Greenavi snuggles in the midst of bustling shops and restaurants on the lively stretch of Queen West between Spadina and Bathurst. The roomy hideout has been open since May 2008, taking over from Just Us Cafe and still serving organic, fair trade beverages and treats.
Owner Ellen Lee serves me up a delectable "caravanilla" latte (no charge for soy!) and later explains that she opened up the place with her sister Tammy (the manager) as well as her boyfriend. Ellen's art adorns the walls and there are plans to host art shows and live music in the future, making Greenavi an artist friendly go-to spot for the neighbourhood (with free wi-fi, yessss!).
The organic menu is extensive, with all the hot bevvies you could hope for as well as iced drinks, smoothies, waffles, paninis and wraps. Their baked sweets are all from local suppliers with many vegan or gluten-free options, so I was like, "hey tummy - calm down and eat a cookie already!" And dig those recyclable, biodegradable take-out cups and containers, too.
Ellen stresses the warm, comfortable atmosphere at Greenavi - they just want people to come, sip a latte and chill out. Surf some blogs and watch some cat videos. Eat some pie. Whatever floats your boat, Greenavi is an escape from the buzz of Queen West.
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Queen West between Spadina and Queen?
This is where the old Tequila Bookwoorm was, a couple of years ago. Smack in the middle between Spadina and Bathurst.
Fixed! :)
It's near Portland, where they are building the new Home Depot. It's pretty much across the street from the Healthy Butcher. I'm not sure if these landmarks mean anything to you folks, but you won't have too much trouble finding it if you're walking along Queen West. Head in and say hi to Tammy or Ellen.
I was just in yesterday, and yet again loved going there. I only get a hot chocolate, but even that makes me smile because they decorate it with a lovely flower chocolate design. And this is something silly, however the girl (not sure which one Tammy or Ellen) brought our drinks and bagel to our table. And it's something so small, but compared to where I work, we just hand off food & drinks. But this was just a small step that shows they care. The art hanging up is nice as well. A nice atmosphere & always nice customer service.
This place is awesome and so many Vegan treats! I make a point to stop in when I'm in the area.
i love this place! the staff are so nice, and their soy mochas consistently rule. the shitty starbucks on the corner has nothing on them!
Just visited this morning. Had a rice milk latte and gluten free sunflower seed and berry bar. Both were delicious. The place was nice and clean aswell. Great atmosphere.
Greenavi is now closed
Very very disappointed that this fantastic little shop didn't make it through these tough times. Now where will I go to work?
any employee here that knows about the artwork that used to be hanging on the walls. I've been looking for this japanese artist that had his/her artwork up on display and for sale as well a couple months ago. Anyone recall?
The owner Ellen Lee had her own art up there for a good amount of time, although I know there were other artists displayed. I know you can contact her through facebook.