Sunny Sideshow Cafe.

Every cloud has a silver lining. I woke up on a Saturday morning to a head- achy grey sky and rain pelting the bedroom window. I quickly realized that this rainy day gave me the perfect excuse to throw on a raincoat, wellies and go to a cafe I had been cycling by recently.

The lovely front windows on a sunny day.

The Sideshow Cafe (1300 Gerrard St E.) just east of Greenwood had been catching my eye for a couple of weeks and I had not found time to pop in. I am so glad I did.

The front counter.

The cafe is charming, with stripped peeling walls and an airy, light filled interior, even on a grey day. All the artwork is by artists from the neighborhood and hangs alongside the community bulletin board filled with upcoming local events, Fringe show promos and near by restaurant menus.

Artists from the neighborhood fill the walls with their work.

The Alternative Grounds espresso makes for a strong, hot Americano, so I have two of them. The coffee cake is moist and comforting but not too sweet. The soundtrack coming from the Mac adds to the overall happy vibe of the café. To top it all off, there is free WiFi. Perfect.

The large front windows usher in the sun.

The Sideshow Cafe feels like a home away from home. The staff are welcoming, with warm smiles when you enter.  The energy is creative and the space feels genuinely alive partially due, I am sure, to the adjoining Centre of Gravity- Vaudeville Theatre and Circus Training Studio. (www.centreofgravity.ca).

Whether you live in the East end or the West, hop on your bike and check this charming little jewel out!  Wednesday nights the café hosts an Acoustic Jam at 8pm or you can take part in the juggling club that runs at the same time for a $5.00 donation (and a signed waiver) at Centre of Gravity.

Sweet sandwich board on Gerrard.