If you're looking to safely get out of the house, grab a bite, and explore one of Toronto's most historic neighbourhoods, look no further than the Distillery District.
While Toronto may be amid another wave of province-wide restrictions, there is still plenty to do in the Distillery District. With indoor dining closed, many restaurants and cafes have had to pivot and alter the way they operate their business (for at least the next several weeks). Whether you're just passing through on a walk or planning a visit, there are still options for you to enjoy some phenomenal food from the Distillery District.
If you're eager to dine out but are concerned about the bitter temperatures, El Catrin, located at 18 Tank House Lane, has you covered. Best known for their authentic and modern Mexican cuisine and a fantastic selection of tequilas, El Catrin is operating on a tentative, day-to-day basis. On a typical day, they will be open for takeout, delivery and patio dining from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekends.
Their heated patio is spacious and cozy––currently, reservations are limited and subject to change––so be sure to follow El Catrin for any announcements and book your reservation for the heated patio as soon as you can!
Just around the corner from El Catrin at 42 Gristmill Lane is Boku, the perfect spot to warm up with some ramen and sake. Currently, they are offering a wide selection of great takeout menu items and specials and they also have a small, heated patio for guests to enjoy on a first-come, first-served basis.
Boku's menu includes everything from traditionally crafted Japanese ramen, alongside other East-Asian dishes that artfully incorporate a hint of Western flare, such as Japanese poutine, wings, udon and sushi rolls. Note that reservations are not being taken at this time, Boku is currently operating daily from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. Take-out orders can be called in or placed in-person.
In the centre of the Distillery District at 2 Trinity Street is Madrina Bar Y Tapas. Best known for their exquisite Spanish-influenced tapas, tasting menus and pairing options, Madrina offers a multi-course tapas journey that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
With a new menu curated by Chef Ramon Simarro each week, the At-Home Tasting Menu is available for pick-up on Thursday to Sunday from 5 p.m until 9 p.m, with preorders starting on Mondays. Same-day orders are subject to availability, until 4 p.m each day. Madrina Bar Y Tapas strives to provide their staff with reliable work, keep their customers safe and continue to provide a unique tasting experience until it is safe to re-open for in-person dining.
If you're craving a beer and some pub-grub, head over to Mill Street Brewpub. Located at 21 Tank House Lane, Mill Street is a Toronto staple for great beer, comforting pub classics, and for gathering (safely) with friends. If you're looking for grab-and-go options, their bottle shop is operating from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily (and until 10 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday). The pub is currently open from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m., with last call at 10 p.m., as required by the province. If you're hoping to enjoy some bites with your beer, you can opt to order takeout or delivery from Mill Street as well.
Many other hotspots in the Distillery District have curated their own plans to adapt to the new restrictions. Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie, a modern French favourite in Toronto, currently offers take-out seven days a week, whether you're looking for pastries, some of their famous fresh bread or other grab-and-go items, Cluny can provide you with some of your favourites to enjoy at home. Cluny is located at 35 Tank House Lane.
If you're looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up, swing by Balzac's Coffee, or order ahead on their newly improved app that allows you to select your beverage, customize and pay ahead of time. Balzac's has been brewing up delicious coffees and teas (that pair perfectly with a winter walk) in the heart of the Distillery District since 2002 and you can find them at 1 Trinity Street.
While the pandemic has taken a toll on several restaurants and coffee shops, Toronto continues to prosper and look towards 2022 with optimism and resilience. Whether you're looking to reserve a spot on a heated patio to catch up with a friend or snag some of your favourite to-go dishes to indulge in at home, be sure to head over to the Distillery District this winter, enjoy its historic charm and support as many local spots as you can!
The Distillery District operates daily (restaurant and store hours vary) and is located at 55 Mill Street in downtown Toronto.
