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What’s New in Riverside? (As of April 2025)

If you live in the area or frequently visit it, you’d know that Riverside in Toronto is home to many businesses that have stood the test of time. But change is also always in the air and we get new additions in the community on the regular. In case you haven’t been to the neighbourhood in a little while, here’s what’s new in Riverside:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Fevers Vintage (@fevers.vintage)

Address: 732 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Fashion lovers, there’s a new vintage shop in the neighbourhood! Fevers Vintage, a popular West End store, has found a home in the East End for their second location. From chic outerwear to cool cargos to funky shirts, there’s plenty of vintage goodies to peruse at Fevers. Who’s excited for the Riverside Vintage Crawls this year?

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen and Coffee (@amberkitchento)

Address: 4 Boulton Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2J3

Delicious Middle Eastern food for brunch? Yes, please! Must-try items on Amber Kitchen’s menu are the Eggplant Caponatta, Amber Eggs, and Corn Polenta and Mushrooms. Don’t forget to get the Chocolate Babka for dessert. This spot’s interior is gorgeous, especially as the sunlight hits the amber window panels and permeates through the space — perfect for the ‘gram.

Photo credit: Sassy Doll Studio

Sassy Doll Studio (@sassydollstudio)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit 104b buzzer 1041, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Proudly Canadian and female-owned, Sassy Doll Studio is an odourless and pet-friendly boutique beauty salon. Their services include eyelash extensions, nail art, eyebrow shaping, laser hair removal, and even tiny tattoos. They also do courses if you want to learn the art yourself. Book your appointment with Sassy Doll Studio here.

Photo credit: Beelingual Learning Centre

Beelingual Learning Centre (@beelingual.toronto)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit 204, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Committed to teaching French in a fun and engaging way, Beelingual Learning Centre offers tutoring for children aged 5-12 and youth aged 13+, which can be done either in person or online. They also have after-school and PA Day services and camps. Learn more about Beelingual’s programs here.

Photo credit: Queen Garden & Cafe

Queen Garden & Cafe (@queengardencentre)

Address: 771 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

While certainly not new to Riverside, the Queen Garden & Cafe is back open after their winter hiatus (with longer hours starting May 1st). The garden centre itself will soon be stocked with plants ready for the warmer months. In the meantime, enjoy a White Chocolate Chai or a slice of Pistachio Loaf from the cafe in their dog-friendly patio.

To stay updated on what’s new and happening in Riverside, make sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram!

Hop Into the Fun: Easter Weekend in Riverside

Easter is almost here! Got any plans for the long weekend? If not, check out Riverside in Toronto’s East End for an egg-citing time featuring our vibrant community of local businesses. Here’s what’s in store for you in Riverside this Easter weekend.

Photo credit: Little Peeps

Little Peeps (@littlepeepsstore)

Address: 742 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Treat your little one to a new toy. Little Peeps, known for their curated selection of children’s products, carries a variety of plushies including this adorable Bashful Bunny Jellycat. It’s perfect for Easter!

Photo credit: Blackbird Baking Co.

Blackbird Baking Co. (@bbirdco)

Address: 635 Queen St E Unit 101, Toronto, ON M4M 1G4

It’s hot cross buns season – or as Blackbird calls it: NOT X Buns.Their take on this Easter staple consists of pillowy soft buns brushed with a spiced orange glaze and filled with candied orange peel, raisins and currants.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

The Broadview Hotel (@broadviewhotel)

Address: 106 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G1

Take advantage of the four-day weekend and treat yourself to a staycation in the iconic Broadview Hotel. Sleep in, order room service, or enjoy a drink at The Rooftop. Did we mention that they’re pet-friendly?

Photo credit: Butchers of Distinction

Butchers of Distinction (@butchersofdistinction)

Address: 738 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

If you’re already a regular patron of Riverside’s neighbourhood butcher shop, you’re in for a treat because they’ve got a Easter holiday menu, which includes fresh turkey, tenderloin roast, pork roast, fresh duck and an assortment of smoked meats.

Photo credit: Thyme Studio

Thyme Studio (@thymestudio)

Address: 779 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

Double-digit weather is finally here and what better way to ring in the warmer seasons than with a bouquet of fresh blooms from Thyme Studio. You can make your own arrangement or if you’re not sure how to start, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations!

You know the drill: give @riverside_bia a follow on Instagram so you’re always updated on exciting events and promos in the neighbourhood. Happy Easter, everyone!

Speaking of local events, our annual community cleanup, Clean Queen E Together, is happening on April 25 & 26. Register now and join us in cleaning the neighbourhood!

Let’s Clean Queen East Together: Community Clean Up 2025

For this year’s community clean up, the Riverside BIA is teaming up with the Leslieville BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre, and South Riverdale Community Health Centre to host “Clean Queen E Together” on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Part of the City of Toronto’s Clean Toronto Together initiative, this is an annual tradition that’s been running for over two decades now. Not only is it a good way to help maintain the cleanliness of the neighbourhood, it’s also great community building!

Whether you’re a local business, organization or community member interested in joining and participating in this amazing event, here’s all you need to know about “Clean Queen E Together”:

Where is the Community Clean Up happening?

We will be cleaning up in and around the Riverside and Leslieville area – including parks, laneways and sidewalks – along Queen Street East, starting from Davies Ave in Riverside, and east into Leslieville, ending at Leslie Grove Park. See map below for reference.  

Meeting Spot: Ralph Thornton Community Centre – 765 Queen St E

Drop by near the front doors (look for the RTCC tent!) for your complimentary cleaning supplies (gloves and bags) and map with assigned clean up area.

After Cleaning Up: Waste bags can be dropped off at either 1) RTCC – 765 Queen St East OR 2) South Riverdale Community Health Centre – 955 Queen St E. 

The Community Clean Up will culminate with refreshments at RTCC. There will be complimentary donuts and coffee on Friday and delicious finger foods from our local restaurants on Saturday.

What do I need to bring to the Community Clean Up?

Nothing, just drop by and we’ll provide you with everything you need! The event will be rain or shine though so be sure to dress for all kinds of weather – we all know how unpredictable Toronto weather can be!

How do I register for the Community Clean Up?

Sign up for Day 1: Friday, April 25th (drop by 11am-1pm)  AND/OR DAY 2: Saturday, April 26th (drop by 11am-1pm).

If you’re signing up on behalf of a group, please kindly let us know the number of participants (via the registration form) so we can plan accordingly.  

REGISTER HERE

Join us on April 25 and 26, and let’s Clean Queen E Together! Don’t forget to register and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates!

Photo credits: Riverside BIA

We did it again! Riverside BIA Blog is among the Top Toronto Blogs

In this 45th year of the Riverside BIA and after over a decade of active blogging on this platform, we are pleased to share we’ve again been selected by the panelists at FeedSpot as one of the Top 45 Toronto Blogs on the web.

We are in great company, along with NOW Toronto, Narcity Toronto, Raptors HQ and so many other epic blogs. We are proud to be #11 on this legendary list!

We certainly put a lot of heart, along with a lot of quality local content into our Riverside blog, to highlight all the exciting comings and going in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. We thank FeedSpot for highlighting what we do!

 

Paying It Forward: Free Community Services in Riverside

These days, with the daily costs of living and other societal factors at play, many are struggling to make ends meet. Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood is dedicated to lifting each other up and making sure no one is left behind by having accessible services and programming.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources — leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th and 26th (learn more and sign up)!

Whether it’s computer access or legal advice, read on to know more about free community services you can find here in Riverside:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre has been serving the South Riverdale community for 44 years now. One of RTCC’s key facilities is the Lewis Pearsall Exchange Loft, where you can access free use of resources such as computers with internet access, fax, document scanning and a public telephone. We’ve covered RTCC’s services in more detail in our blog here.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Don Valley Community Legal Services

Address: Inside Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E)

A community legal clinic located inside the RTCC and funded by Legal Aid Ontario, Don Valley Community Legal Services provides free services to their catchment in specific areas of law such as employment, housing and immigration. They also conduct public legal education seminars to community groups. Check out their website for more information.

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

Fontbonne Ministries

Address: 791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

Built on compassion by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries aims to address pressing and prevalent societal issues. Programs in Riverside at their Mustard Seed location include The Clothing Boutique which provides winter wear to those in need; and the Breakfast Program which provides nutritious breakfast options during the week. Learn more about Fontbonne Ministries here.

Photo credit: Stock image from Pexels

Toronto Public Health Dental Clinic

Address: 791 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H6

This Toronto Public Health clinic offers free dental services such as cleaning, filling and extraction to eligible children and youth, adults and seniors. Clinic hours are Monday-Friday (8am-4pm). Call (416) 392 6683 for inquiries and appointments.

Photo credit: WoodGreen Community Services

WoodGreen Community Services

Address: 650 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G5

As one of Toronto’s largest social service agencies, WoodGreen’s Riverside location helps promote self-sufficiency and overall well-being with programs like regular food bank support on Tuesdays and financial empowerment through free annual tax clinics. Read our WoodGreen feature here.

And that’s a wrap on our community services blog series! If you’re interested in participating in the annual Riverside Community Clean Up on April 25th and 26th, learn more and sign up !

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for regular updates and fun content!