Open for just over a month now, this new basement bar near Dundas West and Dovercourt may be darker than your average bar, but not dingy. Candlelight, exposed stone walls and their signature dark & stormy cocktail set the mood for snackables like jerk empanadas and free licorice that inevitably follow.

Read my profile of Bambi's in the bars section.

You can't miss the sign announcing "Since 1940!" at the corner of Bloor and Margueretta. Inside, you'll find a bar complete with a piano sporting framed pictures of old-timey whiskey advertisements and a copy of the building's license dating back to the 1880's. There's also a worn jukebox nestled in the corner; another nod to the business' age, alongside its gaudy striped sofa which was allegedly occupied by Quentin Tarantino himself on the way to the strip club across the street.

Read my review of Duffy's Tavern in the bars section.

This isn't your typical white-walled North York cafe. This shop presses fresh juices à la Spadina, does bulk à la Kensington, with a style that would jive with the likes of West Queen West. All while serving traditional Persian pastries and treats.

Read my profile of BB Cafe in the grocery section.

Set to open officially on Saturday (May 5), it's tough to decide whether this new addition to the always compelling Geary Avenue is a restaurant or a bar. Perhaps it doesn't really matter. With its slick, speaker-lined interior, second-floor lounge/event space, and a full menu of Mexican-inspired fare on offer until late each night, this is type of place that'll be whatever you want it to be.

Read all about Kitch in the restaurants section.

On the corner of Adelaide and Portland Streets, there's a nondescript building known to house the Toronto Institute of Bartending. But something new is afoot: head down the stairs and you'll find a new bar devoted to contemporary and classic cocktails, barrel-aged cocktails presented in individual stoppered bottles, and featuring decor best described as culled from your father's study (if your father happens to be a captain of industry).

Read my review of SpiritHouse in the bars section.

Named after the infamous vehicle that picks up shattered Tour de France riders who can't finish a stage within the established time limit, this new Danforth bike shop caters to the mere mortals who ride for utility and commuting purposes. With a wide selection of sub- $1000 bikes, an owner with extensive experience in the industry and a full service shop, this shop might just become Urbane Cyclist east.

Read my profile of Broom Wagon Cyclery in the services section.