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Riverside Local Love Blog #2: Cafe Hopping 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!

Riverside Local Love Blog #1: Explore The Neighbourhood Your Way

The Riverside BIA is starting the year right with our first initiative: Riverside Local Love, a campaign inviting everyone to show their local love through actions: shop, dine, use local services, or leave a Google Review.

Running from Jan. 27 to Feb. 26, 2025 – our campaign features incredible weekly prize and grand prize raffles worth $250 to $500 – grab your proof of purchase or snapshot your Google Review and enter now!! 

The campaign also includes a series of videos, blogs (first one right here!) and a big surprise…read till the end to check it out!!

For our first blog we’re focusing on tips for exploring the Riverside neighbourhood- your way! In this charming neighbourhood in Toronto’s East End, you’ll find a diverse community of local businesses. When we say there’s something for everyone, we mean it–whether you love starting the day with a delicious brunch or dancing ‘til the wee hours on a Friday night. 

Here’s a few of many ways you can spend time in Riverside according to your interests:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Fashionistas

Are you on the hunt for your next fashion find? You might just find it in one of Riverside’s cool vintage shops. You can explore them at a glance with our Riverside Vintage Crawl map below and go check them out.

Photo credit: Isle of Coffee

Coffeeholics

Grab your friends and go coffee shop hopping in the neighbourhood. It’s a nice way to not only enjoy the specialty drinks on the menu, but also appreciate the ambiance each place has. Some options include Isle of Coffee, Jimmy’s Coffee and Dark Horse Espresso Bar.

Photo credit: Isaan Der – Thai Kitchen & Bar

Foodies

You (and your appetite) are in for a treat because Riverside is home to a wide variety of cuisines so be sure to come hungry. Start the day with brunch at Bonjour Brioche, and then Thai for early dinner at Isaan Der. Make a stop at Blackbird Baking Co. for freshly baked goods. 

Photo credit: La Femme Strong

Fitness and Wellness Buffs

Staying active and well in the winter can be a challenge, especially for those who can’t do home workouts. Sign up for a class instead! You have Oma Chiropractic and Wellness (Tip: they have their Love Yourself Event Feb 15), La Femme Strong for strength training (women only gym) and Rise Cycle for indoor cycling.

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House

Night Owls

If you’re the type who prefers to be out and about after sundown, Riverside has plenty of activities to do. Check out DJ nights at Prohibition Social House, go to an event at The Opera House or enjoy half-price bottles at Chez Nous for something more lowkey, just to name a few of the options.

Ok now onto that surprise we mentioned…

We have a BIG Riverside Local Love photo op right outside of the Queen Garden Centre (775 Queen E). You can’t miss it and its there until Feb 26th. Make sure to tag @riverside_bia in your posts — we’d love to see your photos. Give us a follow too if you haven’t yet so you don’t miss any updates on our community programming!

Festive Fashion Finds: Highlights from the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Holiday Edition

Who would’ve thought that after the very first Riverside Vintage Crawl in June, we would be doing a Halloween edition in October — and now a holiday installment?!

This fun shopping event featuring Riverside’s community of vintage shops received so much love that we knew we had to keep this going.

The success of the Riverside Vintage Crawl would not have been possible without your unwavering support. Our BIA members are immensely grateful.

In case you missed it, here are highlights from the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Holiday Edition that took place on Dec. 12:

Look at all these adorable handmade ornaments by HugMeDo at Arts Market.

For the Vintage Crawl, Arts Market had a 10% off section. So many good deals!

Good Juice Box had a two for $40 promo on Christmas sweaters.

There was no shortage of cute sweaters at Good Juice Box, including this Santa Paws one.

Leonine Crochet Designs had a special pop-up at Common Sort during the Vintage Crawl.

This rack at Common Sort was brimming with festive frocks.

These cheeky Christmas cards from Second Voyage are hilarious.

Can we take a moment to appreciate the intricate details of this vest from Second Voyage?

You can always count on Ran’s Closet to have the coolest clothes, even Christmas sweaters.

These jackets from Ran’s Closet would be perfect for White Christmas-themed parties.

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia so you’re always updated on fun events we have in the neighborhood like this one. ‘Til the next Riverside Vintage Crawl!

Getting Ready for the Riverside Antler Breakfast

The Riverside Antler Breakfast is back for its 13th year. This year, we’re raising funds for Fontbonne Ministries’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location in Riverside.

It’s all happening TOMORROW and it’s not too late to get your tickets: the 2024 Riverside Antler Breakfast will take place at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre (765 Queen St E) on Friday, Dec. 13, 8am-10am.

Are you interested in being involved in this year’s fundraiser? Here’s a few reminders before we bond over breakfast tomorrow:

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

Learn about the cause.

Through their Food Program, Fontbonne Ministries aims to provide meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity due to rising costs. The goal this year is to raise at least $10,000. With your help, we can make this happen!

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Bring your family and friends.

Whether you’re a Riverside resident 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 a good cause.

 Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Get Ready to Bid!

There will be a array of fabulous silent auction items donated by local businesses, organizations and residents. Get a sneak peak or 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 and generous event sponsors. 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’ Food Program at their Mustard Seed location through the donation page on their website. It’s open year-round too so you can access it anytime. You can find more information here.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

 

Buy your tickets.

It’s quite an intimate event so slots are limited. Make sure to secure a seat before Friday. Aside from the buffet, you’ll also get to participate in a silent auction and witness the commemoration of Riverside Antler Breakfast founder and chef Scott Savoie. Get your tickets here.

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram for updates on exciting events in the neighbourhood like this one. We look forward to having you on Dec. 13!

The 13th annual Riverside Antler Breakfast is organized by the Riverside BIA, Ralph Thornton Community Centre and Fontbonne Ministries.

Let’s Get Ready for the Riverside Vintage Crawl – Holiday Edition!

We’re the gift that keeps on giving. We’ve got one more vintage crawl before we wrap it up for 2024. Who’s excited for the holiday edition of the Riverside Vintage Crawl?

Join us on December 12, 2024 (6pm-9pm) for a fun night of vintage shopping and cheery, holiday fun featuring your favourite vintage stores in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

If you’re new to the Riverside Vintage Crawl or just need a refresher, here’s a few reminders before the event:

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Plan your time well.

You’ve got six locations to check out within three hours. Make sure to come early so you have ample time at every stop. If you need a break, you can head to Queen Garden Centre, get toasty in front of a fire pit and treat yourself to a warm beverage and s’mores from the cafe.

Photo credit: Common Sort

Prepare a list.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your loved ones, it’s always helpful to have ideas on what you’re looking for beforehand. In case you didn’t know, HST on all purchases made during the event will be shouldered by the stores, so take advantage of this deal.

Photo credit: Second Voyage Vintage

Dress strategically.

By this, we mean plan an outfit that you can easily try clothes in. Wear a fitted top as a base layer under your coat so it’s not a cumbersome process when you’re in the fitting room. Another tip: use a crossbody bag so you can browse and shop hands-free.

Photo credit: Riverside BIA

Tell your family and friends.

Spread the word! Racks of stylish and unique vintage goods await you and the whole gang. Worried about leaving your pups? Fret not, all participating businesses are pet-friendly so you can bring them along.

RSVP.

Give us a heads up that you’re coming. When you pre-register, you can get event deets and other important updates straight to your inbox. There will be a raffle too where you can enter to win gift cards to the shops! Sign up here to get your FREE tickets!

Participating Locations:

Follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated on exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. See you on December 12!