March 4, 2025
Located within the Art Gallery at Riverdale Hub in Leslieville, Toronto, Free Spirit Café / Restaurant is a unique and affordable non-alcoholic cocktail bar and restaurant that provides a welcoming space for families, friends, and colleagues. Whether you’re planning a casual outing, a special celebration, or a work luncheon, Free Spirit offers a vibrant, alcohol-free environment that fosters community and connection.
Free Spirit Café is designed to be an inclusive, family-friendly space where guests of all ages can gather. The absence of alcohol allows for a refreshing experience where conversation, creativity, and culture take center stage. Visit our cafe’s new play zone! The hub is proud to call ourselves child friendly, come bring your kids anytime! Whether you’re stopping in for a healthy meal, a creative zero-proof cocktail, or a cozy coffee date, this venue is a standout destination in Toronto’s café scene.
Free Spirit Café / Restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, wholesome, and innovative dishes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and meat options. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally, and during the growing season, greens, herbs, and edible flowers from the Riverdale Hub rooftop garden add extra freshness to their dishes.
This diverse café menu features a range of flavorful dishes, from hearty breakfasts to nourishing lunches and snacks. Every meal is thoughtfully crafted to balance taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
A key highlight of Free Spirit Café / Restaurant is its signature selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, which offer a sophisticated and enjoyable alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. The Zero-Proof Cocktails range from refreshing citrus blends to bold, spicy infusions, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Also on the menu is a carefully curated selection of non-alcoholic beers, wine, kombucha, and cider.
Whether you prefer a bubbly spritz or a smooth, herbal infusion, Free Spirit’s drink menu is crafted for mindful enjoyment.
For those looking for a cozy alternative to cocktails, Free Spirit Café offers a curated selection of specialty coffees and teas. The café takes pride in serving ethically sourced, high-quality coffee beans and premium loose-leaf teas, providing a comforting, caffeine-boosting experience.
☕ Browse the Coffee & Tea Menu
From aromatic espresso drinks to soothing herbal teas, the coffee and tea selection enhances the warm, community-driven ambiance of Free Spirit. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic latte, a matcha infusion, or a spiced chai, the options cater to a variety of tastes.
Free Spirit Café / Restaurant offers an elevated yet approachable menu. Featuring seasonal ingredients, locally inspired flavors, and locally influenced dishes, the selection is perfect for those looking to enjoy a nourishing meal in a relaxed setting. Evening meals require a reservation and can be exclusively reserved for group or family gatherings.
Whether you’re craving a light bite or a hearty meal, the menu is designed to be both satisfying and health-conscious, reflecting the café’s commitment to fresh, wholesome dining.
As a social enterprise under Riverdale Hub, Free Spirit Café / Restaurant is dedicated to fostering equity, sustainability, and community empowerment. The café’s living-wage model ensures fair compensation for staff, eliminating the need for tipping. Additionally, all proceeds support programs that assist equity-deserving groups, reinforcing the café’s role as a hub for social impact.
Free Spirit Café / Restaurant operates within one of Toronto’s most eco-friendly buildings, integrating sustainable design features such as:
✅ Geothermal heating and cooling
✅ A green rooftop garden for fresh, organic produce
✅ Solar panels for energy efficiency
✅ Low-energy appliances and water conservation measures
By reducing its environmental footprint, Free Spirit aligns its mission with a commitment to sustainability.
Need a quiet, inspiring space to work? Riverdale Hub offers co-working spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or small business owner, you’ll find:
✅ Flexible rental options – from daily drop-ins to long-term memberships
✅ Access to Free Spirit Café for a refreshing break with organic coffee and teas
✅ A supportive community of artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers
💻 Looking for an inspiring place to work? Explore co-working opportunities at Riverdale Hub and take advantage of our vibrant, welcoming environment.
Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub is more than just a café and restaurant—it’s a community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable gathering place where good food, great drinks, and meaningful conversations come together. Whether you’re visiting for a meal, a cocktail, a coffee, or an event, Free Spirit Café offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Toronto’s east end.
📍 Location: Riverdale Hub, 1326 Gerrard St E, Leslieville, Toronto
🍽️ Cafe / Restaurant hours: View here >
🚀 Plan Your Visit Today!
Free Spirit is operated by Riverdale Hub, a not-for-profit social enterprise, supported by funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Riverdale Hub houses numerous gallery spaces, located on the first, second, and third floors of the community center building. The Riverdale Hub Gallery is dedicated to employing the transformative power of art to engage Toronto’s east-end community, connect with other communities across the city, and provide a platform for local, national, and global conversations.
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