Winter months and April showers bring new businesses and changes to Liberty Village. While some retailers and restaurants have sadly closed or moved, we can look forward to some welcomed or soon to be welcomed businesses to our community. New eateries, a blow dry bar, an art gallery and renovated favourites will be added to our spring exploration list.

Ono Poke Bar

A first to LV, Ono Poke Bar brings a unique new culinary experience. Inspired by the growing LA trend of poke bars, employees and residents can indulge in Hawaiian cuisine. Located in the former Perfect Scoop at 100 Western Battery, they are excited to become a part of our community. Picture bowls filled with colorful yet delectable vegetables, rice, sushi and more. They cater to all kinds of dietary lifestyles.

eGallery

We love art in Liberty Village! eGallery is more than a gallery. It is an event space, a place for inspiration and a champion of Canadian art and artists. Christina, the owner, is excited to be here. eGallery is located at 167 Jefferson Ave,. Swing by to check out this awesome hub. You may even leave with a piece to add to your home or office!

Toronto Wolfpack

Being the first trans-Atlantic sports team in the world, it is imperative that they have a headquarters. And the Toronto Wolfpack are they are doing just that by opening up a storefront at 139 Jefferson Ave. Fans can stop by to purchase merchandise, tickets, and to show their support. They are conveniently located just a hop, skip and jump away from the rugby team’s home playing field at Lamport Stadium. Remember, the home opener is on Saturday, May 6th!

William’s Landing

A neighbourhood favourite and mainstay, William’s Landing has undergone a renovation. With a new grown up look comes a great new menu, but the hospitality remains fantastic. Undeniably, they have one of the best patios in the area. See for yourself what they have done and devour their new dishes prepared with the FLOSS philosophy (fresh, local, organic, sustainable, and seasonal) under Chef Beman Chan.

Garden Gangsters

Opening up their second location, Garden Gangsters is a health food eatery. Focusing on organic ingredients, care for the planet, and supporting local, they aim to provide delicious smoothies, cold pressed juices, bowls and dishes. With so many health conscious individuals this eatery will be a welcomed to their restaurant rotation. Their signage is up and can be seen from Liberty Street. Visit them, once they officially open, in unit 127A at 171 East Liberty St, part of the Liberty Market Building.

Pizzaville

They can be heard on the radio with their recognizable and often comical ads (736-36-36, not 7 free sex, free sex, free sex). Pizzaville has been making delicious pizzas since 1963 for many Ontario communities. Liberty Village is the newest neighbourhood to have a Pizzaville join. For nights that cooking just isn’t in the cards, visit them at unit 128 at 171 East Liberty Street or call ahead to place an order.

Barcelona Tavern

Originally from Calgary, Barcelona Tavern will be opening their first Ontario location at some point this year. Serving up Mediterranean cuisine, it will be a great addition to our diverse restaurant offerings. Delicious tapas and shareable dishes will be on the menu like Spanish popcorn shrimp, Greek pork ribs, oxtail gnudi and truffle beets just to name a few. Find Barcelona Tavern at the corner of Hanna Ave and Snooker St.

Kibo Sushi

Same location (Unit 141 at 171 East Liberty St) but under new management and a new name. Slated to reopen as Kibo Sushi in the near future, this Japanese cuisine restaurant has aspirations to be the best sushi house in Toronto. They operate other locations throughout Toronto. Let’s hope that they open soon so we can fulfill our sushi cravings! Don’t feel like leaving home or the office? They will offer delivery service.

Locus 144

Doubling as both a restaurant and lounge, we are happy to see Locus 144 open after spending a month or so under renovations. Focusing on Italian fare, an impressive yet moderately priced menu has been created under Chef Danylo Mielnik. Make sure to stop by for a meal and then stay for the rest of the event as live DJs spin great tunes for guests to move and shake to. Find Locus 144 at 171 East Liberty in unit 144.

Vent Blow Dry

A client’s relationship with their hair dresser is a precious and trusted one. But for those in-between needs of a quick hair wash, blow out and pampering can be easily fulfilled with Vent Blow Dry Bar. Many salons do already offer blowouts as a service, however based off of the information seen in their social media, Vent will be solely focused on this and will leave the cuts and colors to the existing hair establishments. No exact date has been secured however they advertise as opening this spring. We can’t wait until they open their doors at 39 E Liberty St, in the bottom of the condos at Liberty Central by the Lake.

Many days of warm and enjoyable weather are upon us. We hope everyone takes the time to visit all of these fantastic businesses and restaurants.

All photos in this article taken by Meg Marshall unless otherwise noted.

Meg Marshall

A city gal at heart but with a soft spot for the country. If not out shopping for the next coveted fashion piece or checking out one of Toronto's delicious eateries, Meg can be found riding her horses.

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