The Riverdale Perk Cafe
633 Logan Avenue (at Withrow)
416-462-3538

Now that the warm weather is here, I look forward to leisurely walks with my golden “mischiever”. Olsen loves his strolls, and a great place for a destination dog-walk or a short break from chasing tails is The Riverdale Perk Café. Located near two doggy-dense parks - Riverdale and Withrow - “The Perk” happily offers rest and fuel for two legs and four.

Owner Danielle Quayle is ambitious. The Perk was her local coffee shop when she first moved into the neighbourhood, but Quayle “was always disappointed with what it could have been and what it wasn’t.” Confident after being in the restaurant biz for 16 years, when The Perk went up for sale, Quayle took a chance.

Too close to the Danforth to compete with the restaurants and not likely to get a liquor license in such a residential neighbourhood, Quayle has still managed to carve out a niche for The Perk. While Olsen sees The Perk as a dog-friendly destination equipped with a dog bowl, dog parking and dog treats, Quayle sees a laid-back resto serving up stylish food with a side of cool tunes.

There’s enough indoor seating for about 30, including bar stools in the front window and a comfy couch for reading. Flyers advertise upcoming neighbourhood events and the walls are decorated with works by local artists. “The waiting list for wall space is at a year now,” says Quayle. A revitalized patio this season should add some zest to The Perk’s curb appeal.

Despite having no culinary training, Quayle has managed to create a fresh, seasonal menu by combining family recipes and experimenting with ingredients. The menu includes typical café fare, such as specialty coffees and teas, plus tarts, squares and cookies. Being a regular I’ve tried most things on the menu, but my morning go-to is the skinny vanilla latte and the butter and pecan tart. While most staff make a specialty coffee like a barista, I’ve endured a few trainee-javas. As for my perfectly gooey tart, no complaints here.

Quayle is proud of her lunch menu. “We’ve had lunch all along. Right off the bat when I bought The Perk I said ‘this place needs to have lunch,’” she recalls. Over the last few years, Quayle has created a few signature dishes. including a hot pressed veggie wrap, curried slaw, quesadillas and a soup of the day; the apple butternut squash is particularly yummy.

The newest perk at The Perk is Sunday brunch. With a handful of takes on benedict, two omelettes, French toast and a smoked salmon bagel, the modest brunch menu makes an easy going Sunday even easier, albeit, no less satisfying.

The Perk only accepts cash, which is inconvenient. But Olsen doesn’t mind, his dog bones and crumbs come free of charge.