The Annex is on the western side of the UofT campus. It is known for having lots of local shops and restaurants, and a bit of an "artsy" feel. Because of its proximity to the university and its heavy student population, you can get really good deals here. Plus, the Annex used to be home to Jane Jacobs, urbanist extraordinaire!
The Annex is about a 10 minute walk westbound on Bloor Street from the Intercontinental, and 15-20 minutes from the Marriott. If you prefer to take transit, take the Bloor line westbound at either St. George, Bay, or Bloor-Yonge to Spadina or Bathurst Stations.
Along Bloor Street you'll find many small storefronts. There are bicycle shops, organic/eco-friendly stores, and plenty of specialty food stores. Get a falafel at Ghazale (504 Bloor Street West) before catching an off-beat flick next door at Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor Street West) and treat yourself to locally-made ice cream at Greg's (750 Spadina Avenue) or a giant slice of cake at Future Bakery (483 Bloor Street West).
Though there aren't any major attractions in the Annex, it's a really fun place to just walk around and explore city life.
Here are some of our favorite spots in the Annex:
Bar: The Green Room (296 Brunswick Avenue). This low-key dive-y bar is dimly lit with strings of christmas lights, and furnished with old sofas. Drinks are decently priced and food is very cheap with plenty of veggie options. Little known fact: scenes of the movie "Jumper" were filmed here.
Restaurant (Casual): Flip, Toss & Thai (141 Harbord Street). This Thai takeout place is a hole-in-the-wall. You can sit on the few picnic tables/chairs, but you'll likely want to take your food to go. Still, this place is worth a visit for awesome pad thai and other specialties. And when they ask you how spicy you want your food and you say "very" - stick to 2 peppers or fewer.
Restaurant (Fancy): Southern Accent (595 Markham Street). Not too fancy, but on the higher end of the Annex. New Orleans themed "southern, cajun, soul" restaurant, they brought some decent flavors up north. And they occasionally have a tarot card reader available at the entrance.
Shopping: Honest Ed's (581 Bloor Street West). Ed Mirvish - who was well known in Toronto for his theatres - opened and ran this landmark discount store until his death in 2007. This store spans a full avenue block and the exterior is covered in corny sayings and garish decor. While you may not find anything that you need, it's still a "must visit." As their sign proclaims "only the floors are crooked."
The Annex
Honest Ed's
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