The weird brutalist ziggurat that contains Anthony
Rose’s latest, Bar Begonia, came a little low on charm
when the chef took it over this past winter – but thanks
to some fairy lights and new Parisian patio fixtures, the
once-desolate deck, which sat vacant for 10 years on
the Dupont strip, now looks downright homey.
BAR BEGONIA
252 DUPONT. TORONTO
When visiting family members drag you to the St. Law-
rence Market this summer, you’ll probably find yourself
in need of a lunch break (or a stiff drink). Fortunately
for you, this spot on the Market strip (formerly Pastizza)
just got a new name and a menu change – now there’s
a roster of pizzas and wine-spiked pitchers of mojitos,
margs and vodka lemonade, perfect for slowly consum-
ing over a couple hours on their twin awning-shaded
patios.
CRESTA - CLOSED
118 THE ESPLANADE. TORONTO
Bay Street hasn’t been the same since this Vancouver
upscale-casual dining franchise carved itself out a mas-
sive multi-floor location in First Canadian Place last
year. They’ve taken the all-weather retractable roof (Sky-
dome-style) off the top-floor deck area, letting the sun
shine down on the deck’s bar, lounge-inspired seating and
private booths (complete with bottle service). And they say
you can’t mix business with pleasure!
CACTUS CLUB CAFE
77 ADELAIDE W. TORONTO
Boxcar Social is still chugging along at Yonge and
Summerhill, keeping the locals well lubricated with cof-
fee, tea, beer and wine. But cocktails have never been
their bag, which is where this brand-new companion
bar, now open right next door, comes in. On top of the
classic-with-a-twist drinks menu (maple-rosemary orte-
quila old-fashioneds, pink-salt Negronis, jalapeño and
mint margaritas), there’s an intimate back patio where
they’replanning to do outdoor barbecues on Sundays.
4GUYS.CA
CLOCKTOWER BAR
1210 YONGE. TORONTO
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