LOCAL NEWS
Winter coats needed
Lisa Marie Doorey (right) and Cheryl Thompson are collecting gently used medium and large winter coats for Covenant House. Due to the winter’s harsh weather this year, they’re struggling to meet the needs of their homeless youths. Send an email to Lisa Marie or Cheryl if you can make a donation
Garden tour
Save the date - Sunday June 14, 10 am to 3:30 pm. This popular tour is back again. This year’s highlights include the CBC host Paul Zammit and master gardeners at each location. If you want to volunteer or if you want to offer a garden for the tour, click on this link to connect with the organizers.
The museum at The Farm
Rick Hutchings and Amy Collier have created an exhibition in the Francey Barn at Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester) demonstrating “the full arc of farm life, from fieldwork to home life, highlighting the dedication, skill and pride of generations of farming families.” Included there are two heritage wagons, plow tools, traditional farm fencing, hand tools, and a fully staged farm house domestic room. The Farm is open daily from 9 m to 5 pm.
Danny Marks
Danny will be busy this week. On Saturday from 7 pm, he’s at Castros Lounge (2116 Queen E) and on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm, he’s singing at The Smokeshow (744 Mt Pleasant)
Vendors at the farmers’ markets
The Cabbagetown Farmers Market is accepting vendor applications for the 2026 season. The deadline is February 28. The application form is online here. Underpass Park Farmers’ Market is taking vendor applications for the season. The deadline is March 31. Click here.
Artists wanted
The Cabbagetown Art & Crafts Show is welcoming applications for art and crafts makers to exhibit their work in Riverdale Park on September 11, 12 and 13. Find out more about this opportunity and get the application form. Click here.
Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street
Cabbagetown Festival’s Rainbow Market. New this year - a dedicated space within the Festival for 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors, makers, artists, and community organizations. There’s an early bird rate that continues to May 1. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Performers wanted. If you want to perform at the Festival, check out the info and the application form online here.
Sponsors wanted. Sponsors are invited to support the 2026 Cabbagetown Festival. Learn about the data, the options, the benefits and the costs - click here. (Image: City of Toronto)
RAMADAN 2026
Ramadan at Rayah
Throughout Ramadan (to March 19), Moroccan Iftar is available daily at Rayah (505 Parliament). On February 27 and 28 and on March 1, Algerian Iftar will also be offered. On March 6 to 8, Tunisian Iftar. By reservation only. It’s a prix fixe meal, $50. For menu details, click here. The regular menu is also available.
Iftar 2026
Free meals to celebrate Ramadan for Regent Park residents at 150 River Street - Thursday February 26 and Fridays March 6 and 13. Meal times are adjusted for each sunset, 5 to 8 pm. Organized by the Toronto Centre of Learning & Development, “Join us to break fast and pray Maghreb prayer together”.
Eid Bazaar
Local vendors will offer henna, jewellery, clothing and more. Thursday February 26 and Fridays March 6 and 13, from 3 to 7 pm. 150 River Street.
FAVOURITE PUB EVENTS
The events and special presentations in our pubs are amazing. Here's a sampling to keep you entertained. Every week, these events are listed on the Calendar at the bottom of the Review.
Trivia nights
Trivia nights are really popular and they’re available every night during the week. Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) holds two Headscratcher nights every week on Monday and Tuesday at 7 pm. Cafe Zuzu (555 Dundas E) brings in Sayo Osikoya on the last Monday of each month. On Wednesdays at 7 pm, Old Flame Brewery (43 Tank House Lane) does it up and Golden Pigeon (424 Parliament) brings in Rachelle Lauzon. Lisbon Hotel (Lawren Harris Square) holds its trivia with Quizmaster Jess on the second Wednesday of each month. On Thursdays at 7 pm, Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane) has trivia with Quizmaster Jess and Nathan Manning presents at Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton).
Karaoke
Old Flame Brewery (43 Tank House Lane) has open mic at 7 pm every Thursday. Bray Bryant brings karaoke to Super Bargain (441 Parliament) on the last Wednesday of each month.
Live entertainment
Johnny G (478 Parliament) holds jazz nights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Old Flame Brewery (43 Tank House Lane) has pop-up music on Fridays at 7 pm and in the afternoon at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Decoy (370 Queen E) regularly presents guest DJs and bands.
Special events
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) hosts a family movie night every Sunday at 5:30 pm and a euchre night every Wednesday at 7 pm. Spirit of York (12 Trinity) also has movie nights every Tuesday. At Super Bargain (441 Parliament), Messy Margaret appears on the last Tuesday of every month with her Drag Bingo and there’s All Vinyl, All Night with Stevie Kicks on the third Thursday of each month. La Gloria Mexican Coffee (453 Parliament) gives you a chance to practice your conversational Spanish every Tuesday at 4:30 pm. Bisou (350 Berkeley) has happy hour with Antony on Fridays at 4 pm. Zero Cocktail Bar (223 Carlton) holds non-alcoholic cocktail classes on Fridays at 7 pm.
IN THE MEDIA
Profile of Ramy Elaasar
Beth Kaplan has written about Ramy’s career as a printer and his business at Alexandria Printing (402 Queen E). It’s a story about grit, skill and success. Click here to read it. (Photo: Gabe Oatley/TorontoToday)
COMING EVENTS
Movies at Stout
Weekly free movie nights at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). The lineup features family movies - bring your kids. On Sunday March 1, it’s “Freakiest Friday” and on March 8, “Galaxy Quest”. There’s free popcorn. Sundays at 5:30 pm. To save your spot - send an email to Erin or call her at (67) 344-7676.
Musicians' hang nights
Johnny Gs (478 Parliament) is opening its room for musicians who want to connect, jam and support local talent. Real sound from real people. Wednesday March 4. Hosted by Stuart Brignell and co-hosted by Rudy Ray Kwaku.
Allan Gardens Saturday Market
Every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm in the Children’s Conservatory (160 Gerrard E). There’s always a selection of delightful vendors. For more details, check out the Facebook page.
Events at Soulpepper
Improv. Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane) is inviting experienced artists, enthusiasts and casual onlookers to learn more about improvisation. Weekly classes at 6 pm will be held every Tuesday until March 10. Registration here.
Dance for non-dancers. Dance classes from noon to 1 pm on Fridays from January 30 to March 13. To find out more and to register, click here.
FOR YOUR BODY
Time for your tune-up
It’s hard to imagine cycling when the snow is up to the top of your wheels. So it’s a convenient time to get your tune-up. You can book your appointment at Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) online. You’ll get a hassle-free date without a line-up.
Sequins’ Clubhouse Series - discount
Yoga for young people ages 12 and up. Enjoy a five-day March break session in the Sequins clubhouse (552 Parliament). “Classes are moderately paced with a comfortable challenge, designed to build strength, balance, and coordination while encouraging body awareness and confidence.” Sign up soon - the group is limited to 10 persons. March 16 to 20, 10:45 to 11:45 am. $140 - save 15% if you register before March 1. Click here for more info.
Outdoor skating rinks
Four nearby rinks are open on Thursday February 26 - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park (480 Shuter), Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview). Check the City’s website for specifics about each rink - local conditions and the weather will affect rink openings.
BUSINESS NEWS
99 Frames
99 Frames (527 Parliament) is both a gallery and a framing shop. They get very positive comments about their framing services from local customers. Vlad Dzavik is currently showing his photographs “Forest in Focus”. His show runs to Saturday February 28. You can see more of his photographs on Facebook. For more info about 99 Frames, click here.
Kumon’s special promotion
Enrol your child now and save up to $80. At Kumon (194A Carlton), your child will strengthen their math and reading skills, develop independence and learn habits that last a lifetime. This promotion continues to February 26. To learn more, email Vasudha or call (416) 939-2300.
RESTAURANT NEWS
VIP list at Fusilli
Fusilli (531 Queen E) has set up a VIP list. Members are informed of special events and wine tastings and they get a free dessert on their birthdays and anniversaries. Click here to subscribe.
Movie nights
Spirit of York (12 Trinity) in the Distillery hosts a movie night at 7 pm every Tuesday. It’s free with the purchase of a food dish or a drink. Happy hour also happens at the same times.
Paint nite
Erik Irwin hosts paint nite at Zero (223 Carlton) on Saturday March 7. The theme is a Blue Moonlit Forest. Click here to sign up, $45.
Reyna is closing
After seven years in Corktown, Reyna (354 King E) is closing on February 28. It’s been the home of lush cocktails, a beautiful decor and a sophisticated menu.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
Here’s your list, day by day, of events and specials in our clubs and pubs for the next ten days. For contact info, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26 TO SUNDAY MARCH 8
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz Night
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Super Bargain
8 pm, All Vinyl, All Night
Zero
7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Night
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Rae Melvin Band
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28
Bisou
6 pm, dinner by Porcolino
Decoy
9:30 pm, cheap sets
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Dave Daniel
SUNDAY MARCH 1
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live music with Sean Benihana
Stout Irish Pub
5:30, Sunday movie night - Freakiest Friday
MONDAY MARCH 2
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY MARCH 3
La Gloria
4:30 pm, Practice your Spanish
Spirit of York
7 pm, movie night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
F’Amelia
5 pm, Wine Wednesday with half priced bottles
Golden Pigeon
8 pm, Trivia with Rachelle Lauzon
Johnny Gs
Musicians’ hang night with Stuart Brignell and Rudy Ray Kwaku
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, Trivia night
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Euchre night
THURSDAY MARCH 5
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Soul Jazz
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Trivia with Quizmaster Jess
Old Flame Brewery
7 pm, open mic with City Love
Zero
7 pm, Trivia with Nathan Manning
FRIDAY MARCH 6
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with DJ Antony
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Nights
Old Flame
7 pm, live entertainment with Freddy On Guitar
Zero Cocktail Bar
7 pm, cocktail class
SATURDAY MARCH 7
Bisou
4 pm, happy hour with Patrick Batrick
Johnny Gs
8 pm, Jazz Groove
Mill Street Brewpub
Noon to 4 pm, live music and DJ with brunch
Old Flame Brewery
2 to 6 pm, live entertainment with Mark Villamore
Zero
7 pm, paint nite - Blue Mount Forest
SUNDAY MARCH 8
Old Flame Brewery
2 pm, live entertainment with Sarah Fazackerty
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm, Sunday movie night - Galaxy Quest
CONTACT INFO
Alphabetical lists for restaurants in Cabbagetown, Canary District, Corktown, Distillery and Regent Park.
Cabbagetown
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament, (647) 931-9088
Bisou - 350 Berkeley (at Gerrard), (437) 971-7150
Blondies - 419 Parliament, (437) 341-1555
Butter Chicken Factory - 560 Parliament, (416) 964-7583
Chew Chew’s Diner - 186 Carlton, (416) 323-0068
China Gourmet - 235 Carlton, (416) 515-0088
Church’s Texas Chicken - 537 Parliament, (416) 519-3846
Desi Bit3S - 568 Parliament, (416) 928-9731
Epos Coffee - 290 Gerrard E
Falcha Fusion - upstairs, 568 Parliament, (416) 926-9141
F’Amelia - 12 Amelia, (416) 323-0666
Gushi - 296 Gerrard E (at Parliament), (437) 241-1710
Hakka Bistro - 398 Parliament, (416) 944-3033
Hakka & Jerk - 296A Gerrard E, (647) 643-5405
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament, (416) 925-4074
Jet Fuel - 519 Parliament, (416) 968-9982
Johnny G’s - 478 Parliament, (647) 368-3877
Ju Sushi Bar - 383 Dundas E, (416) 594-0383
Kibo - 533 Parliament, (647) 352-3788
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market - 51B Winchester, (647) 748-2121
L’Avenue - 583 Parliament, (647) 368-8008
La Gloria Mexican Coffee - 453 Parliament, (647) 806-6383
Luis H - 556 Parliament, (416) 964-1000
Madras Curry - 178 Carlton, (416) 323-0000
Maya Bay - 252 Carlton, (416) 924-8989
Mikaku Udon Bar - 229 Carlton, (416) 323-0033
Momo Ghar - 568 Parliament, (416) 920-8224
My Pandan Cake - 246 Gerrard E, , (416) 276-6698
New Retro - 193 Carlton, (416) 519-8511
New Town - 413 Parliament, (437) 777-8260
Noushe - 200 Carlton, (416) 466-9595
Pastor Tacos - 245 Gerrard E, (647) 687-1175
Phosome - 482 Parliament, (416) 551-6395
Pisac Peruvian Bistro - 195 Carlton, (416) 515-0989
Playground Cafe - 492 Parliament, (437) 799-5248
Poopathi Mess - 585 Parliament, (416) 923-4243
Rayah - 505 Parliament,
Red Cranberries - 601 Parliament, (416) 925-6330
Saigon Pai - 446 Parliament, (416) 920-8424
Salt & Tobacco - 521 Parliament, (647) 348-2993
Shalom Ethiopian - 587 Parliament, (416) 964-7271
Souvlaki Express - 484 Parliament, (416) 637-6777
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton, (647) 344-7676
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament, (416) 266-6471
Tasso - 540 Parliament
Tender Trap - 580 Parliament, (416) 920-5147
Thai Room - 243 Carlton, (647) 352-8424
The Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament, (416) 392-1039
The Vibrational Apothecary - 243 Gerrard E
Urban Thai - 415 Parliament, (416) 513-1020
Wing House - 420 Parliament, (416) 968-0294
Wing Machine - 443 Parliament, (416) 961-1000
Zakkushi on Carlton - 193 Carlton, (647) 352-9455
Zero Cocktail Bar - 223 Carlton, (416) 920-9376
Canary District
barBurrito - 464 Front E, (416) 601-1777
Cherry Street BBQ - 275 Cherry, (416) 461-5111
Fuel+ - 469 Front E, (416) 306-6480
Keating Channel - 2 Villiers, (416) 572-0030
Region - 475 Front E, (416) 864-0800
Souk Tabule - 494 Front E, (416) 583-5914
SukhoTHAI - 460 Front, (416) 777-2092
Corktown
Banknote Bar - 474 Adelaide E, (416) 367-7327
Berkeley Cafe - 262 The Esplanade, (416) 825-0504
Decoy Bar - 370 Queen E
East Coast Donair - 314 Parliament
Figs - 344 Queen E, (416) 913-7205
Fusilli - 531 Queen E, (416) 214-5148
Gusto 501 - 501 King E, (416) 477-5647
Impact Kitchen - 573 King E, (416) 306-1986
King Solomon & Queen of Sheba Ethiopian - 360 Queen E, (416) 368-9002
Ladybug Wine Bar - 514 King E, (437) 222-0142
Lisbon Hotel - 19 Lawren Harris Square
Mengrai Thai - 82 Ontario, (416) 840-2754
Signature Bar - 320 Queen E, (416) 996-6004
Reyna - 354 King E, (416) 546-3155
Sumach Espresso - 118 Sumach, (647) 351-3833
The Rosebud - 498 Queen E, (647) 531-1388
Wood 900 Grill+ Bar - 372 Queen E, (416) 363-1571
Distillery
Arena Coffee Bar - 15 Tank House Lane
Arvo - 17 Grist Mill Lane, (647) 352-2786
Balzac - 1 Trinity St, (416) 207-1709
Boku Japanese - 42 Gristmill Lane, (416) 368-8686
Brick Street Bakery - 27 Trinity St,
Cluny - 35 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2632
Eataly - 21 Trinity
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, (416) 203-2121
Jardin Kitchen & Juice Bar - 28 Gristmill Lane, (416) 203-2363
Madrina - 2 Trinity St, (416) 548-8055
Mill Street Brew Pub - 21 Tank House Lane, (416) 681-0338
Old Flame Brewery- 45 Tank House Lane, (416) 360-1209
Pure Spirits - 17 Tank House Lane, (416) 361-5859
Scooped by Demetres - 46 Gristmill Lane,(416) 988-2482
SpiritHouse Toronto - 16 Trinity St, (416) 948-9926
Young Centre Cafe - 50 Tank House Lane, (416) 866-8666
Regent Park
Cafe Zuzu - 555 Dundas E, (416) 815-2660
Liberty Pizza - 657 Dundas E
