Toronto has become a natural extension of Reigning Champ on the East Coast—a city defined by its neighbourhoods, each with its own perspective and pace. This guide brings together a selection of our current favourites, neighbourhood institutions, and friends of the brand across the city. From our home base in Trinity Bellwoods to the Martin Goodman Trail and East End standouts, these are places that share a respect for the details, just like we do.
REIGNING CHAMP CITY GUIDE: TORONTO
CAFÉS
Mercury Espresso
Mercury Espresso
Mercury Espresso, an in-the-know favourite in Leslieville and a staple in the city for over 20 years, is an intimate, community-driven spot serving a rotation of independent Canadian roasters.
915 Queen Street East, 465 King St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J4
Sam James
Sam James
A hometown hero, Sam James and his team have perfected the art of the zero fuss pick-me-up. Beans roasted in-house have a signature chocolatey flavour that always hits (get a Cinnamon Swirl, too).
6 Brock Ave
Toronto, ON M6K 1L7
Rooms Coffee | 135 Ossington
Rooms Coffee | 135 Ossington
Rooms is a Japanese-inspired, design-forward coffee bar in the heart of Ossington. It’s laid out more like a living room than a café. Great patio, better couches, and best ambiance.
135 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z6
Hakko Gakko
Hakko Gakko
This hidden gem of a coffee and sake shop is run by a husband and wife duo. Mariko is the sake expert, and Sean handles the coffee, serving their in-house brand RGLR throughout the day.
1245 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6H 1N6
Nile
Nile
A cultural hub in and of itself, Nile opens early and closes late. Beans roasted in-house kick off the day as the space turns into a bar and cultural hub at night once the DJ booth starts bumping.
1485 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6K 1T6
EATS
Badiali
Badiali
The most passionately debated pizza spot in Toronto. They serve up NY-style slices and whole pies, focused on classic flavours, the best ingredients and house made everything. Whether it's the best slice, at the very least, it's damn good.
181 Dovercourt Rd
Toronto, ON M6J 3C6
Imanishi
Imanishi
Imanishi gives you a taste of Tokyo home cooking better than anywhere in Toronto. Great food served inside of a warmly lit, vinyl soundtracked room that lends itself perfectly to a Suntory Highball.
1330 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y1
Bernhardt's
Bernhardt's
Eating at Bernhardt’s is like going to your friend’s house for dinner—if they lived in a beautiful Edwardian home and happened to be an award‑winning chef. Their nationally recognized dishes (especially the MTL-style rotisserie chicken) are served in a cozy, welcoming space that makes you want to come back the next day.
202 Dovercourt Rd
Toronto, ON M6J 3C8
Linny's
Linny's
An Ossington strip staple, Linny's is as much a fine dining experience as it is a Jazz bar. The House Special Pastrami is a must order. Pair that with a Martini and some Miles Davis and you can't lose.
176 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7
Lardo
Lardo
College Street's best-kept secret. Mid-century Italian in spirit, unhurried by design, with seasonal cooking and a wine list to match the mood. Start with the focaccia and thank us later.
970 College St
Toronto, ON M6H 1A5
DRINKS
Bar Bowie
Bar Bowie
A not-so-secret underground cocktail and snack bar hidden away on Ossington. Checkered floors, mirrored ceilings and wood finishes give it an old school feel.
180R Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7
Scotland Yard
Scotland Yard
Classic Scottish pub vibe that you can't get anywhere else in the city. Game's always on, dart boards are open, and the Guinness pints are some of the best downtown.
56 The Esplanade
Toronto, ON M5E 1A6
Raval
Raval
Bar Raval boasts one of the most beautiful rooms in the city. A Spanish tapas bar serving delicious cocktails and small plates in a sculptural, woodworked space designed by Partisans Architects.
505 College St
Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
STANDARD TIME
STANDARD TIME
Standard Time operates out of a second-floor loft space on Geary, where a rotating kitchen handles the early hours before the room shifts into international and underground programming. One of the most interesting rooms in the city for discovering new music and emerging chefs.
165 Geary Ave 2nd Floor, Unit A,
Toronto, ON M6H 2B8
Rooms | 915 Dupont
Rooms | 915 Dupont
The late-night brother to Rooms, 915 DuPont emerges when the disco ball drops and the 70's amp stacks start throwing all-vinyl DJ sets.
915 Dupont St
Toronto, ON M6H 1Z1
LIFESTYLE
Martin Goodman Trail
Martin Goodman Trail
This trail runs directly along Toronto's waterfront, spanning the East End Beaches to the West End Humber Bay Bridge. Good for a sunrise run, a mid day bike ride, or a path to walk off dinner.
Martin Goodman Trl
Toronto, ON
Marilyn Bell Park Tennis Courts
Marilyn Bell Park Tennis Courts
Another spot right along Toronto's waterfront. Pack a lunch and get a few matches in before eating along the water.
1275 Lake Shore Blvd W
Toronto, ON M6K 3C1
Clint Roenisch Gallery
Clint Roenisch Gallery
A Toronto gallery fixture for more than 20 years, Clint Roenisch mounts ambitious exhibitions in a cavernous former fish-packing freezer in the Junction Triangle. The gallery represents multigenerational artists working with painting, sculpture, photography, film, textiles and installation.
190 St Helens Ave,
Toronto, ON M6H 4A
MOCA
MOCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum and gallery located in Toronto's West End. A cultural community hub, MOCA occupies 5 floors of a WWII era aluminum factory.
158 Sterling Rd #100
Toronto, ON M6R 2B7
The Plumb
The Plumb
A DIY, artist run project that seeks to provide the space needed to highlight the exhibitions of independent artists, community organizers, and marginalized groups.
1655 Dufferin St Basement
Toronto, ON M6H 3L9
DESIGN
Klaxon Howl
Klaxon Howl
Klaxon Howl's goal of creating "future vintage" is one that resonates deeply with us. As a brand they're rooted in the classic eras, and as a vintage dealer they happen to carry one of the meanest collections in the city.
Gate entrance, Lower level, 1473 Queen St W Unit 2
Toronto, ON M6R 1A1
Puebeco
Puebeco
A Japanese shop with a deep catalog of in-house objects and wares. Focused on functional, minimalist pieces with a pop of colour. Their bags are a standout.
640 Dufferin St
Toronto, ON M6K 2B4
Issues Magazine Shop
Issues Magazine Shop
A tasteful collection of extremely well-curated, independent print publications covering a wide range of genres from sport to music to design.
1489 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6K 1T6
In Corso Studio
In Corso Studio
In Corso is an independently-owned furniture and homewares showroom with an extensive collection of vintage and second-hand pieces. Whether you're in the market for a vintage chaise lounge or not, In Corso is a beautiful spot to stop through and sit for a while. Tell Coco we sent you.
24 Mercer St
Toronto, ON M5V 0C4
Hogtown Vintage
Hogtown Vintage
Hogtown Vintage specializes in procuring extremely rare, true vintage pieces from the 80's and earlier. Located in Toronto's East End, they have gems ranging from 1960's Canadian Military Parkas to 1940's Lee Jeans.
734 Queen St. E
Toronto, Ontario M4M 1H2
VISIT OUR STORES
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Yorkdale SHOPPING CENTRE
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Ossington Avenue
RC33 Capsule COLLECTION
In collaboration with 33 Acres Brewing, our limited-edition capsule draws from classic football kits and the culture around the beautiful game. Made for match days, from the grandstands to the corner bar.
