In my 2012 Un-Resolutions I mentioned that I wanted to show more love for Parkdale. I meant it.

When I moved to Toronto from Ottawa in 2008 I stayed with my boy Mike near Yonge and Eglinton for a month – but then I grabbed my first apartment in the city and moved to Parkdale for the first time.

In the 3+ years since I’ve fallen more in love with the neighbourhood and am legitimately convinced that it is primed for a boom in the next 2-5 years.

Note: I want to mention that I don’t live in trendy Queen West Parkdale. I live a stone’s throw away from King Street in a much less trendy part of the neighbourhood.

So, here are some of my favourite places in Parkdale.

The Abbott, 99 Spencer Ave: I know I tweet about The Abbott a lot. I was the mayor there for quite some time (I’m currently 1 day away from regaining my title from Paul O.) and really enjoy it there. The barista’s are friendly, the coffee is tasty and the wifi is free. Also, the snacks are affordable, it’s not a crowded, chain coffee joint and they donated to the Movember Karaoke Challenge.

Tip: There’s no debit, so make sure you have some cash or change with you when you pop drop in.

Bonus:they have TTC tokens and day passes.

Skyline Restaurant, 1426 Queen West:This little greasy diner might be my fav breakfast spot in the neighbourhood. The eggs are always good. The toast is tasty and the bacon is bacon-y. Don’t go if you’re in a hurry, things can be a little slow. But if you’re in the mood for a laid back brunch, this is a great choice.

Note:It has become customary to instagram a photo of your menu on your first visit.

Old Man Pizza, 223 Jameson: This is the kind of place that is perfect for a slice when you’re hungry. Or, you can pop in, order a pizza and some wings. The prices are amazeballs (ya, I said it) – 2 Medium 3 Toppings: $11.99. You won’t be sorry.

Mitzi’s Sister, 1554 Queen West: I heart the sister. I’ve never had a dinner I didn’t enjoy. The wings are bon (Chicken Wings 1 lb $10 each extra lb $8 add fries or salad $2 Blue cheese dip $2 – bbq, spicy bbq, Mados, tangy suicide, sweet chili & lime) and it has a great atmosphere for scrabble with friends.

Alright… there are a lot more places worth checking out in the neighbourhood: Community 54, Wrong Bar, Stone’s Place, Galaxy Donut, etc. – but I don’t have the time or space to write about everything. Feel free to drop into the neighbourhood whenever you have a chance. Weekends are great for walking, eating, shopping and drinking coffee.

See you soon.