Memories of Sadie’s Diner in Toronto
We ate our last meal at Sadie’s Diner last weekend. Sadies is was a vegan-friendly meatless restaurant that had been open since 2006, but now it’s closed. I’ve always seen it as an institution in Toronto and was a little surprised it wasn’t open even longer, but it probably helps that I have never known a Toronto without Sadie’s.
Sadie’s Diner was one of the first vegan-friendly restaurants I went to in Toronto on my first 48hr visit to Toronto back in 2008, and was one of the first spots I visited when I arrived in 2010 (on the post-university “visit” that has extended to the present.)
Known for their all-day-breakfasts, bright teal diner tables, and a huge wall of Pez (the owner Al is a serious collector), this spot did more than serve food – it was home to fundraisers, and art shows and community meetings, and more, and I hope that there will be other local vegan businesses that pick up the torch on the Vegan-Food-For-Charity front, because that level of thoughtfulness and community involvement will be missed.
I remember the very first Chili-For-Charity fundraiser I attended (which was also the first time JC and I went to Sadie’s together) back in April 2011 – for ARK II, an organization I’ve since joined as a director. It was my first time meeting the folks involved with ARKII and learning more about what they do. I even won a wallet and a t-shirt from the raffle.
Anyway, farewell to Sadie’s, and best wishes to Al Ridley. Sorry to everyone that missed out on visiting Sadie’s while it was open.
If you’re looking for a few good options for vegan brunch in Toronto it’s not over – there are a few good spots out there, in no particular order (& it’s certainly not limited to these):
- Grasslands (vegan, fancy-casual – you can see a few pictures and a review here)
- E.L. Ruddy (meatless, vegan stuff on menu – review and some pictures here from 2011, but things have gotten even better since then) (cash only)
- The Steady (vegan stuff on menu – review & pictures here)
What is one of your memories of Sadie’s Diner?
Aw… I only got to go there once, but I have very fond memories of it. I had my first vegan grilled cheese with bacon there, and a chocolate shake, if I remember correctly. I got a picture of that amazing wall of Pez, and always had in mind that I’d go back there one day. So sad they’re closing.
Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to an amazing (delish food, great atmosphere, kindly owner) establishment. Like you, I didn’t know a Toronto that didn’t include Sadie’s.