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DINNER & LATE NIGHT Spots for the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside

The Beaches Int’l Jazz Festival is back in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood with The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside on July 6-8th, this year with an amazing new BLOCK PARTY!!! Have dinner and enjoy the night while you take in the festivities. 

With so many great places to eat in Toronto’s Riverside, along historic Queen Street East between DVP and Degrassi Street, it’s hard to pick just one. Here are some excellent picks, among the MANY MORE in Riverside, for dinner and drinks:

HI LO BAR – 753 Queen St E

Vintage concert posters adorn the walls and reclaimed wood tables and arcade games give the room a throwback feel. Come for drinks before dinner or light snacks and cocktails afterward. It’s a great place with great vibe. If you want to drink where the locals drink, this is the place!

LAN VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT – 755 Queen St E 

This is real authentic Vietnamese food. The restaurant brings you back to old Hanoi with its French architecture and hand carved furniture. The menu is inspired by dishes and recipes from owner Lan’s husband Denny and his family in Northern Vietnam. The PHO, pronounced “FUH” is a dish that originate in the northern city of Hanoi and is served in true northern style without lime, bean sprouts or the usual Thai basil or cilantro. It is delicious.

THE COMRADE – 758 Queen St E

Every ‘hood needs a good brown liquor bar and the Comrade does a great job of living up to that. Cocktails are the order of the day in this old world inspired lounge. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or don’t know a bitter from a cordial, you will feel right at home as you sip on the bartender’s latest creations.

Enjoy your drink while sitting in a cool space decorated with Chinese lanterns and propaganda posters. As odd as this may seem, this room works and the friendly vibe from the staff set the tone for a relaxing time. The kitchen is open till 1:00 AM and the menu is definitely focused on small plate sharables.

TABULE – 810 Queen St E

If you love Middle Eastern cuisine you are going to fall in love with Tabule! To get started you will need to order a platter of the COLD MEZZE to share and a HABBIBI Cocktail. If you’re Gluten Free, Vegetarian or Vegan there are lots of options for you to try including the FALAFEL, the FLASH FRIED CAULIFLOWER, the EGGPLANT. If you eat meat, the LEBANESE SPICY SAUSAGE and the CHICKEN KABOB are delicious as is the GRILLED LAMB and the RED SNAPPER. It is all so good!

I’LL BE SEEING YOU BAR – 747 Queen St E

A bar owned by two sisters with a dollar and a dream, it’s a great place for you to check out for drinks and nibbles after Jazzfest or any other time for that matter. The menu is small but offers some great choices. The baked SPINACH & ARTICHOKE DIP, the FLAT BREADS and the MAC & CHEESE get particularly high praise. While one sister is in the kitchen, the other is tending the bar and this sister mixes up a wicked cocktail! They also offer craft beers, ciders and a good selection of wines by the glass.

SUSHI BAR

This casual neighborhood spot has been around since 2009 serving classic Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, udon, teriyaki & bento boxes. The SUSHI is very fresh and flavorful with quick service.

 

With all these great options (and more!) available during The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, it’s definitely hard to pick just one, but not to worry, you’re always welcome back for more! Be sure to snap and share a picture of your experience in any of our neighbourhood spots with hashtag #‎RiversideTO.

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Check out more handy blogs as part of the Riverside Eats & Shops series – your handy guide to some of Riverside’s best during The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside Block Party (and everyday!), including:

Big thanks to Beaches International Jazz Festival for bringing the awesome Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside BLOCK PARTY to Riverside!

SHOP RIVERSIDE During the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside

The Beaches Int’l Jazz Festival is back in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood with The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside on July 6-8th, this year with an amazing new BLOCK PARTY!!! Check out Riverside’s unique and eclectic shops while you enjoy the live tunes happening on Saulter, Boulton, De Grassi and more.

Riverside is known for its small-town-in-the-big-city atmosphere. It has attracted a mix of unique independent shops owned by folks who are passionate about what they do. During the Beaches International Jazz Festival’s The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, (and everyday!) we’re inviting you to come out and meet the businesses owners, artisans and unique personalities – here are just a few highlights of what you’ll find in Riverside along Queen Street East from Saulter St to De Grassi St!

ARTS MARKET – 790 Queen St E

Riverside-Shop

A one-of-a-kind shopping experience and rated as one of the top markets in Toronto, the Arts Market is definitely a shop to be reckoned with. With 50+ vendors, all under one roof, it’s a fab place to get gifts of any type for others or yourself!

COMMON SORT – 800 Queen St E

Riverside-Shop

With consignment and thrift shops being all the rage in today’s day and age, Riverside has a shop that is unlike any other. Offering the best of in-season second-hand items, all-year round, Common Sort is a go to place for fashionable items in excellent condition, but at a fraction of the cost.

IRISH DESIGN HOUSE – 756 Queen St E

Riverside-Shop

The Irish Design House is a unique gem in the Riverside neighbourhood. A Toronto based store that showcases handmade Irish crafts and fashion from various areas of Ireland, it’s one-of-a-kind. Run by partners Sinéad Clarke, a knitwear designer, and Benny Corrigan, a graphic designer, their passion for design and quality handmade products drove them to bring Irish design to Toronto.

TINY RECORD SHOP & TOKEN – 804 Queen St E

Riverside-Shop

Specializing in rare and vintage high-end records and merchandise, Tiny Record Shop (TRS) is anything but your average record shop. With a large arrangement of vinyl records spanning over decades and genres, Tiny Record Shop is a treasure to the Riverside area. The Riverside neighbourhood store supplies to a niche market within a niche market.

Riverside-Shop

Located at 804 Queen Street East, Tiny Record Shop can be found in the back half of the building, with their other store Token in the front half, where you’ll find many unique trinkets and gifts ranging from bags to home items to personal accessories.

BRIKA – 768 Queen St E

BRIKA is the city’s own version of Etsy, offering a curated selection of modern gifts, artisan crafts, home decor goods and accessories, along with information about the people who make them.  Their products are of heirloom quality, making them a joy to give (and receive!). In addition to beautiful, well-crafted goods, you’ll find inspiration within their creative community.

With all these great options (and more!) available during The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, it’s definitely hard to pick just one, but not to worry, you’re always welcome back for more! Be sure to snap and share a picture of your experience in any of our neighbourhood spots with hashtag #‎RiversideTO.

The Riverside Eats & Shops is your handy everyday guide to some of Riverside’s best, including:

Big thanks to Beaches International Jazz Festival for bringing the awesome Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside to Riverside!

BRUNCH Spots in Toronto’s Riverside

Start your day off right with brunch in Riverside when you come out to take in The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside July 6th to 8th, a part of the Beaches International Jazz Festival ! This is your handy guide to amazing local brunch options.

The origins of brunch are a bit hazy, some say it was founded in England as a meal served to nobility after the hunt, others think is was invented by fasting Catholics who wanted to feast after church service. Still others believe it became popular as the many women who had entered the work force after the war could have a break and enjoy a meal out with their families.

If you’re in need of a big cup of coffee or tea and are on a timeline you might want to check out Boxcar Social (4 Boulton Ave), right at Boulton Ave, one of the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside’s prime BLOCK PARTY locations, they have a curated list of coffees and delicious early morning eats! If coffee is not your thing you can grab a fresh juice or smoothie just a few blocks west at Pulp Kitchen (689 Queen E), they also offer great gluten free & vegan options. If you need to grab and go on a budget, get a bagel or croissant with a coffee or tea at the Broadview Bakery and Deli (728 Queen St E) . If you’re going for a full brunch experience with table service then be sure to check out these local favorites:

WHITE LILY DINER – 678 Queen St East

All Day Breakfast/Brunch served Wednesdays to Sundays — 9AM to 10PM

White Lily Diner is a charming spot steps west of Queen and Broadview. The food is eclectic and elevated but stays true to pure diner values. Photos of old Riverside hang on the walls along with a photo of one of the owner’s grandparents. It’s sure to satisfy the hungries at whatever hour of the day you happen to wander in. Check out the menu here.

BONJOUR BRIOCHE – 812 Queen Street East

Breakfast daily Tues-Sun, Brunch served Sat and Sun — Open 8AM to 4PM

Located right at De Grassi Street (yes the famous street, and one of the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside’s prime BLOCK PARTY locations), this French bakery and café has been the go to brunch spot in Riverside for 25 years years and judging by the lineups outside it is still going strong. Some classic brunch favorites are the Daily Quiche, the Croque Madame or the Tart du Jour are always delicious and the Croissants and Pastries are out of this world. If you can’t get to Paris at least come here. Check out the menu here.

THE PEASANT TABLE – 782 Queen Street East

Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays — 10AM to 4PM

How about brunch with an Italian Twist? If you want to Mangia Benne (Eat Well) this is the place to go. The casual, warm and cozy atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Chef Boris who spent many years cooking in some of the finest restaurants all over Europe, has a way of blending flavors to create truly spectacular food. This place is truly a neighborhood gem. Check out the menu here.

PROHIBITION GASTROHOUSE – 696 Queen Street East

Brunch served Saturdays and Sundays — 10AM to 3PM

A fixture in the neighborhood for many years, this is a roomy upscale-casual gastro pub with friendly service and great atmosphere. They are passionate about what they do and it shows. Check out the menu here.

SUGAR LOAF – 729 Queen St East 

Brunch served everyday — 9AM to 2PM

Brunch is served daily (9:00am to 2:00pm) with favourites that include Croque Madame, Black Truffle Terrine, Continental Breakfast, Eggs Benedict and Waffles. Join us for decadent treats such as Beignets (light and airy French style doughnut), Cinnamon Rolls and desserts in a jar. You are invited to indulge, because that’s exactly what weekends are for. Check out the menu which even includes a delicious vegan option Shakshuka!

 

With all these great options (and more!) available during The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, it’s definitely hard to pick just one, but not to worry, you’re always welcome back for more! Be sure to snap and share a picture of your experience in any of our neighbourhood spots with hashtag #‎RiversideTO.

—-

Check out more handy blogs as part of the Riverside Eats & Shops series – your handy guide to some of Riverside’s best during The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside Block Party (and everyday!), including coming up:

Big thanks to Beaches International Jazz Festival for bringing the awesome Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside BLOCK PARTY to Riverside!

RIVERSIDE EATS & SHOPS for the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside!

The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside, a part of the International Beaches Jazz Fest, is back in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood July 6-8th, this year with an amazing BLOCK PARTY!!! Leading up to the festivities we’ll be sharing handy local guides to great spots to eat, drink & shop!

If there’s something that Riverside, focused along Queen Street East from Davies Ave to Empire Ave, has a huge diversity of it would definitely be its wide assortment of excellent food and shopping! Incorporating everything from unique coffee spots to fine cuisine restaurants, and specialty gift shops to quality used clothes and records, there is most definitely a place in Riverside to cater to nearly every taste (and price range).

Leading up to the launch of the Beaches International Jazz Festival’s  The Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside Block Party on July 6-8th, our blog series will give you the low down on great shopping and dining ideas during the festivities (and everyday!!). This blog series, Riverside Eats & Shops, is your handy guide to:

Plus check out more about featured Live Music at the festival with:

  • Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside Featured Musical Acts 

Get ready, because these posts will have you wanting more!

Big thanks to Beaches International Jazz Festival for bringing the awesome Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside to Riverside!

Eat Around the World in Riverside

Short of pemmican stew and vegemite sandwiches, pretty much all of the flavours of the world can be sampled at eateries right here in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Whisk yourself away for a couple of hours to Hanoi, Florence, or Mumbai. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos or truffle mac and cheese, Riverside’s restaurants have a world of international dishes to sample! Here are a few faves to check out:

White Lily Diner

There’s nothing quite as Canadian — or as sweet—as maple syrup, eh? Try this liquid gold drizzled over a stack of three delicious buttermilk griddle cakes, chase it with a classic ceasar, and get your donuts to go.

Prohibition Gastrohouse 

For elevated American style comfort foods made from scratch like chicken fried ribs (glazed in whiskey), this Queen Street East gastrohouse it all including a few south of the border specialties like nachos and new kee-two-tartare tacos.

Caribbean Sunset

When it comes to Island eats, look no further than this tiny restaurant for authentic Caribbean dishes like jerk roti, Jamaican patties, sweet plantains, and the most savory spiked coconut cocktail you’ll ever try.

La Carnita

This stylish Mexican restaurant and bar in Riverside is proof that everything tastes better in a taco. Try the crispy cotija taco stuffed with cheese, cauliflower, pinto beans, pickled carrots, chipotle sauce, green onion, and cilantro. New house creations rotate daily.

Lucky Star

Eat in, Pick it up, or ask for delivery. This old-school Chinese restaurant is great when you’re on the run and craving the best chicken-fried-rice (and at the best price!) east of the Don River.

Siddhartha 

From the mouthwatering fish masala and butter chicken to perfectly spiced lamb curry and paneer tikka, this tiny Queen Street East take-out restaurant promises a taste of India with every bite. Try the milk dumping dipped in sugar syrup and rose water for desert.

Sushi Bar 

For a taste of Japan, this spacious sushi restaurant in Riverside boasts an extensive menu featuring authentic Japanese dishes like tempura, udon, teriyaki, bento boxes, and a wide variety of classic and creative sushi rolls. If you like seafood, try the CN Tower roll.

KABOOM Chicken 

Crispy, crunchy and totally worth every calorie, the Korean fried chicken at this Riverside eatery will make your taste buds go kaboom. Each piece is glazed in house-made sweet chili sauce and best served with a side of kimcheesy fries.

LAN Restaurant 

With authentic and savoury Vietnamese dishes like grilled fresh prawns, spicy beef salad, yellow curry chicken, and dozens more, this Queen Street East restaurant brings old Hanoi to life in Riverside. Spicy dishes are best paired with a lychee smoothie.

Bonjour Brioche

All it takes is one bite out of a mouthwatering butter croissant to see why this Parisian inspired bakery and cafe in Riverside is one hottest brunch spots in the city. In the summer, you can enjoy your breakfast on the patio with a lovely view of Queen Street.

Il Ponte

A trip to Italy has never been so quick. This stylish restaurant, with a patio looking out to the Riverside Bridge (yep, ‘il ponte’ means bridge in Italian) and Don River, features a variety of Italian dishes including a signature gourmet pizza topped with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh figs, and prosciutto. It’s delizioso.

Tabülè

Whether you order juicy lamb skewers, falafel in a pita, fried eggplant, or Fattüsh salad, you’re in for a flavourful meal at this exotic Middle Eastern restaurant and foodie favourite on Queen Street East. Enjoy the lively back patio in the summer!

DO YOU HAVE OTHER FAVES IN RIVERSIDE YOU’D LIKE TO TELL US ABOUT? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Karen Lloyd is a writer, photographer and website designer in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. This blog is part of the series giving you the inside scoop on Riverside, Toronto. Read other blogs in the series: Riverside Patios, Places to Stay in Riverside, Brunch Spots, Health & Wellness in Riverside,  Kid-Friendly Riverside, Event & Catering Spots, Riverside Chefs, Self-Care in Riverside, It’s Easy Being Green in Riverside, and The Dirt on Gardening in Riverside.