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Discounted rates on your favorite drinks and bites? Yes, please! It’s called ‘happy hour’ for a good reason and it’s a great way to unwind and catch up with friends. Although there’s plenty of bars in the city, Riverside’s small-town-in-the-big-city atmosphere makes for a nice contrast if you prefer to be away from Toronto’s usual bustle for a night out. Here’s your guide to some of the top happy hour deals in Riverside:

Photo credit: The Comrade

The Comrade (@comradetoronto)

Address: 758 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

It’s cocktail hour at The Comrade from Monday to Saturday (5pm-7pm): $12 classic cocktails like the negroni, old fashioned, Tom Collins and weekly highball feature. Burgers are at $16 as well. You can walk in or make a reservation online.

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

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

Prohibition has two rounds of happy hour: regular happy hour is every day 4pm-7pm, while *late night* happy hour is from Thursday to Sunday (10pm-midnight). On top of that, there’s also live DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 9pm.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

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

At Eastbound, happy hour starts earlier than usual. On weekdays from noon to 6pm, enjoy $5.50 pints and $5.50 snacks! They also do daily specials such as mussel bowls on Wednesdays, Fish Frydays and weekend brunch. 

Photo credit: La Carnita

La Carnita (@la_carnita)

Address: 780 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Come for the tacos, stay for the margaritas. Pair $5 fish tacos with either the signature Carnita Margarita for $10 or a bottle of Sol/LC Pilsner/Tromba Blanco shot for $5. Happy hour at La Carnita happens every day from 4pm to 6pm.

Photo credit: Aura

Aura (@auratoronto)

Address: 686 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Swing by Aura during happy hour every day from 5pm to 7pm and get good deals on their delicious cocktails. On Thursdays, they also have $12 martinis all day long. You can enjoy drinks at their back patio that’s open year round.

Photo credit: Chez Nous

Chez Nous (@cheznoustoronto)

Address: 798 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

Enjoy Chez Nous’ wide selection of all-Ontario beverages during happy hour from 5pm to 7pm every day. Deals include $7 house wines, $6 select beers, $10 select cocktails–and half-price bottles after midnight and all day Sunday.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar

Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)

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

If weekend brunch is more your speed, Duke’s Riverside has a $5 deal on the Caesar cocktail to accompany their special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm. There’s live entertainment during Sunday brunch as well!

Check out the Riverside Blog for new stories every week and follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay updated on what’s happening in the neighbourhood!

For many, a good cup of coffee is either an essential pick-me-up or an occasional treat. Toronto’s Riverside in the East End has plenty of options to get your caffeine fix. 

In celebration of National Coffee Day, why not switch up your usual with a seasonal offering from one of the cafes in the neighbourhood? Here’s a round-up of 5 coffee beverages you can get in Riverside this fall:

Photo credit: Jimmy’s Coffee

Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee)

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

Starting off this list with an autumn staple from a Toronto favorite: the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Jimmy’s Coffee. Whether it’s hot or iced, with regular milk or non-dairy, you can’t go wrong with Jimmy’s PSL to get you in the mood for the season.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Isle of Coffee (@isleofcoffee_to)

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

The Popping Brewccino, one of Isle of Coffee’s signature drinks, is made with cold brew, elderflower oat milk foam and popping candy–yes, the one we enjoyed as kids. This cafe is new to the neighbourhood so drop by and check this place out if you haven’t already!

Photo credit: Ish Coffee

Ish Coffee (@ishcoffee)

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

For an interesting alternative to the PSL, try Ish Coffee’s Dark Chocolate & Pumpkin Cafe au Lait. Freshly brewed coffee, steamed milk and a medley of rich dark chocolate and nutty pumpkin spice make for a comforting sip.

Photo credit: Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Dark Horse Espresso Bar (@darkhorsecafe)

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

Made with espresso, milk, caramel and vanilla finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon, Dark Horse’s Snickerdoodle Latte is for the coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. This latte version of a beloved sweet treat won’t disappoint.

Photo credit: Lemon Lily

Lemon Lily (@lemonlilytea)

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

Although they’re known for their fun range of tea concoctions, they also offer coffee-based drinks. Their Pumpkin Pie Spiced Latte is made with a potent blend of organic spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg and cardamom.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram and the Riverside Blog to stay updated on what’s brewing in the neighbourhood!

Staying active in the colder months can be a challenge, with frequent rains in the fall and the onslaught of snow in the winter. Luckily, in Riverside–a charming lifestyle enclave in the East End of Toronto–there’s plenty of opportunity to switch up your usual routine. Here’s where and how you can get active in the neighbourhood this autumn:

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Sign up for a class.

Skip the home workout once in a while and treat yourself to a class. An occasional change of environment is always refreshing! There’s plenty of options in Riverside: Rise Cycle for indoor cycling, La Femme Strong for strength training, and Breakdown Fitness for full body HIIT.

Photo credit: Eastbound Run Crew

Join a running group.

Running doesn’t have to be done solo. Look into running groups–they’re so popular these days. It’s also a great way to meet and mingle with like-minded people. The Eastbound Run Crew meets every Monday evening at Eastbound Brewing Company in Riverside.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Grab a bike and explore.

Biking is not only a good form of exercise, it’s also a convenient way to see the neighbourhood. There’s plenty of bike racks right along Queen East. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one (and easily return) at any of the three Bike Share stations located in Riverside. 

Photo credit: Chi Junky

Find a change of pace.

City life is already chaotic as is, maybe it’s time to slow things down a bit. If intense workouts aren’t your thing, wellness studio Chi Junky is known for their fun, music-forward yoga classes. For newbies, don’t worry as they have sessions catering to different experience levels.

Photo credit: City of Toronto

Go for a walk in the park.

When in doubt, a simple stroll in the park is always a good way to get the body moving. Joel Weeks Park, tucked away behind Carroll Street, has plenty of space for a leisurely walk–or a brisk one if you really want to get those steps in. The best part is it’s free!

For more content like this, check out the Riverside Blog for new content every week. Be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram too for updates on what’s buzzing in the neighbourhood!