HONEST BARGAINS When Ed Mirvish passed away in July 2007 at age 92, the loss was felt from here to Broadway, where theatres dimmed their lights on the day of his funeral. Mirvish helped turn Toronto into a must-visit theatre destination, but may still be best known for Honest Ed’s, the discount emporium that bears his name. Go ahead and blink—you won’t miss it. The landmark discount store takes up 160,000 square feet. Its kitschy exterior, with bright lights and garish signage, looks more like a carnival than a bargain centre. Inside, find everything from a ceramic bust of Elvis to VQA wines. 581 Bloor St. W., 416-537-2111.

FUNKY FROCKS Lovingly restored retro-chic dresses and skirts are the specialty of bijoux Spa_ce Vintage Clothing Gallery. This small subterranean space is a preferred stalking ground for daring fashionistas. 608A Markham St., 416-916-6219.

COMIC CORNER The Beguiling has been keeping comic and graphic books culture alive in The Annex for two decades. Find Manga, Japanese anime and classic comics plus works by Canadian cartoonists (Seth, Chester Brown). Books on art and design, and fiction by alternative and underground presses are also on offer. 601 Markham St., 416-533-9168.

N’AWLINS NOSH Southern Accent restaurant conjures a New Orleans-style joie de vivre with a Cajun-Creole menu and a laid-back, convivial vibe. Chow down on jambalaya, Bourbon Street chicken or piquant shrimp. Oysters, hush puppies (corn fritters), cornbread and baked garlic are other southern temptations. See the future: after your meal, book an appointment with the in-house psychic. 595 Markham St., 416-536-3211.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKS Aficionados of art and design make the pilgrimage to David Mirvish Books On Art. This gallery-like space, adorned with an enormous Frank Stella painting, is one of Toronto’s best-loved bookstores. Peruse a vast assortment of art books and magazines as well as a selection of fiction, history and biography—often offered at a discount. 596 Markham St., 416-531-9975.

VINTAGE FINDS From the classic to the downright quirky, Karenfoundit Antiques and Uniques leaves no curiosity unrepresented. Rustic antique furniture, unique light fixtures, vintage coolers, quilts, antique telephones, handbags and jewellery from the 1920s to 1950s: there’s plenty for the roving collector. 588 Markham St., 416-535-7432.

POPULAR PUB Ensconsced within a pair of converted Victorian townhouses, The Victory Café prides itself on its collegial appreciation of culture. Works by local artists and photographers decorate the walls; live jazz on Wednesday nights keeps the café hopping. Another point of pride: its selection of craft beer, with 12 microbrews on tap. Dine out on pub grub like Caesar salad, wings and burgers. 581 Markham St., 416-516-5787.

How to get there: Hop on the subway and get off at Bathurst Station. Walk south to Bloor Street. From Honest Ed’s (at the southwest corner of Bloor and Bathurst streets), walk one block west on Bloor and turn south at the first intersection, Markham Street.

For more from the You Are Here series, please see the following:

Bloor-Yorkville

Toronto Islands

The Beach

Distillery Historic District

West Queen West