This place is full of knick-knacks in literally every nook and cranny. There are large drawers each labelled with various items like handkerchiefs, gloves, postcards, cards, buttons, etc. The walls are filled with things from various eras. I bought a beautiful owl decanter for only 19.99 and had a nice time reminiscing through items I remember seeing in my grandpa’s old house.
Robert C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
GADABOUT is a freaking amazing place! There are two floors of men’s and women’s vintage clothing, books, bottles and curiosities. I could spend days in here and not see everything… What I did see includes a huge map of Toronto from 1929 for sale here for $ 800, and lots of old tins, old metal signs and saloon advertising, tobbaciana, brewerania, military pieces and old paper including photographs and magazines. Perfumes, pills and toxic potions are all here, still in their original packaging. Its no wonder film companies come here and rent goods by the shelf — Gadabout is a giant repository of cool.
David M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Well organized, poorly displayed, overpriced. (It’s not only the owner who is very helpful, even the regular employee knows where EVERYTHING is. Amazing, really.)
Michelle V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
I think Ariel from Disney’s The LIttle Mermaid once sang: I’ve got gidgets and gadgets a-plenty. I’ve got whosits and whatsits galore. You want thingamabobs? I’ve got twenty. But who cares. No big deal. I want more… Well Gadabout HAS more… and then some! You walk into this treasure trove and take in the history behind every object crammed into every nook and cranny of this store. I’m also surprised that though it looks like everything is tossed about haphazardly, there is some semblance of organization there from antique boxes, photos, buttons, jewellery, trinkets, books to clothing, hats, ties and shoes(that would make Mr Dress-Up’s tickle trunk shriek with envy). The owner is sweet and helpful and can play«Where’s Waldo?» in her store like nobody’s business. If you go inhere looking for something in particular, ask, and she shall find(or tell you flat out she doesn’t have it). When in the Leslieville area, this is definitely a place I make time to peruse :)
Kat F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Austin, TX
At first glance, stepping into Gadabout is both intimidating and overwhelming. It’s a tiny boutique wayyy east on Queen Street in Leslieville and you definitely feel like you’re making a ‘special’ trip for vintage items, but it’s worth it, because the store is positively CRAMMED with goodies. The owner is eccentric and sophisticated and won’t hesitate to help you find what you’re looking for — she buys everything, so she knows what she has(and doesn’t have!). For a special treat, spend some time opening the dozens of miniature drawers to uncover delightful surprises like vintage handkerchiefs, buttons, pantyhose, brooches, maps, postcards and pins. My favourite thing to buy at Gadabout is hats and jewellery — they have a really fine selection. If you have some spare time on your hands, love sifting through racks of old clothes and aren’t claustrophobic, Gadabout is for you!
Jimi S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 ON, Canada
this place is the perfect junk shop. i dont think its possible to see the walls at all. top to bottom, side to side, in, out and around this place is packety pack packed. despite the abundance of antiques and clothes, this place is very organized. you might feel overwhelmed in the store as there is so much to gander at, but itll all be nestled in its own spot. i stopped in between two chests, each with many many small draws that had different ephemera in them like diaries, kitchen utensils, combs, etc. theres many dresses, shoes, blankets, etc. if this kind of stuff interests you, then this is the mother lode. her stuff ranges from the late 1800s to 1970 and not beyond, so that time period accounts for the prices which are high.