f you find yourself west of the Dufferin Street Bridge, one thing you'll quickly realize is that there is no lack of stylish cafes and so, new ones are now trying to push the creative envelope in order to stand out. The area west of the recently renovated Gladstone Hotel is still gritty enough to provide an edge, yet hip enough for some gentrification to reside alongside the traditional Parkdale establishments. It’s time for a quick update on what’s been going on over the winter months and where to spend your summer dollars on Parkdale’s Queen Street Strip between Dufferin and Roncesvalles.

Just west of the bridge on the north side is Rustic Cosmo Café (1278), a great place to pick up a coffee and snack for the journey. Further along there’s the Cadillac Lounge (1296), Stone’s Place (1255) and Rhino (1249), long time mainstays of the area that continue to attract regular devoted patrons to their premises. Last year “The Caddy” doubled their patio size that now accommodates more than 100, making it one of the largest in the city. Rhino also underwent a face-lift of sorts and now sports a new décor and changing art exhibitions. As for the Stone’s Place, well it’s still homage to the Rolling Stones, but it’s the eclectic events that happen there that make it even more interesting. Be sure to check local listings for special events at all three of these locales. While in the area, be sure to stop into two of the coolest T-Shirt Shops in the city, I’m with Stupid (1300) and The Shop (1267), where you will find more than just funky custom-designed tee’s.

Formerly Club OV’s, currently in transition, and soon to be the Parkdale Hotel (1302) is located on the north side of Queen a bit further west of the Cadillac Lounge. The plans are to convert this once country-saloon/rooming-house into a nightclub/hotel for the trendy set (insert Drake and Gladstone). An opening date has yet to be determined due to extended “unforeseen” renovations having to take place, and may not even happen until after the summer. Across the street, Dragonfly (1297) is also shaping up with a late spring anticipated opening. This is a great space for live events, and the plans call for it to be a “gallery – restaurant – bar” venue. The owners originally tried to open a year ago without success, but a change in personnel is supposedly the new driving force to re-open once again.

Further on there is the Ground Level Café (1340) that employs former street youth as a means of encouragement to enter the workforce and integrate into society once again. It’s very spacious with minimal selection. A new addition to the strip is Café Taste (1330) that recently swung open their doors for business and is marketing itself as an “affordable elite”. Here one can bring a date to indulge with fine wines, cognacs and cheeses yet not have to mortgage the loft. They also offer an assortment of pastries along with organic coffees and teas. So we’re now up to the corner of Queen and Brock where one of the most famous Parkdale establishments, Designer Fabrics (1360), has resided for many years. People flock here from throughout the city for the selection and great prices.

A few storefronts further are a couple of other infamous Parkdale establishments, Happy Time (1384) and Blue Moon (1374), each attracting a similar crowd seeking $2.50 beer. Sandwiched in between is Bacchus Roti (1376), regularly voted one of the best places in the city to buy a roti. Next door, Chino (1378) quietly opened in the past month with little fanfare. If you enjoy hanging out in College Street bars, this place is for you ~ trendy and tasteful. Continuing on there’s not much to enjoy until after you pass Jameson Avenue, but there appears to be a new Indian restaurant taking shape to be called Mother India.

A bit west of Jameson there’s Not My Dog (1510), soon to be celebrating their one year anniversary. It’s a tiny spot with a big attitude. There’s a cool vibe with various events including live bands and a back patio. It could well be the watering hole for the oh-so-cool VICE Magazine (1349) crowd who has set up quarters across the street. Montreal’s Strut Magazine also recently located their Toronto offices in the P-hood at 360 Dufferin. If you’re starting to get the munchies there’s Thai Spring Roll (1485) or the Tibetan restaurants, Rangzen (1656) and Tibet Kitchen (1544) ~ each highly recommended. Mezzrow’s (1598) and Mitzi’s Sister (1554) are two long-time watering holes within this block that attract the neighbourhood night owls. RIP Wroxeter (1564) – a great little bar that ceased operations a few months back. Here’s hoping someone else will re-establish the existing premises.

Poor John’s Café (1610) is a cozy little shop offering an assortment of baked goods, sandwiches and other delicacies all made fresh on the premises. There’s also free WIFI to keep your fingers tapping. On the south side is Rice and Noodle (1690), a great stop for take out before heading down to the lake or over to High Park. Finally on the south side of Queen just before Roncesvalles is Easy (1645), around for quite some time now and still attracting crowds, especially on weekends when there’s generally a line up. They serve up good size portions at reasonable prices, but make sure you go during the day as they keep early hours. While in this block, be sure to take time to browse the multitude of antique shops.

As your walk comes to an end and all this exploring has you in need of a rest, there’s the Days Inn right at the corner where King and Queen Streets intersect with Roncesvalles and Queensway Avenues. Where else but Parkdale? - B.D.