Discover Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub: A Unique Cafe in Leslieville
Experience Art, Sustainability, and Great Dining at Free Spirit Cafe
Welcome to Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub, located within the Art Gallery at Riverdale Hub (1326 Gerrard Street East) in Leslieville, is a 100% non-alcoholic cocktail bar and restaurant, among the first of its kind in Toronto.
Our Hours
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, Monday & Holidays: Closed
Free Spirit is operated by Riverdale Hub, a not-for-profit social enterprise, supported by funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Your dining experience with us will be inside the Riverdale Hub, a hidden gem for anyone looking for a cafe near me that supports local artists and events. We participate in major arts initiatives in Toronto, including the Contact Photography Festival, Doors Open, and Culture Days.
Our century-old building was renovated over a decade ago to become the “greenest building” in East Toronto Geothermal pumps heat the internal space using natural heat from the earth. Our green roof provides ingredients for the restaurant and relieves pressure on local storm water systems; solar panels in multiple locations heat our water, and we use low-energy appliances in our kitchen and bar.
Proceeds from our restaurant help address barriers for equity-deserving groups in our communities. Our staff are paid a living wage, and guests are not required to tip.
Our staff are paid a living wage and guests are not required to tip.
Our Menu
When it comes to food, healthy and affordable is our mandate, and delicious is our priority. Curated for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans, our menu has something for everyone. We often include locally sourced and organic ingredients. During the growing season, the greens, herbs and flower garnishes and more will likely come from our rooftop garden, and that’s as sustainable as you can get with food.
Our cafe serves light fare that include popular items you enjoyed at the Social Gardener Cafe. We also offer baked goods, coffees, teas and smoothies.
Our menus are adjusted seasonally and are subject to change based on availability of ingredients.
Our 100% alcohol free (zero-proof) cocktails will titillate your palate with fruity, spicy, salty, and bubbly sensations. Best of all your fun night out with us requires no designated driver and will not result in a hangover! Free Spirit @ Riverdale Hub is an inclusive place where people taking a break from alcohol, or those who do not drink, can enjoy sophisticated, beautiful and delicious cocktail mixes with their meals.
Many of our dishes are served on wooden boards made from a 144-year-old Silver Maple that used to stand on Langley Avenue in Leslieville. It became a safety hazard, and the City took it down. It would have ended up as a pile of woodchips if not for Let’s Be Woodsy. This local business turns wood from old city trees into boards, coasters and other beautiful items. We are proud to carry the legacy of the old Silver Maple in our restaurant.
Events & Catering
Our event spaces are equipped with full-sized screens and a state-of-the-art sound system to host conferences, AGMs, lectures, receptions, film and art showings, and family gatherings. Our beautifully renovated spaces boast 12-foot ceilings with exposed wood beams, natural light, brick walls, and hardwood floors. Fully equipped with professional lighting, artwork and furniture to meet your needs, we can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests. And yes, we can cater your on-site as well as off site events. Contact our Restaurant Manager.
Co-Working Spaces
VIEW MEMBER BENEFITS
Here’s what our coworking space options have to offer:
- Free high-speed wifi
- Low-cost printing/scanning/photocopy/fax
- Reclaimed wood desks and comfy couches/chairs
- Lounge area with meeting tables
- Reception area for visitors
- Social Gardener Café on-site–Fair Trade, organic, vegan/gluten-free options
- Convenient on-site rental spaces for meetings/events
- Community-building and networking activities
- Rain garden and rooftop garden (accessible seasonally)
- Incoming mail service (members only)
Toronto Seed Library Branch
Did you know that we’re an official Toronto Seed Library branch? Stop by during our hours of operation to choose from our collection of open-pollinated, locally saved, and totally free seeds. Click on the button below to learn more about the seed exchange program and the Toronto Seed Library.