Waterworks will host a delectable variety of food vendors in the Food Hall, but you don’t have to wait to sample the cuisine in the neighborhood. Located at 505 Richmond Street West, Waterworks is in the heart of the Garment District – home to some of Toronto’s coolest bars and eateries. What better way to test out the area and connect with the community than by savoring the local fare?
To taste the neighborhood’s top bars and restaurants check out a few of these tried and true favorites.
Rodney’s Oyster House – 469 King Street W. Distance from Waterworks: 5 minutes on foot.
Known for serving fresh oysters drawn from its own beds in Prince Edward Island, as well the best growers across Canada and the USA, Rodney’s has been a go-to spot for seafood in Toronto’s west end for more than 30 years. This eatery is known for it’s casual, social vibe, making it ideal for an after-work get-together.
$$ Don’t love oysters? No problem. A wide variety of entrees are offered, ranging in price from $21 to $42 on the dinner menu.
See more of the Rodney’s menu here.
Blowfish – 668 King St W. Distance from Waterworks: 8 minutes on foot.
Modern Japanese fusion, sake, and wine come along with the upbeat, fashion-y vibe at Blowfish. This King West spot is known for attracting beautiful people and during film fest season, celebrities can sometimes be spotted noshing on Blowfish’s signature dish, the Ebi shooter. Famously flattering lighting and upscale décor make this an ideal date-night destination. Later on, the vibe turns into more of a bar, so if intimate conversation is part of your plans, arrive before 10pm.
$$ Entrees range in price from $10 to $40. On Thursdays between 5 and 7pm, enjoy half-price apps and a $10 featured cocktail.
Bar Buca – 75 Portland St. Distance from Waterworks: 6 minutes on foot.
Opening at 7am daily, Buca is known for its out-of-the-ordinary breakfast menu and is the kind of spot you can count on for either a quick snack on the way to work, or a relaxed Sunday brunch. But to treat it solely as an early morning stopover is to miss the point of Bar Buca, an Italian-style eatery that specializes in drinks. The kitchen takes great pride in only preparing the freshest in-season ingredients, and switching up the menu, offering a unique experience at every visit. With a high-design interior that strikes an industrial but somehow homey vibe, stepping into Bar Buca feels like walking through magical a portal to Northern Italy.
$ Small plates range in price from about $9 to $19, but the menu and prices vary daily. For more Bar Buca Buzz click here.
IG: @bucatoronto
Bar Chef – 472 Queen Street West, distance from Waterworks: 2-minutes on foot
Challenging every other bar experience you’ve encountered and only a few steps away from Waterworks is the infamous Bar Chef. Antique glassware and dim lighting give Bar Chef a mysterious feel, but the focus is on the original cocktails created by owner and celebrity mixologist Frankie Solarik. Blended with syrups, bitters, and infusions that are all made in-house, and served in quirky presentations, these cocktails are intended to stimulate the emotions as much as the taste buds. But don’t show up hungry. The food menu includes only snacks such as cured meats, cheeses and small plates.
$$$ Prices range from $15 – $45 for cocktails. All contain at least 2 ounces of alcohol.
Read about Bar Chef’s master creations here.
IG: @barcheftoronto
Belfast Love Public House – 548 King Street W. Distance from Waterworks: 5 minutes on foot.
Need a casual place to hang out with friends, play pool, watch some TV, sip a Caesar and nibble an assortment of tasty plates? Belfast Love Public House is only five minutes away. This new-ish pub serves brunch, lunch, and dinner and offers a menu of elevated pub food and local craft brews. Belfast Love Pub is not your typical Irish pub; its sleek design features light wood, bright lighting, and glossy surfaces. With 6,000 square-feet of space and seating for almost 400 people, this watering hole is perfect for large group gatherings and raucous nights out. A spacious patio features an outdoor bar, which translates to efficient service on busy summer and fall nights.
$$ Mains, pizzas and sandwiches range from $16 to $32, with most under $20.
Check out the Belfast space and menu here.
IG: @belfastlovepub