Love Liberty- Restaurant + Outdoor Dining Edition by libertyvillagebia

Restaurant & Outdoor

Dining Edition

Love, Liberty

We Are Not a Burger Shop

Burger Drops Greg Bourolias positions his burgers for culinary respect.

Very Wow

Chiang Mai

Inspired Thai food and cocktails with a touch of theatre.

Pancakes Make People Happy

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen Destination for pancakes and wonderful brunch items with a beautiful, dogfriendly patio.

Restaurants & Outdoor

Dining

Discover food and beverage establishments in Liberty Village from cafes to craft breweries and fast casual to epic dining with patios. Whatever your appetite, you will find a bite to satisfy it.

Our LV Neighbourhood e-Gift Card adds an automatic 25% extra to your purchase amount, redeemable at participating businesses in Liberty Village. For example, buy a $100 gift card and receive an additional $25, giving you a total of $125 to spend!

Photo—Norm Li

That’s $500 to keep and $500 to share with a local business. Weekly draws.

Plus a Grand Prize of $1,500! October 28 - December 8, 2024 shopliberty2win.com for details.

I love coming to work in Liberty Village—a neighbourhood full of character, with cool architecture and heritage buildings providing a distinct backdrop. The community here is vibrant and ever-growing, with over 25,000 residents, employees, entrepreneurs—and their dogs! The energy is electric, home to innovative companies in music, creative industries, real estate, and destination dining. Liberty Village truly offers something for everyone, from quick bites to crafted cocktails, as you’ll discover in the pages ahead.

Whether it’s a post-conference meal at the Enercare Centre or pre-game eats before BMO Field or Budweiser Stage, Liberty Village is where delicious food experiences bring people together.

With amazing patios—many of them dog-friendly!—Liberty Village is Toronto’s ideal dining destination, offering endless options indoors and out. Whether you’re grabbing a favourite cortado, meeting friends on a cozy patio, or exploring bold new flavours, there’s always a spot to suit your vibe. This community thrives because of the people who create it, so stop by, meet with friends, and reconnect.

Cheers, Abhi Kathuria

Director

Big Rock Brewery | Liberty Commons

Liberty Makes

Can’t visit Liberty Village due to construction? Order from these outstanding local spots for delivery (and if you’re a Liberty Village condo resident, no shame in ordering from just down the block). Discover how each brand adds distinct flavours and dedication to the neighbourhood’s maker scene.

Balzac’s

Coffee Roasters

43 Hanna Ave #123

Savour, sip and take your time in our beautiful café in Liberty Village. Balzac’s is excited to celebrate 30 years of serving great coffee.

Anniversary Blend Coffee

This award-winning blend pays tribute to our humble beginnings and toasts of the future. The Anniversary Blend includes parts of our past, present, and future.

Brodflour

8 Pardee Ave

Brodflour mills their flour on-site with a granite stone mill with grains from Canadian farmers which are organic or regenerative.

Pick-up or delivery will ensure this Sourdough Bird Pan Loaf, made with freshly milled hard red and red fife flour, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds, will accessorize your kitchen ASAP. Add a perfect turkey sandwich to your order made on a sourdough-spelt baguette.

Big Rock Brewery

42 Liberty St

Crafting signature and seasonal brews with passion, this brewery serves beer lovers across Canada, producing many award-winning beers recognized nationally and globally.

Wayfinder Vienna-Style Lager

A clean amber-coloured beer featuring lightly toasted malt flavours, offering a creamy yet crisp finish. balzacs.com brodflour.com

Chandler Honey

1179 King St W Unit 014

Founder Tique Chandler, has carried on her family’s beekeeping legacy dating back to 1937. Growing up on a bee farm, she developed a deep appreciation of the magic of honey.

Crème Brûlée Infused Honey

A luxurious and decadent blend of fresh vanilla bean, cinnamon, and toasted honey infused into our raw, organic, creamed honey.

Evelyn’s Crackers & Wholegrain Bakery

125 Jefferson Ave

Evelyn’s Crackers is a heritage grain bakery that has been a pioneer in whole grain baking since 2008, specializing in a variety of heritage whole grains.

100% Buckwheat Chocolate & Hazelnut Loaf Made with Kyoto buckwheat grown by Paul of Loonsong farm or Japanese buckwheat grown by Chris of Ironwood organics. Milled in house.

Nani’s Gelato

120 Lynn Williams St Unit 2B

Artisanal gelato made on authentic Italian and nostalgic Asian gelato flavours. We infuse the love of our mothers and grandmothers; our flavors are Asian, Indian and Italian influenced with every batch inspired by Nani.

Pistachio Gelato Pie

Our famous pistachio gelato is garnished with ground pistachio bits and topped with a pistachio sauce.

Leftfield Brewery

40 Hanna Ave Suite G1

Born from a passion for both craft beer and baseball, Left Field Brewery was founded by husband and wife team Mark and Mandie Murphy.

Fans demand Ice Cold Beer! A crisp and refreshing all-natural craft ale made with 100% Ontario ingredients that’s seriously greatwithout being too serious. Grab a taste of the ultimate bleacher beer.

Merci Mon Ami

171 East Liberty St Unit 107

Created by Chef Cindy, these gourmet dressings are crafted with handpicked ingredients and unique flavours, bringing artistry and care to every dish.

Herbed Vinaigrette

This fresh herb vinaigrette as a marinade, dressing, or dipping sauce. A delicious dressing for everyone.

Quest XO Chocolate

25 Liberty St

A chocolatier specializing in unique chocolate and experiences. Escape to the spacious Chocolate Creative Lab in Liberty Village for unforgettable chocolate experiences, all designed to be beginner-friendly.

Café Ole Bar

Locally sourced luscious chocolate along with toffee pieces and chocolate-covered coffee beans will have you shouting “Ole!”.

Something in the Water

151 East Liberty St

Incredibly uncommon is kind of our thing. You bet your sweet bippy there’s something in our water. We are Canada’s New Brewery of the Year. Drink Curious.

Painted Lake Peach Crisp

When sweet peaches meet the mild tartness of this classic low-alc sour wheat beer. It smells like a freshly cracked bag of Fuzzy Peach candies, tastes like a gently tart peach juice.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

85 Hanna Ave #104

The same delicious flavours Mildred serves at the restaurant, are yours to serve at home. Get the goods by local pick-up, delivery or crossCanada shipping. Pancakes make people happy.

Mildred’s Pancake Essentials Kit

Mildred’s pancake mix, 250 ml Organic Maple Syrup, and 250 mL Wild Blueberry Compote.

We Are Not a Burger Shop

You can quote me on that. Slow is methodical, slow is intentional, slow is respect. We position our burgers for culinary respect. Text—Amy Czettisch

Q: Hey Greg. It’s such a pleasure to talk culinary and business with you. Tell me about your restaurant for those who may not know the backstory. Why burgers? Why now?

A: Burger Drops is a quick-service restaurant that happens to serve burgers. Back in 2018, I simply wanted to gather as many friends as possible and host them—even before we had a name. I was working 65 hours a week as a sous chef, and one thing led to another. Hosting these events, made us realize people casual places to hang with friends. It seemed to me that Toronto struggles with casual environments.

By late 2019, we’d run six or seven events with 600 people showing up. It was wild. We even started drawing in folks from overseas and the U.S., which helped me build some solid relationships in the burger space.

Q: In your mind, what makes a good neighbourhood?

A: I believe that retail—like good restaurants—builds good neighbourhoods. Sure, all these office properties and beautiful buildings are fantastic, but now when you strip them down, they’re just spaces. It’s the places where people can gather that give a neighbourhood life.

Q: It’s cool to see your grassroots, community-focused burger concept evolve. How did you go from 600-person gatherings to

considering a restaurant?

A: You can overlook burgers but you can never overlook the impact. Burgers are easy to overlook, but their impact? You can’t ignore it. It’s funny— burgers are the most underappreciated food. They don’t get any culinary respect. You’ll never see burgers win a James Beard Award, and Michelin has probably never considered a burger joint in its life. But the restaurants people love, like ours, employ a lot of people and drive entire supply chains. Suppliers are built off supplying burger restaurants.

Yeah, we sell burgers and fries, but we came from a place where the focus was more about creating experiences and building hospitality. At our popups, it was all about the energy— getting people excited to see each other and hyped to reach the front of the line. They were chaotic but in the best way. We had games, live music, DJs, and art installations. And half of what we made went to different charities.

Our events were beautiful mayhem. For me, it was never about the money—it was about feeding my creative spirit. Then, just as we were about to host our final event, Covid hit.

Q: Despite the challenges of the pandemic, you managed to maintain the energy and experience of your pop-up events through pre-orders and takeout.

A: Covid really made us rethink

everything. We realized it was time to focus on what we were serving—our burger. Honestly, I hadn’t asked myself serious culinary questions about our burger until the pandemic hit. But when events stopped, we had to shift our attention to perfecting the product. That’s what eventually led us to open a permanent space in Liberty Village.

Q: So how’d you end up in Liberty Village?

A: My real estate agent suggested Liberty Village, and at first, I was like, “Who even goes there?” I grew up in Toronto, and to me, Liberty always felt like a place you’d only hit up for touristy stuff—BMO Field, the CNE, that kind of thing.

Man, I was way off. The biggest surprise has been realizing how much development is still happening here. They’re squeezing buildings into every corner and building new roads. It’s wild—and I’m here for it. It’s exciting because you don’t expect change to happen that fast in the city. Sure, traffic is a pain, but infrastructure is crucial. In 15 years, we’re going to have a million more people living here. How are we going to handle that?

My two main draws to Liberty Village are the development and the energy from the events. With the World Cup coming, it’s going to be electric—and that vibe taps right back into why Burger Drops exists in the first place.

Chiang Mai

171 E Liberty St Unit 144

Toronto, ON M6K 3P6

Very Wow

Chiang Mai in Liberty Village delivers on their rep for exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere. With memorable Thai food and interiors perfect for date nights and special occasions, if you are seeking an experience, Chiang Mai is your destination providing an elevated dining experience in the neighbourhood.

Text—Amy Czettisch

On a bright afternoon in Liberty Village, we sat down with Liz Lee on her sun-soaked patio to chat about their exciting menu, opening during a global pandemic and their business success opening in Liberty Village. Our conversation covered outdoor dining and proximity to tourist hotspots in Toronto’s west end. Liz shared insights on overcoming challenges takeout businesses face and boosting creative approaches that help sustain Chiang Mai through the quieter winter months, including how take-out business is key.

Thai food is traditionally casual street food but Lee explains how they’ve

bumped up their experience in a way unique to Thai restaurants. “So, we have the service, the atmosphere, and the decor, but it’s the way we present our food that is elaborate. Our cocktail service is above and beyond. We light them on fire. There’s smoke. Influencers are always here because they love the theatre of our experience. If you’re looking for a very unique restaurant, this is where you’re going to come.”

Popular dishes, like Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice, are revamped Chiang Mai style: food not only tastes delicious but is presented in a visually impressive way that customers enjoy.

“We serve our cocktails above and beyond. We light them on fire. There’s smoke. If you’re looking for a very unique experience, this is where you’re going to come. Influencers are always here because they love the theatre here.”

Liz Lee General Manager

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was chosen by Brandon Servania, Toronto FC as one of his favourite restaurants in Liberty Village and you’ll find his jersey hanging in his booth. “Pineapple Fried Rice is his favourite dish which we serve in half a pineapple shell so the presentation is very wow. People really like that. It tastes delicious too.”

From the moment you step into Chiang Mai to the moment you leave, we focus on having exceptional service.

People find us through food delivery apps and we are so close to big tourist destinations, such as Budweiser, BMO stage, and the CNE. Even those heading downtown stop by here, thanks to the nearby GO train station. It’s the perfect spot to grab something good to eat before catching a game. So, because the stop is so accessible and so close, okay, they will still come to Liberty Village. It’s just a cool place to hang out and walk around, kill some time, grab some food and then go to their game.

The outdoor dining patio at Chiang Mai is a popular spot to take pics and post on social. It’s a great place to chill, and

enjoy the weather and the atmosphere. The restaurant has a great vibe, and delicious food and the staff is super attentive. “Guests love it when there is a concert and we play the artist performing that night on our outdoor speakers. We have a lot of guests come in and say they come here because they know we will play their fav artists and songs.”

Kitchen

Pancakes Make People Happy

Since day one, beloved blueberry stacks have been at the heart of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen’s brunch experience.

For over 16 years, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen has been synonymous with comfort, but no dish speaks more to its heart than the iconic pancakes. During the pandemic, when life felt uncertain, Mildred’s brought joy to people’s homes. “Our phone was ringing off the hook,” Donna recalls with a warm smile. “People were asking for our pancakes, so we thought, why not let them enjoy them at home?” What began as a humble brown paper bag of dry pancake mix quickly blossomed into a beloved pantry staple, now sold in 20 stores across the country.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” she reflects. As guests—always the center of their innovation—pushed for more, Mildred’s introduced jars of treasured blueberry compote and frozen options. This story is one of embracing change, always with a sprinkle of sweetness.

There’s something magical about brunch at Mildred’s—a tradition transcending the food on your plate. “People come from all over,” Donna shares with a twinkle. “We’ve had guests from the U.S. and the U.K. visiting just for our pancakes.” Moving Mildred’s Temple Kitchen to Liberty Village was a bold step. “It wasn’t the destination it is today,” she remembers. “But we saw the potential.” What started as a small Sunday brunch has become a cherished ritual, a time to slow down, connect, and indulge. Even in tough times during COVID-19, Mildred’s adapted with meal kits and delivery options, ensuring the community could still enjoy their favourite flavours. As Liberty Village grows, so too does Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, evolving to meet patrons’ needs.

Liberty Village buzzes with energy, yet growth brings challenges—traffic

“My big, crazy dream? Expanding how restaurants shape grocery stores—I see a grocery aisle called brunch.”

Donna Dooher Chef + Founder Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

being the most pressing. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the traffic,” Donna nods knowingly. “It’s affected us, no doubt.” Yet she speaks with the resilience of someone who’s weathered many storms, optimistic about the future—especially with FIFA WC 2026 on the horizon. “I’m excited about FIFA WC” she beams, though construction concerns linger. Working closely with the local BIA, Mildred’s is set on ensuring that the World Cup brings opportunity, not obstacles. With traffic officers helping to ease congestion, Donna remains hopeful, seeing each challenge as a chance to adapt. Her optimism is contagious—a hallmark of a business that thrives, no matter the roadblocks.

As Liberty Village has grown, so has its four-legged population, a trend Donna saw coming years ago. “I remember saying over a decade ago that dogs in restaurants would be an emerging issue,” she says with a wise grin. She wasn’t wrong. With young couples having pets as family, Donna often hears, “If we can’t bring our dog, we won’t go out.” Balancing pet-friendly

policies with health regulations allows Donna’s forward-thinking approach to ensure Mildred’s is ready for what’s next. “We want everyone to feel welcome, but it’s about finding the right balance,” she reflects, attuned to the changing needs of her customers.

The story of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is one of resilience, charm, and an unwavering belief in the future. Donna’s journey in Liberty Village has been an adventure and through every challenge—from economic shifts to construction chaos—she’s faced it with wisdom and collaboration. “I’ve lived through a lot of construction in Liberty Village,” she says, with both understanding and hope. But to her, the future holds growth opportunities. With new distribution partners, a thriving e-commerce platform, and FIFA WC on the horizon, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen remains a beacon of innovation and warmth. Always looking forward, and always listening, Donna ensures Mildred’s is a place where tradition and vision meet, serving pancakes, memories, and so much more.

139 E Liberty St

Toronto, ON M6K 3K4

Community & Craft Collide

Liberty Soho, one of the newer gems in Liberty Village, has quickly made its mark by blending creative cuisine with a deep-rooted love for the local community. “It’s not just about great food here; it’s about fostering connections and embracing the vibrant spirit of Liberty Village,” says Sean Lough, co-founder and Liberty Village enthusiast.

“This area is like a city within a city,” Lough reflects. “People here are protective of it, and that’s why Liberty Soho

Liberty Soho isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place where locals feel at home. With many staff members living nearby, the restaurant exudes an authentic community vibe. The connection to Liberty Village runs deep, and it shows in how the staff and guests interact. “Half my staff lives here. We’re not just serving customers—we’re serving neighbours,” the owner proudly notes.

Even through the quieter winter months, Liberty Village’s loyal residents keep the kitchen buzzing, and Liberty Soho responds with a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful service. Built on relationships, Liberty Soho’s foundation is the local community, which remains at the heart of it all.

Liberty Soho is perfectly situated in Liberty Village, a neighbourhood that is a dynamic blend of old industrial roots and new creative energy. It attracts a diverse crowd—from local employees grabbing a quick bite, to visitors catching a concert or soccer game nearby.

At Liberty Soho, everything centers on fostering local ties. The restaurant nurtures what matters most: local ownership, a fantastic venue, fresh food, and a dedication to the Liberty Village. community.

Must-Try Late-Night Dishes

Liberty Soho’s late-night menu is packed with flavourful favourites. Here are the musthaves:

Soho Smash Burger

I wanted to open up right here— because I love it.”

The challenges of construction and congestion are real, but they pale in comparison to the vibrancy and growth that makes Liberty Village a great place to run a restaurant. The evolving neighbourhood is a place where new ideas thrive, and Liberty Soho is excited to be part of that evolution.

After 10 p.m., Liberty Soho transforms with its standout late-night menu, offering a range of crave-worthy dishes. Whether you’re looking to wind down after an evening out or craving something flavorful after a long day, the late-night menu has something to offer. “Our late-night menu is all about comfort with a twist. It’s the food you want after hours, done right,” says Sean Lough. From the juicy Wagyu Smash Burger to the spicy Nashville Chicken Sandwich, each dish is crafted to satisfy those

nighttime cravings. It’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike flock to Liberty Soho after hours for a bite to eat.

One of the things that truly sets Liberty Soho apart is its team. With a bottom-up approach, every member of the staff plays a crucial role in the restaurant’s success. Lough may be the face of Liberty Soho, but he’s quick to credit the rest of the team for making the restaurant what it is. “We all run this place together. We’re a family—everyone cares, and it shows,” he says, reflecting on the team’s passion and dedication.

From the kitchen to the front of the house, Liberty Soho’s staff is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience. It’s this camaraderie and shared vision that creates the warm, welcoming atmosphere Liberty Soho is known for.

Juicy and packed with flavor, this burger is made with wagyu beef for that extra touch of indulgence. Topped with crisp iceberg lettuce, honey truffle mayo, and plenty of pickles, it’s no wonder this is a fan favourite.

Shishito Nachos Supreme

These loaded nachos are all about layers—every chip is packed with toppings, from blistered Shishito peppers to house-made lime crema. A perfect latenight shareable, with just the right amount of spice and zest.

Restaurants & Outdoor Dining

“Our staff describe working in Liberty Village as a rewarding experience; they appreciate the area’s sense of community, the neighbourhood’s vibrant energy and the opportunity to share and celebrate Nigerian culture through food.”

Sasilka Shallangwa Restaurant Director Skcookks

Liberty Village is Toronto’s ideal dining destination, filled with choices for delicious food and drinks, indoors and out. With over 30 inviting patios in this directory—and more than 60 restaurants on our map— this community-focused hub welcomes everyone—whether you’re picking up your go-to coffee or seeking bold flavours and refreshing cocktails. Dive in and discover Liberty Village’s vibrant dining scene!

Aloette Go

171 E Liberty St #127A aloettego.com

Elevated fast-casual dining blending fine dining heritage with a love for comfort classics, like cheeseburgers and fresh salads. Ideal for takeout and delivery.

Aroma Espresso Bar

120 Lynn Williams St #101 aromacafe.ca

A unique coffee blend and fresh-baked flavors await in a cozy spot where Liberty Village’s charm meets modern community spirit.

Arvo Coffee & Wine

80 Atlantic Ave arvocoffee.com

An Australian-inspired cafe with specialty coffees, wines, and a brunch menu served all day, perfect for dine-in or takeaway.

Balzac’s Coffee Roasters

43 Hanna Ave #123 balzacs.com

A local favorite in a historic setting, Balzac’s offers artisanal coffee, baked goods, and sweet treats for a cozy break.

Big Rock Brewery

42 Liberty St bigrockbeer.com

Big Rock Brewery produces premium, all-natural craft beers. Available across Ontario at the LCBO, The Beer Store, and select grocers, Big Rock’s beers are brewed locally on-site at Liberty Commons.

Black Sheep Irish Cocktail Bar

165 E Liberty St 3rd Floor fabrestaurants.ca

Black Sheep offers unique cocktails, handcrafted with artisanal, house-made bitters, tonics, syrups, and sodas. Relax on our rooftop patio and check out the pet-friendly menu for pups!

Brazen Head Irish Pub

165 E Liberty St fabrestaurants.ca

Classic Irish pub with pub fare, bold cocktails, craft beers, and wine in a cozy, exposed-brick setting with two outdoor levels that capture Liberty Village’s vibrant spirit.