Best cafe/bar: In transition in Parkdale
Opened in late 2009 by three veterans of the Toronto bar and nightlife scene, Francesca Zielinski, Julian Reyes and Duarte Carr, Blondie’s has quickly made a name for itself, in large part to doing two very different things very well. During the day, Blondie’s joins the ranks of area coffeehouse counterparts Salvador Darling turning out perfectly timed espresso-based beverages in the front of the bar’s space. As the nine to five day ends, the space comes alive to the sounds of a rotating selection of DJs and party nights, often quickly packing people onto the intimate leather couches under the glow of antler chandeliers.