Our Haus, Your Neighbourhood – Toronto Edition: Kensington-Chinatown

Welcome back to our series showcasing the vibrant neighbourhoods that Workhaus calls home! In this edition we’re exploring Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood. This vibrant area spans Spadina Avenue between Queen St. and College St. sharing a blurry border with the neighbouring Kensington Market. 

This diverse, colourful and immensely walkable strip offers ample commuting options and quick connections to some of Toronto’s most iconic destinations. It’s also home to some of the city’s best and most affordable food, and is steps from some of the classiest restaurants downtown. It’s a phenomenal neighbourhood to live, work, or explore, which is why we’re so enthusiastic to share what we love about coworking in the Chinatown and Kensington Market area.

Our Coworking Space in Toronto’s Chinatown & Kensington Market

Workhaus proudly anchors our presence in this lively area within the historic Robertson Building. Our office occupies the entire fourth floor of this former warehouse turned green office space on Spadina Avenue. Here you’ll find a beautiful brick-and-beam office space with interior and exterior windows, treetop views, a living wall in the lobby and a fantastic rooftop patio. The Robertson Building holds a piece of Toronto history. Built for James M. Robertson Company during Spadina’s industrial era, it’s a vibrant hub in the heart of one of Canada’s largest Chinatowns.

With the iconic Sonic Boom record shop and local favourite cafe Dark Horse Espresso Bar on the ground floor, and the Spadina streetcar running outside, you couldn’t be better positioned. We’re proud to call this well-connected and character-rich building home for our coworking space in the Kensington Market and Chinatown area. Let’s dive into the history of the area and everything it has to offer!

A Brief History of Kensington-Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant and diverse community primarily centered along Spadina Avenue between Queen Street and College Street. Its rich history began in the late 19th century with the opening of Canada’s first Chinese-owned business – Sam Ching & Company’s hand laundromat on Adelaide Street. The surrounding area, including Queen and Bay Street, quickly became a home for many immigrants, including a burgeoning community of Chinese businesses.

While the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 cut the neighbourhood’s growth, the Chinese residents and business people of the area demonstrated extraordinary resilience. However, in the 1950s, the city expropriated much of the land that formed old Chinatown for a new City Hall. Despite these challenges, the Chinese community in Toronto continued to grow, with many residents and business people of the area moving North and West to what we know as Chinatown today. 

Chinatown Today

Today, it holds the distinction of being the largest of three Chinatowns in Toronto, and one of the largest in Canada. It’s proudly home to many small legacy businesses. Rol San Restaurant has operated in the area for 30 years, Tap Phong Trading Co. and Swatow Restaurant for over 40 years, and Great China Herbs Centre for nearly 60 years. 

Given its history and cultural importance, there have been efforts to secure Chinatown a heritage site, though no official designation has been made yet. It may happen soon enough though! Last year, Toronto’s planning department published a report recommending that the City pursue a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation for the area.

Kensington Market

Directly bordering Chinatown to the immediate Northwest of the Dundas St. and Spadina Ave. intersection is Kensington Market, one of the city’s most unique and eclectic neighbourhoods. Similar to Chinatown, Kensington Market has long been defined by its stories of immigration. Much of its history is shaped by the Jewish population that has historically called it home, though over the years a diverse array of cultures have contributed to its distinct and vibrant character.

Today, it remains notable for being home to many retail spaces operating out of the first floor of homes (a grandfathered practice that zoning by-laws no longer permit for new businesses). You’ll also find colourful street art, many cultural food stores and restaurants, vintage clothing shops, and it’s telltale 19th-century row houses. It’s no surprise that Kensington Market also boasts heritage site status, making it an incredibly inspiring backdrop for anyone living in or visiting Toronto.

Seamless Connections from Spadina Avenue

This wonderful part of Toronto ranks easily among the city’s most walkable neighbourhoods. From here, you can explore nearby attractions like Graffiti Alley, or dive into the radiant energy of Kensington Market. From our coworking space in Chinatown, we enjoy easy access to the 1 & 2 subway lines, and even Union Station via the Spadina streetcar. Meanwhile, the Queen and Dundas streetcar lines are only steps away. This means you’re always an easy streetcar ride away from the Financial District, the Entertainment District, and the Discovery District, seamlessly connecting your workspace to key areas across Toronto. For those who prefer two wheels, a Bike Share station is conveniently located directly outside our office and indoor bicycle parking is available on request.

Culture, Music and Fun Around Kensington-Chinatown

Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or colleagues, a productive day of coworking, or both, the Chinatown and Kensington Market area is brimming with opportunities. With interesting escapes around every corner, there’s always something to do. For a dose of fun, we recommend trying Midnight Arcade in Kensington Market or singing your heart out at Echo Karaoke in Dragon City Mall. For the artistically inclined, you can also take a tour of Toronto’s famous Graffiti Alley or a class at the Art Gallery of Ontario; both just a short walk away. 

Music lovers may already know that the area is home to a host of venues, new and old. One neighbourhood staple is the Horseshoe Tavern, a former 19th-century blacksmith shop that would later become one of Toronto’s most iconic and longest-running international music venues. Meanwhile, Grossman’s Tavern on Spadina has been the go-to spot for blues music and pub food since the 1940s. The nearly 150 year old Cameron House has also been serving as a beloved music venue since the 80s.

Newer but already well established staples nearby include the Velvet Underground nightclub, a pillar of the city’s nightlife, and Drom Taberna, an Eastern European bar and music venue offering pay-what-you-can shows 7 nights a week. Beyond the venues, the area is home to some truly exciting events. Mark your calendar for the vibrant Chinatown Festival and Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays each summer. Don’t miss Kensington Solstice Fest either, which transforms the market neighbourhood into a one-night celebration like no other. Plus, there’s always something happening a few blocks south at The Well!

Chinatown is The Best Place in Toronto to Be Hungry

The Spadina Avenue area is a real culinary paradise, with diverse cuisines available around every corner. From Cantonese, Szechuan, and Hakka cuisine, to Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and more, you’ll find yourself overcome with options. As a rule, if you’re looking for noodles, bánh mì, or buffet, you’ll find an abundance of choices. For coworking members in Chinatown this makes it a breeze to find an affordable and delicious lunch right outside their office door.

Breakfast, Lunch and Beyond

For your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, try the best drip coffee in Chinatown at Dark Horse Cafe below our coworking office, or visit FIKA cafe in Kensington Market for an americano like no other. If you’re looking for a quick breakfast on the go, try What A Bagel or Bagels on Fire. For lunch, our coworking members love Juicy Dumpling at Dundas and Spadina. Banh Mi Nguyen Huong offers an unbeatable $6 bánh mì, and you can also get great Vietnamese treats like sticky rice in a variety of flavours. Anything at the brand new Wellington Market food court is also likely to be a hit (special shoutout to Kao Kang by Koh Lipe).

For a casual, sit-down bite or team lunch, Swatow on Spadina is a neighbourhood classic. Koh Lipe (the original) serves some of Toronto’s best Thai food, and Kensington’s Rasta Pasta offers a truly unique fusion of flavours. For quick and cozy, try Pho Pasteur on Dundas, and for a fun experience head to Sky Dragon on the 5th floor of Dragon City Mall. For a gathering of friends or colleagues, why not try one of the many hot pot options like Liuyishou, Master Pot, or the great lunchtime deal at Happy Lamb Hot Pot. Another option worth trying is Dim Sum King, located above Happy Lamb, as well as neighbourhood mainstays like Rol San, or Mother’s Dumplings (a Bib Gourmand recipient) – just to name a few!

For dessert, our members love Daan Go Cake Lab for a memorably fancy treat. There’s also the quick and reliably tasty Chinatown classics at Hong Kong Island Bakery, conveniently located right across the street from our coworking office.

Toronto’s Finest Restaurants

Finally, when the occasion calls for an upscale experience, the Spadina Avenue area provides exquisite options. Here you’ll find acclaimed restaurants like Alo and Aloette, Lee, and Pizzeria Moretti; all of which are sure to impress. Even if you’re looking for high-class dining on a budget, Cheffrey’s Bistro delivers. Plus, many more top-tier dining establishments are waiting to be discovered in the nearby Entertainment District.

Our Coworking Team’s Personal Favourites in Chinatown and Kensington Market

Beyond the incredible array of options, some spots hold a special place in our team’s hearts. Of course there’s Dark Horse Cafe, located right in our building. If you want to unplug after work, Neo Coffee Bar has a no-laptops policy after 5 PM (and on weekends), and even plays host to live music some nights. Nearby Java House is an old favourite for cold drinks over short order fare. Or for those nights when you’re cooking at home, try the not-so-hidden gem Kai Wei Market for the best priced produce around.

Experience the Energy of Toronto’s Chinatown & Kensington Market

We hope this tour has given you a glimpse into what makes Toronto’s vibrant Chinatown-Kensington area such a wonder and so unique. It’s a place defined by it’s rich history, diversity, and culture. With unparalleled walkability, an exceptional food scene, and a strong sense of community, it’s truly a fantastic place to work, explore, and connect. For anyone seeking a coworking space that offers both productivity and inspiration, alongside endless opportunities for discovery, this neighbourhood is an unbeatable choice.

Ready to discover the neighbourhood for yourself? Book a tour of our Spadina Avenue office today!