23 Mar 2013

Leslieville: The Insiders Guide to Toronto’s Best Neighbourhood

Leslieville: A Guide to more than just “HotSpots”

That only an insider could know. Sure there are a million and one “Leslieville Guides” that other Agents/Brokerages may have created but NONE of them have the insider knowledge of Spring Realty. I live and breathe Leslieville (although our Firm covers most of Southern Toronto with our Team of Agents) I work in the East end and a few West Toronto hoods like Roncy and High Park. I’m a proud Board Member of Toronto’s newest BIA: The Leslieville BIA, I sell loads of Leslieville and surrounding area properties, I live in Leslieville, and own a business in Leslieville. I think that qualifies me as a Leslieville Pro, don’t you?

Since Toronto Life & BlogTo have done an amazing job of covering our neighbourhood. I’ll just go over some things that few other online resources have covered. Will be adding to this post regularly so make sure to come back often.

Staying connected in Leslieville

Leslieville is likely the most socially connected neighbourhood in Toronto. If you live in Leslieville or just want to be part of this amazing community here are the three places you need to be right now. Being connected to these three spots will make sure you know everything that is going on here all of the time. It’s amazing really.

I’m a Leslievillian Facebook Group is THE place to be to kept up to date with area events, news, and hot topics. There are many other “community” groups that claim to be the voice of Leslieville but they’re just set up by either a Realtor or some other business with their own interests at heart. This is the ONLY group that connects our amazing neighbourhood. Click here or on the icon to join. (don’t worry it’s not our group, it was founded by a local and is managed by a local)

The Leslieviller Blog was the first online resource that connected Leslieville. With over 3000 members and growing this is a fantastic place to engage in discussions. Promote your events or even host a blog. So many amazing conversations going on here daily. Another great resource run by a local Leslieviller (Well, a former Leslieviller, word is he’s defected to the burbs now but we still love the site!)

Leslieville Neighbourhood Yahoo Group. Yes, people still use Yahoo Groups and we happen to have one of the most active ones out there. The Leslieville Yahoo Group is full of all sorts of info and there’s usually some sort of conversation going on. We’re always trying to find a lost pet, or get restaurant recommendations, or just vent about something. It’s all there.

Toronto’s Newest BIA is finally here: The Leslieville BIA

Can you believe it took this long to get the Leslieville Neighbourhood BIA up and running? Well after many years of debate, City Council finally approved our budget and we’re up and running. I’m proud to be an Executive Board Member of the Leslieville BIA and we’re super excited to show you what this amazing hood is all about. Follow the Leslieville BIA on Twitter NOW.

Best Secret Pizza

Brooklyn Alley Pizza or BAP !!! Bet you’ve never heard of that before have you? Well it’s probably because they’re only open for 2 hours and only one day a week. Oh yeah, you have to walk down a alley way to find it. You thought I was going to mention QMP or something didn’t you? Sorry, you can find info on those retail spots in pretty much any other blog. I’m just going to point out one place that you need to check out. Here’s how to get in on the limited supply:

The owner makes 20 pizzas every Friday in the warmer months.
The 1st 20 people to place an order between 10:00am -2:00pm gets in
For a donation of $15 (or more) you get a 15″ pie freshly pulled out of an authentic, wood burning pizza oven
Pick up your pie between 5-7pm but you have to find the place first 🙂

Best Bourbon in Leslieville

Hitch…hands down the best new bar in Leslieville. Ok, actually it’s THE best bar in Leslieville. This not-so-secret establishment has been written up all over the place and seems to have found its stride. Amazing Bourbon Selection (better than The Comrade in Riverside and better prices too). Their food is prepared mostly by local Fish Monger, Hooked. They have an amazing selection of beer and have now introduced a Documentary Night where they show select HotDocs. Pretty cool.

Best Place to Watch Sports in Leslieville

McQueens Pub just opened its doors a month ago and is a welcome addition to Leslieville. A no BS pub with a TV screen pretty much anywhere you turn. You’re not going to go there for their fine selection of craft beers but you will find yourself in a comfortable establishment where you can just let loose and enjoy the game with your buddies or a casual meal with your partner. You’ll usually find me there after an intense squash batter on Thursday evenings.

Best Real Estate Brokerage in Leslieville (sorry couldn’t resist)

Spring Realty Inc! Wow we’re so honoured. Thanks you Spring Realty for voting Spring Realty as the Best Real Estate Brokerage in Leslieville. Must have been a tough decision 😉