Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe in Leslieville is a one-of-a-kind, multipurpose space for motorcycle lovers and more.

Formerly an auto shop and gas station, the property was transformed into a bike storage space and members club for riders.

Co-owner, Caullyn Godfrey unpacks management's decision to add a cafe into the mix, "We needed to have that extra offering for people outside of the moto community so they would feel welcome in our space too."

Passing through the outdoor sidewalk patio, a lofty, industrial space is accessible through a side door. Many might remembers this as the recent home of Omnia Coffee Roasters.

Pops of primary colours transform the recently remodelled cafe's interior. In the window is a featured motorcycle and encased in a glass enclosure is a gift shop with motorcycle-related goods. 

Through the second door along the side of the building is a swanky members lounge—decked out with a bar, huge flat screen TV, vintage telephone booth and collection of motorcycle-themed art. 

Many members use this area as a work space. Among the many other benefits to membership (free coffee, discounts on merch, invitations to go on organized group rides), members are also able to host events in the space. 

Through a tall wooden archway is the storage room. Dozens of bikes are parked in the converted garage.  

Apart from functioning as a place for members to store their bikes, Godfrey says they have held small concerts and parties in there in the past. 

Connected to the storage room is a street-facing retail space—currently host to a bunch of clothing, candles, cologne and other merchandise for sale. 

Godfrey did mention they have plans to turn this into a barber shop by the end of the summer. 

I was left wondering, "Is there anything Flying Squirrel can't do?"

Godfrey echoes this sentiment, "There's no other cafe in the city that offers seasonal motorcycle storage, a great place to hang out, [the ability to] have your birthday party in the members lounge and have a nice sandwich and a coffee."

On the cafe menu is a range of classic drinks, tasty food and inventive treats. 

You might be wondering, is the coffee at a motorcycle cafe any good? Indeed it is! The Flat White ($4.85) I tried was rich and strongly brewed. 

Another caffeinated beverage offered is an Affogato ($6). This Italian dessert is a great sweet treat. The bitter, hot espresso poured over top of the sweet vanilla soft serve creates a delicious clash of flavours.

Speaking of clashing flavours, a strip of bacon is an unexpected garnish in Flying Squirrel's Ice Cream Cup ($4.50). The unlikely sweet and savoury combination was odd, but surprisingly good?

Bacon is one of Flying Squirrel's specialties. They even offer a piece of Walkin' Around Bacon ($3.25), wrapped in paper for a convenient snack on the go. If looking for something more substantial, their Meatball Sub ($14.50) is also a tasty and more filling snack.
Lastly, Flying Squirrel's Ice Cream Float ($7) is the perfect classic dessert to finish a meal. It can be made with root beer, black cherry cola, or orange soda—whatever floats your boat. 

With each of the spaces under Flying Squirrel's roof, the aim is to build a tight-knit community. 

"We are a people business. Having the ability to feed people and create a fun environment is a big part of why we do things," says Godfrey.

This extends beyond just Toronto's motorcycle community. "We do community rides where the moto community comes in, but we also have kids in strollers coming in to eat ice cream,” Godfrey adds. 

Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe is a fun, multi-faceted locale for all—bikers and beyond. Anyone, motorcyclist or not, can come in and order a cup of coffee or a tasty treat. 
Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe is located at 1345 Queen St. East.