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!