Don’t Be Shy, Be A Tourist! Toronto Recommendations for Race Fans (from Race Fans)

Thindi Indian Cafe

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Need a boost of energy but don’t want to settle for a chain coffee place? You’re in luck, because Thindi Indian Cafe is the perfect place for a mid-day pick-me-up. 

“You won't find the sandwiches that we make here anywhere else in Toronto, not even in GTA,” said Anuja, who co-owns the cafe with her partner, Abhilash. Luckily for us race fans, the pair just opened their second location, right in the heart of Liberty Village. 

“We are a vegetarian Indian cafe,” Anuja told us. “The name Thindi means snacks, so the idea is to serve authentic Indian chai and coffee with snacks. We also have non-caffeinated beverages like fresh lime soda, there's another milk-based, refreshing beverage called thandai. Everything is made in-house. All the spreads, all the fillings that go into the sandwiches are all made in-house.”

Located in the Liberty Market Building, Thindi is easily accessible from the Honda Indy racetrack. From the Exhibition GO station, simply walk through the Underground Tunnel to Liberty Village and head north towards Liberty Street. Then turn east and walk until you reach the Market Building entry pathway, and Thindi will be right around the corner.

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Left Field Brewery

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Toronto is known for its craft beer scene, and if you’re wanting to try some out, look no further than Left Field Brewery. Located on Hanna Avenue, just a 10 minute walk from the racetrack, this is the perfect location to sit, sample Left Field’s wide variety of great Ontario beer (brewed on-site!) and enjoy the delicious food on the menu.

And if the Toronto heat is too much, you can even enjoy the race from the comfort of the air-conditioned, two-floor space itself. One of the best things about Left Field is that it is operated with sports fans in mind (with the name itself being a nod to baseball).

“We have 29 TVs, so I'm sure that'll be on all weekend,” said co-founder Mark Murphy.

“I think one of the really cool things that we do that not a lot of people do is the QR code ordering system,” pointed out Murphy. ”It's such an event driven neighborhood... So instead of having to flag your server, you can order on the QR code. You can also pay on the QR code. It's great for bill splitting. Everyone can have their own bill quite easily. So that's pretty unique about our space.” 

To get to Left Field from the Exhibition GO station, just walk north along Atlantic Avenue, turn east on Liberty Street for one block until you get to Hanna Avenue, and you will immediately be able to see the brewery’s spacious outdoor patio.

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Local concert venues

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And if the excitement of the race itself isn’t enough for you, why not check out some of our local events. Ethan Johnston, a local IndyCar superfan from Mississauga, says, “If you have a chance, go to a concert in Toronto, at either one of the small clubs like Sneaky Dee's or Hard Luck, or go to one of the big venues like Budweiser Stage.”

The Budweiser Stage itself is just a 15-minute walk south of Exhibition Place, where the Indy Toronto is held. This semi-outdoor venue has a roof covering the general admission floor space and the more interior seating section, while the rest is fully open, making it ideal for catching a summer concert by your favorite big name performer. 

But for a more unique and truly local experience, the smaller venues are an absolute must. 

“There's a lot of local local bands in Toronto and I always end up having a few beers after the show with them or just having a conversation with them,” said Johnston. “That smaller venue connection that you get to have that gives you a better lasting impact.”

Both Sneaky Dee’s and Hard Luck are located in the Bathurst and Dundas area, making them both incredibly accessible from the racetrack area. The 511 streetcar will get you to Bathurst station, and both locations are a couple of minutes away on foot. 

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Devlin Defrancesco’s recommendations 

The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver is back in town for his home race, and so who better to get some great restaurant recommendations from than the Toronto native himself?

In a recent interview with Streets of Toronto, Defrancesco name-dropped two of his favorite spots to visit any time he is back in town. 

The first is Yamato, a Japanese restaurant in the elegant neighborhood of Yorkville. Open since 1983, Yamato offers an incredible selection of fresh sushi as well as a teppan-yaki experience. Prepare yourself for dinner and a show unlike any other, as the chefs create savory masterpieces right in front of you. (The author can confirm, the food is delicious, and if you are looking for a fun and memorable experience or a place to celebrate a special occasion, look no further than here.)

The second spot Defrancesco always makes some time for is Ristorante Sotto Sotto, an authentic Italian restaurant just a few blocks away from Yamato. The heart behind Sotto Sotto is Marisa Rocca, who came to Toronto from Rome over 30 years ago and set out to fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant. Despite the daunting task of starting a business in a foreign country, she persevered and now runs one of the beloved Italian gems in the city.

Yamato and Sotto Sotto are both a bit further north in the city, but thanks to the TTC they are still easily accessible from the track. Just hop on the 511 streetcar to Bathurst station, and then head east to Bay station. Both restaurants are a quick walk from there.

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