Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Café – blogTO

Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe in Leslieville is a unique, multi-purpose space for motorcycle enthusiasts and more.

The building used to be a garage and gas station, but has now been converted into a bicycle shed and members’ club for cyclists.

Co-owner Caullyn Godfrey explains why management decided to add a café to the mix: “We needed to offer something extra for people outside of the motorsport world, so they would feel welcome in our space too.”

As you walk through the outdoor patio, a side door takes you into a tall, industrial space that many will remember as the recent home of Omnia Coffee Roasters.

Primary colours transform the interior of the recently renovated café. A motorcycle stands in the window and a glass case houses a gift shop with motorcycle-related items.

Through the second door on the side of the building you enter a chic members’ lounge, equipped with a bar, a huge flat-screen TV, a vintage telephone booth and a collection of motorcycle-themed art.

Many members use this area as a workspace. In addition to the many other benefits of membership (free coffee, discounts on merchandise, invitations to join organized group rides), members can also host events in the space.

Through a high wooden arch is the storage area. In the converted garage are parked dozens of bicycles.

In addition to serving as a bicycle shed for members, Godfrey says the building has also hosted small concerts and parties in the past.

Adjacent to the storage space is a street-facing retail space, which currently sells a variety of clothing, candles, perfume and other merchandise.

Godfrey said they plan to turn this into a barbershop by the end of the summer.

I wondered, “Is there anything Flying Squirrel can’t do?”

Godfrey agrees: “There is no other cafe in town that offers seasonal motorcycle storage, is a great place to hang out, (has) the ability to celebrate your birthday in the members lounge and enjoy a nice sandwich and a cup of coffee.”

The café’s menu offers a variety of classic drinks, tasty dishes and inventive treats.

You might be wondering if the coffee at a biker cafe is good? It sure is! The Flat White ($4.85) I tried was rich and strong.

Another caffeinated beverage on offer is an Affogato ($6). This Italian dessert is a great sweet treat. The bitter, hot espresso poured over the sweet vanilla soft serve creates a delicious clash of flavors.

Speaking of clashing flavors, a strip of bacon is an unexpected garnish on Flying Squirrel’s Ice Cream Cup ($4.50). The unlikely combination of sweet and savory was odd, but surprisingly good?

Bacon is one of Flying Squirrel’s specialties. They even offer a piece of Walkin’ Around Bacon ($3.25) wrapped in paper for a convenient on-the-go snack. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, their Meatball Sub ($14.50) also makes a tasty and more filling snack.
Finally, Flying Squirrel’s Ice Cream Float ($7) is the perfect classic dessert to end a meal. It can be made with root beer, black cherry cola, or orange soda, whatever you prefer.

The goal of every space under the Flying Squirrel roof is to create a close-knit community.

“We are a people business. The ability to feed people and create a fun environment is a big part of why we do things,” Godfrey says.

This goes beyond just the Toronto motorcycle community. “We do community rides that involve the motorcycle community, but we also have kids in strollers coming in for ice cream,” Godfrey adds.

Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe is a fun, versatile location for everyone, bikers and more. Everyone, biker or not, can come in and order a cup of coffee or a nice bite to eat.
Flying Squirrel Motorcycle Cafe is located at 1345 Queen St. East.