Playter Estates
Neighbourhoods
Separated by the Lower Don Valley River Trail on the west and Jackman Avenue in the east, Danforth Avenue in the south and just past Fulton Avenue in the north, this is another historical neighbourhood named after one of its early inhabitants. The Playter family arrived in the area from Pennsylvania in the 1790s, and the mansion they once lived in still stands and two streets still carry their name. What has long been a Greek community is seeing a diversification with young people from all over being drawn to the area. Sleepy one-way streets lined with Victorian homes, and easy accessibility via the TTC Bloor-Yonge line, make this an increasingly desirable pocket on the east side of the city.
Fab Food
Serving good pub grub, with a garden to be rivalled citywide and trees that are centuries old, Allen’s is a remarkably cozy place to spend an evening. Or, for a more Southern comfort style food, The Combine Eatery offers down home cooking and an impressive bourbon list. In early summer the neighbourhood hosts Taste of the Danforth — a popular food festival that celebrates the high calibre of Greek and International food the area has to offer.
Allen’s, 143 Danforth Avenue
The Combine Eatery, 162 Danforth Avenue
Music, Maestro
Originally a movie theatre built in 1919, this gem of the Danforth is now a live music venue offering intimate shows in a historic setting.
Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Avenue,
Out and About
The Don River trail offers joggers and trekkers plenty of choice exploration to the west and the area is dotted with parkettes, fountains and places to stop and people watch.