Toronto Record spots
fishmongerfunk
4,154 Posts
Just got into your fair city after a long absence and the city guide has been sort of helpful but am not really finding much interesting vinyl. Cosmo's had some cool things but the prices are verging on insulting. We did hit up the strut approved gandhis across the street for a killer roti and made the mistake of ordering extra spicy which is why I'm posting at 4am. My girl couldn't even eat half of hers on account of spice. Anyhow, if any knowledgeable attitudes could point me in the way of some of shops not in the guide. Feel free to pm if not wanting to blow up your spots. Also looking for folks who sell privately. Thanks
Comments
come out east to queen east (leslieville) for records. start with breakfast at bonjour brioche (at De Grassi). don't worry - it's all french and buttery...no spice. then walk eastward. there's a value village (thirft with a record section), discovery, in the groove (both of which are kind of boring and have kind of difficult proprietors), and the real gem, ric's. ric's is in a basement, below a jewellery store, just east of carlaw - blink and you'll miss it. full of interesting records. prices are good to fair and the guy behind the counter (the skinny, longhair) is extremely nice and knowledgeable about what's in the shop. they recently consolidated their two shops, so there are also lots of cheap records lying around. ask him if the 50% sale is still on...i'm sure he'll give you a deal if you buy a few things.
there are plenty of clothes and furniture shops along this stretch too - just in case those things appeal to your girl!
there are plenty of great eats on the east end of leslieville for the end of your day. see: queen marhgharita pizza (authentic napoli pies), chick-n-joy (fried chicken), "the nose" (good italian), edward levesque (good home cooking). or, if you're really up for a walk, go past coxwell to the burger's pirest - the best burgers in the city, hands down.
hope some of that is helpful and makes up for the ghandi's experience!
also try
rotate this - queen and niagara (ok shop with two other stores directly beside it now)
Sonic boom - bathurst and bloor
PM me for details if you are interested after your show.
seconded on Kops... good 45 selection...
Very wacky owner but serious records if you got the time(as long as you don't mind dots inside your
sleeve.)The guy prices his records by 5 dollars times how my dots he has put inside the sleeve
eg.10 dots=50.00 bucks.Annoying as hell but you can find some gems.Dude is sitting on some serious
grails in the basement. Always found something.Phone before you go as i haven't been in some while
and not sure if still open.Hope that helps.
There is another location of She Said Boom on Roncesvalles, so so...........your best bet if Cosmos' is too pricey is to head to ric's.
Tuneup on here sells privately, you should pm him.
Eat pho at Tien Thanh, eat thai at Sukhothai/Khao San Road, eat dim sum at Lai Wah Heen, eat wonton/beef brisket mein at Swatow, eat Goldin's smoked meat sandwich at Free Times Cafe, eat Japanese izakaya at Guu, eat at Black Hoof if you feel like dropping a bit more coin.
Drink beer at Bar Volo.
Use the Bixi bike system.
I think Cosmo is playing at the Drake on thursday.
http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/events/11395/cosmo-baker
have a poke around st. lawrence market for the freshness in foods, and definitely hit up Mustachio's for the best italian sandwiches in the city while you're there.
i do most of my record shopping outside of the downtown area but ive definitely mined some gold at the places mentioned.
I have an event to attend. How about a Toronto soulstru meetuP for the bootsy Collins show and then check out ms bassie's night later on sat eve?
i've been trying to make it to one of her gigs for years now.