Inside Toronto has teamed up with Ourfaves.com to bring you the very best in Toronto culture, according to passionate locals like you.
Valentine’s Day should be a time to shed some love, not your whole paycheque. For those looking to forego the fancy date spot but not necessarily the romance, here are 10 budget-friendly ideas on where to spend the day (and night) in Toronto.
#1 - Tantalize your taste buds at Crush Wine Bar
“Top
of the line wine program and excellent value are to be had at Crush
Wine Bar - not to mention the $3 dish of pork scratchings (deep fried
pork skin + fat) that are so delicious and yet so wrong… Be sure to
check out their Wine Flights, various selections of 3 wines offered in
2oz servings for $15-25 per flight - i.e. a French White flight or a
Tuscan Red flight. Each wine is carefully chosen to compliment yet
contrast the next, offering a fun way for both beginners and pros to
experience wine.” Read more reviews...
“It feels like you are in a different city looking out onto the lake and there is a great apres ski feel to it with hot chocolate, drinks and snacks in the resto on the side. It lights up at night.” Read more reviews...
#3 - Wear your heart on your PJs from Joe Fresh Style
“Joe Fresh clothing is stylish, comfortable, and, above all else, affordable! Find adorable sweaters for less than $30, or scout out the sale items (most less than $15). The best part is that these stores are in conjunction with Loblaws, so you can stock up on everything you need in one outing. Food and cheap/stylish clothes - I couldn't think of a better combo.” Plus, they’re currently selling heart-patterned pajamas and other comfy cottons in honour of Valentine’s Day. Read more reviews...
“Bon Appetit! That's what they say after handing you your crepe, which the waiter will unwrap for you while you hold it in your hand. My $6 sugar-and-strawberry crepe made my mouth water, and I'll definitely be back soon to try other things on their menu. Great customer service, and an authentic French feel -- not only do the waiters speak French, but I noticed a couple of customers speaking the language too.” Read more reviews...
#5 - Get creative in the guestrooms at The Gladstone Hotel
“This unique, downtown restoration project, besides serving as one of Toronto’s few anti-chain hotel alternatives, has become a bustling hub for the local arts community. Old meets new with brilliantly organic integration resulting in the perfect multi-purpose venue for the colourfully creative. And, if spending the night is in the cards, unique rooms, individually decorated by local artists, make a stay-over anything but ordinary.” Read more reviews...
“The
setting is surely what will convince you that this is a perfect date
restaurant. Just off of the trendy and bustling West Queen West area,
Julie's is tucked into a quiet neighbourhood and sparkles out at
passersby with strands of lights on the patio. Cozy, eclectic and
festive, the service staff are accommodating without any pretension.” Read more reviews...
#7 - Take time for tea, and each other, at Bloom Cafe
“The first thing you notice once you climb the stairs and enter this ultimate chill-out joint is Louis Armstrong. (Just his voice, not his spectre.) Order their special hand-sewn "first date" blooming tea ball, and watch it literally blossom in your clear teapot. Taste and savour the jasmine and white tea flavours while sitting on the couch lined against the wall complete with fluffy cushions.” Read more reviews...
#8 - Mix history, film, and cushion seating at the Revue Cinema
“Everything about the Revue is so adorable. It's a community run non-profit, it's a second run art-house cinema in a cool neighbourhood, and it's been around for about a hundred years. The folks who run it (the Revue Film Society) do a solid job programming fun stuff. Plus, since it was renovated and reopened, it's cushy, comfy and very inviting. Member tickets are only $6.50.” Read more reviews...
#9 - Recite poetry straight off the shelves at BMV Books
“For voracious readers, there's nothing better than browsing the remainder rack at BMV to pick up recent trade paperbacks for $7. Also, tons of used books, DVDs, and comics.” BMV is also known for its vast poetry and cookbook sections. You can spend some time picking out the perfect cookbook and then head home to cook the dish together. Read more reviews...
#10 - Go retro at Watusi
“This resto-lounge is a great date spot on the bustling Ossington strip between Dundas and Queen. With its retro-chic ambiance (picture Austin Powers’ jumbo jet filled with hipsters), Watusi offers a creative and lengthy drink list priced at $10/cocktail including tax. My dirty vodka martini was generously salty and very much enjoyed against a backdrop of retro art, rainbow-coloured windows and vintage lighting.” Read more reviews...
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