Thirteen years after opening the doors of their first shop in Vancouver in 2003, Livestock now has a total of four locations in their home city and in Toronto, as well as a strong presence with their online store, cementing the shop as the authority in Canadian sneaker retail. Back when a certain local rapper was still in a wheelchair acting in a teen soap opera, Livestock was already Toronto’s premier sneaker shop offering up the city’s finest curated selection of kicks and streetwear. The city’s sneaker scene has grown exponentially since, but Livestock is still the place to go when you need a new pair of shoes, or just a little style advice from the shop’s knowledgeable and experienced staff. That being said, we could think of no better group to show you around the city known as The 6. See what the members of the Toronto Livestock team do on and off the clock in the city they call home.
Right around the corner from our Roncesvalles (Roncy) location. A ritual for the gang; whether it’s sandwiches, coffees, or muffins. The owner always asks us about our day, how the shops doing. She’s always surprised that people camp out for shoes. Everyone needs a friendly neighborhood coffee shop in his or her lives and All That Jazz couldn’t be any better.
You feel at home as soon as you walk in
Livestock
Down the street from our Original Toronto location on Spadina, this is a go to for the crew in the downtown hood. You feel at home as soon as you walk in with their great coffee and amazing chocolate chip cookies. Whether you want to sit down and get some work done, meet a friend, or just have some alone time this is the place to start the day in the fashion district.
ADDITIONAL COFFEE
LUNCH TIME
GRUB STOP
It is safe to say that a lot of the team is big on Japanese food, some obsessed. A lot of heated debates about who’s had the best ramen. One thing we all agree on unanimously though is that this is the best ramen in the city. Slightly removed from the downtown core madness up on College and Bathurst the great service and laid back atmosphere makes it a go to.
I’ve never been to Cuba but I feel a tad bit closer when I go to La Cubana, with this spot’s 50s style décor, mosaic tiling, and pastille colors. Whether you visit their Ossington location, or right the spot right next door to our Roncesvalles location, you can never go wrong ordering their Cuban burger, or their pressed Cubano sandwich. Simple and laid back.
ADDITIONAL EATING
DINNER/VIBES
The Slow Down
Snackbar is a cornerstone of downtown Toronto. You’d be hard pressed to find a downtown resident that hasn’t been or heard of 416 Snackbar. Always playing good music, serving small portions that are meant to be shared, perfect for dates or pre gaming with friends.
Initially a pop up shop created by creative agency One Method. La Carnita has turned into one of the most popular taco restaurants in the city. With cocktails like “Who shot ya” and other hip-hop influenced drinks, it’s another stomping ground for the LS team.
ADDITIONAL DINNER SPOTS
BARS/LOUNGES
The Slow Down
During the day it is a restaurant, but from 10pm on-wards it’s a very dope nightspot for those that enjoy more intimate bar lounge vibes. Generally playing hip-hop provided by a number of talented local DJs it is always a good time. We usually head over on the weekend and it’s always packed.
Beaconsfield is a low-key bar on Queen St. W est housed in the historical scalloped stone facade Molson’s Bank. It’s dimly lit and it’s the watering hole for a bunch of creative’s and artists. So whether it’s Tuesday night or a weekend night you know you’ll run into someone you know and it’s overall just a very good time.
ADDITIONAL DRINKING
AFTER BAR EATS
The Slow Down
Open 24/7 it’s my go to if I’m in the area for late night food. Whether it’s breakfast food or grilled cheese, you can get anything at anytime.
If you are looking for something quick after the bar – Poutini’s is the spot. After a long night out what tastes better than a good poutine? (For the unitiated, “poutine” is a simply a bed of french fries with cheese curds and gravy.)
ADDITIONAL EATING
OTHER PLACES AROUND THE CITY
The Slow Down
Last summer one of our staff’s bike broke and now that it’s summer again he’s in need of new wheels. The spot for that is Bikes on Wheels. With locations on Dundas west as well as Kensington market.
As one of a handful of global retail locations, their sole Canadian brick and mortar is a short walk from our Spadina shop. Monocle is a go to for design ideas, and grabbing their latest magazine at their shop on College has always been on our list of to dos. – Livestock
There you have it, folks. The city of Toronto told through the lens of a group of dudes who clearly know their eats and have an affinity for exploring their neighborhood and finding some hidden gems. The Six, as the city is now affectionately referred to thanks to the work of Drake, has always been a hotbed for diversity, and from that eclectic mix comes great food, a heightened sense of taste, and a warm authenticity that makes Toronto one of the best cities to stay in.
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