Riverside

Tell a Torontonian you're going to spend a Sunday afternoon in Riverside and you're likely to be greeted with a blank stare. Despite the efforts of the local BIA and the city of Toronto to raise its profile, the name Riverside simply hasn't stuck.

Perhaps better know by its previous name, Queen Broadview Village, mistakenly lumped together with emerging Leslieville or maybe even called Queen East, the Riverside neighbourhood is bound by the DVP to the West, East Chinatown to the North, Eastern Avenue to the South and Booth Street to the East.

If one thing is certain is that Riverside residents are proud. Thriving local businesses like Carbon Computing, Phil'z 20th Century Design and Bonjour Brioche set up shop here long before going East on Queen past the DVP was de rigueur. Lately, the neighbourhood has been greeted by an influx of new bars and restaurants like SOMA Restaurant and Lounge, Dark Horse Espresso Bar and F'COFFEE.

But amidst all the new development, there seems to be some conflict between the new, young entrepreneurs who came to Riverside in search of an alternative to the Starbucks-ification of areas to the west and some of the old guard who feel progress is defined by welcoming in the latest chain store.

For now, it's the local independent businesses along Queen that seem to be winning out. Unlike Leslieville which already has a Starbucks, Riverside residents need only bypass a local Pizza Pizza outlet, located nearby the ever-present Jilly's strip joint at the corner of Queen and Broadview. Hungry patrons would certainly be better served by getting a cheap bite to eat at the Burger Shoppe a few doors down. Or Dangerous Dan's Diner, a destination many consider home to the best burgers in the city.

While it's easy to get distracted by the excitement along Queen, there are a number of great spots a little off the beaten track that shouldn't be overlooked.

Merchants of Green Coffee
On sleepy Matilda Street Sits Merchants of Green Coffee, the place in the East end to stock up on supplies of fair trade beans. Many local cafe owners come here to do just that. There's also loads of information about choosing beans and roasting coffee including monthly coffee courses on subjects like "Advanced Cupping & Tasting" and "The Alchemy of Brewing".

St. John's Bakery
Located between Queen and Dundas on Broadview, St. John's Bakery distributes their handcrafted, organic bread all over the city. But perhaps little less known is that the bakery is also a social enterprise. Run by St. John the Compassionate Mission, the bakery employs those who have difficulty finding work elsewhere such as refugees, people struggling with addictions and the disabled.

Toronto Climbing Academy
Along with Joe Rockheads in Liberty Village and The Rock Oasis near Front and Bathurst, the Toronto Climbing Academy is one of the favoured destinations for indoor rock climbers. Located close to the Broadview Lofts on Broadview south of Queen, the large warehouse-like space boasts 16,000 square feet of climbing terrain.

Toronto Free Gallery
Well, not quite off the beaten track but the not-for-profit Toronto Free Gallery is one of the more progressive in the city, often showcasing exhibits dealing with social, cultural and urban issues. When the gallery is closed or between exhibits, a visit to the Eastern Front Gallery down the street is a worthwhile alternative.