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Make a List and Check it Twice: Holiday Shopping in Riverside

Whether you’re planning on treating yourself to a little retail therapy or you’re still working on that shopping list for your loved ones, Riverside in Toronto’s East End is the place to be.

From cool vintage finds to delicious baked goods, here’s a list of places where you can shop gifts for yourself, family and friends this holiday season (+ support local!):

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall (@thevintagehallto)

Address: 754 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Probably the East End’s hottest shopping destination as of late, The Vintage Hall is a massive treasure trove of all things vintage — three levels, to be exact! Follow them on Instagram and watch the styling videos they’re doing for the holiday season for a little sartorial inspo!

Photo credit: Naz Treasures

Naz Treasures (@naztreasures)

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

One of the more recent additions to the Riverside community, Naz Treasures carries apparel, accessories and even jewelry. From cozy sweaters to furry hats to plush scarves, Naz Treasures has your winter fashion essentials covered.

Photo credit: Bonjour Brioche

Bonjour Brioche (@bonjour_brioche)

Address: 812 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

Riverside has something for the foodies too, of course! This holiday season, Bonjour Brioche has a limited edition bundle perfect for gifting, which includes granola, cookies, dark roast coffee beans and their signature salad dressing. They also have gift cards!

Photo credit: Arts Market

Arts Market (@artsmarket)

Address: 790 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Looking for little knick-knacks for Secret Santa or white elephant? Arts Market has a wide range of products from small local entrepreneurs. For a sneak peek of some of the holiday-themed items they have in store, check out the shopping haul video we did HERE. They have gift cards too.

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Amavi Atelier (@atelier_amavi)

Address: 634 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Another new member of the Riverside BIA, Amavi Atelier is a mecca for antique home decor. They specialize in sourcing unique, antique home goods from around the world. If you’re looking to splurge on a beautiful piece or two for your home (or a loved one’s), head over to Amavi!

To stay updated on exciting promotions from businesses in Riverside, make sure to check @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!

The Gift of Giving Back: Holiday Donation Initiatives by Businesses in Riverside

Aside from getting a much needed break and spending time with our loved ones, the holiday season also presents an opportunity to spread kindness in the community.

If you’re looking for ways on how to give back, here are some donation drives happening in Riverside, organized by or in partnership with members of our BIA: 

Winter Clothing Drive for the Waterfront Centre Clothing Bank

Location: Common Sort (760 Queen St E) 

Common Sort – gathering donations for the Waterfront Centre Clothing Bank. Suggested items include winter coats, gloves, boots, mittens, hand warmers, large/XL sweaters & pants, socks, sweatpants, hoodies, bras and leggings. Drop off items during business hours. Donations will be accepted throughout the winter season at the Riverside Common Sort location.

Wish List for Nellie’s Shelter Families

Location: Oma Chiropractic & Wellness (1 Munro St)

This season, Oma Chiropractic is partnering with Nellie’s Shelter again to support Nellie’s families. There are two simple ways to give: 1) Choose a tag from their Gift Giving Tree at Oma clinic and bring in the listed item OR 2) Drop a small donation in their collection jar during your visit. All contributions go directly toward helping women and children at Nellie’s feel supported and cared for this holiday season. 

Warm Up the Community, Get a Discounted Beer

Location: Eastbound Brewing Co. (700 Queen St E)

Bring new or gently used winter clothing — coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, anything that can help someone through the cold — to Eastbound and they’ll thank you with $1 off a beer during your visit. Every cozy layer donated makes a real impact, and Eastbound is grateful to share a pint with you while supporting our neighbours. Cheers to helping out this season!

Before we wrap up the blog, we’d like to give a shoutout to all the generous sponsors of the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast. This year’s fundraiser would not be possible without your overwhelming support!

Speaking of Riverside Antler Breakfast… If you were not able to make it, you can still show your support for Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre through the donation pages hyperlinked. They’re open year-round too so you can access the links anytime!

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

What’s New in Riverside? (Fall 2025 Edition)

If you live in the area or frequently visit it, you’d know that Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood 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: Happy Burger

Happy Burger (@happyburgerto)

Address: 689 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

Happy Burger brings its beloved smash burgers, waffle fries and hot dogs to Riverside — all made with care and bold flavours. Download the Happy Burger mobile app for easy in-store pickup and delivery!

Photo credit: Broadview Hot Yoga

Broadview Hot Yoga (@bhytoronto)

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

bhy’s second location (original is Beaches Hot Yoga!), Broadview Hot Yoga is a space for growth, transformation and connection. The studio has two hot rooms, four cold plunges, male, female and gender-neutral change rooms, and so much more. See the schedule HERE.

Photo credit: Welcome The New Era

Welcome The New Era (@wwelcometheneweraa)

Address: 724 Queen St E (2nd Floor), Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Welcome The New Era by Marielle is a boutique studio for regenerative skin and wellness treatments. With Marielle’s expertise, she creates results that enhance your natural features while preserving what makes you authentically you. Book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Royal Baithak The Indian Room

Royal Baithak The Indian Room (@royalbaithak_11)

Address: 755 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

From mouth-watering curries to delectable biryanis and indulgent sweets, Royal Baithak’s menu is a delicious celebration of Indian cuisine, putting rich flavours and aromatic spices to the forefront.

Photo credit: Dolled by Doll

Dolled by Doll (@dolledby.doll)

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

Skilled in hair artistry, Dolled by Doll specializes in braids, quick weaves and ponytails. Book an appointment HERE.

Photo credit: Queen Riverside Barbershop

Queen Riverside Barbershop (@queen_riverside_barbershop)

Address: 724 1/2 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

From classic fades to cool shaved designs, you can count on Queen Riverside Barbershop for a clean, sharp cut. They do men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts, on all kinds of hair.

Photo credit: Amavi Atelier

Amavi Atelier (@atelier_amavi)

Address: 634 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

Amavi Atelier specializes in sourcing antique vessels and home décor from around the world. With a passion for pieces that carry unique histories, they curate a constantly evolving collection of one-of-a-kind finds, from hand-crafted ceramics to vintage home goods.

Photo credit: The Vintage Hall

The Vintage Hall (@thevintagehallto)

Address: 754 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

The Vintage Hall is a multi-vendor market. They offer vintage clothing, home goods, furniture and more. Not only is The Vintage Hall the new home of Second Voyage Vintage, many other vintage purveyors can be found here as well.

Photo credit: Kiss The Paws

Kiss The Paws (@kiss.the.paws)

Address: 717 Queen St E Unit# 100A, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

From classic grooming services to luxurious spa treatments, Kiss The Paws by Yasemin is a pet grooming studio ready to pamper your pups with love, care and serious style. Book an appointment for your fur baby HERE.

Photo credit: Naz Treasures

Naz Treasures (@naztreasures)

Address: 717 Queen St E., Suite 100, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Naz Treasures offers unique clothing, stylish fashion jewelry, chic accessories and thoughtful gift ideas — all carefully selected to bring affordable elegance and charm to your everyday style.

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

Let’s Get Ready for the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Who’s excited for the Riverside Antler Breakfast?!

The 14th Annual Riverside Antler Breakfast is happening TOMORROW, Dec 12th on the 2nd Floor of Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) from 8am to 10am.

This year, we’re raising funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location in Riverside AND Ralph Thornton Community Centre’s community programming.

Are you interested in supporting this year’s fundraiser? Here’s a few reminders for the 2025 Riverside Antler Breakfast:

Learn about the beneficiaries.

Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed location, in Riverside since 2000, operates is free meal program which is open to any community member in need – last year over 25,000 meals were served. The Ralph Thornton Community Centre has been a cornerstone in the Riverside community for nearly 45 years and offers a variety of free programming for low income seniors and youth.

Bring your family and friends.

Whether you’re a Riverside community member or a local from another part of the city, the Riverside Antler Breakfast is a great way to connect with a community and meet new people — all while supporting good local causes.

Get ready to bid.

There will be an array of fabulous silent auction items donated by local businesses, organizations and residents. Get a sneak peak of what’s on offer by scrolling down to the Silent Auction Donors section HERE.

Come with an appetite.

The highlight of the Riverside Antler Breakfast is the sumptuous buffet spread prepared by talented chefs at Fontbonne, generous event sponsors and volunteers. From freshly baked pastries to beloved breakfast classics, you’re in for a treat.

Make a donation.

If you can’t make it, you can still show your support for Fontbonne Ministries at Mustard Seed and the Ralph Thornton Community Centre through the donation pages hyperlinked. They’re open year-round too so you can access the links anytime.

RSVP.

Everyone is welcome!! Aside from the buffet, you’ll also get to participate in a silent auction, take part in festive sing-alongs, hear more about the community programming we are supporting, and more. Click on the button above to get your tickets!

Check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog for updates on exciting events in the neighbourhood like this one. We look forward to joining together with you on Dec. 12th!

Festive Food and Beverage Offerings in Riverside This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season to treat yourself and your loved ones! Whether it’s bonding with family or catching up with friends, you can never go wrong with good food and drinks! 

If you’re not yet sure where to go locally and open to suggestions, check out these delicious offerings in Riverside for the holidays from our BIA members:

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

“A Little Wit of Good for the Holidays” by Eastbound

Address: Eastbound Brewing Company (700 Queen St E)

Brewed as always in collaboration with Sawdust City Brewing Co., Eastbound presents “A Little Wit of Good for the Holidays”, a Belgian Imperial Wit created with a festive blend of bright citrus and warming spices. Now available on tap at the pub and in cans!

Photo credit: ēst Restaurant

ēst Restaurant’s Sunday Brunch

Address: ēst Restaurant (729 Queen St E)

ēst Restaurant is bringing back the special brunch menu every Sunday, 10am-2:30pm! In other news, they’ve also opened their newly renovated second floor that’s perfect for your holiday get-togethers! For reservations and private events, head over to their website.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse’s Winter Specials

Address: Dark Horse Espresso Bar (630 Queen St E)

As we usher in a new season, you know what that means: new specials from Dark Horse! This winter, they’ve got two fun drinks: the Cherry Mocha for the coffeeholics and the Spiced Chai Matcha for the matcha lovers! Both can be served hot or iced.

Photo credit: Amber Kitchen and Coffee

Amber Kitchen’s New Menu

Address: Amber Kitchen and Coffee (4 Boulton Ave)

Amber Kitchen just rolled out a new day menu, which includes favourites like the Amber Eggs and Avocado Toast as well as fresh additions like the Steak Hache and an updated Pulled Beef Sandwich. For catering and events, shoot them an email or give them a call!

Photo credit: Chez Nous

Mulled Wine at Chez Nous

Address: Chez Nous (798 Queen St E)

It’s mulled wine season at Chez Nous! Be sure to get your fix ASAP because there’s a limited amount available every day and only until Christmas. As usual, happy hour is at 5pm-7pm every day and half-price bottles after 11pm until closing and all day on Sunday.

If you want to be updated on exciting offerings from businesses in Riverside, be sure to check out @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog regularly!