TH2-39 Old Brewery Lane

Tucked away in the heart of Toronto’s Lower East Side lies Corktown, a dynamic enclave known for its vibrant culinary scene, lush green spaces, and a sense of community peppered with local shops, markets and eateries. The neighbourhood bridges the hustle and bustle of Toronto’s downtown core and the relaxed pace of riverside, Leslieville, and the Beach to the East.

Among the standouts are Corktown Commons Park, the historic Distillery District, Brickworks, Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre, local farmers’ markets, and the shops and eateries of King and Queen.

Circumventing predictable descriptors reveals a dynamic landscape where the lively energy of a metropolitan existence blends with the comforts of a real-deal neighbourhood. Corktown offers an eclectic mix of restaurants catering to various palates. Each eatery, unique in its offerings, showcases the neighbourhood’s diversity. From avant-garde gastronomic experiences to comfort food that warms the soul, Corktown’s dining scene is a testament to Toronto’s multicultural ethos. Local hot spots include Gusto 501, White Lilly Diner (Michelin Bib Gourmand), Bonjour Brioche, Lady Marmalade, Impact Kitchen, Rosebud, Tabule and Sukho Thai.

The coffee culture in Corktown is as robust as the espresso served in its numerous cafes. Darkhorse Coffee and Boxcar Social are local favourites, standing out with an artisanal approach to coffee-making.

For local provisions, Roselle Desserts and Blackbird Bakery satisfy your baking needs; Butchers of Distinction is, as the name suggests, Hooked carries the day’s fresh catch, and Leslieville Cheese Market reflects a commitment to quality.

Green spaces and dog parks are the heart and soul of Corktown, offering residents a verdant escape from the urban sprawl. Paths wind through this part of the city, inviting joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers to revel in the beauty of nature within the city’s confines, including Corktown Commons, Riverdale Park and the multi-purpose trails running along the Don River.

The neighbourhood’s commitment to health and wellness is evident in its plethora of fitness centres and leisure activities. Whether it’s yoga in the park or a high-intensity workout in a local gym, Corktown offers myriad ways to stay fit. Trendy studios include Lift Corktown, Body & Soul Fitness and RND Athletics.

Farmers’ markets, such as the Underpass Market on Thursdays and the vibrant Brickworks on Saturdays, are community staples in Corktown. These markets offer fresh, local produce and serve as social hubs where neighbours meet, chat, and bond over a shared love for quality and sustainability. The Leslieville market, a Greenwood Sunday affair, adds to this abundance of local commerce and community interaction. engagement. Additionally, the local shops in Corktown are part of the neighbourhood’s hidden discoveries. From the Butchers of Distinction, the Leslieville Cheese Market or the sweetness of Soma Chocolate, these establishments reflect the commitment to quality and artisanal craftsmanship in this neck of the woods!

Transit in Corktown is a well-oiled machine, ensuring seamless connectivity to the rest of Toronto. The efficiency and coverage of the transit system make the neighbourhood an ideal place for those who seek the convenience of urban living without the hassle of long commutes, including easy access to King & Queen Streetcar, the Bayview Extension, Rosedale Valley Road, DVP & Gardiner Expressway. Bonus? The planned Ontario Line and Corktown station will be at Parliament & Front Street East!

With its blend of urban sophistication, community warmth and rich architectural heritage, Corktown stands out as a microcosm of Toronto’s diversity and vibrancy – a place everyone and anyone could effortlessly call home (we certainly could)!