You may know it as Greektown, or the neighborhood that hosts one of the biggest food festivals in the city come August, but the Danforth has much to offer beyond just incredible Greek food. In addition to buildings that date back to the 1920s, the Danforth strip is home to some buzzy new businesses, fitness studios, and nail salons that will definitely make a trip to the east end worth your while.
Block off a Saturday or Sunday for A stroll around the Danforth and be sure to check out these 6 cool places.
Tips Nail Bar
Address: 848 Danforth Avenue
If you’re seeking a fresh paint job for winter or could use a shellac touch-up, Tips Nail Bar is where to go on the Danforth for the best manicure of your life. Seriously, one look on its Instagram will have you swooning. Apart from a stylish mani/pedi, you can also get your brows microbladed, threaded, or waxed, your lashes lifted, a spray tan, or even a microdermabraison, facial, or peel. This gem of a salon was voted Toronto’s best manicure and pedicure shellac by Toronto Life, BlogTO and NOW – and it’s a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs.
Loft Cycle Club
Address: 452 Danforth Avenue
You won’t find a fitness experience quite like Loft Cycle Club. This spin and sculpt boutique studio at Danforth and Chester offers a selection of curated classes that combine spinning with strength training, yoga, stretching, and more, incorporating stationery bikes, and mat work. If you’re bored of your regular spin class, come here because with multiple types of classes run daily, there is no shortage of fun options. You can also expect an ongoing calendar of wellness events and workshops on topics like meditation, mindful eating, and more.
Zed*80
Address: 185 Danforth Avenue
From the same folks who brought you Tilt, the city’s largest retro arcade bar, comes Zed*80, a smaller, more intimate version of a gamers haven located right near Broadview station. The east-end outpost features 38 arcade, pinball, and console games with the same nostalgic appeal. Plus there’s a menu of bar snacks, cocktails, and craft brews. Add it to your winter date night bucket list.
August Kinn
Address: 1374 Danforth Avenue
Shopping for baby provisions has never been more instagrammable. August Kinn was birthed into the world by two moms who dreamed of opening a baby shop, and went ahead and did it. Shop the stores selection of well-made apparel, accessories, and nursery accents in an elegant setting, and do it without stressing. The ambience here makes it basically impossible to feel any anxiety.
H2O Float Spa
Address: 138 Danforth Avenue
When you need to chill out in a major way, come to this float and massage spa, which has been billed as ‘the most relaxing place in Toronto.’ Stow yourself away in a float pod (you may have also heard them referred to as a sensory deprivation chamber) and soak away your stress in crystal clear waters infused with a 1,000 pounds of pure epsom salt. Choose a unique theme for your experience (rainforest solo float, anyone?), make it a 30 minute power float on your lunch break, or pair your hydrotherapy experience with a massage – whatever option you choose, you’ll emerge from these waters feeling deeply de-stressed.
Von Doughnuts
Address: 713 Danforth Avenue
As far as gourmet donuts go, Von Doughnuts is truly an above the average dealer. This Food Network recognized bakery makes all of its donuts, icings, fillings, custards, and jams from scratch, fresh daily with as much attention to the quality of ingredients as creativity. You can expect a new batch of unique varieties daily, which are posted on its site and socials. Choose from delicious options like blueberry lime, creme brûlée, peanut butter & jelly, and macaroon. What’s not to love?
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