames a sleek expanse of glass ideal for scoping out the strip. Inside, sturdy scarlet leather banquettes, chocolate brown panelled walls and softly glowing diamond-drop sconces hark back to Dorothy Parker’s gin-swilling heyday. Weeknights, creative turtlenecked locals crowd the slick stainless steel bar to sip Stella and kvetch about Canada Council grants. Weekends, artfully disarrayed scenesters join post-dinner hangers-on, tossing back French martinis ($9) and grooving to soul, reggae and funk on vintage vinyl. Opens at four during the week, five p.m. Friday and Saturday. No cover. Pints $5–$6.50. Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Beaver Cafe -  1192 Queen W.416-537-2768 ( gay owned New Hot Place, for queer punk crowd) Hanging out west of Ossington is hardly subversive anymore. In fact, Toronto’s southwestern corner is developing such an established scene it has been informally christened Queer West Village. Ladies and gentlemen of all sexual persuasions have been buzzing ever since edgy queer club promoter Will Munro (and his business partner, Lyn McNeill) set up shop in the neighbourhood, taking over the Beaver Café and giving it a facelift. With the demise of his wildly popular monthly Vazaleen and Peroxide parties, Munro promises to hold occasional nights dedicated to rock and electro, but hopes to open up the space to all sorts of art, music and fun. So hipsters can stop complaining: now that Munro has a permanent address, good music and good times won’t be so hard to find. Expect a mixed crowd of artsy queers and their friends, and a soundtrack that ranges from punk rock to disco. Various queer event almost daily. The small licensed patio in the back gets pretty busy in the summer. Open 9 am to 2 am. $$ Affordable. Queer West Toronto, Ontario. Here's another review in our Village Blog Monday Dec 11, 2006 and www.myspace.com/torontobeaver

Big Bop 651 Queen Street West (Queen and Bathurst) contact 416.504.0744. It is the big purple building on the South-East corner of Queen Street West and Bathurst Street. The Big Bop Concert Hall & Nightclub was established in the early 90's, and has since been one of Toronto's leading venues for live performances, and regular queer club events. The Big Bop is comprised of three separate venues: The Reverb, The Kathedral, and Holy Joe's. Each of the three venues have its own theme, stage and audience areas and independent sound lighting systems. $$ Affordable Trinity Spadina - Queer West Toronto, Ontario .

Bovine Sex Club - 542 Queen St. W., 416-504-4239  ( Over-rated and past it's prime, the queer punk crowd now hangs at Beaver Cafe) From the outside, this ultra-hip Queen West boîte looks like the aftermath of an accident in an ironworks. A moody rock bar that incorporates underground culture and desecrated art as décor. The venue is quite an intimate experience. The stage makes for close, interactive performances. The bar has both a queer and straight mentality with a lot of androgyny thrown around. The clientele always includes artists and local demi-rock gods.  If you like your queer boys rough, inked and pierced and your girls sassy and with character, this is a place for you. $$ Affordable Queen West Fashion District - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Butterfly Ballroom - 422 Adelaide West, 416-366-7399 A new two-floor lounge with DJs on both levels Friday through Sunday. Music ranges from retro to house to rock, with a lounge feel on the top floor and a clubbier vibe below. Booths are available for reservation (and, of course, bottle service) along with a more private champagne lounge on the second floor. Expect to pay a $10 cover Friday and Saturday (unless you're on the guest list), and an imported beer will run you $7. They've made the second-floor washroom unisex, which will please the guys who hated having to leave their drinks to go to the basement bathroom. They're clean and well maintained, thanks to washroom attendants on both floors (who probably expect a tip for the clean white towels they hand you). Home to monthly Bi and Lesbian dyke parties hosted by Girl Toronto. Queer West Toronto, Ontario. www.butterflyballroom.com

Cadillac Lounge - 1296 Queen Street West. 416-536-7717. Exposed brick walls make for stylish surroundings; the clientele is as unpretentious as the guitar-filled soundtrack (often provided by neighbourhood talent). They offer a complete menu with superb reasonably priced daily specials and a great brunch on the weekends from 11 am to 3.30 pm. Cadillac’s heated patio warms winter puffers. Truly a throwback to a simpler time. Regular queer events hosted here. $$ Affordable Parkdale neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Cafe Taste - 1330 Queen West, at Brock, 416-536-7748. If you wander past the pretentious boho vibe of West Queen West you will find yourself in unpretentious and sometimes unkempt Parkdale. Cafe Taste is a relatively new cafe with a lot of promise. Taste's small French-press coffee ($2.61), made up of 75 per cent Arabica and 25 per cent Robusto, not only cuts the environmental and political mustard (organic, fair trade, bird-friendly), but it also tastes good. The service was attentive and friendly. I particularly liked the touch of the complimentary carafe of water with lemon. The recently got a liquor license and Greg (owner) plans to serve gourmet cheese platters with wine in the evenings. Complete meals for $19 per person, including all taxes, tip and a coffee. Average main $9. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11:30 am to 4 pm. Unlicensed. Access: two steps at door, washrooms in basement. Parkdale neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Cameron House 408 Queen West, at Spadina, 416-703-0811. For more than 20 years, the queen of Queen West has attracted a sexually ambiguous crowd. Hell, even Prince has partied here! The small back room hosts music and theatre events, while tasteful tunes act as backdrop to intellectual repartee in the bordello-like living room up front. Definitely Queen Street Queer, with local rockers providing the beat. Open daily 4 pm to 2 am. Trinity Bellwoods Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Café Bernate (Gay Owned, 1024 Queen West, north side just past Ossington, 416-535-2835) Funky mismatched chairs and relaxed staff create a comfortable ambience for chronic loiterers on Queen West's hip strip. The menu offers 30 plump sandwiches for all tastes, and those drinking regular coffee get free refills. Sandwich prices start at $6.96, none are, served on common doughy Weston's bread. Lattes and caps, homemade iced tea and lemonade, memorable in-house muffins that always sell out early. Nippy huevos rancheros with tortilla and salsa at brunch. Complete lunches for $8 per person, including all taxes and tip. Open Monday to Friday 11 am to 4 pm, Saturday brunch 10:30 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday. Unlicensed. Smoke-free. Cash only. Access: two-inch step at door, washrooms in basement. Trinity Bellwoods Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Drake Hotel- (Best Place to Watch the Ebb and Surge of Upscale Queer Toronto Nightlife) 1150 Queen Street West, east of Dufferin St at Beaconfields, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6J 1J3 Phone: 416-531-5042. Fax: 416-531-9493. A Bohemian inspired hotel, including the 18 boutique hotel rooms. Designed for the local neighborhood. It's fun, quirky, eclectic, tastefully mismatched, cheeky, open to new ideas. A two level shelf by the door in the Drake Cafe, has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the community. Any given night finds, 15 taxi cabs waiting or arriving at the front door. Arts and Design district, Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Easy Cafe - For those who can't stomach another serving of hipper-than-thou-Huevos at one of Queen West's restaurants du jour, this Queen at Roncesvalles bistro is happily true to its name. The mood here is as mellow as hanging out at a friend's, with the added bonus of excellent all-day breakfasts and a selection of sandwiches. Waitresses recommend the Huevos Divorciados: a corn tortilla filled with fried eggs, refried beans, spicy green and red salsas and ancho chilli jam. 1645 Queen St. W., 416-537-4893. $$ Affordable Parkdale - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Footwork (Afterhours) Bar - ( City's best underground venue.) The entrance suggests gritty: you must walk down an alleyway, past a security check and through an unmarked door. But the interior is more refined, featuring decorative concrete pillars and sleek leather bar stools. There’s a lounge area for chilling out and two fully stocked bars (one backed by palm tree wallpaper, the other has more of a Victorian vibe); most clubbers steer clear of fancy cocktails and quaff straightforward vodka mixers or Heinekens. At the back of the club, the small dance floor teems with energy. Clubbers dress casually—sneakers are de rigueur—which gives them free rein to go wild to pounding electro, house, tribal and techno beats, provided by guest DJs. The scattered empties of Red Bull and water suggest a long night ahead. Cover varies from $5–$20. The clubs plays a mix of House, Drum & Base and Trance. The average age of club goers at Footwork bar is 20-30s. The Dress code is casual clubbing. Age: 19+ Hours: Friday and Saturdays 10 p.m.- 4a.m. Footwork Bar, 425 Adelaide St. W. 416-913-3488 (at Brant St, close to Bathurst St & Queen St W. Queer West Toronto, Ontario. www.footworkbar.com

Forty Two Gladstone (Afterhours Lounge) - All the best afterhours clubs are located in QWT 42 is not glamorous like Glam Boutique and Sonic. It's more of a lounge than some warehouse venues, with some space for dancing as well. The music is usually house, spun by local DJs, but occasionally bigger-name acts drop surprise sets after their legitimate gigs. Located at 42 Gladstone Avenue just above West Queen West, west side of Gladstone, has no sign out front. The large four And Two, Hand-painted in black on the door, offer the only distinguishing characteristics to set it apart from the other industrial spaces on the street. Patrons will not see tell-tale security staff, excess furniture or no smoking signs. "You walk in and you see a bunch of people partying, It's like, crazy loud house music. Everyone's really having a good time. It's not your average club, where people are standing around worrying about who's looking at who. Everyone's just sort of enjoying themselves. Local Queer West Village Djs, Artists and late night music rounders are drawn by the music and also by the sense of community that is apparent is the electronic music scene. Once the bars close, the suburbanites usually head home and only the true aficionados of the queer music scene are left, showing up on weekends at Number 42 Gladstone Avenue (some refer to it, mistakenly as Dufferin St. | Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Funhaus Dance Club - 526 Queen St. W. (east of Bathurst at Ryerson) 416.703.4999 Americans may have their invasion guerilla queer bars, but the gay village in Toronto west has been Guerilla Queer before the term was invented. Funhaus DJ Phink lays down the hard stuff weekly where queers, gays, goths, punk, dykes and straight happily dance and mingle. Trinity Bellwooods neighborhood, Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Gladstone Hotel ( Best Place to Drink Away Your Blues) 1249 Queen Street West at Dufferin. 416-535-8089.The Gladstone is something of the Drake’s down-to-earth cousin. It, too, features events—film screenings, fundraisers, queer scenesters and so on—but without the hype and the seriously big bucks. There’s the Melody Bar, and true to its name patrons will try, sometimes quite successfully, to sing (at the popular karaoke nights—Wednesday to Saturday.) And finally, there’s the demure Art Bar, seating up to 50 patrons and home to such events as experimental music afternoons. All in all, a healthy sign that the legacy of the artists who once were the lifeblood of Queen Street lives on, many many gay and queer event happen every day of the week and weekends too. Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Ground Level Cafe - 1340 Queen Street West east of  Brock St. 416-531-5346 New Open March 6 2003.  Large open space, 1,200 sq feet. Cosy atmosphere and friendly counter staff. Mission: To create and stimulate employment and employment-training opportunities for at-risk and street-involved youth through income-generating business. Bagels, Cakes, Cookies, Cold Drinks, Cappucino, Espresso, Fair-Trade Cofees, Saturday Brunches, Soups and Squares. Open Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 am to 4 pm; Sat.: 9 am to 4 pm. - Parkdale - Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Habitat - 735 Queen St. W. at Tecumseth St. (416) 860-1551 Located in Toronto's Queen West Art and Design District, Habitat offers a contemporary dining experience that is as colourful as its art-enriched surroundings. Part restaurant, part nightclub, this wood-paneled new hot spot tries to please both foodies and scenesters. Dining Style: Casual Elegant. Cuisine: Continental, Tapas / Small Plates. Prices $31 to $50 www.habitatlounge.com Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Java House - ( Queer college student hangout) A nook on Queen West to drink tea and eat Middle Eastern-inspired appetizers and entrees. The coffee is good and the side patio even better. Favourite hangout of Toronto's vibrant queer anarchist community. Also, a million weird teas, including ones to increase your potency. 537 Queen W. 416-504-3025. Queen West Fashion District - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Lot 16 Bar - (Best Little Underachiever in Queer Toronto) 1136 Queen West. 416-531-6556. About 7 doors east of Drake Hotel. Owners Penny Rose and Heather Fox, welcomes a diverse spill over crowd, where cute metrosexuals in their 30's hang with fag hags Looks empty at 10.30 by 11 pm, it's standing room only. Every other friday , brings in Queer DJ Triple-X with is 70's K-tel hits, classic new wave, current indie climbers and cazy-ass covers. The bar serves a local mix of younger slacker types, inner city kids, CEO's and hipster and artists, many of whom live in the area. Just like Cheers, everyone knows your name at Lot 16. Wheelchair accessible. Half pints are $2.75 10 pm to 2 am, no cover.  Open 5 pm to 2 am. Age 20 - 30. $$ Affordable Trinity Bellwoods, Art and Design district - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Mezzrow's - 1546 Queen W. 416-535-4906. Full menu, 8 beers on tap. Jazz/Latin live music. No cover. Daily, noon-2am. $$ Affordable Parkdale - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Mitzi's Sister- 1554 Queen Street West, 416-532-2570.The real action is catching up with the local gossip at the bar. Lovely, summer Patio seats 40. Open 11 am-2 am Mon to Sat., and 11 am to midnight Sunday's. “Our bar menu is all microbrews, so I think that is one of the attractions,” says owner Lesli Gaynor. We support local breweries. A sizable space made cozy by warm staff and mauve walls displaying local artwork; friendly chatter happens over microbrews and massive servings of well-crafted pub dishes. Live bands, queer author eading series and music jams. No cover.Lesbian owned.  $$ Affordable Parkdale neighbourhood, Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Muzik Night Club - has become the Ultimate Saturday Night Destination for the Toronto and Hollywood Elite. Since opening, Sept 9, 2006, MUZIK has become a celebrity hot spot, hosting the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Lou Gossett Jr., Emilio Estevez, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow, John Abraham, Ronnie Hawkins, Perez Hilton, and Andrew Stetson. Scale of 0-10 (10 being the best) Music - 8, People - 71/2, Ambiance - 8 Love factor - 7. Overall, Muzik is a mature rave party experience in a more sophisticated setting. If that’s what you are looking for, then you will not be disappointed. Regular world class events and convention party centre, 9 Bars and capacity for 3,000. Location Parkdale neighbourhood, 15 Saskatchewan, Exhibition Place. 416-870-8000. Queer West Toronto, Ontario www.muzikclubs.com

Nonna's 96 Tecumseth Street off Queen St. W., 416-364-0312. Patio seats 16-20. Lunch: Wed-Fri, noon-2pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu 6-10pm; Fri-Sat 6-11pm. Favourite hangout of in the know queer hip crowd. $$ Affordable Trinity-Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Parkdale Drink - (Opened August 10, 2007) Not the usual sleek and modern, void-of-all-character-design that's currently plaguing the city, the Drink has some enticing features that creates a distinctly comforting haunt. A slew of 40” LCD televisions are scattered throughout and drink prices are standard at around $5 a pint/bottle/domestic rail. Her plans call for a fun environment whereby people can kick back and watch football and hockey (she’s a big sports fanatic) on one night, or relax with a manicure and martini on another. For those who want to splash out, selected nights will have discounted bottle service pricing (for those who can't afford the bottle service up the road).

Let's talk food. The menu will feature everything from calamari and spring rolls to burgers and wings. Thai says she wants to focus the menu on fresh seasonal foods with low carbs. Red Seal Certified Chef Sean Chien graduated from the Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts, and arrives after completing several prestigious stints in the USA. The indoor area accommodates 160 patrons, with plenty of table space for dining and sofa chairs for lounging (after one too many drinks, of course).

Speaking of evenings...in an area known for their love of brunch (the ultimate hangover cure), the Parkdale Drink plans to accommodate with a weekend brunch menu that runs until the late afternoon hour of 4:00pm, thus catering to the local loafers and potentially hungover crowd. The soon to be opened back patio will be licensed for another 100 with plans to create a series of layered seating areas separated by a fountain running through the centre. If this is the Real Parkdale , I'm there! -B.D.(Martini Boys) The Parkdale Drink, 1292 Queen Street W. Phone: 416 778 8822. Hours: Mon & Wed: 5:30-12:00 am, Thurs & Fri: 5:30-2:00 am, Sat: 11:00am-2:00 am, Sun: 11:00 am-12:00 am, Closed Tuesdays. $$ Affordable. Parkdale Neighbourhood | Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Poor John's Café - Poor John's has an irresistable warm and homey atmosphere. Welcomes a queer friendly artsy crowd, of students, writers and musicians. There tons of fresh baked goods (made in house by Sweet and Simple Designs) such as muffins, biscotti, gourmet cookies, and an assortment of other goodies. John's Sister-in-Law (S.S. Designs) also makes wedding cakes. A simple lunch menu is provided and now with a beer and wine liquor license. Now open from 7 am to 10 pm. Scrabble every thursday 7-10 pm and book club starting in the Fall of 2006. If your a local artist Poor John's will feature your work on their walls for 30 days. Location: Poor John's Café. 647-435-2688 1610 Queen Street West, at Callender Ave. $$ Affordable Hours: Mon & Wed: 5:30-12:00 am, Thurs & Fri: 5:30-2:00 am, Sat: 11:00am-2:00 am, Sun: 11:00 am-12:00 am, Tuesday: Closed Parkdale neighbourhood | Cafe review | Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

751 - formerly Paddy Murphy’s (751 Queen West, at Tecumseth, 416-360-7272), currently accommodating one of the darkest of musical genres appropriate for the area - championing the work of everyone from Siouxsie Sioux to Marilyn Manson. Quickly become a queer neighbourhood gathering spot. It’s comfortable, welcoming and the drink prices are some of the lowest in the city. There’s a great selection of imported brews on tap and reasonably priced daily specials. Since the bar's opening, the base clientele has already developed a wandering eye for the more trendy drinkeries down the street, while lots of creatures of the night with pale skin and dark wardrobes have moved in. You won't find too many coolios or swingers here, but the smaller, still-cool goth set gatherings make it easy to find a velvety nook of your own. Nearby gallery owner types and naïfs are also dipping in here for their late night libations. $$ Affordable Queer West Toronto, Ontario Trinity-Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Queen Star restaurant - You would think this hole in the wall, next door to Drake Hotel would have to distinction of being the best greasy spoon in queer Toronto. The title use to be held by The Lakeview Lunch up on College Street at Ossington. The Queen Star is a little hiddem gem, frequented by local queer music promoters, Drake Hotel management, village DJ's, artists and local rounders. Breakfast special all day, 4 eggs, 3 pieces of bacon, homefries and toast or tea all for $3.50. They have the usual Chinese and Canadian food at very low prices. You can get a homemade hamburger, fries and milkshake for $4.00. Hours vary mon to fri 4 pm to 10 pm Sat to 11 pm and Sunday and holidays 4-10 pm. It's a shame, as they won't be at this location after 2008 the owner of the Drake, Jeff Stobe rbought them out, no doubt to turn it into some swanky eatery or art gallery. Now your chance to enjoy some go home cooking. Queen Star, 1144 Queen Street W, 416-537-1067 $$ Affordable Trinity-Bellwoods - Queer West Toronto, Ontario

The Queenshead Pub - 659 Queen Street West - 416-368-9405 (S.W. corner of Queen and Bathurst) Cool hangout for the under 30 crowd: Queen West Queer at its best, you’d almost expect a “cool people only” sign at the door. it’s a low-key English-style pub without many bells or whistles to clutter its effortless atmosphere and cheap beer. The bar “has a huge lesbian following.” With DJ Mikey Apples and Jaime Sin as the “Shack Up” regulars, they spin garage rock, electro, synth pop, metal, punk soul . . . you name it, they spin it. By midnight on any given Thursday, Queenshead is packed and pumping. $$ Affordable Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Rangzen Cafe - (1600 Queen West, at Sorauren, 416-588-1100) $$ Affordable The weather isn't quite Himalayan when we go to Rangzen Café on Queen West in Parkdale, but it's bad enough to make us appreciate the resto's restorative bowls and plates of authentic Tibetan fare. Complete meals for $21 per person, including all taxes, tip and an imported beer. Average main $6.99. Open Sunday to Thursday 5 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm to midnight. Closed Mondays. Licensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms in the basement. | Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Raq N Waq, 739 Queen Street West at Tecumseth St., Phone: (416) 504-9120. Located in the old Future Bakery, the flour barn was saved from demolition and converted into the classy bar and pool hall. Raq N Waq has been around since 1997 and features some of the character from the bakery beforehand, including the flour hopper located directly above the lounge area. Also included in the lounge are 11 top of the line Brunswick pool tables. Raq N Waq also has a dance floor and patio for friendly gatherings. In 2007 started hosting weekly queer Thursday dance parties, with DJ cozmic cat. She has her claws out, spining old school, funk, reggae, house, trip hop then infuses a touch of salsa to mix up the “… night of boundless delight” No cover. $$ Affordable 10pm-2am. raqnwaq.com Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Rhino Bar & Grill - 1249 Queen Street W, just west of Dufferin Street. $$ Affordable One of Parkdale's favourite hangs, this multilevel space in an upgraded Victorian offers better than usual pub grub and 11 microbrews. The floor needs resurfacing and lttle to dark in daytime, but a night, the table candles are lovely. A big central bar, pool tables and a pop-corn machine, adds to the joint's je ne sais quoi. where queer writers and arty fratbois hang out . 416-535-8089.  Parkdale neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario www.therhino.ca

Rustic Cosmo Cafe - 1278 Queen Street W. Patio for 15. just west of Dufferin St. Community table by the door has local flyers and postcards from galleries and community events. Always a sure sign, that place welcomes everyone in the queer community. A place where local artist show their work, LLBO, Latte, Lunch, Cappuccino, Dinner, Coffee, Brunch. Spoken word & poetry, 1st and 3rd fridays at 8-10 pm. $$ Affordable 416-531-4924, A Gay friendly space. Open 7 days a week. - Parkdale neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Onario.

The Social (Best “Welfare” Parties ) There is no sign indicating the Social's location, and if it weren't for the swelling line-up and dance-floor-respite smokers outside, you would probably miss it. Own by Richard Lambert, Jesse Girard and Kealan Sullivan they also own Vintage 69 Clothing store, so my friend Jack tells me. Their the new peddlers of Queen West queer cool, dance to electro, house and rock under neon swirls, flirt with fashionistas and fill your vintage-T-shirt-covered belly with $3.50 pints of Labatt 50 on weeknights! late nighters from the Drake and Lot 16 can be found here. Young artists and hipsters, the kind of people you would actually find living on Queen West, rather than the more 905 straight-from-banking-job clientele of the Drake, populate the Social. At 11, the bar turns into a club as the disco ball starts to spin and the tunes are cranked up. 1100 Queen W. at Dovercourt, northside under Spin Gallery. 416-532-4474. Age group 20-30 $$ affordable. Art and Design district Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Stone's Place - 1255 Queen Street West. 416-536-4242. $$ Affordable Owned by a retired sound tech for the Rolling Stones. Popular with younger queers in their 20's and 30's, to mix, mingle and flirt. Big Primpin is a monthly queer event at Stone's Place. It's put on by Jeremy Laing who is a local Parkdale boy as well. Heavy doses of semi-ironic “gay rap .” Old-school jams, dirty hip hop, crunk and deadly dance hall throbs, drives the sweaty throng of gay ghetto wannabes to ecstasy.www.stonesplace.ca Parkdale neighbourhood .- Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Sweaty Betty's - 13 Ossington Avenue at Queen W., formerly the Luft Gallery 416-535-6861 This tiny place rocks with its cheap micobrews. The two seats in the front window give you an exclusive view of West Toronto's version of the "lower east side". How much hipper can you get than opening up a bar that’s directly in front of a male detox centre and a hop skip and a jump away from the mental institution. Queer book launches and art installations. The music comes from the eclectic jukebox, including a metal night with Miss Barbrafisch spinning - vintage rock, thrash, grind, doom, stoner rock, whitetrash and classics! Attracts mixed crowd aged 19-25 Trinity $$ Affordable. Bellwoods neighbourhood - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

The Sparrow - Not so long ago, Ossington Ave. was dowdy and crime-ridden. Now, a few entrepreneurs are helping revitalize the westerly strip. Where bullets once flew, red curry lentil soup is being served to urbanites savvy enough to venture up beyond Queen West. The Sparrow, 92 Ossington Avenue, hums with stylish Parkdalers, who flock here for dinner or a late-night drink. Candlelit tables line one wall of the gallery-like space; a gleaming, dark wood bar the other. The owners, who also run Sweaty Betty’s down the street. The kitchen’s Asian-inspired fare offers plenty of vegetarian options, while the comprehensive liquor menu includes martinis, highballs, cocktails and beer (imports and domestic). A selection of absinthes, adds to the bar’s bohemian allure. $$ Affordable Weekly queer events. www.thesparrowtoronto.com 416.537.0134 | Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Telquila Bookworm ( College student queer hangout) Features a great magazine stand and book collection that you can use as your own temporary library. Or, failing that -- rock the board games! 490 Queen W. 416-504-7335 Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Vatikan Cafe - (1032 Queen St. W., 416-533-9166) Near Ossington Ave. Sadly The building location is up for sale and The Vatikan is going out business on July 1, 2006. There are rumours of the Bovine Sex Club and The Vatikan merging. If any new develops, you'll be the first to read it here. Art and Design District - Queer West Toronto, Onario.

Vienna Home Bakery 626 Queen St West,· 416-703-7278 - Gay Couillard, sister to famed chef Greg Couillard, prepares outstanding fare at this Queen Street bakery. In fact, regulars seem to think it's the best bakery in Toronto. Vienna Home is widely recognized for its signature pillar-shaped loaves of bread. Other menu items include fruit pies and remarkable cassis-soaked cakes. Coffee and tea are also served at the bakery, a favorite with the hip crowd. Average Main Course Price: $8.75 Cash Only, No Credit Cards Wed-Fri 10am-6pm;Brunch Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Arts and Design district- Queer West Toronto, Ontario

Velvet Underground 510 Queen Street West - 416-504-6688 - The Velvet Underground is Toronto's choice for Alternative Rock in an intimate environment. Catering to a wide range of alternative types, from nouveau goths to university preps, the Velvet Underground is a nice change from the ordinary. The ultracool decor includes sculptures of angels created from found metal that add to the lush unique atmosphere. Queen St., W. fashion district - Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Wrongbar - 1279 Queen West at Brock, 416-516-8677 .Located in the heart of Parkdale. The cryptically-named Wrongbar has taken over the old Dragonfly spot (and the short-lived B-Sweet). The difference this time around is that the new owners - Nav Sangha a.k.a. DJ Nasty Nav and Chris Harper a.k.a. DJ Jelly - are well connected in the Queer Queen West scene. In the front area, a long service bar accommodates about forty people, while a dimly lit lounge area is smattered with leather sofas and coffee tables. An elevated DJ station is the focus of the back space, while the dance floor is huge and could clearly host a rocking party. The room is dark, beer is cheap, genres change with the night and there’s more emphasis on the music than the décor (and there’s nothing wrong with that.) In true Parkdale style, there’s Labatt 50 in bottles and on tap, as well as tons of bottled beers and, of course, shots. The Crows: Good looking Parkdalers and the fairly recent “Poshdale” crowd, Age 18-35. Live Music Venue, Dance. Price $$ (Affordable) | Queer West Toronto, Ontario.

Toronto Gay Suburbs  (top)

West Village Happenings

Etobicoke, Ontario There are no gay, lesbian or queer bars in the former borough of Etobicoke. Nor are there any LGBTQ social groups. There was one from 1989 to 1994 called GALA West ( Gay And Lesbian Association West) it had 300 registered members from Etobicoke and Mississauga. There are now no GLBTQ social groups in Toronto's former borough of Etobicoke.

Mississauga, Ontario A new gay bar has opened in Mississauga in February 2007. More gay mississauga history, details in Queer West Toronto Blog here

Barrie, Ontario - Find out what's happening in gay Barrie Ontario, in Queer West Toronto Blog. Here

Gay West Site Map