Back in my youth, when I was living in New York, my friends and I would grab dollar slices on our way home from the bar. Those pizzerias’ beacons of red neon were plentiful in my downtown neighbourhood, offering late-night salvation for the downright generous price of a single dollar. The ritual was more than just a cheap antidote for one too many drinks—it was about the camaraderie of lining up with fellow bleary-eyed New Yorkers, wolfing down a slice on the curb as grease trickled down your chin, those first few bites of hot crunchiness feeling better at that hour than anything else imaginable.
We may not have dollar pizza here in Toronto, but we do have tongue-tingling noodles, diner-style burgers and seriously juicy jerk chicken—all available after last call. For our August issue, we scoured the nocturnal city for the best late-nights eats. And luckily for us, the options are as rich and varied as the city itself.
Also in today’s newsletter: what’s on the menu at Mott 32, the new Hong Kong–inspired restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel. Plus, inside the home kitchen of John Sleeman, founder of Sleeman Breweries. For more of our food and drink coverage, visit torontolife.com or subscribe to our print edition.
Just in time for those long summer nights, we put together the ultimate guide to dining out after last call. Where to get tongue-tingling noodles, scratch-made tacos and tortas, and retro diner–style charbroiled burgers late, here.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU
Mott 32—named for the first Chinese convenience store to open in New York, on Mott Street in 1891—is an ode to Hong Kong cuisine. The new restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel is serving up applewood roasted Peking duck, Ibérico pork belly and a boozy spin on bubble tea. See more of what’s on offer here.
The Sleeman name may be synonymous with beer, but these days John Sleeman is obsessed with spirits. At Spring Mill Distillery in Guelph, he and his sons distill whiskey, vodka, gin and a slew of liqueurs. At home in Oakville, his kitchen is stocked with everything from Eagle Rare Bourbon to Johnnie Walker Green Label.
In the latest issue: dispatches from the canine wars. Plus, inside the making of LSL, the $680-a-head uptown restaurant everyone’s talking about; a night owl’s guide to dining out after last call; a Q&A with the city’s new WNBA boss; and more. Still not receiving Toronto Life at home? Subscribe today.
