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It’s St. Patrick’s Day on Monday, March 17, but in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, the celebration begins early. You don’t have to be Irish to partake in this joyous tradition. There’s may not be a pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow, but you’re still in luck because fun times await this weekend.

From live DJs to spice bags to the best Irish beers, get a head start on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at these businesses in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

As the one and only Irish pub in Riverside, best believe The West Cork will be pulling out all the stops for their first St. Patrick’s Day in the neighbourhood. Aside from Irish staples on the menu and classic Irish beers on tap, there will also be live music and festivities ALL DAY (11:30am-12:30am) on Monday, March 17. Get all the fun details via their Instagram @thewestcork

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House 

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Always expect a good time at Prohibition Social House on the weekends with live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights, on top of their Sunday-Thursday happy hour deals on select beers and cocktails, and appetizers like fried mushrooms and burrata.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Eastbound recently launched “The Late Shift” concept for night owls. Between 8pm and 10pm from Tuesday to Saturday, enjoy awesome deals such as $6 draft beer and $9 margaritas. On Friday and Saturday, you can get a 12oz beer for $2 with any food purchase.

Photo credit: Urban House

Urban House (@urbanhouseeastside)

Address: 718 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Urban House carries a wide selection of premium beers on tap, from ales to lagers. Their bestselling daily specials, which are available for dine-in only, include classics such as cheese burger and wings inclusive of a pint or pitcher of beer.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar

Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)

Address: 709 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Duke’s Refresher + Bar Riverside has planned an exciting St. Patrick’s Day weekend. From March 15-17, enjoy beers from beloved East End breweries, brunch featuring spice bags (a popular Irish fast food dish), live karaoke and other food & drink specials!

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

Address: 756 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

And do not miss the Irish Design House’s annual customer appreciation sale on St. Patrick’s Day weekend – with 20-30% off in store and online – it only happens once a year!

Follow @riverside_bia so you’re always in the know about exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. Happy St. Patrick’s Day in advance, everyone!

Riverside is not only a bustling lifestyle/commercial district in Toronto; it is also a vibrant neighbourhood that thrives in serving the community and its people. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

For this series of blogs, we’re starting strong with a Riverside institution: the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (RTCC).

Located at 765 Queen St E, the RTCC is a landmark in this bustling East End neighbourhood. Since it opened its doors on February 14, 1981 (yes, on Valentine’s Day!), the RTCC has become an important resource for many Riverside residents and Torontonians in need of support, whether that’s access to computers or a function hall to hold gatherings.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

It was named after James Ralph Thornton, who was described as “one of the original moving spirits in the Riverdale community”. Aside from being a hardworking taxi driver, he was also a beloved local community leader. Before the RTCC even existed, his own front living room was an organizing centre and a safe space for many.

In celebration of the RTCC’s 44th anniversary, let’s take a look at the services they have available at the centre: 

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Exchange Loft

The Lewis Pearsall Exchange Loft is where you can get free use of resources such as computers with internet access, fax, document scanning and a public telephone. Printing and photocopying are also available at a minimal cost. The Exchange Loft is open 9:30am-8:30pm, Monday to Friday and 9:30am-4:30pm on Saturday.

Photo credit: Pexels

Financial Literacy

Over the years, the RTCC has conducted workshops on a variety of topics related to financial literacy such as understanding debit and credit, budgeting, incomes and taxes, and investing. As part of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the RTCC  hosts free tax clinics conducted by community agencies and groups during tax season.

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Youth Programs

The RTCC has a range of child- and youth-oriented programs including the highly popular After School Program, the Mentor Program which aims to help newcomer Chinese children improve their English language skills, and of course, the seasonal camps. We’re doing a separate blog on childcare and youth services later this month so stay tuned for that!

Photo credit: Pexels

Senior’s Programs

Fondly dubbed by participants as “Love at RTCC”, the Seniors Program engages elderly community members to take interest in hobbies such as cooking, gardening and other forms of physical activity. The program aims to maintain mental and physical wellness as well as break social isolation. Weekly telephone support is also offered as part of this program.

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Spaces for Rent

If you’re looking for a venue for your next event, the RTCC has a variety of spaces for public use as very affordable rental prices. The Jim Houston Community Room, which can accommodate up to 70 people, is great for workshops and dance rehearsals. The Riverdale Auditorium, the RTCC’s largest space, is ideal for large meetings and events. There is also the Betsy Swift Community Kitchen, which is perfect for cooking demos and classes. Find more information about RTCC’s spaces here.

For more information about this important hub in Riverside neighbourhood, head over to the RTCC website. Interested in making a donation or becoming a volunteer? Here’s how you can support the RTCC.

You can also give them a follow on Instagram @ralphthorntoncommunitycentre and sign up for their e-news letter by contacting them.

We upload new stories every week so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re updated on blogs like this one!

It’s the final stretch for Riverside Local Love! Running until Feb. 26, 2025, the Riverside BIA is inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

The campaign includes a series of videos, blogs (this is the last one!), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review. The grand draw will be on Wednesday, Feb. 26 so enter now!

Spring may be just around the corner, but we have a few more weeks left of these freezing temps. For the fourth and final blog of our Riverside Local Love campaign, here are five ways you can stay warm in the neighbourhood this winter:

Photo credit: Eastbound Run Crew

Sweat It Out

With the weather, staying active in the winter can be a bit challenging. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun alternatives to home workouts in Riverside. You can go running with the Eastbound Run Crew, sign up for a spin class at Rise Cycle, or do HIIT at La Femme Strong.

Photo credit: BlessedLove 

The Soup-erior Choice

If there’s one good thing about the cold, if that a comforting bowl of soup is always a good idea. You can’t go wrong with Isaan Der’s selection of curries or the popular curry noodle dish called Khao Soi. On Wednesdays, BlessedLove makes a mean red pea soup.

Photo credit: Ran’s Closet

Fashionably Warm

Cop a new jacket from one of the cool vintage clothing stores in Riverside. You’ll find a great collection of secondhand garments from Second Voyage and Good Juice Box. Ran’s Closet has some pretty cool brand new pieces from Korea as well.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Coffee is Calling

Nothing beats the warmth of a freshly made cup of coffee. Why stop at just one cup though? Go cafe hopping in the neighbourhood and discover the unique drinks each coffee shop has to offer, from Isle of Coffee’s Maple Tahini Latte to Lemon Lily’s Tiramisu Latte.

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Do Not Disturb

Check in at The Broadview Hotel for the weekend, get cozy in one of the hotel’s posh bedrooms and order room service. You can also watch the sunset at The Rooftop where there are space heaters and blankets provided.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t forget to drop by and snap a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre. It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — make sure to tag @riverside_bia so we can see your posts. Follow us on Instagram for updates on exciting programming in the neighbourhood like Riverside Local Love!

Riverside Local Love is now in its third week! Running until Feb. 26, 2025, the Riverside BIA is inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

The campaign includes a series of videos, blogs (we’re releasing one every week), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review and enter now!

Don’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day yet? In our third blog for Riverside Local Love, we’ve got ideas on how you can spend the most romantic time of the year in the neighbourhood:

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Friends for Keeps

There’s plenty of fun activities to do with the whole gang in Riverside: a DIY cafe crawl for the coffee lovers, live DJ night at Prohibition Social House for those who like to party, or a group mani-pedi sesh at Sassy Doll Studio for something more laidback and relaxing. 

Photo credit: Slayer Burger

A Family Affair

Isaan Der’s delicious Thai dishes and their generous portions are great for sharing with the fam. White Lily Diner has a stellar brunch menu for something more familiar. If you’re looking for something fun, Slayer Burger has a line-up of creative burgers like the Pandemonium!

Photo credit: The Broadview Hotel

Perfect Pairs

Take your significant other on a special night (or day) out in Riverside. You can grab brunch at Bonjour Brioche, dinner at ēst Restaurant or a nightcap at The Broadview Hotel’s The Rooftop, which has a breathtaking view of the city.

Photo credit: Oma Chiropractic and Wellness

Solo Flight

If you plan on going solo on the 14th, treat yourself to a little retail therapy and go on a self-guided vintage crawl. Consider also signing up for Oma’s Love Yourself Event for a fun evening of all things self-care, while giving back to local charity Nellie’s Shelter. It’ll make you feel good, all around!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Canine Companion

Go on a date with your cutest, most loyal Valentine. Stop by Dark Horse Espresso Bar or Dirty Pawz Dog Wash and grab a bag of treats for your furry best friend. Depending on the weather, you can also go on a leisurely stroll at Joel Weeks Park.

While you’re in the neighbourhood, you can also show your support for Riverside Local Love by snapping a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre. It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — don’t forget to tag @riverside_bia so we can see your posts. Follow us on Instagram for updates on fun events in the neighbourhood!

In case you missed our first post, the Riverside BIA has a campaign called Riverside Local Love running until Feb. 26, 2025, inviting everyone to show their local love by shopping, dining, using local services and leaving Google reviews for businesses in the neighbourhood.

Riverside Local Love includes a series of videos, blogs (we’re releasing one every week), PLUS weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250-$500. The mechanics are simple: just grab your proof of purchase or a snapshot of your Google Review and enter now!

Our second blog is for the coffee lovers out there. Are you ready to go cafe hopping with us? Here’s the line-up of coffee shops in Riverside for you to check out:

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

Address: 806 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

For those who like their coffee on the sweet side, Jimmy’s Very Own — a vanilla latte with a caramel swirl — is a must-try. They’ve also got a shelf stocked with cute Jimmy’s Coffee merch, from tote bags and toques to mugs and tumblers, that you can purchase as souvenirs.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

Address: 630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3

You can always count on Dark Horse’s seasonal drinks to be creative. This season, they have the Ube-bae Latte and Snickerdoodle Latte, to name a few. They’ve got a wide assortment of pastries and sandwiches too if you’re feeling peckish or just want something savoury.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

Address: 745 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Switch up your usual coffee order with something unexpected like Isle of Coffee’s Tahini Maple Latte. Pair it with one or two of their signature madeleines, which come in a range of flavours, from chocolate to truffle honey. Did we mention that they have sleek, minimalist interiors too?

Photo credit: Ohh Tea/Lemon Lily Tea

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

Address: 747 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Although known for their teas, Lemon Lily also serves fun espresso-based concoctions such as the Tiramisu Latte. They have a selection of drinks for matcha lovers as well. You can even take home bags of their tea and coffee blends so you can recreate them at home. They also have an ongoing winter special in-store!

While you’re in the neighbourhood, you can also show your support for Riverside Local Love by snapping a photo with our life-sized LOCAL sign right outside the Queen Garden Centre (771 Queen St E). It’ll be up until Feb. 26, 2025 — don’t forget to tag @riverside_bia in your posts. Join our community on Instagram so you’re always updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!