Pinball lovers rejoice! Equipped with eight machines, a vintage Wurlitzer Americana jukebox, and plenty of espresso and snack options, this Parkdale cafe is bringing back a retro "tilt" that will surely appeal to wizards and novices alike.

Read my profile of The Pinball Cafe in the cafes section.

There is finally an indie coffee option by Ryerson that's close enough for a grab-and-go between scheduled classes. While all eyes have been on Ryerson's Image Arts building, which is scheduled to host a new Balzac's sometime this year, this new cafe has quietly opened on Mutual Street, offering fair trade organic coffee and lattes that don't come from the single press of a machine.

Read my profile of RISE Espresso in the cafes section.

When the Mercer Union migrated to Bloor and Lansdowne back in late 2008, it signaled the beginning of a trend for galleries looking to escape the high rent and and smaller storefront spaces on West Queen West. Three years later, and the industrial area to the south of the Mercer is starting to attract some solid art spaces.

Read my profile of Daniel Faria Gallery in the galleries section.

Consider this the antithesis of the horrifying screaming-child-in-Starbucks experience. This new cafe caters to the new-mom crowd, with everything from a play station to stroller parking, kid-friendly menu options and a potty seat in the bathroom. And — tapping into what new parents really need — a menu that includes beer, wine, and spiked specialty coffees.

Read my profile of Playful Grounds in the cafes section.

While most indie coffee shops in Toronto host local art on their walls, this new cafe at Bloor and Dovercourt can actually call itself a gallery. With 2,000 square feet of space — 600 of which is just for art — this cafe actually offers the room to sit back, sip, and observe.

Read my profile of Rustic Owl in the cafes section.

Long hailed as the place to go for OCAD students, this art supply store has opened a second location after more than 13 years on McCaul. This new store is considerably smaller with just one retail floor, but for a previously dry strip of Dundas West it's a welcome addition. Well that and its competitor, also new to the Junction, just a few doors down.

Read by profile of Above Ground Art Supplies (Junction) in the design stores section.