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Beat The Heat: 5 Refreshing Concoctions To Try in Toronto’s Riverside

Nothing beats a refreshing drink on a sweltering summer day. If you ever find yourself out and about in Toronto’s Riverside when the temps are high, don’t worry, there’s plenty of places where you can treat yourself to an ice-cold beverage. Here are 5 must-try drinks in the neighbourhood guaranteed to cool you down:

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

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

Inspired by a beloved childhood treat, the Dreamsicle is Dark Horse’s latte mixed with orange and vanilla syrup. It’s reminiscent of an orange Creamsicle but with a kick of espresso–it’s nostalgia in a cup!

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmyscoffee)

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

One of Jimmy’s spring/summer offerings is the Lavender Mocha, which is a mocha infused with lavender syrup. The richness of chocolate and subtle floral notes of lavender make for an interesting mix. It’s a great seasonal take on a classic beverage.

Photo credit: Lemon Lily

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

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

Made with Lemon Lily’s high quality teas, you can’t really go wrong with a classic Iced Tea. They also do tea lattes if you like yours with milk. For those who prefer to make it at home themselves, you can buy the exact teas they use and DIY.

Photo credit: Ish Coffee

Ish.Coffee (@ishcoffee)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9 (inside Eastbound Brewing Company)

Ish.Coffee, a new and recent addition to the neighbourhood, makes a Honey Mango Matcha Latte. It’s your favorite matcha with a tropical twist. It’s not only easy on the eyes, it’s fun on the taste buds too. 

Photo credit: Queen Garden Cafe

Queen Garden Cafe (@queengardencafe)

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

Switch up your usual chai latte with a rich and creamy version from Queen Garden Cafe. The White Chocolate Chai, one of their bestsellers, perfectly marries the flavors of bold black tea, spices, and sweet white chocolate.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay updated on what’s new and happening in the neighbourhood. Check out the Riverside BIA Blog too as we have new stories up regularly!

Riverside C’Mon! Dog Lovers’ Market 2024 on September 15th

Mark your calendars and tell your dogs to clear their schedules: the annual Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market will be back for its third year on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 (10am-4pm) and it’s bigger than ever.

This year, Riverside’s much anticipated market for dogs will be taking place in not just one but two venues in the neighbourhood: Riverside Common Park (657 Queen St E) and Joel Weeks Park (10 Thompson St).

Part of the Riverside C’Mon! series, Dog Lovers’ Market is co-hosted by the Riverside BIA and Toronto Dog Moms, with support from our friends at Toronto Humane Society, Dirty Pawz Dog Wash and Sparky’s Comrade. 

Here’s what you can expect from the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market on September 15th:

Photo credit: Dirty Pawz Dog Wash

At Riverside Common Park

  • Local vendors market – From treats to accessories to services, explore a local market of dog-focused small businesses, including Dirty Pawz Dog Wash who will be serving dog-friendly gelato!
  • Meet and greet with dog rescue organizations and charities
  • Live music from Toronto talents such as Chris Oday and The Shop

Photo credit: Sparky’s Comrade

At Joel Weeks Park

  • “Meet The Trainer” with Nicole Barnett of Sparky’s Comrade and free microchipping service from City of Toronto’s Chip Truck (RSVP to receive the link for these opportunities!)
  • Toronto Humane Society booth – learn more about the organization and their initiatives at their booth
  • More local vendors and dog rescue organizations/charities!

If that’s not enough to get you excited about the Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market, we’ve got one more surprise in store:

The first 45 to get their free ticket and show it at the event will get a free canvas tote bag from Tom & Sawyer and entry into our prize raffle for local gift packs. 

Get your FREE tickets here.

PLUS Those who RSVP will get dibs on pre-registration links for the “Meet The Trainer” session with Sparky’s Comrade and the City of Toronto’s free microchipping service (registration opens on August 30th).

We’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks, so make sure to follow @riverside_bia and @torontodogmoms to stay updated.

We know you’re all excited to know more about what’s happening. In the meantime, check out some of the fun we had at last year’s event.

The 2024 Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is organized and hosted by the Riverside BIA and Toronto Dog Moms, along with friends Toronto Humane Society, Dirty Pawz Dog Wash, and Sparky’s Comrade. 

Photos from the 2023 Dog Lover’s event by Riverside BIA

Who Let The Dogs Out? 10 Dog-friendly Businesses in Riverside

For this blog, we’ve got an extra special guest. Meet Lucky The Lab: Riverside resident, unofficial BIA dog ambassador, and your tour guide for today. 

Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood has many businesses that happily welcome your four-legged friends. So, who let the dogs out–or in this case, who lets the dogs in?

Follow along as Lucky takes you around Riverside and some of its dog-friendly places:

Yes, gratuity in the form of treats is very much appreciated!

Dirty Pawz Dog Wash (@dirtypawzto)

Address: 804 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

Treat your doggo to dog-friendly gelato after a wash. Dirty Pawz now carries Coppa, a proudly Canadian gelato and sorbet company. You’ll find a freezer stocked with pints of Coppa right beside the vending machine.

Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (@omachiropractic)

Address: 1 Munro St, Toronto, ON M4M 2B7

Did you know that Oma offers chiropractic care for animals as well? This can help address issues such as arthritis, stiffness, and post-surgery soreness. You can find more information or book an appointment over on their website. 

The Broadview Hotel (@broadviewhotel)

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

Hello, room service? Spoil your dog with a staycation in this chic hotel steeped in history. Although they’re not permitted in the restaurants, dogs are allowed in the rooms. Take advantage of their summer promos and book your stay here.

DOG-FRIENDLY PATIOS

ēst Restaurant (@estrestaurant)

Address: 729 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H

During the warmer months, ēst does a special Paws & Patio menu, which includes a bone marrow appetizer and a beef tartare entree. They only do this while the patio is open, so take advantage of what’s left of the summer and make a reservation soon!

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmyscoffee)

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

One of Riverside’s hidden gems, the charmingly quaint patio at the back of this beloved coffee shop provides a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Queen East. Bring your dog here for a quick break and try one of Jimmy’s summer offerings.

Queen Garden Cafe (@queengardencafe)

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

Tucked away in a little glass greenhouse in the middle of Queen Garden Centre is the Queen Garden Cafe. Stop by for a refreshment and a pastry. Your dog will appreciate the lush surroundings of the patio. There’s plenty of plants to sniff, too.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

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

As you make your way to the counter, you’ll find their *Bark* Horse (you know we love clever wordplay!) pumpkin & peanut butter-flavoured dog treats. Get a drink for yourself and a bag of treats for your dog, and enjoy it on the patio.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher

Duke’s Refresher (@dukesriverside)

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

Dogs are welcome at Duke’s Refresher’s 2nd floor outdoor patio with a minor caveat: only dogs under 35 pounds are allowed and they can only accommodate a few dogs on the patio at a time. Lucky may not have been able to enjoy the patio, but his smaller friends certainly can! Fancy a weekend brunch reservation?

Boxcar Social (@boxcar_social)

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

This cafe and bottle shop is popular among locals and visitors alike for its selection of beverages, light pastries, and sleek ambiance. On the front patio, treat yourself to an iced latte or a glass of wine while your dog takes a break from the summer heat.

The Opera House Grill & Patio (@operahouseto)

Address: 737 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Just beside the iconic Toronto concert venue is The Opera House Grill & Patio, where you and your furry companion can unwind and grab a bite to eat. The grill’s Shaggy Burger, which was once recognized by Toronto Life as one of the top 25 burgers in Toronto, is a must-try!

Speaking of patios, we have an online patio map as part of Queen East Eats, highlighting 50+ outdoor patios within Riverside and Leslieville where you can dine with your dog.

We’ve also got a paw-some announcement to make: the 2024 Riverside Dog Lovers’ Market is happening next month!

Cool vendors, exciting activities, delicious treats, and more await you and your furry best friend on Sunday, September 15th, 10am-4pm at Riverside Common Park and Joel Weeks Park.

More details will be shared in the weeks to come. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram for updates and make sure to visit the Riverside Blog for new content every week!

Photos by Riverside BIA

ABOUT LUCKY

Lucky is an eight-year-old black Labrador. He’s active, super friendly, and always in a good mood. His favorite treat? Anything, he’s not picky. Don’t be fooled by his size, he remains a puppy at heart. He also understands both English and French. Très bon, Lucky.

Let’s Get Ready for Afraspektion 2024!

We’re just days away from Afraspektion! 

The third annual Afraspektion will be on Sunday, August 11th, 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park located at 657 Queen St E in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. As always, the family-friendly festival is free and open to the public.

Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.

As an event, Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. The festival features an exciting array of programming, from live music and entertainment to local vendors and other activities.

Like any other outdoor festival, it’s always best to come prepared. Before Afraspektion this weekend, here are a handful of things you might want to add to your to-do list:

Co-curators Nico and Queen from Oddside Arts (Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez)

Learn about the history behind the event.

As previously mentioned, Afraspektion is not just any market or festival. It’s both a celebration of the Afrodiaspora’s talent and culture; and a commemorative event during Emancipation Month. There are plenty of resources online to learn more.

Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez

Wear the right outfit.

Keep in mind that although it may be summer, it’s best to be prepared for the weather and the event is rain or shine. Pack a light coat or bring a small umbrella. There’s going to be music and dancing, so wear comfortable footwear. At the end of the day, choose an ensemble that you can have fun in! 

Photo credit: Jennifer Lay

Make a plan.

Being a one-day event, you want to make sure you come on time so you don’t miss anything, especially if you don’t live around the East End. Calculate your travel time, plan your transit route, look into parking, plan to use Bike Share -and don’t forget to allot some time to explore Riverside  neighborhood before or after Afraspektion – check out our handy local directory for great places to shop, eat and explore!

Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez

Bring your family and friends!

Tell your family, friends, classmates, neighbours–everybody! It’s not a party without good company, after all. Admission is free and you get to participate in so many fun activities. Let’s outdo last year’s turnout!

RVSP to the event. 

Do you want event information plus dibs on exclusive perks and promos for Afraspektion? Simply sign up here and you’ll get important information straight to your inbox + free tickets to the festival!

Make sure to follow @riverside_bia and @oddsidearts on Instagram for updates on Afraspektion. See you all at Riverside Common Park on August 11th!

MORE ABOUT AFRASPEKTION:

August 1, 2021, was the first time that Canada officially (according to Parliamentary Motion) recognized Emancipation Day, when the Slavery Abolition Act was enacted in 1834 to free enslaved Africans and their descendants in colonies of the Caribbean, Africa, South America and Canada.

Afraspektion is a way to celebrate and highlight the contributions and creativity of the Afrodiaspora, and honour the legacy of African Canadians. Afraspektion features family friendly entertainment, art, a curated market, music, and activities.

Afraspektion is curated by Queen Kukoyi ( and Nico Taylor of Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA.

Afraspetion 2024 is supported by: The City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Funding Program, Oddside Arts, the Riverside BIA, Hullmark, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Co-Operators. Special thank you to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).

Afraspektion 2024: What’s happening on August 11th?

Curated by Oddside Arts and co-hosted by the Riverside BIA, Afraspektion is an annual celebration of the Afrodiaspora’s creativity every August during Emancipation Month, as part of the Riverside C’Mon! series.

Now in its third year, Afraspektion is happening on Sunday, August 11th, 2pm-7pm at Riverside Common Park located at 657 Queen St East in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

If you attended last year’s festival, you know it’s going to be a blast. Here’s a sneak peek into the incredible line-up of what’s happening for Afraspektion 2024:

Photo credit: Nenookaasi

The opening ceremony of the festival will be led by Afro-Indigenous performer and mental health activist Nenookaasi (@nenookaasi).

Photo credit: Chris Leonard

Drink up and partake of artisanal libations served by Chris Leonard.

Photo credit: Emilie Jabouin

Feel the healing rhythm of the drums with Emilie Jabouin (@zila_danceandresearch), a knowledge keeper of Haitian folk culture-drumming, singing, and dancing.

Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez

Be in awe of the towering talents of the Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers (@pixel.jumbie). Don’t forget to take photos!

Photo credit: Camile Jerome

Get into the spirit of friendly competition with Superhero Trivia, featuring cosplayers TrinidadianSuga, WonderWoman905, and CosplayQ.

Photo credit: Chef Lee Catering

Put on your chef’s apron and participate in a live cooking demonstration with Chef Lee (@chefleecateringtoronto).

Photo credit: Jennifer Gomez

Witness the beauty of dance with a ballroom performance by House of Imperium (@officialhouseofimperium).

Excited for August 11th? For updates on Afraspektion, follow @riverside_bia and @oddsidearts on Instagram. Get free tickets and event details straight to your inbox by RSVPing (click below):

Afraspektion 2024 is supported by: The City of Toronto Cultural Festivals Funding Program, Oddside Arts, the Riverside BIA, Hullmark, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Co-Operators. Special thank you to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI).