DOWNTOWN KITCHENER
If you live in downtown Kitchener, you understand how much this community strives to create a welcoming space where you feel connected and at home. Great neighbourhoods do not happen by chance, they are created as a result of a caring community that makes it that way. Downtown Kitchener is unique with one-of-a-kind locally owned shops, necessities with plenty of diverse offerings, quality restaurants and nightlife, the famous Kitchener Market and Victoria Park (Willow River Park) among others.
Downtown’s diversity in shopping, restaurants, events and experiences makes us a place that is representative of the community’s many cultures and a welcoming space for all. No matter what you’re looking for — downtown Kitchener has something for you. We know that community connections fuel DTK. Connections are created from bumping into friends on the street, coffee shops, or pubs. Connections are created while venturing through the DTK Art Walk — an outdoor art gallery created for you to engage with to local art. And connections are created by taking part in DTK’s everevolving social adventures. If you are visiting, this publication will help you find what you are looking for. If you already live here, this will connect you to everything that downtown Kitchener has to offer right in your backyard. We can’t wait to see you in our neighbourhood.
Linda Jutzi, Executive Director & the BIA team
We acknowledge that downtown Kitchener is situated on land that is the traditional home of the Haudenosaunee (Ho-deh-no-show-nee), Anishinaabe (Ah-nish-nah-bay) and Neutral People. We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic connection to this place. We also recognize the contributions Indigenous peoples have made in shaping and strengthening this community. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet here and re-affirm our collective commitment to make the promise and the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in our community.
Whether you’re looking for your morning staple, a quaint spot during a weekend outing, or a remote work space, you’ll find beverages and goods to enjoy on any occasion at one of downtown Kitchener’s wide array of cafés and patisseries.
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters
151 Charles St. W 519-743-3200
@balzacscoffee | Inspired by the grand cafés of Paris, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters was brought to life by a burning ambition to bring that culture to the Great White North – i.e. Canada. The company was founded in Stratford in 1996, and has since grown to 17 distinct locations and can be found on the shelves of grocery stores across the country.
91 Queen St. S 519-579-7728 | Café Europe is a family run bar and coffee shop. The menu includes delicious espresso, cold and alcoholic beverages, wings, fries and a very popular Balkan dish called Cevapi. Café Europe is a second home to many of their customers.
305 King St. W #101
519-954-7705
@cafepyrus | Café Pyrus is dedicated to using fair and sustainably sourced ingredients, with health in mind. Café Pyrus uses organic, local produce as much as possible, and are committed to using sustainable and reusable packaging. Their goal is to help make the world, their community and their customers better – one meal at a time.
1 Victoria St. S Cavan.coffee
@cavancoffeeco | Cavan Coffee is a unique '70s inspired micro cafe in the heart of Kitchener Waterloo. Sharing a space with the The Roundtable Boardgame Café, they're part of an eclectic mix of coffee culture and game culture. Their coffees are sourced with a focus on cupping scores and the farmgate price. They roast locally in Guelph and offer specialty coffee with a focus on anaerobic and experimental processes, as well as serving some of the most coveted varietals of coffee in the world. All their coffee is single origin small and micro-lot. Come hang, listen to some vinyl and try out the always changing coffee offerings.
Coffee Culture Café & Eatery
1 King St. W
519-576-0999
Coffeeculturecafe.com | Coffee Culture Café & Eatery is the perfect destination for you, your family or business partners. Here, customers can appreciate the rich colours and comfortable seating, 100% fair trade coffees, as well as delicious sandwiches, wraps and tasty treats. From the seating environment to the quality of products, Coffee Culture Café & Eatery are strong believers in well-being, comfort and experience.
256 King St. E 519-576-4240 www.theworkingcentre.org
255 King St. W 519-745-6992
Coffeetime.com | Coffee Time delivers that perfect cup of coffee along with delicious specialty drinks such as cappuccinos, iced coffees and smoothies. They also offer all-day breakfast, baked goods prepared onsite, hearty soups, and fresh sandwiches.
Matter of Taste Coffee Bar 115 King St. W 519-579-7059
@matteroftastekw | Matter of Taste
Coffee Bar is a local specialty coffee shop, serving Waterloo Region since 2004. Located in the beautiful Historic Simpson Building, Matter of Taste offers a full-service coffee bar with a selection of coffee, tea and baked goods. Customers can also shop for coffee beans for home or office (roasted in house), coffee brewers and premium whole leaf teas and accessories. Coffee catering services are also available. With an outdoor patio and indoor seating, take out or staying in are both options.
30 Ontario St. N
@Showtellcoffee | Starting first as a monthly pop-up, Show & Tell opened in late 2017 and has been serving revelatory cups from award winning roasters ever since. As a multi-roaster espresso bar, Show & Tell’s espresso menu changes more frequently than the seasons, and is curated to satisfy those new to specialty and versed thrill seekers alike. They are unapologetically chatty and enjoy the challenge of helping find each guest their perfect drink or beans for home. Travel the world by cup on Ontario Street North.
The Commons 43 Queen St. S 519-749-9177 www.theworkingcentre.org
The Yeti Cafe
14 Eby St. N 519-744-4643
Theyeticafe.com | Tucked away on a side street, The Yeti is a brunch destination and bar with unique decor and great vibes, located right across the street from the Kitchener Market. The food is sourced locally and there is something to suit all. The Yeti has a cute covered patio where you can enjoy the famous Pregnant Cowgirl sandwich. On weekend nights, friends gather at The Yeti bar, which serves “choose your own toppings” housemade pizza and other drinks. The Golden Girls bathroom is a must see!
Tim Hortons 1 Queen St. N 519-577-3110
Timhortons.ca | Tim Hortons has been celebrating their passion and expertise for coffee for over 50 years. They are relentless in their pursuit of the perfect cup. There is an incredible attention to detail through the different steps along the way in the journey from the tree to a cup of Tim Hortons coffee.
Williams Fresh Cafe 198 King St. W 519-744-7199
Williamsfreshcafe.com | With over 20 locations across Southwestern Ontario, Williams Fresh Cafe is a convenient place to grab a fresh meal or beverage on the go or delivered directly to your home or office. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert … they’re ready to serve you.
Bolero Pizza & Pasta House
300 King St. E 519-579-6664 | Milorad and Vesna Gutovic are no strangers to the market scene. For many years, the Yugoslavia natives operated a produce stand in the market of their hometown. The Gutovic family now makes its home in Kitchener, where they own and operate Bolero Pizza & Pasta House during the week. On Saturdays, they have working locations on both the upper and lower levels of the market. They are perhaps best known locally for their thin-crust pizza which is the staple of their market shop. Their menu also includes noodles made fresh each morning, as well as a variety of specialty pasta dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches and freshly squeezed juices.
ChefD Sandwich Shop
300 King St. E chefdtv.com
@chefdtv | ChefD is bringing Smash burgers to the Kitchener Market! The Sandwich Shop will offer a great selection of burgers and deli sandwiches featuring ChefD's own sauce, fingerling potato fries and house-made chips.
Caribbean Kitchen 300 King St. E 519-568-8292
Thecaribbeankitchen.com | A casual dine in or take-out restaurant located inside the International Food Court of the Kitchener Market. The restaurant was established in 2004 when the Market was built and has developed a reputation for serving delicious Caribbean cuisine in the area. The Caribbean Kitchen also offers catering services for for various gatherings.
300 King St. E
519-579-7218 | Every Day Gourmet offers specialties from breakfast to lunch to hearty dinners. These menu items offer scrumptious flavours for all of your taste buds. They offer sweet tasting Belgian waffles, crepes with many fillings, donairs, Oktoberfest sausages, and a famous variety of breakfasts. Every Day Gourmet reflects a wide array of freshly prepared meal choices from Eastern Europe.
La Flor de Izote
300 King St. E | Visitors to La Flor de Izote can grab freshly made home-style Salvadoran dishes, all made in house by Maria Portillo. Offerings include pupusas and Tamales, as well as a range of delicious Salvadorian sweets and baked goods.
Naranji Blossom
300 King St. E 519-573-1353 | Naranj Blossom is a Syrian Turkish fusion restaurant featuring modern and traditional Syrian food with a fusion of Turkish savoury and sweet dishes. Be sure to add this to your list of vendors to visit at the Kitchener Market.
Serrinia Café
300 King St. E
519-579-7218
Serriniacafe.com | Serrinia Café specializes in locally roasted fair trade and organic coffee. They are dedicated to showing folks that fresher coffee always tastes better. With a roasting facility located on site, their pots are always filled with the freshest, small batch, artisan roasted beans which are sourced directly from farmers in Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala and Rwanda, as well as fair trade and Rain Forest Alliance Organic varieties. All cups and bags that leave Serrinia Café are fully compostable, and they encourage you to bring your own travel mug from home.
300 King St. E
519-590-6472 | The Simply Delicious menu offers hearty breakfasts, lunch and dinner with an Eastern European flare, such as traditional dishes like chevaps, goulash, potatoes, sauerkraut, pierogis, cabbage rolls and chicken or pork schnitzel. Simply Delicious also offers fresh daily soups and salads, and tasty baked goods.
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A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE LIFESTYLE AND VIBE OF DOWNTOWN.
TALKING ABOUT: SHOW & TELL
300 King St. E
519-745-9695 | At The Apple
Fritter, Romanians share their love of cooking and show the Kitchener Market shoppers how apple fritters are prepared with the aid of an 1896 apple peeler-corer.
Golden Hearth Bakery 343 King St. E 519-342-2178
Goldenhearth.ca | Golden Hearth Bakery is a small, artisan bakery in downtown Kitchener focused on making exceptional croissants and sourdough bread. They take great pride in the work they do and the community in which they live and work.
Nova Era Bakery & Pastry
376 King St. E 519-578-0513
Novaera.ca | Nova Era Bakery is a family-owned business that specializes in Portuguese breads, pastry, sandwiches, coffee and custom cakes for any occasion. Well known around the GTA for their famous Portuguese custard tarts, so if you have a chance don’t forget to stop by for a sweet treat. All of their products are met with a high standard of care and made fresh seven days a week, keeping up with their commitment to their brand and customers.
70 Victoria St. N 519-579-6230
Cakebox.ca | The Cake Box is an award-winning bakery that specializes in custom desserts for any occasion including cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, macarons and more. The Cake Box is in their 17th year of business and is ready to help with your special event. The Cake Box is the only recommended vendor for Langdon Hall, Cambridge Mill, Whistle Bear, Roseville Estate and Crowne Plaza.
Grab-and-go meets quality in downtown Kitchener. Choose from a wide variety of quick, easy and affordable dining options that provide both a unique experience and delicious food from quality, local eatery owners.
The Crazy Canuck 141 Ontario St. N 519-749-2062
@crazy_canuck_restrauranteh
Freddy, Jeremy and Liam have been creating Canadian Comfort Food since 2012. The team at Crazy Canuck work tirelessly to bring downtown Kitchener the best food and experience possible. They also host Kitchener's only Comedy Club, via Rusty Nail Comedy and Sandy MacFarlane. With cozy, quirky decor, The Crazy Canuck quickly becomes a piece of home for all who dine and join for events.
goodvibes juice co. 1 King St. W 519-208-8423
goodvibesjuice.com | If you’re looking for fresh pressed juice, bottled in glass and not packed with pasteurization — goodvibes juice co. is the only game in town. Their Sick Day Shot featuring ginger and echinacea ships across Canada and was born right here in DTK. Checkout the storefront or take advantage of their free local delivery.
The Grazing Table KW 341 King St. E 519-208-1100
@thegrazingtablekw | What started off as a hobby by a girl who really loves cheese, The Grazing Table is now an amazing small business. The farthest thing from an average charcuterie board, they create mouthwatering, feast-for-theeyes grazing boxes, boards and tables perfect for every occasion. Packed with fresh, local, healthy foods, you almost hesitate to dive in. It’s fun, it’s a bit indulgent, and it’s always meant to be a celebration.
Meltwich Food Co. 48 King St. W 226-336-6844
Ace Shawarma & Burgers 82 King St. W 519-742-0123
Aceshawarma.com | Ace Shawarma is a fusion style restaurant that serves up non-traditional shawarma, fresh smash burgers, Indian style chicken tikka and lamb kebabs, a variety of poutines and different kinds of samosas. Ace Shawarma focuses on three things: fresh ingredients, real foods, and locally sourced ingredients.
Afri-Can Market 50 Ontario St. S 226-336-4111 Afri-can-market.business.site
Ares Pizza & Wings 287 King St. E 519-208-0477
@ares_pizza | Ares Pizza & Wings has more than 20 years of experience in delivery and take away. Ares Pizza & Wings offers delicious pizzas, pleasant services and reasonable prices in downtown Kitchener.
Banh Mi Givral Deli & Subs 210 King St. E 519-743-5558 | A must visit for delicious and affordable banh mi subs in the east end of DTK.
Big Fat Pita 85 King St. W 519-208-2221 | At Big Fat Pita Mehmet and his team serve up some of the best pitas in town. With a great selection of pitas, poutine, salads and burgers, Big Fat Pita is a must for a grab and go lunch or dinner.
Meltwich.ca | Meltwich Food Co. is all about comfort food and all things cheesy, including gourmet grilled cheese, philly cheese steaks, burgers, unique poutines and milkshakes, all made fresh to order with top quality ingredients. Meltwich Food Co. has something for everyone including halal, gluten-free and plantbased options. They offer dine-in and bar services in a comfortable, urban, chic environment, along with takeout, catering and staying open for all of your late-night cravings. Meltwich Food Co. is 100% Canadian owned and locally operated.
Mr. Wu’s Chinese Gourmet
25 Frederick St.
Double Double Pizza & Chicken 153 King St. W 519-342-0701
Doubledouble.ca | Founded in 1986, Double Double Pizza and Chicken was created to provide customers with the tastiest and most affordable meals available. Priding themselves on fresh ingredients and the best chicken available, they create nutritious meals for lunch or dinner.
519-743-5761 | For a quick cafeteria style grab-and-go lunch, Mr. Wu’s is the place. On the small but delicious menu, you will find staples like: chicken fried rice, lo mein, chicken balls and spring rolls.
2 Duke St. E
519-883-7500 | With an extensive menu, My Burger offers an array of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
“You notice different things every time you walk through the DTK Art Walk. You may have seen it 10 times, but you see something new every time.” By integrating creative work into the community, the Art Walk works to inspire creative thought, spark meaningful conversations and ultimately create connections to the community."
Written By : Safina HuseinPhotograph: Clear Eye's Collective mural: Synergy, 27 Scott St.
Among the many changes, developments and growth that has taken place in downtown Kitchener, one of the most captivating additions has been the DTK Art Walk.
The DTK Art Walk transformed downtown Kitchener into an outdoor gallery, highlighting the work of local artists on the walls of buildings and on interchangeable steel frames.
The project began as a partnership between the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) in efforts to create a safe and inclusive activity at the height of the pandemic while also promoting local artists and encouraging the support of local businesses.
"BIA’s exist to improve a downtown district. It was our intent to invest in beautification of our neighbourhood that would be a signature to downtown Kitchener. We wanted to keep a connection with people during the pandemic. Our hope was that it would be enjoyed for years to come by the exchange of new art in steel frames and additional murals, and that the people who experienced this gift would support our businesses by grabbing something to go, or simply remembering to come back when they were able and comfortable. We understood that everyone was affected differently, so an outdoor art gallery could be enjoyed anytime," Linda Jutzi, executive director of the BIA said.
Since the initial launch, however, the DTK Art Walk has emerged as a core signature of DTK and has threaded itself into the city’s character and part of what makes it truly unique. Most importantly, the DTK Art Walk initiated an opportunity to strengthen the community and create meaningful conversations.
To pair with the DTK Art Walk, the Downtown Kitchener BIA developed a Field Guide that features over 100 artists. The publication offered an opportunity to highlight the story of each artist and the significance behind their work.
When it came to choosing art, Shirley Madill, executive director of KWAG, curated pieces that went beyond aesthetics with the help of her team. But choosing the art was just the first step; next, the art would have to be matched with a specific downtown location. The match was made based on the story the art told – did the piece have a connection to a DTK location? Could it help to activate an otherwise “normal” area? Or would it purposefully resonate with a specific surrounding? These were all questions that were asked when matching an art piece with a location. Pairing art with the right location was key to help build and foster meaningful conversation.
Most importantly, the DTK Art Walk highlighted local artists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, cultures and walks of life — reflecting the prominence of cultural diversity in downtown Kitchener.
“The community has so many creative and talented people,” said Stefanie Golling, office manager of the Downtown Kitchener BIA.
“The project really highlights how welcoming and inclusive downtown is regardless of who you are.”
While the artwork created opportunities to support downtown businesses, socialize with friends and family and highlight talented local artists, it also sparked conversations.
Think back to creative works that have made a significant impact on your life — whether that be a book, artwork, music, a play or poetry — they often have an ability to make you stop, think and evoke a certain emotion. Among the busyness of our daily lives and the feelings of isolation that came with the pandemic, opportunities to connect with others through art is what creates community.
For Senta Ross, arts enthusiast, a key advocate for the DTK Art Walk and Academy member of the Arts Awards Waterloo Region, the DTK Art Walk allowed her to slow down and stop to appreciate beautiful art each time she travelled through DTK.
“The art pieces have become my friends,” she said. “I always look forward to seeing them, and to me, they have been very important on my walks and on my journeys.”
Whether you’re travelling through downtown by foot, car, or the LRT, artwork is found from different angles and views — allowing you to notice new details of the DTK Art Walk each time.
“You notice different things every time you walk through the DTK Art Walk. You may have seen it 10 times, but you see something new every time,” Ross said.
By integrating creative work into the community, the DTK Art Walk works to inspire creative thought, spark meaningful conversations and ultimately create connections to the community.
These connections, however, spanned beyond passersby. The DTK Art Walk also created connections amongst the artists involved, too.
Golling shared that two artists working on a mural in Hall’s Lane had various conversations with pedestrians and business owners that walked by as they worked.
One of the conversations resulted in a new art project between the artists and a business owner — who commissioned the pair to create a bench for their business. The bench now sits outside their business for customers to sit on, while also acting as a piece of art.
Now in its fourth stage, the DTK Art Walk will undergo changes in the near future. Similar to an art gallery, many of the original pieces installed within the first stage will be replaced with new ones.
“Kitchener is on this pivot right now with the whole revitalization of the city,” Madill said.
“I think the DTK Art Walk connects so well with the revitalization. It paves the way for a future where it becomes part of the character. I think it’s going to become a part of what downtown Kitchener is and what makes it unique.”
The upcoming changes within stage four will hopefully be the first transition of many for the DTK Art Walk and for countless community members who hope to see it live on long-term.
Like Ross said: “It’s a wonderful gift to our community.”
Papa Joe Pizzeria 79 Victoria St. N 519-772-0200
Papajoepizzeria.ca | Papa Joe Pizzeria is a family-owned business that has been open for over half a decade. Papa Joe’s is located at 79 Victoria St. N and open Tuesday through Sunday. This exceptional pizza place is a great place to enjoy thin crust, stone-baked pizza with only the freshest ingredients. Papa Joe’s offers a wide variety of traditional pizzas. Additionally, the pizzeria provides many different choices for gourmet pizzas, such as the prosciutto and Mediterranean.
Pepi’s Pizza 87 Water St. N 519-578-6640
Pepispizza.com | Originally named Peewee’s in 1959, the Firmi brother’s (the late Lewis and Ron) came up with the Pepi’s name in 1962. There were many naysayers, folks who thought that they were crazy — that pizza would never really catch on. Now, over 60 years later, it goes without saying they were wrong. Pepi’s Pizza is not only one of the original fast-food restaurants in the area, but it is now considered one of the best — as numerous awards and plaudits demonstrated. Pepi’s has also become very popular due to their oven baked ‘Munchie’ subs, something that everyone should experience. The original store at Water and Weber is still family owned and operated — come give it a try!
Pizza Pizza 185 King St. W 519-747-1111
Pizzapizza.ca | The secret to Pizza Pizza's food is pretty simple: source fresh quality ingredients. Prepare dishes with care and passion. Serve them with a warm smile. In other words, they take pride in what they make and how they share it. Even though Pizza Pizza has grown a lot over the years, their mission is still the same: always the best food, made especially for you.
Queen Shawarma & Kabab 93 Ontario St. S 519-742-2023
Queen Shawarma & Kabab prides themselves in their outstanding service, tasty ingredients and freshly homemade Middle Eastern and veganfriendly cuisines like the falafel platter, samosa, sikma and freshly squeezed lemonade. Queen Shawarma & Kabab also offers a variety of dine-in options and has a patio.
Taste of Philly Cheesesteak 98 King St. W 519-743-4400
Tasteofphillycheeseteak.com | Starting in 2008, owner Matthew’s only purpose was to cook tasty food for his customers. He says if his customers are happy, he is happy!
Talking about:
Queen Shawarma & Kabab
Slices Family Restaurant 300 King St. W 519-576-3760
Slicesrestaurant.com | A staple in downtown Kitchener since 1985, Slices Family Restaurant offers all your homestyle favourites with daily breakfast and rotating lunch specials.
Subway 250 King St. W #200 519-581-0707
Order.subway.com | Today, the Subway brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 44,000 locations around the world. Subway has become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. As they continue to grow, they are guided by his passion for delighting customers by serving delicious, made-to-order sandwiches.
Supreme Pizza 2 for 1 Pizza and Wings 157 King St. E 519-578-4888 | Supreme Pizza 2 for 1 Pizza and Wings has been making pizza in downtown Kitchener for over 25 years. Their food is made with top-quality ingredients including their special dough, fresh Canadian cheese and homemade supreme sauce. They also offer over 10 varieties of tasty sauces for their chicken wings! Order for delivery or take-out.
Union Burger 281 King St. W 519-568-7771
Ubburger.com | Since 2010, Union Burger®, a Canadian company, has been proud to serve 100% fresh Canadian beef burgers and hand-cut fries. In a generation filled with millennials, families and young professionals who look for more in a dining experience than just great tasting food, Union Burger has introduced a fresh, new look and feel.
Variedad Latina Store 197 King St. E 519-570-2490
Variedadlatina.com | Set in a small convenience store, this mom-and-pop eatery serves a range of traditional Latin dishes.
Yum Yum Kabob 27 Scott St. 226-600-8312
Yumyumkabob.ca | Specializing in Persian and Afghanian cuisine, this hidden gem is a must try.
"It's the only place that I go to for shawarma. It's so good!"
LOCAL ARTISTS & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS WITH FLEXIBLE
THEMUSEUM is an experiential museum, a place of maverick ideas and unexpected intersections. From Andy Warhol to FLOW | The Menstruation Exhibition to Titanic to The Rolling Stones | UNZIPPED, THEMUSEUM is world-class and an emerging new type of museum for all stages of life.
Map Design: Hushpuppy Designs
Full Circle Grocery and Bulk
16 King St. E 519-744-5331
@fullcirclefoods
Full Circle is an independent grocery and bulk store. They provide delicious groceries with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Half of the store is bulk, where customers purchase items in their own containers or in compostable paper bags. The other half focuses on local products, a large selection of plantbased foods, and general grocery staples. Online ordering is available.
Eby Street Bodega
16 Eby St. N Ebybodega.ca
@ebystreetbodega | Eby Street Bodega is a neighbourhood grocery shop carrying carefully selected cheeses, charcuterie, produce and pantry staples. Owners Anna and Dino believe in the romance of simple, quality ingredients and the slow and purposeful shopping experience of old-world markets. Putting a modern take on this concept, Eby Street Bodega is their love letter to downtown Kitchener.
LCBO 340 King St. W #2 519-743-7551
Lcbo.com | One of LCBO’s strategic objectives is growing the sales of local Ontario products. The LCBO are wholly committed to working with local Ontario wine, craft beer and spirits producers to help them grow their businesses and, in turn, support the Ontario economy. The LCBO has many programs that assist local producers, including marketing promotions and month-long thematics, prominent placement in stores, dedicated shelf and fridge space, Ontario product specialists in hundreds of LCBO stores, in-store tastings and more.
400 King St. W 519-745-2261
Thebeerstore.ca | There’s no other team of beer experts who live and love all things beer as much as the team at The Beer Store does. They love beer as much as you — so they’re dedicated to bringing you your favourite brands from brewers around the world and offer tips on how to enjoy them responsibly. As customer, you can choose from more than 800 beer brands, in over 440 retail stores, from 200 brewers around the world.
Legacy Greens 18 Ontario St. N 519-741-5858
@legacygreens | Legacy Greens is a grocery store located in the heart of DTK. They specialize in seasonal produce, local groceries and gifts. Their values of connection and sustainability drive them to cultivate meaningful relationships with suppliers, customers, and DTK neighbours, creating a fun and inclusive environment. They often partner with local companies and strive to offer unique, inspiring flavours to the downtown Kitchener community.
Kitchener Market 300 King St. E 519-741-2287
kitchenermarket.ca | The Kitchener Market is more than a building, it’s a community. It’s been that way for over 150 years. The Market is proud to connect people, create experiences and build relationships.
Food Hall: Stop by the Food Hall on the upper level of the Kitchener Market for delicious, home style breakfast and lunch options. There is a great, international variety of full meals, snacks, desserts, and fresh, locally roasted coffee. Dine indoors or grab some takeout. Some of the Food Hall vendors also offer catering and delivery.
Saturday Farmers' Market: Whether you’re entertaining guests, feeding your family or picking up a special treat for yourself, you’ll be happy you stopped by the Saturday Farmers’ Market. The vendors offer a wide variety of fresh and delicious produce, meat, dairy products and more, all year long. On Saturdays, you can also find unique items and gifts from our artisan vendors. Stop by their tables each week to find something new! Marché Leo’s 276 King St. W 519-578-0100
@marcheleos | New to DTK, Marché Leo’s is an urban market nestled on 276 King Street W. Pull up a seat at their organic coffee bar and enjoy a quick meal or beverage. Pick up grocery essentials and affordable meals for the week, made in small batches just like home. Must try specialties include: stone-oven pizzas and house crafted sausages. Keep up with community events and more on their social pages, e-newsletter or online at marcheleos.com.
Mi Tienda Latina 103 Ontario St. S 519-576-0809 | Mi Tienda Latina is a Latin American grocery store and restaurant. Every day they serve pupusas and a variety of alternating dishes throughout the week, including soups, steaks, stews, tacos, fish, all day Salvadoran breakfast and more.
New City Supermarket
236 King St. E
519-585-0288 | With a huge fresh fish and meat counter, an extensive offering of dried goods, fresh vegetables and fruits, frozen goods and dairy all at affordable prices, New City Supermarket is your go to DTK grocer.
SMK African Foods 206 King St. E 519-954-3300
@smk.africanfoods | SMK African Foods is a family run African store that caters to the needs of the African community in Waterloo Region. They carry all daily needs like groceries, beauty products and other African traditional products.
60 Charles St. W #103
Tastydeli.ca 226-581-2148 | Tasty Deli is a European foods specialty deli, close to Victoria Park (Willow River Park). They offer a variety of classic deli products like cheeses, sausages, chocolates and fish products that are in a league of their own for quality and taste. The family running the store is from Ukraine and additionally offers a rich section with delicious European foods for local both Western European and Eastern European communities.
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Bello Mio Resto-Lounge
271 King St. W 519-576-0001
@bellomiorestolounge | Bello Mio is a new authentic Italian restaurant. They offer amazing food and exceptional customer service. Check out Bello Mio for a dining experience that you’re sure not to forget.
Bobby O’Brien’s Irish Pub 125 King St. W 519-743-5657
bobbyskitchener.com | Featuring the largest patio in the tri-city area, daily food and drink specials, live music and weekly special events, Bobby O’Brien’s offers a great pub atmosphere and a casual dining menu at reasonable prices. With outdoor seating on an expansive patio, comfortable seating at the bar inside and a large dining room you can book for parties.
The Civil 151 Charles St. W 519-570-9992
Thecivil.ca | The Civil is a speakeasystyled cocktail and wood-fired pizza spot where absolutely everything is made from-scratch. They focus on local wherever possible and are always innovating in order to bring you the best in modern mixology and exciting pies.
70 King St. E
519-570-4500
Crabbyjoes.com | Guests with a love for elevated food quality can find the ideal dining experience at Crabby Joe's. The brand provides a modern, casual dine-in restaurant that focuses on guest experience, menu selection and affordability. Since the inception of Crabby Joe’s, the primary goal was to provide guests with quality food in a relaxed, unpretentious, and family-themed environment – serving amazing dishes such as flatbreads, gourmet salads, angus burgers, bowls, pastas and more!
Crafty Ramen 276 King St. W #5 519-340-2721
Craftyramen.com | Crafty Ramen is ramen, reimagined. With restaurants in Kitchener and Guelph, Crafty Ramen has been serving delicious, Japanese-inspired food to the community since opening their doors in 2017. Almost everything they serve is made in house – crafting broths, preparing toppings and oils, and even making noodles from scratch. Also delivering Ontario-wide and available at select retailers are their DIY ramen kits, subscriptions and unique pantry items that offer a simple, creative at-home cooking experience.
Damera Restaurant
179 King St. W
515-804-9554 | Damera Restaurant is filled with great people and genuine excitement about food that will make you feel right at home. Falemon and his team are putting up classic dishes with a vibrant interior that makes your time out on the town special. With over 10 years of experience in the kitchen, this team loves to put dishes up that connect the community.
Darlise Café
33 Queen St. S 226-647-9100
Darlisecafe.com | Darlise Café is open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday through Sunday. Their menu can only be described as “fresh” — using only the freshest ingredients and making everything from scratch. The hollandaise sauce for the benedicts, caesar salad dressing and of course, the famous muffins are all made in house. The Darlise team looks forward to sharing their mornings with you.
East African Café
50 Ontario St. S 519-342-0216
Eastafricancafe.com | East African Café makes you feel at home from the moment you walk in the door. Simple storefront offering a predominantly vegan menu of African cooking.
Ellison’s Bistro 14 Charles St. W 519-744-2075
Ellisonsbistro.com | Ellison's Bistro has atmosphere that you won't find at any other Caribbean restaurant in Kitchener – with its upscale décor and intimacy you can feel from the minute you walk in the door. The Chef/Owner prepares each specialty meal personally and adds his special flavor to each presentation to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience. It's Caribbean cuisine delivered with European and urban finesse.
Enjoy Sushi 14 Duke St. E 519 208-1088
enjoysushi.ca | The folks at Enjoy Sushi pride themselves in the ability to offer their customers delicious and authentic Japanese food, created at the highest standards. Every single meal they make is unique.
Goldie’s Convenience 98 Queen St. S 226-753–4372
@goldiesconvenience | Goldie’s Convenience is a cozy natural wine bar and shop with a rotating list of low intervention wines, local ciders, beers and curated small snack plates.
The Grand Surf Lounge 87 Ontario St. S 226-972-9500 (text only)
Grand-surf-lounge.shopify.com | A tropical oasis where the music's loud, the drinks are strong and it's always warm. The Grand Surf Lounge specializes in tiki inspired cocktails, creative food offerings and a good time. For takeaway or other inquiries, send them a text only.
The Grand Trunk Saloon 30 Ontario St. S 519-578-8282
Grandtrunksaloon.com | A modern twist on Southern soul food and craft cocktails. Signature drinks and Louisiana-style fried chicken create a laid-back fine dining experience.
Guanaquita Restaurant 273 King St. W, Second Floor 519-576-4322
Theguanaquitarestaurant.com
Family owned and operated, The Guanaquita Restaurant brings you Salvadoran home style cooking prepared with family recipes that are always fresh.
Island Mix Restaurant & Lounge 146 King St. W 519-578-2649
Islandmix.ca | Island Mix Restaurant & Lounge, referred to as “The Mix” by their loyal patrons, is a fusion of flavours inspired by the diverse food and cultures of the Caribbean. The atmosphere is bustling with friends and families enjoying the great food, drinks, music and companionship in a vibrant and inviting space. They invite you to come taste “The Mix” and celebrate with them.
J&B Family Restaurant 79 Victoria St. N 519-568-8361
Jandbrestaurant.com | J&B Family Restaurant is a quality family-owned business that has been open for over a decade. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this delightful restaurant holds private events, offers catering, takeout and dinein with a fully licensed patio. The dinein experience is described as a pleasant, calm atmosphere with very friendly and welcoming staff. J&B serves delicious Eastern European food including a variety of schnitzels and more.
Jambo Cuisine
15 Scott St. #2
519-603-0920
Jambidish.com | With the ever-growing need for cultural representation and diversity among individuals from different ethnicities, Jambo Cuisine, alongside Adneza Foods, sought to cater solely to providing multi-cultural necessities that enables people from different backgrounds to dine or shop comfortably.
Kinkaku Izakaya 217 King St. W 519-208-2688
Kinkakuizakaya.ca | Kinkaku Izakaya serves premium all-you-can-eat Japanese food, including sushi, sashimi and various tapas style dishes meant to be shared with friends and family. Kinkaku Izakaya is proud and thankful to have been an integral part of the vibrant and growing Kitchener community.
Korean BBQ Restaurant 265 King St. E 519-568-7111
koreabbq.wixsite.com/korean-bbq Go beyond quintessential kimchi and bibimbap at Korean BBQ Restaurant with their pocket-friendly combinations. Warm-up to a mug of roasted barely tea as you decide on what to order.
La Cucina 320 King St. W 519-954-5300
Lacucinakitchener.com | With strong Italian roots, a passion to create authentic Italian food and a love of quality and fresh ingredients, La Cucina will soon be your favourite spot to eat and hang-out. The irresistible aromas from our custombuilt Malagutti pizza oven will draw you in, and the delicious dishes that emerge from it will keep you coming back for more. Malagutti has been creating these refractory stone culinary masterpieces for over four decades. You will be able to see your pizza or calzone cooked right before your eyes.
Mark’s Caribbean Kitchen
20 King St. E
519-570-4747
Markscaribbeankitchen.ca | The Caribbean is a vast area made up of quite a few different cultures. The food at Mark’s Caribbean Kitchen and Seafood (MCK) is primarily influenced by the part of the Caribbean known as the West Indies. These cultures have combined
to make a unique taste experience and enjoyed by many that travel to the Caribbean. MCK is a great place to experience a taste and vibe of what it is like to be in the Caribbean.
McCabe’s Irish Pub and Grill 352 King St. W 519-743-3400
Mccabeskitchener.com | An Irish pub in downtown Kitchener, where you can enjoy some traditional Irish grub and yummy pub fair. McCabe's is the perfect mix between Irish tradition and local flair with a friendly atmosphere and always a warm bar stool. During the day, it's more laid-back, ideal for grabbing lunch and caffeine fixes. Early evening welcomes cocktails, pints and watching prime sporting events. In the evening, the atmosphere gets livelier while listening to a variety of tunes including Irish classics.
25 Eby St. S
519-743-7985 | Pupuseria Latinos offers unique fresh foods inspired from El Salvador and Mexico, focusing their attention to detail. Pupusas, tacos and burritos are top of the line dishes by popular demand. Why not stop by and see for yourself? Give your appetite a trip to remember.
Pho Dau Bo 301 King St. E 519-568-8904
Phodauboking.com | Pho Ðau Bò
Kitchener Restaurant has been serving Waterloo Region tasty and authentic Vietnamese food for around two decades. They wanted want to bring their home flavours to DTK. This family-run business takes pride in serving delicious food and being a part of their community.
The Rich Uncle Tavern 45 King St. W 519-208-8555
Richuncletavern.ca | Defined by the humble, hearty and wholesome approach taken with their menu, The Rich Uncle Tavern offers classic, yet inventive fare that pays homage to the brasseries and taverns of yesteryear. So whether you've reserved a table for dinner or a late-night bite, you can enjoy an old favourite or experience something new. Home to live music from some of the most talented local artists each weekend!
Northern Thai 95 Queen St. S 519-745-4451
Northernthai.ca | Northern Thai opened in 1997 serving traditional Thai cuisine. It is a family-run business that has prided itself on serving the finest Thai food in Kitchener. The restaurant is currently run by married couple, Seng & Ti. Seng is the head chef, while Ti manages the restaurant. Ti was born in Laos and moved to Canada in 1990. Seng grew up in Thailand, and moved to Kitchener in 2006. They are pleased to be the proud owners of Northern Thai and hope you choose a culinary escape to Thailand.
Pho DNK 151 King St. W 519-579-5226 | Pho DNK is a family run business specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. Their friendly staff do their best to provide visitors with the best food and great service.
Pho Vietnam K&W 357 King St. E #101 519-804-6738 | Tucked away on Cedar Street between King and Charles, Pho Vietnam K&W serves up an extensive menu of classic Vietnamese fare. The Pho is fantastic, but don’t let that stop you from trying their other outstanding dishes.
Sahar’s Kitchen 183 King St. E 226-647-0168
Saharskitchen.com | Sahar's Kitchen was built on the expertise and vast experience of the chefs themselves, that come from a family of restaurateurs in Pakistan. Sahar's discerning customers have graciously appreciated their culinary expertise and generous portions given. Sahar's strongly believes that communitybuilding as the fabric that holds all of us together regardless of our country of origin, race, religion, creed etc. Sahar's Kitchen exists to serve their customers with delicious Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
TWH Social 1 King St. W 519-745-8478
Twhsocial.com | TWH Social is located in the historic Walper hotel. Chef Nicole and Chef Nathan have curated menus for optimal enjoyment, while also being mindful of waste, global footprint and supporting local. Enjoy inspired forward thinking dishes, crafted consciously and sourced with local ingredients and suppliers. They take a simple approach to good, hand-crafted food and great experiences. Located on King Street with an added patio, TWH Social offers great food, cocktails and vibes. They look forward to sharing it with you.
Wineology 87 King St. W 519-954-4440
Wineologybar.ca | Wineology is an upscale lounge with a focus on elevating the wine experience in Kitchener. It is a truly unique establishment where locals and out of town visitors can unwind with the best wine from all over the world, carefully paired with tasty food, and served in an inviting atmosphere without pretense.
Yo Sushi 103 King St. W 519-568-7566 | Yo Sushi is Kitchener's premium spot for the best, authentic tasting sushi. Their modern dining area, affordable prices and strong focus on great service to each of their customers will leave you truly satisfied. In order to deliver fresh traditional recipes, their talented team prepares each meal with the finest ingredients. Come in and unwind with friends and family today.
Farmers' markets bring a whole new meaning to earthto-table. In contrast to buying food or produce from a traditional grocery store, shopping from vendors at the Market means you get to connect personally with the individual who has grown or made the food that you’re buying. And in doing so, it’s easy to see the passion in the vendors’ relentless commitment to provide high-quality goods each week and willingness to share knowledge about their food with customers.
Photographed at: The Kichener Market on Eby St. Photograph: Ryan Antooa DTK Staycation
For over 150 years, the Kitchener Market has undoubtedly been one of downtown Kitchener’s most cherished staples and well-loved weekly rituals.
Despite many notable changes over time, what has remained steady is that the Market has always been a place where memories, experiences and friendships have been nurtured and revered. When we think back to our first memory of the Market, it’s usually filled with positive recollections.
But whether it’s your first time visiting or you are a frequent Market goer, the mix of comfort food, vibrant produce and chatter with friends always leaves you feeling warm inside.
“Being able to source your food steps from where you live while supporting small businesses is a key thing for building a healthy community,” said Cameron Dale, manager of the Kitchener Market.
Farmers' markets bring a whole new meaning to earth-to-table. In contrast to buying food or produce from a traditional grocery store, shopping from vendors at the Market means you get to connect personally with the individual who has grown or made the food that you’re buying.
And in doing so, it’s easy to see the passion in the vendors’ relentless commitment to provide high-quality goods each week and willingness to share knowledge about their food with customers.
Each vendor has a unique story, and learning about the person behind your food creates a memorable connection. Buying food this way feels much more intentional, opposed to the passivity of shopping at a chain grocery store.
“To have vendors that put that pride into their work to create the experience we have is such a gem,” Dale said.
Many of the long-standing vendors at the market speak to Kitchener’s heritage — whether it be vendors with Mennonite influence or farmers who have been selling their produce at the market for four or five generations.
As Kitchener’s population evolves, so does the Market’s vendors who now represent a wider diversity of foods. By bringing different types of flavours, cultures and cuisines under one roof, each person that comes to the Market feels represented.
“We’re strongest in the community when we’re growing, changing and everyone can find a place and feel like they belong,” Dale said.
What is especially distinctive about the diverse community at the Kitchener Market is its collaborative nature.
While some vendors offer food that, conceptually, originated thousands of miles away, they are often made with local foods that are grown down the street and from the produce of other farmers at the Market making each cuisine a truly local experience.
While the exchange of great food will always be a main component, it’s the memories and connections built at the Market that makes it truly special.
What began as a method of promoting healthy, sustainable, locally-grown foods, turned into a space where the feeling of community thrives and flourishes.
The addition of local merchants, entertainment, activities for families and so much more, the Kitchener Market is truly a centralized hub where people can simply enjoy being immersed in the community.
“Having that space where you can bump into your friends and neighbours, where you can engage with other programming that’s happening like cooking lessons or music, or just grab a coffee and enjoy being in the heart of downtown –” Dale said, “those are all great feelings.”
Nourishing the community through local food, culture and experiences has always been the primary goal of the Market — and will continue to be.
“We want to make sure we give our community what they need and that we’re creating a healthy, happy space,” Dale said.
“That means nourishing them with good food and good times.”
Photographed at: The Kichener Market Photograph: Breen Duguay 2019
Scan the QR code to view a map of parking options in downtown Kitchener
20/20 Vision Clinic
19 King St. E 519-749-2020
2020visionclinica.ca | The opening of 20/20 Vision Clinic, located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, dates back to 1996, and is a family-owned and run optical business. With 34 years of experience, they can create the most complex prescriptions. They strive to give their clients a memorable and customized experience, providing products that offer optimal visual comfort and suit their lifestyle needs. They are your friendly neighbourhood optical professionals!
A&K Pharmacy
301 King St. E #204 519-954-2002 | Don’t let size fool you, A&K Pharmancy has a small team of dedicated staff ready to help you with your health needs.
A-Z Convenience 328 King St. W 519-744-3421 | Centrally located, A-Z Convenience offers an array of goods for your grab and go needs.
ABC Military Surplus 46 Queen St. S 519-571-8567 | ABC Military Surplus buys and sells military antiques, helmets, kits, apparel, new and used army supplies, outdoor gear, collectibles, sleeping bags, badges and medals.
Abel’s on Queen 18 Queen St. S 519-954-9333
Abelsonqueen.com | Abel’s on Queen is a familiar neighbourhood barbershop and a downtown Kitchener staple that encompasses much more that just a haircut – it’s the feeling of a personalized experience centred in craft and quality. Regardless of where you come from or where you’re going, Abel’s is the place to relax, recharge and enjoy a good conversation with your trusted barber.
Afri-Can Market 50 Ontario St. S 226-336-4111 Afri-can-market.business.site
Apollo Cinema 141 Ontario St. N 519-954-5634
Apollocinema.ca | The Apollo Cinema serves local craft beer and wine along with classic concessions – and the best popcorn in town! The Apollo offers the greatest in contemporary, classic and cult films, along with diverse, community-minded and inclusive programming and original monthly events. With 300 super comfy seats, the Apollo has hosted film festivals, exclusive premiers, fundraisers and community events, making it a great way to support local.
70 Victoria St. N 519-747-8137
Armansjewellers.com | Arman’s Jewellers is a family-owned and operated fine jewelry store that provides highquality and unique jewelry pieces. As a full service jewelry store, Arman’s specializes in custom engagement rings and a full range of on-site jewelry repair services. From repairing a broken necklace to restoring a cherished family heirloom, at Arman’s Jewellers you are guaranteed the finest quality craftsmanship. Their experienced master goldsmith will provide you with professional and fast service. Visit today for a complimentary quote.
31 King St. W
519-744-2274 | For 35 years in downtown Kitchener, A Second Look has promoted the preservation and re-use of books of interest to all age groups. Their collection of 50,000 volumes has been selected to cover as wide a variety of subjects as possible, in all genres, ranging from antiquarian to recent best-sellers. They also offer a selection of DVDs and VHS tapes. If you’re looking for something special, visit the store or call; they are happy to assist you.
141 Ontario St. N Barberandcraft.com
@barberandcraft | Barber & Craft is the hidden gem, full-service barbershop in DTK that delivers a big punch in a small space. Two chairs and not much else other than tight cuts and a range of rotating gentlemen’s apothecary and lifestyle goods. Online booking is avaliable to provide for a smooth and private experience. Efficient, clean, and skilled.
Benton Dental Clinic 105 King St. E #1 519-904-3657
Bentondentalclinic.ca | The Benton Dental clinic is a modern dental facility and is located in heart of Kitchener. The Dental clinic’s location, flexible hours and state of the art equipment allows them to cater to every patient. Their gentle approach by an experienced, caring team makes you feel comfortable and at ease. They explain each step of the procedure so you know exactly what is happening. The staff at Benton dental is committed to excellence.
Berlin Tattoo 19 King St. E #2, second floor 519-208-3429
@berlintattoodtk | Berlin Tattoo puts a huge on emphasis on quality and making sure their clients happiness is their first priority.
Big Bliss Hot Yoga + Barre 241 Duke St. W 519-744-5151
Bigbliss.ca | Big Bliss Hot Yoga + Barre is downtown Kitchener’s premiere boutique fitness studio. They offer yoga, nonheated yoga, barre and pilates classes at their sunny Duke Street Studio. For five years, Big Bliss has been centered around making students feel strong and supported in a non-competitive environment. They love their DTK community and are 100% locally owned and operated.
Black Arrow Cycles
50 Queen St. S 226-336-2571
blackarrowcycles.ca | Black Arrow Cycles is a full-service bike shop. They specialize in commuter and touring bikes and gear, but carry a wide range of bicycles, parts, and accessories for riders of every discipline, age and skill level. Black Arrow Cycles looks forward to getting you set up for your next ride, whether it’s your daily commute or a cross-country tour!
Black & White Barbers 206 King St. E 519-744-8882
Blackandwhitekw.com | Black & White Barbers is KW's premier facility for quality barbershop service. From their signature hot towel shave to getting your hair style looking its best, the friendly staff will provide you with the right look to complement your features. With over 10 years of combined experience in the barber industry, Black & White’s talented team will offer you the best style to meet the needs of your own personal style and lifestyle while complementing your features.
Cam Fashions 45 Queen St. S 519-514-0250
Camfashions.com | Cam Fashions on Queen Street offers unique and beautiful dresses for various occasions, as well as the accessories to go with them. They’re known for their affordable and high-quality items with excellent customer service.
Canada Post 250 King St. W 519-742-1903
canadapost.ca | Canada Post Corporation's mission is to serve all Canadian residents, businesses and organizations by providing protected conveyance of messages, information and parcels throughout Canada and by providing quality value-added service that earns customers' loyalty.
CIBC 1 King St. E 519-742-4432
Cibc.com | CIBC is in business to help their clients, employees and shareholders achieve what is important to them. Their ability to create value for all CIBC stakeholders is driven by a business culture based on common values: trust, teamwork and accountability.
BMO 345 King St. W #101 519-885-9200
Bmo.com | BMO is proud to be fueling growth and expanding possibilities for individuals, families and businesses. More than 12 million customers count on BMO for personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services. As the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America, BMO helps their customers make the most of their money. In Canada, the United States and across the globe, BMO plans to continue to build, invest and transform to drive performance that serves the good that grows.
305 King St. W #103 519-208-7746
Cyclonespinstudio.ca | Cyclone Spin Studio is a boutique indoor cycling studio focused on building community. They want to bring people together who are ready to sweat, work hard, feel amazing and be a part of something special. The team of instructors curate 45-minute rides to the tune of their own playlists and unique styles, ensuring each ride will be uniquely challenging, so you can stay motivated and strong –no two classes are the same!
DNA Screening Printing
18 Charles St. W 519-585-1033
Dnascreening.com | With over 28 years of screen printing, DNA Screen Printing has evolved, growing in size and skill. The original energy remains, fuelled by a passion for music, pop culture and all forms of expressionism. Screen printing aligns itself with unity; the medium requires repetition of print which is perfect for band wear, team wear, fanwear, shared artistic, political, or personal expression. Custom screenprinted shirts advertise who you are and what you’re about and DNA Screen Printing has the chops to make great shirts.
73 King St. W #102 226-317-0628
dogtopia.com/kitchener/ | Dogtopia Kitchener is a family-owned business and the leading destination for dog daycare, boarding and spa services. Their mission is to make sure your four-legged family members are kept safe and have a fun time when they are at their state-of-the-art, open-play facility in downtown Kitchener.
Dollarama 61 King St. E 519-584-7254
Dollarama.com | Dollarama aims to provide customers with a consistent shopping experience and compelling value, offering a broad assortment of general merchandise, consumables and seasonal items. All stores are corporately-owned and operated, and are conveniently located in metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities and small towns. Products are available in individual or multiple units at low, fixed price points.
259 King St. W 519-578-7788 | Open since 1994,
Dynamic Shoes is your first choice for fashion footwear at affordable prices.
Elevate Cannabis 73 King St. W 519-513-9525
Elevate-cannabis.ca | Elevate Cannabis is your licensed, independent cannabis store in downtown Kitchener, ideally located at 73 King Street West. Their goal is to offer customers “Elevated Experiences.” This begins with their respect for the pure, holistic nature of cannabis plants and caring about where and how they are grown and processed. Their in-depth knowledge of cannabis allows them to curate a selection of safe, tested, reliable, top quality natural cannabis from licensed Canadian producers.
Encore Records 301 King St. E #206 519-744-1370
Encorerecords.ca | Encore Records has been slinging records in DTK since 1981. They’re an old style record shop with great selection, great prices and a knowledgeable staff. They offer all genres of music including imported LPs and CDs from the US and UK, as well as all your favourite monthly UK music magazines! A full inventory can also be found on their website.
Family Dollar & More 96 King St. W 519-571-7571 | Looking for home essentials, toys or festive items? From lottery, fizzy drinks, snacks, greeting cards, party stuff, arts/crafts, kitchen, electronics, health/beauty and hardware, Family Dollar & More offers a variety of goods in a budget friendly price. Visit Family Dollar & More, a one stop shop for all your needs!
Fancy Eby
11 Eby St. S 519-722-3326
Fancyeby.ca | Fancy Eby is a locally owned fashion boutique located in the charming and growing downtown Kitchener. Fancy Eby carries a selection of men’s and women's apparel, children's clothing and handmade crochet items. They pride themselves on offering clothing that will last from quality labels,
with an emphasis on budget price. They are putting emphasis on more sustainable clothing and locally made items.
94 Queen St. S 519-743-7102
Faroutflicks.com | Far Out Flicks has been located at 94 Queen Street South in downtown Kitchener since 2002. They are locally owned and proudly provide rental, purchasing, sales and trading services to the Kitchener-Waterloo community. They have a huge selection of well over 20,000 films in VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray formats. There is almost every genre and film style imaginable! They also specialize in tracking down that hard-to-find film that you can't live without. Stop in and take a piece of the magic home tonight.
32 Ontario St. N
226-988-2848 | Established in 2017, Freedom & Flesh Beauty Bar has been beautifying the downtown Kitchener area with a wide selection of services that naturally enhance your finest features. They offer services for everything from eyelashes, eyebrows and more! The talented and knowledgeable technician is driven to bringing you an enjoyable and comfortable experience. They proudly offer one of a kind services with results that show and glow!
Gauntlet Tattoo 150 King St. W 226-647-8286
@Gauntlet.tattoo | Gauntlet Tattoo is DTK’s newest tattoo shop with a community focus and charming aesthetic.
Grand River Transit 105 King St. E 519-585-7555 | ION light rail travels between Conestoga station in Waterloo and Fairway station in Kitchener, with a total of 19 stations along the route. At Fairway station, ION light rail connects to ION bus (Route 302) and travels to the Ainslie Street Terminal in Cambridge. Stage 2 ION will see ION bus converted to light rail, creating a seamless light rail route that stretches from Cambridge to Waterloo.
Green Base Health 22 Water St. S 519-574-5151
Greenbasehealth.com | Green Base Health is an integrative clinic devoted to providing evidence-based, ethical, and effective complementary health care. Everyone should operate daily as the best possible version of themselves and Green Base Health can help you reach your health goals by addressing the physical, mental and emotional layers of wellness. With a strong focus on lifestylebased treatments and an individualized, educational approach, their team can empower you with an understanding of your body’s inner workings and the tools to build the health you desire.
Green Door 54 Queen St. S 519-804-2466
Hasty Market 103 Ontario St. S 519-579-0754
Hastymarketcorp.com | Hasty Market is a successful chain of food stores with over 150 locations throughout Ontario. As an established company for variety, quality and convenience, they have been proudly helping local communities since 1981. At Hasty Market, customer service and convenience are top priority. With this understanding, Hasty Market stores are community-oriented, with the customer’s interest in mind.
417 King St. W #6 519-342-1767
cliqueorganicsalons.com
Nestled in Kitchener’s downtown core, Clique Organic Salons was founded to create an inspiring and inclusive space that not only provides hair services from incredibly talented stylists, but also fosters an open atmosphere that embraces your individuality and lifestyle. The salon uses clean and natural hair products and colours that are made from the maximum amount of certified organic ingredients and the minimum amount of synthetic ingredients for a shinier, healthier hair. They are committed to sustainability for a healthier planet by practicing green initiatives.
210 King St. E 519-743-5585 | Small on the outside, huge on the inside, Home Shop offers a little of everything at great prices. Whether you are looking for kitchen gadgets, pots and pans, laundry supplies, tools, office supplies or greeting cards, Home Shop has you covered.
Hong Kong Fashion 265 King St. E #103 519-578-2329
Hongkongfashion.ca | Hong Kong Fashion offers high quality formal wear for the entire family. Their styles are imported from all over the world from a variety of unique and special fashions for every occasion. As a one stop shop, Hong Kong Fashion also offers steaming and alterations to fit your body the way you want it to.
INES Hairstyling 333 King St. E 519-570-2880
Jamiesons Billiards 103 Ontario St. S 519-745-4053
Jamiesonsbilliards.com | Since 1929, Jamiesons has been the family owned and operated name for quality billiards and gaming products and services. From customizing a billiard table to meeting your home and personal style needs, to refurbishing a game table that has been passed down from one generation to the next, Jamiesons Billiards offers quality products and exceptional workmanship.
Hot Heads Salon 64 Francis St. N 519-742-3512
The Jump Off
10 King St. E
519-574-5522 | The Jump Off is your one-stop shop for high quality barbering, hair care products and fashion. Stop by for a haircut and check out their wide range of hair products, apparel and custom t-shirt printing options.
K&C Optical
357 King St. E #103 519-570-2020
Kcoptical.ca | K&C Optical offers everything from bifocals to prescription sunglasses. Looking for a certain style or color of frame? No problem, drop them a line and they will work with you to make sure you're happy with your purchase.
Kimthy Hairstyling 252 King St. E
519-570-0515 | Kimthy Hairstyling offers incredible services with affordable prices.
King Framing 42 Ontario St. N
resource for life. The centre promotes awareness and advocates for changes in their community to encourage a broader focus for health and reduce health care access barriers. The Centre relies on a combination of creative thinking and intentional partnerships to ensure responsiveness to the downtown community.
Kitchener Physio & Wellness 310 King St. E #301 226-215-3114
Kitchenerphysiotherapy.com
King Optical
310 King St. E #103
519-570-1991
Kingoptical.ca | King Optical provides eye exams, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, contact lenses, designer frames, sunglasses and safety eyewear. They stock the latest eyewear from the most desirable brands. Their store is designed to reflect the high quality of their products and services, as well as to provide a relaxed and stylish environment.
King Pharmacy
310 King St. E #102
519-745-2055 | King Pharmacy is located beside the Kitchener Market. King Pharmacy offers a selection of health products with a team of pharmacists ready to help you with your prescriptions.
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
35 Weber St. 519-741-2501
Dedicated to providing one-on-one patient care to get you back to your optimal level of activity following injuries or illness. Their team of fully-licensed, caring professionals starts with evaluating the root cause of your problem, and then creates a personalized treatment plan for you. Their multidisciplinary approach involves offering a broad range of healing services. They can treat work related injuries, sports injuries and motor vehicle accident injuries. They have a full line of customized orthotics and bracing. They are pleased to accept refugees through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for Refugees. They are situated adjacent to the Kitchener Market in a medical building housing King Pharmacy, and they are open six days a week to ensure your recovery can begin immediately after injury or illness.
519-578-5290
| A family-owned business since 1987, King Framing prides themselves in offering the highest quality custom framing at unbeatable prices.
Kdchc.org | With beginnings tracing back to 1997, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre evolved from an idea in the minds of a group of Kitchener’s downtown residents into a thriving hub providing primary health care, health promotion and community capacity development.
KDCHC believes that health is a
Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery 101 Queen St. N 519-579-5860
Kwag.ca | KWAG is Waterloo Region's leading public art gallery, connecting people and ideas through art, with a focus on the best of contemporary culture. For the benefit of current and future generations, the Gallery collects, preserves, researches, interprets and exhibits the visual arts and offers dynamic public programming relating to the visual arts. Established in 1956 and incorporated in 1968, KWAG is a non-profit organization open to the public and administered in the public trust. The Gallery emphasizes contemporary art, often premiering works by Canadian and international artists. KWAG plays a vital educational role in the community, offering a full spectrum of artistic experience for adults, children and families alike.
KW Bookstore 308 King St. W 519-742-1261
@kwbookstore | KW Book Store burrowed into DTK in the mid-Seventies (with an earlier version starting in the 1960’s). They’ve come a long way from a few stacks of weathered comics and dimenovels. Beyond a vast stock of used book titles, KW Book Store features a selection of new and used magazines, records/CD’s, movies and comic related items – they are unapologetic music/film snobs. They’re always looking for new book-ish patrons.
KW Health Connection 417 King St. W #B2 519-576-2222
Kwhealth.ca | Discover the power of alternative medicine at KW Health Connection. Their multi-disciplinary clinic offers chiropractic care, naturopathy, massage, Lyme disease care, and other natural and trusted therapies. With dedication to delivering the highest quality of care, they look at your whole body and provide an array of services to treat acute symptoms and restore overall wellness.
Libro Credit Union 165 King St. W 519-904-0366
Libro.ca | Libro Credit Union is a fullservice financial institution serving more than 108,000 member-owners through a network of digital service and 36 physical locations. As a certified B Corporation®, Libro invests 100% of profits into the people, businesses and communities across Southwestern Ontario. To learn about becoming an owner and what it means to bank with purpose visit libro.ca
Lookin’ for Heroes 83 Ontario St. S 519-570-0873
Lookinforheroes.com | Lookin' for Heroes has been Waterloo Region’s go to place for comics, sports cards and pop culture collectables since 1989. Their friendly staff will guide you through their full range of collectables and hobby related items. With new product arriving daily, Lookin' for Heroes is open seven days a week.
55 Victoria St. N 519-741-5505
Loveshop.ca | Love Shop promises to strive for the benefit of everyone –to always keep the discussion around sex respectful and consensual and to
destigmatize and normalize the act of sex, and conversations around sex. They aim to build a community of people who want to meet and talk to others who are passionate about sex. Last but certainly not least, they aim to help the members of their community have fun!
LOVE.YOU Salon & Spa 33 Queen St. S #2D 226-647-5683
Loveyousalonspa.com | LOVE.YOU Salon & Spa is a full-service salon and boutique spa located in the heart of DTK. Providing high quality services and products from head to toe, the LOVE.YOU experience is not only about how you look when you leave, but it’s about how you feel. Online booking is available via link in their Instagram bio and website.
Luz Marina Studios 265 King St. E #201 519-954-0110
Luzmarinastudios.wixsite.com/ tattoo | Co-owners Anabela and Darryl at Luz Marina Studios are happy to help you with all your tattooing needs.
Mil Pasos Dance & Fitness 32 Ontario St. N 647-286-4209
@juliarubia127 | At Mil Pasos Dance & Fitness, they offer group and private classes. Latin Dances, Ragga Dancehall, Zumba, workout and more. They also host dance events in Kitchener Waterloo and the GTA. Their passion for music, dance and fitness will spice up your experience. Their goal is to teach quality classes in a friendly and welcoming environmen and speak English, French and Spanish. At Mil Pasos, you will definitely be part of an outgoing and active community.
New Choice Furniture 79 Victoria St. N 519-885-5143
Newchoicefurniture.com | New Choice Furniture is a Kitchener-Waterloo based trusted furniture store. They have all kinds of furniture that fits your home and budget.
Pawn Centre 159 King St. E 519-585-1300
Living downtown comes with more than just access to local gems at your fingertips. Faces who were once strangers turn into neighbours. The effort that’s put into community building by those that frequent DTK builds feelings of closeness among a tight-knit community; it makes you feel like you’re a part of something special. It’s the connections built that adds a charm to travelling through downtown.
Development and transformation are often common words used to describe downtown Kitchener. Within this ever-changing environment, downtown Kitchener has truly become a place to explore — no matter who you are.
Although the excitement of DTK attracts visitors on a daily basis, it provides an especially unique environment for those that live in the core.
For Dan and Janice Cardy, development and transformation were some of the key reasons in their decision to move from their suburban neighbourhood to the heart of the city.
By the time the Cardy’s purchased their condo and moved to downtown Kitchener in 2017, the LRT was being implemented, along with many other major renewals — from condo developments, new businesses along the King Street corridor, and more.
With new developments and amenities being built, the Cardy’s were drawn to the idea of having all the necessities within walking distance.
Now having lived in downtown for five years, taking advantage of the hyper-local atmosphere is part of the Cardy’s daily routine. On Saturdays, the Cardy’s
live life slow. They enjoy local coffee at The Yeti or Queen Street Commons, they pick up produce at the Kitchener Market and they say hello to familiar faces they pass by throughout their day.
“There’s such a community feel to it,” Janice said.
Similarly for Brit Kovacs — who has rented in the heart of Kitchener for six years — the ever-evolving nature of downtown was also a driving factor in her choice to reside there. The proximity to local businesses and the eclectic atmosphere made downtown the ideal living space for her.
“What really drew me to downtown was wanting to be immersed in the livelihood of it all,” she said. “I love being able to see the community from my front porch.”
For Kovacs, visiting her favourite downtown spots on Saturdays is also a weekly highlight.
“I love being able to wake up on Saturday morning and hear the busyness of the Market, get my favourite cheese curds and coffee in the morning, smell the burnt toast from The Yeti and hear music from Encore Records or X-Disc-C Records,” she said.
Living downtown, however, comes with more than just access to local gems at your fingertips. Faces who were once strangers turn into neighbours.
The effort that’s put into community building by those that frequent DTK builds feelings of closeness among a tight-knit community; it makes you feel like you’re a part of something special. It’s the connections built that adds a charm to travelling through downtown.
If you’re a regular at any local downtown business, you’ve likely experienced a personal touch from a familiar face — such as staff greeting you by name or remembering your order. It’s these welcoming, personalized touches that turn otherwise transactional encounters into friendships.
What solidifies this strong sense of community is a collective focus on supporting and shopping local. It’s no secret that much of downtown’s pull comes directly from the unique offerings of its local businesses.
“Supporting local business owners and shops is an integral part of community building and foraging those relationships amongst each other,” Kovacs said.
“It’s so much more fulfilling to line the pockets of your neighbours and the folks that you bump elbows with in the community.”
Supporting local goes beyond the relationship between businesses and customers; in downtown Kitchener, it’s not uncommon for businesses to be seen making an effort to support one another.
“It’s really nice to see how collaborative the businesses are with each other,” Kovacs said, noting her appreciation that local wine bar, Goldie’s Convenience serves bread from Golden Hearth Bakery with salted butter from the Kitchener Market.
Similarly, Dan and Janice are often bumping into the owner of their favourite restaurant, 271 West, at the Kitchener Market, where they buy local produce to serve at the restaurant.
In this way, the connections that come from supporting local truly comes full circle in downtown Kitchener.
Despite the evolution of downtown throughout the last several years, it’s clear that one thing has remained true — the heart of the city is the tie that binds the Kitchener community together.
As the sprawling city continues to grow and evolve, downtown Kitchener will always be a place where the community can call their own and feel at home.
“It’s an exciting time to be moving downtown,” Janice said. “We’re excited to see what’s next.”
Services and Retail continued.
417 King St. W #5 519-576-7688
Personaledgetraining.com | Personal Edge Training has been part of the downtown Kitchener community for over 20 years, with a team of expert Personal Trainers, Registered Kinesiologists and Nutrition Coaches. They know that health and fitness goals are unique to every person. Clients come to them to help change their lives. Whether the goal is weight loss, health and wellness or strength training, they have the services to make your goals a reality. They also offer specialized services such as Golf Conditioning, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Back Therapy programs and Functional Movement Screening. Get ready for something completely different, downtown Kitchener! Let them help you achieve life-changing results. Contact them today for a personal, no-obligation consultation and tour.
18 Duke St. E 519-743-7792 | Providing top quality shoe and leather repair services to Kitchener-Waterloo since 1961.
Pino’s Salon and Medispa
70 Victoria St. N 519-578-8898
Pinosalon.com | Pino’s Salon and Medispa is the place to experience the utmost in client care and professionally delivered salon and medispa services. Their dedication and passion is reflected in everything that they do, from their qualified team of professionals to the state-of-the-art technology they use.
Pür Cannabis
147 King St. W 519-208-1009
Purcannabis.ca | As a proud newcomer to the cannabis scene, Pür Cannabis strives to provide their customers with the lowest prices, best selection, and most knowledgeable staff to help them save money, get the product they want, and get the best answers to their questions about cannabis.
141 Ontario St. N 226-647-6050
Prettypinches.ca | Pretty Pinches extensions and beauty lounge is a beauty salon that specializes in hair braiding (single braids, mens braid up
and all braiding styles), hair extensions (weave install, nano ring extensions) and loc services ranging from loc extension, re-twist and loc care. They also provide P.M.U services such as microblading, microshading and nail care services manicure, pedicure and nail enhancement.
Print2Go 33 Queen St. S 519-913-5714
Print2go.com | Print2Go works with you to develop a complete solution that makes sense for your business. They offer a wide range of on demand digital print and offset technologies to ensure a perfect fit for every creative job and project. They take into consideration, the budget, time and artistic needs and assign the most ideal technology to get the job done right. Print2Go has invested in dedicated fully equipped production facility in City of Mississauga, Ontario to handle large volume jobs.
Quality Health and Performance 70 Victoria St. N 226-753-4930
Qualityhealthperfomance.ca
Quick Cleaners Laundry & Dry Cleaning Centre
339 King St. E 519-745-7621
Rakita Family Dentistry 301 King St. E #205 519-578-9900
Rakitafamilydentistry.ca | Nestled in the Market District of downtown Kitchener, Rakita Family Dentistry can be found in a thriving, developing east part of the center where major changes are on the way. Wanting to be part of upcoming historic developmental changes, they settled their practice across from the Kitchener Market, which sees approximately 15,000 visitors on busy Saturdays. Behind the building, there is free parking available if you’re coming from the entrance from Charles Street.
RBC 180 King St. W 519-575-2300
Rbcroyalbank.com
RBC is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principlesled approach to delivering leading performance, and creating value for their clients and communities.
256 King St. E 519-804-2466
www.theworkingcentre.org | The Working Centre’s Recycle Cycles is a community bike shop that teaches hands-on bike repair. It offers space and facilities for people to repair bikes with the help of volunteers. New and used parts are available for sale at affordable prices. Refurbished bikes are also available.
Relish Cooking Studio
70 Victoria St. N, Unit B 519-954-8772
Relishcookingstudio.com | Relish Cooking Studio has been a favourite Kitchener-Waterloo food destination since 2011. They service home cooks and professional chefs alike with specialty food items, cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, cookbooks and thoughtful gifts including a collection of locally produced items, and much more. The store is also an active community hub, offering distribution and showcasing for local food artisans, cooking classes and in-store demonstrations, unique recipes, culinary travel and cooking advice. Food lovers of any skill and the culinary curious are all welcome at Relish to cook, create and celebrate.
1 King St. W 519-208-1080
Romeosalonspa.com | Ready to freshen things up? Romeo Salon Kitchener is a full-service Aveda Hair Salon that offers the very latest in hair care, skin care, natural hair colour, plant purefume, and body care. They're dedicated to continuing education and in lavishing their community in the most indulgent experiences, with only the best Aveda products. Romeo Salons are family owned, and their Kitchener location is right in the iconic Walper Hotel.
Ron’s Lock Safe and Alarm Company 99 Weber St. W 519-745-0651
Ronslock.ca | Ron's Lock & Alarm Co. has proudly served the downtown Kitchener and KW Region since 1975. They offer a wide range of services including; key cutting, lock rekeying, lock and safe sales and installation and programed automotive and remote keys.
Providing expert customer service by certified master locksmiths. Visit their large retail showroom with customer parking.
50 Ontario St. S 519-571-9256
Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre 310 King St. E #203 226-336-1321
@sanctuaryrefugee | At Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre, they provide patient-centred, evidence-based health care, recognizing issues arising from persecution, trauma, migratory stress, and social integration. They seek to bridge cultural and linguistic difference in offering orientation and access to the Canadian health care system. They also work tirelessly with partner organizations to create a ‘hub’ of services for the well-being of refugee newcomers seeking a new life in Waterloo Region.
At Sanctuary, in addition to culturally sensitive primary health care, patients have access to a wide variety of services on site, including psychological and mental health assessment, trauma counselling, dietary advice, assistance with settlement issues, help in completing applications for income security and disability benefits, health education, and special programs designed to meet needs around childbirth, parenting, and respect for diversity.
57 Queen St. S 519-208-3377
sativabliss.ca | Sativa Bliss Cannabis Boutique is a chain of licensed cannabis stores with locations throughout Ontario. They are an independent, Canadian owned & operated Cannabis Retail Company. They are passionate about the cannabis industry! They are committed to providing a unique shopping experience. Their stores proudly showcase real products so you can see everything they have to offer as you browse their stores. They are committed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for new and
existing cannabis users, offering a unique shopping experience with a wide range of high-quality cannabis products and accessories at affordable price points.
National Historic Site 466 Queen St. S 519-742-7752
Regionofwaterloomuseums.ca
Schneider Haus National historic site is a vibrant community space nestled in the heart of downtown Kitchener. The site features the historic house museum and galleries. Visitors can experience timely exhibits, and learn about the connection between our community's past and present.
Scotiabank 64 King St. W 519-571-6400
1 Victoria St. South Scotiabank.com | Scotiabank is a Canadian-headquartered bank with focus on high-quality growth markets in the Americas. They are a top-five universal bank in each of their core markets and a top-15 wholesale bank in the U.S., delivering superior advice and services to help customers get ahead.
Second Hand World 175 King St. E 519-745-4347
91 Queen St. S #2 519-576-7063 | When you’re looking for a great haircut with old-fashioned charm, come visit the Sharper Images barber shop in Kitchener. They specialize in men's haircuts and hot shaves, a decades old tradition that they are proud to continue. Call today to make an appointment with one of their experienced barbers.
Shayne’s Hair & Skin Care
112 Queen St. S
519-745-2321 | Shayne’s Hair & Skin Care looks forward to assisting locals in their search for the perfect business that suits their needs. Shayne's Hair & Skin Care Inc. believes they are that business. Their customer service and pricing is unmatched by any competitor. Shayne's Hair & Skin Care Inc. has been serving the Kitchener area for many years and their loyal customers love the personalized treatment; it keeps them coming back.
Sherwood Digital Copy & Print
30 Duke St. W #110 519-749-0090
Kwsherwoodcopy.com | Sherwood Digital Copy & Print KW has been serving the print needs of Waterloo Region for over 22 years. They offer a wide variety of digital and offset print as well as promotional products. Free delivery is provided within KW with rush and confidential print services. They are also an authorized Fed/Ex pickup and drop off depot.
Shoppers Drug Mart 250 King St. W 519-742-1903
Shoppersdrugmart.com | Shoppers Drug Mart promises to help make Canadians lives easier. They offer incredible convenience, with a pharmacist available whenever stores are open, a broad and inspirational assortment of beauty, cosmetics and accessories, and an ever-increasing selection of fresh groceries. Their goal is to continue to expand their services to help empower Canadians to live life well.
Sports Link 77 Ontario St. S
519-571-7374
Sportslinkstore.com | Established in 1992, Sports Link is one of the leading providers of team sports and corporate branded merchandise in North America. From the sales and operational facility in Kitchener, Sports Link generates tangible customer solutions for clients that cover virtually every sports and business category in North America. Led by a management team that is directly involved in the day-to-day operations, Sports Link is a customer-service centric team with energetic, enthusiastic and highly experienced professionals whose only objective it is to enhance your experience.
Sports Rehab and Wellness 22 Water St. N #103 226-752-9533
Sportsrehabandwellness.ca | Whether it's education, preventative management or treatment of acute and chronic injuries, at Sports Rehab and Wellness you will receive the most up-to-date information in a pressure-free environment. Their pledge to their patients is that they will not recommend any treatment that they personally would not receive.
Star Convenience 333 King St. E 519-745-2105 | A friendly neighbourhood corner store offering basic foods staples and more.
Star Nail 8 Water St. N #101 519-745-6959 | Providing professional nail services with 15-years experience.
Talula Fields General Store
20 Queen St. S
@talulafieldsgeneral | Established in 2021, Talula Fields General Store is a boutique offering houseplants, apothecary goods, garden sundries, florals and more. Located at 20 Queen Street South at the base of the Walper Hotel, the General Store is the retail outlet and planning HQ for Talula Fields Flower Farm – a lowtill, spray-free flower farm located just outside of Kitchener.
TenC Dance Co. 329 King St. E 519-601-5331
tencdanceco.com | All school curriculum is aggregated from the material and techniques of the best artists in the world for each dance. The company has had a meteoric rise in the few years since its inception in Ontario and continues to expand. They offer all modern Latin dances, dance fitness, K-Pop, Hip Hop, etc. and also competition training programs for children and adults.
TD Canada Trust 381 King St. W 519-579-2160
Td.com | As a top 10 North American bank, TD aims to stand out from its peers by having a differentiated brand – anchored in their proven business model, and rooted in a desire to give customers, communities and colleagues the confidence to thrive in a changing world.
The Attic Yoga 37 King St. W Theatticyoga.com
@theattic.yoga | The Attic Yoga is a yoga studio and boutique shop. They offer a variety of styles of yoga, pilates and barre, in both heated and non-heated studios. The Attic’s tea lounge is the ideal place to connect with the community as you enjoy a complimentary tea after class, or browse the boutique to find locally handcrafted jewellery, sustainable fitness wear, or props for your practice. Come as you are.
The Cannabist Shop 201 King St. W 519-208-0606
Cannabistshop.ca | The Cannabist Shop strives to provide customers with the lowest prices, best selection, and most knowledgeable staff to help them save money, get the product they want, and get the best answers to their questions about cannabis.
10 King St. W 519-749-9387
Themuseum.ca | THEMUSEUM – They are a new kind of experiential museum – one of maverick ideas and unexpected intersections. No dusty objects and no velvet ropes. A premier cultural destination dedicated to presenting fresh, inspired content from around the globe in unique and immersive ways designed to showcase art and technology at play. From Andy Warhol to Jane Goodall to Titanic to Yoko Ono, THEMUSEUM is the only museum around that is bold enough to feature such a wide range of cultural content under one roof. They offer a diverse array of exhibitions, programs and events for children, youth, families and adults guaranteed to awe, inspire, and enlighten all audiences.
122 Frederick St. 519-745-6565
Registrytheatre.com | There are a broad variety of different events one is likely to see at The Registry, from community presentations to professional music, dance, and theatre productions, to film festivals, cultural gatherings, municipal information sessions, and everything in between.
The Tannery Pharmasave 121 Charles St. W 519-744-1000
pharmasavethetannery.com
Pharmasave at The Tannery is your new community pharmacy. The friendly staff will always make sure to go the extra mile to meet your needs. Get the best consultation from experienced pharmacists, providing you with up-todate information and advice.
THE TEN SPOT
165 King St. W #102 519-741-5660
Thetenspot.com | The Ten Spot Kitchener is a one stop beauty bar. They exist to make everyone “feel like a ten.”
The Ten Spot is a part of a 16 year old Canadian franchise system, but the store is still a small, family owned and operated business, a second home to wonderful and exceptionally skilled team of estheticians. They are the first beauty bar in Canada to coin the term "#clinicallyclean", and their core values are reject neglect, love the details, be in it together, make everyone feel like a ten, own your role, and embrace the change.
The Working Centre 58 Queen St. S 519-743-1151
Theworkingcenre.org | For over 40 years, The Working Centre has been a volunteer inspired venture that seeks to give access to tools and opportunities to build community. The Working Centre has built an integrated web of projects for job searching, St. John's Kitchen and downtown Outreach, Job Cafe Employment Projects, access to food, Community Tools projects, heritage redevelopment of buildings and multiple supportive housing units.
235 King St. E
519-578-0838
Trios.com | This campus offers diploma programs in business, technology, healthcare, law and supply chain. The Kitchener campus also is home to a Massage Clinic operated by students in the Massage Therapy program and overseen by registered massage therapists who deliver the program. The clinic is open to the public and offers services at low costs.
U-Haul Moving & Storage
144 Charles St. W 519-744-5227
Uhaul.com | U-Haul has everything for your local or long-distance move, including truck rentals, trailers, cargo vans, pickup trucks, and self-storage. Other available moving solutions include portable U-Box containers, Moving Help® providers, hitch installations, moving and shipping boxes, propane and online reservations.
301 King St. E #319 519-954-2266
Ultimatedrivers.ca | Their Driving Schools are always looking for new students to join their elite beginner driver program. Sign up for Driving School today!
Vikittours Hung-Thanh Travel 289 King St. E 519-579-6950
Water Convenience & Indian Grocery 99 Water St. W 519-570-4270 | Water Convenience & Indian Grocery is your neighbourhood convenience with a great selection of snacks, drinks, grocery, home goods and even some clothing.
TEN SPOTWest Haus Studio
93 King St. W #300
Studiosbyopenspace.com
@westhauskw | West Haus Studio is a 1,300 sq. ft of 100% natural lit studio space with textured walls and luxe furnishings to give you a curated canvas to create.
White Tiger Vintage Boutique
248 King St. E etsy.com/ca/shop/WhiteTigerVtg
@whitetigervintage | Walking into White Tiger feels like a 1970’s time portal. This vintage boutique features pre-loved pieces and hand-picked items from across North America. It’s is a top destination for vintage clothing lovers. You’ll find high quality and unique pieces like vintage denim, classic shoes, glasses and bags, comfy knits and pre-loved leather.
Wonderland Studios
70 Victoria St. N 519-603-1069
Wonderlandstudioskw.com
Wonderland Studios offers top quality tattooing and body piercing, specializing in custom work and offering top quality body jewellery. They are the only studio in KW to offer fully disposable tattooing and piercing.
Workhaus Coworking & Office Space
290 King St. E 519-279-6789
Workhaus.ca | Workhaus Coworking is a growing, vibrant workplace community of individuals and companies working in a productive, collaborative environment. From individuals who work remotely to enterprise-level companies, they provide shared and private spaces suitable for group sizes ranging from 1 to 100. Their stand-alone Kitchener-Waterloo location is directly beside the famous Kitchener Market and is surrounded by a wide selection of area services and uniquely DTK amenities.
Worth a Second Look 97 Victoria St. N 519-569-7566 www.theworkingcentre.org/ worth-second-look/166 | The Working Centre’s Worth a Second Look is a retail outlet whose goal is to provide the community with low-cost used furniture and assorted houseware items while keeping reusable goods out of landfills and creating opportunities for employment. Volunteers make this store possible.
X-Disc-C Music 7 Moyer Pl. 519-585-0712
Xdisccmusic.ca | X-Disc-C Music is a proud independent record shop located in Kitchener, Ontario, specializing in new and used vinyl since 1992. Kevin Diebolt, store owner, has been in the record business since the 1970s, managing many popular record stores, including Dr Disc, until deciding to go solo and open his own shop in 1992. The folks at X-Disc-C Music love music and love to carry a wide range of genres, including Blues, Jazz, International Music, Rock, etc.
Ziggy’s Cycle & Sport 417 King St. W 519-893-2963
Ziggycycle.ca | Ziggy’s Cycle has been serving the cycling community Waterloo Region since 1985. Their involvement in the community has been both consistent and charitable: from their ongoing commitment in cycling advocacy to sponsorship of local clubs and several annual charitable rides. They have made it their highest priority to be in touch with all the newest developments in cycling technology. Specializing in pro bike fitting services, sales and service, their experienced and knowledgeable staff are there to help select the right bike for your needs.
Experience
Adventurers Guild Cafe
36 Ontario St. N
519-741-1802
@adventurersguildcafe | The Guild was KW's first board game and video game lounge established back in ye olde 2014! Since then it's fostered and been fostered by a lovely nerd community! It proudly stocks precisely one metric funload of games for play, which translates to the best collection in K-dub and the Region - 1500+ games, including board games, retro video games, and roleplaying games. If you need Kitchenerstyle pretzel crust pizza, craft beer, and adventures in boxes, The Guild has your back.
AOK Craft Beer + Arcade
165 King St. W #B03
Aokdtk.ca
@aokdtk | Grab your pals because it’s time to get together at AOK Craft Beer + Arcade. With 20+ retro games on free play, 12 rotating taps featuring Ontario’s best craft brews and cider, signature cocktails, sodas, snacks and more, you’re definitely in for a good time. Whether you drop in during their regular hours or book a private party for your crew, they’re here to bring you all the fun at downtown Kitchener's arcade bar.
312 King St. W
519-576-5500
Dallasnightclub.ca | Dallas is an upscale nightclub that has it all: A top-of-the-line sound system and the best country music in the Region. It is a glamorous space with a large stage looking out at two levels of seating, stand-up bars and a dance floor under a cathedral-like ceiling that anchors an elaborate sound and light system. This is definitely the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.
90 King St. W 519-576-6050
Elementsnightclub.ca | For 16 years Elements has been host to the most major concerts and events in KW including the likes of Lady Gaga. They are proud to be home of Canada's largest Disco Ball! They are a special events venue — b ook your event today!
Jack Burger 45 Duke St. W 519-744-2644 | A seasonal longstanding staple as one of KW's favourite summer hang outs! They specialize in homemade burgers, a wide selection of beers and beverages and all-around good vibes! Come in and try one of their famous Jack Burgers and grab a tall can while you’re at it.
Sugarrun.ca | Sugar Run is Kitchener’s only speakeasy and rum bar. They specialize in craft cocktails and rare rums. They also offer a full menu of snacks and small plates. Looking for a little more adventure from your evening? Try to locate them in the downtown area, and don’t forget the password…
The Round Table 1 Victoria St. S 519-208-0441
@roundtablekitchener | Find your favourite place in the immersive atmosphere of The Round Table Kitchener! Sit down with Cavan Coffee's own boutique espresso and coffee menu, try their signature thematic food items and drinks, and a full grab-and-play board game selection to enjoy with friends and family. There is also a complete retail selection to bring your favourite games home with you! Make a reservation or just walk in, The Round Table Kitchener has a little something for everyone.
Downtown Kitchener offers places to explore for everyone. From galleries and museums to green spaces, community centres and independent cinemas — if you’re looking for a new experience, the places and spaces in downtown Kitchener are truly yours to discover.
Crowne Plaza Kitchener Waterloo 105 King St. E 519-744-4141
Crowneplaza.com | The Crowne Plaza
Kitchener Waterloo is located just minutes from highway 401. It is a short commute to cities, such as Waterloo, St. Jacobs, Cambridge and Guelph. The Crowne Plaza is at the center of Kitchener-Waterloo's thriving technology hub. It was designed with unique style and amenities to help you relax, rest and connect.
Centre in the Square 101 Queen St. N 519-578-1570
Centreinthesquare.com | The Centre in the Square Inc. (CITS Inc.) is a not-forprofit corporation and registered charity, established in 1981 to maintain, operate and manage the 2,000 seat state-of-the art performing arts theatre situated in the Civic District of downtown Kitchener. The theatre building, owned by the City of Kitchener, is also known as the Centre in the Square (CITS). CITS offers over 140 shows and concerts a year for the benefit of the entire Region and beyond. Family programming is a priority, providing wonderful opportunities to introduce children to their first experiences with performing arts.
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts 36 King St. W 519-745-4711
Kwsymphony.ca | Innovative, inspiring, and ever-evolving: this is the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. As one of Waterloo Region’s largest arts and cultural organizations, the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony continues to push boundaries, build community, and welcome and cultivate world-class talent intheircommunity. Today, the KWS is one of Canada’s outstanding orchestras, presenting a diverse and rich concert season and garnering national and international attention for its artistry, musicianship and innovative programming. Since 1945 the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony has grown from a community orchestra into the third largest in Ontario. They perform over 222 concerts annually to an audience of over 90,000, both in the concert hall and across Waterloo Region.
Francis Green | Tucked away between condos and businesses on the west end of the city; this quaint park is a flower filled stroll for you and your pup.
Kitchener Public Library 85 Queen St. N 519-743-0271
Kpl.org | Central Library is the largest library in Kitchener and functions as the administrative headquarters for the four Community Library locations in the Kitchener Public Library system. Besides functioning as the community library for their downtown customers, Central Library houses a diverse collection of over 250,000 materials and circulates over 800,000 items annually. Originally built in 1962, Central Library saw the completion of a major renovation and expansion project in 2014 which received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the Canada Green Building Council, an independent verification system that grades building and renovation projects on sustainable practises, including energy efficiency, water savings, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. In 2015, the Central Library Renovation and Expansion project was the recipient of the prestigious OLA Library Building Award for “Library Architectural and Design Transformation".
Places and Spaces continued on
Written By: Safina Husein
“The opportunity to actually slow down to talk, to engage, to interact, and to learn is an antidote to the hyper-fast aspect of daily life.”
When you’ve lived in one place for a long time, your surroundings can feel ordinary. Every morning, you may take the same LRT route to work. Every evening, you may stop at the same grocery store to get food for dinner. The streets of Kitchener begin to feel so familiar, like you could navigate them blindfolded.
But, when you go somewhere new, we are overwhelmed by curiosity and the desire to explore. So how can you chase that feeling in the city you call home?
Stroll Walking Tours aims to do just that: to take seemingly mundane and ordinary spaces and transform them through story-telling. Places you visit or pass by on a daily basis are seen with a brand new perspective as you learn a new, untold story about the streets you frequent. Stroll is uncovering unique stories and histories of familiar places right in your own neighbourhoods.
Led by local guides who research, develop and lead the tours themselves — Stroll works to bring authentic stories told by experts that emphasize the hyper-local aspect of places and spaces. By doing so, community members have access to a wide diversity of experiences that have contributed to Kitchener’s history beyond what is already known about the community’s past.
“I think a lot of people don’t know the diverse histories,” said Juanita Metzger, founder of Stroll.
"There is an Indigenous history here. There’s a Black history here. There’s a multicultural and immigration history here.”
The popular story we all hear about Kitchener Waterloo’s history is always in reference to the German-Mennonite settlement. This dominant, historical narrative has largely influenced our community and has been threaded into various aspects, from popular events like Oktoberfest to the names of local streets.
Beyond this more well-known history, Kitchener-Waterloo has a diverse past and holds stories that are largely unknown — stories that hold immense value and are worthy of being shared.
“I believe that those stories are equally valid and should be told and shared along with the dominant histories that we already know,” Metzger said.
Walking along King Street in downtown Kitchener, you may be familiar with the community around you — from the familiar smell of roasted coffee beans from Matter of Taste to the friendly face of the person working the counter at Full Circle Foods. These familiarities offer a comfortable stability. But sometimes, it’s worth stepping outside of that comfortability to gain perspective.
While you may be familiar with the stories of Kitchener’s present, what took place years before us is largely unknown.
Specifically, some narratives explored by Stroll pertain to downtown Kitchener's rich history and experiences relating to Black history. The tour, entitled Black Presence in Berlin, describes the contributions and lives of settlers and freedom seekers in the 19th century, when Kitchener was formerly Berlin.
Other unique stories discuss downtown Kitchener’s historic music legends, the evolution of transportation and the progression of social services – and they’re all told directly in the physical space where the stories took place, creating an experiential component.
In learning about these histories, a wider diversity of people are able to create connections and see their own culture and history represented in the narratives about where we call home. By walking and being physically in a space, we’re able to better connect and create an attachment to the spaces around us.
“Your perspective shifts in terms of what you think about a place. Maybe it becomes more interesting and less boring. You develop a different sense of attachment to it when you have this experiential connection to it,” Metzger said.
As Metzger discussed her own passion behind slow travel, she noted that the significance behind walking is twofold: it encourages a slower pace of life and threads emotional connections into physical spaces.
Walking as a mode of travel not only permits a slower pace, it also allows room for you to linger in a familiar space while seeing something completely brand new.
“The opportunity to actually slow down to talk, to engage, to interact, and to learn is an antidote to the hyper-fast aspect of daily life,” Metzger said.
“Your brain lights up in a different way when you’re in the physical space where something happened.”
Bordered by Victoria Street, Joseph Street, West Ave and Queen St. South, Victoria Park (Willow River Park) is a large natural area in the heart of downtown Kitchener.
Victoria Park opened in 1896, making it the oldest park in Kitchener. Some of the original features remain, including an iron bridge, flower beds and hundreds of trees and shrubs. The park is also home to a historic pavilion, which is a popular event and wedding venue. Fit with a playground and lots of places to sit and enjoy beautiful views, Victoria Park is a great place to get some peace and quiet, or take the family for an afternoon. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of Ophelia and Otis the Swans!
Vogelsang Green | This dreamy DTK parkette was recently revamped with soft overhead lighting, seating and green space. You'll find this magical place on Queen Street between Duke Street and King Street near Goudies Lane.
Built in 1893 on the site of Berlin’s first inn, The Walper Hotel was the region’s first commercial establishment. On the corner of King and Queen Street, The Walper has been a community anchor as the Region has grown and transformed around it. Refurbished by Perimeter Development Corporation in 2016, this 92-room boutique hotel is enjoyed today for its fusion of timeless charm with contemporary comforts and is one of two hotels in Canada under Hyatt’s Joie de Vivre portfolio.
Brought to you by the businesses of downtown Kitchener.