The Only Cafe (Toronto) started as a long-time single storefront, wisely expanded into two with a larger back patio + hostel lodgings before going into a third and much more recently a fourth storefront at a faster pace. It was always my favorite Toronto bar since the mid-90's (remember the amazing brunch back then?)
That just-renovated fourth space was barely opening when the 2019/20 Coronavirus suddenly became a serious threat in our city. That's unforeseeable, and I won't forget that last night in March we were there having beers, joking, and bumping elbows (when that was still a thing.) Before that time it seemed this place would just be here forever. That was the dream.
Reading the MLS listing again I'm not hopeful they plan to continue the concept if they can cash out sooner rather than later. It's sad to lose a place with so much local connection and history.
This could realistically be just another condo in 5 years.
Yet perhaps the dream of 'cool' bars like this still happening out on Danforth is far from over.
