Old's Cool General Store

370 reviews

250 Westlake Ave, East York, ON M4C 4T4, Canada

oldscoolgeneralstore.square.site

+14164259084

About

Old's Cool General Store is a General store located at 250 Westlake Ave, East York, ON M4C 4T4, Canada. It has received 370 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday9AM-6PM
Tuesday9AM-6PM
Wednesday9AM-6PM
Thursday9AM-6PM
Friday9AM-6PM
Saturday9AM-6PM
Sunday9AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Old's Cool General Store: 250 Westlake Ave, East York, ON M4C 4T4, Canada

  • Old's Cool General Store has 4.7 stars from 370 reviews

  • General store

  • "I love this store, but I wanted to take the time to write this review because they saved my butt last week"

    "Just had the best "ice cream" ever, well, gourmet gelato, actually! I had two amazing new-for-me flavours in a delish sugar cone: **Chocolate Bourbon** and **Rosemary Lemon Ricotta***!! SURPRISE--JUST HEAVENLY, PERFECT DUO, DIVINE!! (Rosemary, Lemon"

    "Our local neighborhood general and Community store"

    "You can stop by here on a hot Summer day and pick up a cool ice cream cone, not a lot of flavors but some solid favors"

    "Cute general store"

Reviews

  • Lillian White

I love this store, but I wanted to take the time to write this review because they saved my butt last week. I had agreed to bring coffees to what was essentally a job interview. Due to my own incompetence, I was running woefully close to late. When I got to Old's Cool, the big coffee buckets were nearly empty. Normally, I'd just wait for more to be made, but I was fretting for time. The tall gentleman with the long dark hair (I am sorry, I don't know his name) offered to whip me up some Americanos as an alternative. He then discovered that the store was out of carry-out trays but quickly came up with the idea to use a cake box instead. At any point, he would have been perfectly justified in shrugging his shoulders at me and saying "too bad." But he didn't. He found speedy, creative solutions and helped me while I was frazzled. Thank you so much!

  • Katherine Hardie

Just had the best "ice cream" ever, well, gourmet gelato, actually! I had two amazing new-for-me flavours in a delish sugar cone: **Chocolate Bourbon** and **Rosemary Lemon Ricotta***!! SURPRISE--JUST HEAVENLY, PERFECT DUO, DIVINE!! (Rosemary, Lemon... Ricotta??? -- I know, right? The ricotta did not over power , lemon tasted natural, and the rosemary was very seductive and subtle, yum!) Fair warning: on May 30 they closed at 6pm--so you gotta get there early; be prepared to wait 5-10 min. to get served, the locals know how good this place is!!---only one person staffing this cute store after 5pm. Hopefully the owners will extend that when the summer gets going! 'Cause we need our summer stroll to the General Store to get ice cream!! Go summer. :-)

  • Abby Ong-Villeneuve

Our local neighborhood general and Community store. They are truly some great leaders in community activism which incorporates all members of the community, including children. They have typical corner store items and sell their own line of skin and body care items. For the holidays they have an array of products that you can spend so much time browsing the store if it wasn't for COVID! Oh and I can't forget the amazing Central Smith Dairy Ice Cream scoops, and the Death by Venice pints you can bring home. And puzzles! Lots of puzzles! Oh and t-shirts that they sell to fundraise for Orange Shirt Day. They were one of the first vendors to sell shirts for that day and always donate the proceeds to Anishnawbe Health Toronto. Okay, that's all-ish.

  • Charles D

You can stop by here on a hot Summer day and pick up a cool ice cream cone, not a lot of flavors but some solid favors. There are some picnic tables on the side of the building (maybe where cars parked prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic), this store is very Liberal as you can tell by the mural and other pieces of art on the exterior of the store, which is pretty political but fair enough they are wanting to send a message. This store is very unique, you can find long decorative socks inside, some premium cheese, books catering to specific audiences and other trinkets. A staff member if I need help which was good, pretty not really a convince store in a traditional sense.

  • J M

Cute general store. bipoc women LGBT owned & LGBT friendly so you'll find a variety of items in there like books from queer women etc. From BlogTO: they make a concerted effort to sell mostly artisanal products made by QTBIPOC (queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) creators. "From the books to the novelty items to even the food." Lots of cute socks, good, small groceries, milk that you can zero waste by bringing the bottle back for a deposit, grooming products, etc. A little bit of everything. It's bigger and has more than you think.

  • Alex

Great little shop with all the essentials of a variety store and shelves stocked with unique eco friendly options, novelty socks, and queer pride. For such a small shop they have an amazing selection. Also a great place to find children's and adult books about a diversity of topics by diverse authors. Staff are also lovely. Highly recommend coming here to support a family owned business over Amazon which is one of the few other places you can find some of these gems.

  • Dylan Williamson

Old's Cool is such a unique gem in East York. I can guarantee that there is something or everyone in this store. I recently purchased a pride flag online, and when I went to pick it up in store, the experience was amazing. The folx working in the store were so welcoming and laid back - it's been a while since I felt that welcomed in a space. Will definitely be returning to Old's Cool to buy some unique guests for friends/family, or even things for myself!

  • Karolina Hordowick

An absolutely wonderful local business that carries just the greatest gifts, yummy foods, and is owned by incredible humans who are building up our community by being inclusive, caring, and sharing their space for great events. When you pop in, there's always a warm smile and a helpful hand or suggestions for what you're looking for. Old's Cool is one of the finest assets our east end community is lucky to have. Would give six stars if I could!

  • Dallas Jarvis

Zara, Mariko, and the entire staff at Old's Cool are all wonderful people who go out of their way to make you feel like family when you shop there. Their unique approach to the local corner store is refreshing and a much welcomed addition to the neighbourhood. They sell unique high quality goods and support local businesses by selling their merchandise. Old's Cool is an all around great experience and has become a staple in the community.

  • dayle clarice

This is the coolest shop I've been into in East York! Small, local, with organic and fair trade feature items. You will not be sorry for a moment stepping into this store, I popped in for an ice cream scoop with my partner and wanted to leave with half the store! The friendly and polite salesperson was very helpful and made us feel right at home - that's something I find very valuable and increasingly more rare.

  • Leah Micallef

LOVE! Not only is Old's Cool a general store where you can pick up the essentials when you're in a pinch, they also offer coffee and baked goods, unique gift items and a community hub and gathering place, offering activities for kiddos and adults alike. Our family loves the community spirit this place exudes, values the diversity it promotes and is grateful it is only a hop skip and a jump away from our home!

  • Missy Mae-Ng

This summer I was on a bike ride with my family and we biked past Old's Cool and I immediately thought, "I love my neighborhood". I love that this store is here full of gorgeous social justice focused gifts, delicious food, ice cream and more. I love their events, I love their garden. I love how they live their values. Thank you, Old's Cool. Thanks for contributing to our neighborhood in such amazing ways.

  • Jalila Freve

The absolute BEST one stop shop for EVERYTHING. We love shopping here for birthdays, holidays, house warming and for every day needs. The owners are wonderful. They care about their community and about ALL the humans in it! Which is far more than most large, big box stores. The staff always make you feel welcome and do a great job taking care of you. I highly recommend Old’s Cool General Store.

  • Wulf Higgins

The owners have treated us like old friends since the first time we walked in here, and I treat it as my local store even though it's actually quite a long way from home. It's been great watching it grow and change over the last year or so, and every time I visit it's different and better. There's always something new to see, and it's easy to find something we need that makes a good excuse to visit.

  • Erika Virtanen-Galt

This is such a fun, eclectic local "general" store. Looking for a book to read? Old's Cool has got you covered. Need a baby shower gift? Plenty of great ideas to make you look like a master of gift giving. Need a snack and/or coffee? Old's can hook you up! From tarot cards to Ruffles potato chips, there's something for everyone at this not so hidden gem at the corner of Westlake and Lumsden.

  • Anastasia Anagnostopoulos

The strangest thing about my life is that I don't shop here more often. It's such a great store in the heart of our neighbourhoods. You can get a great assortment of items for you and your friends. I also really like how they have grocery items and coffee. The workers are nice and helpful too, and I love the way they package goods. Definitely need to find a way to come here more often!

  • Shay Steinberg

Neat store with lots of interesting items like books and journals, creams and lotions (especially my favourite, Beekmans), international food items and chocolates, games, etc etc. Also great service, they helped me find a specific cream I was looking for and let me know when it came in! I will go back when I need to find a small present for someone... There's lots to choose from!

  • Rick Allen

Cool concepts (cafe with local snacks and other goods centring QTBIPOC voices), very disingenuous vibes. A liberal space through and through; would fly pride flags but not actually stand up for the people unless it was good for business. This is not a safe place for QTBIPOC people or allies. It’s for wealthy liberals who are looking for a space to soothe their guilt

  • Lisa Cyr

This is the coolest place I've ever had the pleasure of frequenting. Their teas and coffees are outstanding. The baked goods are the best I've ever had and the natural health products for beauty and home are so good. Plus they have all the regular general store goods. This is a great community store and I would highly recommend the drive, walk or cycle to visit.

  • Catherine Goguen

Love this General Store! You can get really cool local artist items/presents, pick up some organic snacks, lotto tickets, newspaper, stay for a coffee/cookies or simply stop by to grab some milk & bread on your way home... It's all in one awesome store! The owners are super nice and have a genuine love for the East York community! I ❤️ Old's Cool General Store!

  • Steven Lamothe

I really wish there were other stores like this around Toronto (you can blame the city’s terrible zoning by-laws for that). This is the perfect store to visit if you want to support local businesses as it’s full of products from local sources, but it also has some products you'd find at a grocery store. Always look forward to coming here!

  • Sarah Kurash

I went to this store specifically to purchase orange shirts where proceeds actually go to support an indigenous charity. The store is really cute with lots of great products. There was an issue with my billing that I didn't realize until I got home and within minutes of emailing the store, was fixed. I only wish they had a store near me!

  • Monica Kelly

This place is a total gem! I have been a customer since it opened and love it so much that now I work there. You won't be disappointed if you stop by and browse. We kind of have a lil bit of everything so you are sure to find something you'll love. LGBTQ2SIA+ owned and operated. From books to groceries and everything in between.

  • Aviva West

Best little general store/convenience spot in all of the GTA. Great snacks (the Nutella brownies!), coffees, essentials and gifts for every need. I love this spot and the beautiful humans that run it. A community gem that I recommend to every single person in the area, thanks Z&M for all your hard work and community engagement!

  • Leo Monaco

This is a great little store if you're looking for a unique gift. You can definitely find something for everyone in here. There are many local items and gifts, as well as many socially empowering books and items. They also offer Orange shirts containing art designed by Indigenous artists. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

  • David Turcotte

The small family run business is alive and well! They have an excellent assortment of items for sale, from convenience store items to gifts. They are very community minded and want to help out local sellers. Their consignment area constantly has new things. This is overall a fun store with something new every time I go.

  • Ian McMillan

Old's Cool is one my favourite things about my neighbourhood. It's quirky and the staff are always friendly. The items inside are unique and perfect for gift giving and focus on important cultural themes. I appreciate the effort they put into selecting the items for the grocery side, even if they can be a bit pricey.

  • Kate Carver

This is such a great store, a true gem in a residential neighbourhood. It carries lots of grocery staples, as a General Store should, as well as a dreamy freezer full of other locally made food , making it convenient to pop in and pick up a delicious almost-ready to eat meal. Many gifts and books also available. Go!

  • Janine Carrington

This place is a lifesaver to the people in the neighbourhood and beyond. Stuffed to the brim with unique high quality merchandise as well as normal stuff it's the perfect place to buy gifts and staples. Owned, staffed and frequented by the coolest yet warmest, people you'll ever meet. Oh yes, they also have gelato!

  • Alex T

Decent place but a few times now I have been charged more than the posted price for coffee/ peppermint tea. Once I mentioned it and they said sorry but hadn't attempted to return the change so I said to keep it.. . Just now charged 3.40 for tea not 3.00 and even charged a debit fee on top lol …

  • Johanna O'Reilly

Old’s Cool is my absolute favourite place to pick up a unique gift, a happy pop or a carton of milk. But they are more than a corner store, they are community creators with a community fridge and pantry and a beautiful native plant garden. Plus, my dog loves the treats they give her. ❤️❤️

  • Phuong D.

Places like Old's Cool General make this city magical! I love that it's tucked away in the neighbourhood because when you stumble upon it you feel like you're discovering something secret and special. They have lots of fun little knick knacks and a thoughtful children's book collection :)

  • Rebecca Green

I have never gone into this store and not left with a treasure of some kind. Sometimes the treasures are adorable physical objects or fascinating books, and often the treasures are memories of beautiful events and conversations. We are so lucky to have Old's Cool in the neighbourhood.

  • Billie K

This is one eclectic store. Love it! There's so many things to try out. Sauces, snacks, baked goods, earrings, etc. If I didn't have someone waiting for me in the car, I would've spent a lot more time in there checking things out. And oh yea! The ppl are pretty awesome too! …

  • jaclyn - “mauvemarauder” - jacpot

everything you want in a community corner store-holistic consciousness [mind body soul] spanning empowering art, to locally prepared groceries and delectable baking, to their intoxicating line of scents for me and my home. I always leave there smiling. and smelling perfect!

  • Tanya Gerber

This is an amazing little community hub of a store! Awesome experience coming here for years! They stock great gift options and books and local artists too! And I love that they are so integrated into community and giving back. They even have a free community pantry.

  • Sean O'Grady

Fantastic local business that has an array of products on display from extremely talented local artists. The owners always make you feel like family. The coffees, teas and desserts on offer are worth the trip alone. Highly recommend checking out this local treasure!

  • Josh Vk

Found it while riding through and have gone back to it as a destination, Old's Cool GS is a Gem hidden in East York, (short jaunt from Taylor Creek park) with super inviting and kind staff running this gift shop / some grocery / Icecream with some outdoor seating.

  • Miah Saami

10 stars! Such a fun store with lots of locally made, enviro-friendly, indigenous and books...lots of cool books, and socks! They have some great locally made frozen meal items, icecream and Gelato, great coffee and treats. To top it off, the staff are wonderful.

  • Mae Mae

Such a cool store.. Stopped in for an iced coffee and came out with gelato, bottled drinks, a dish towel and salami. Love supporting places like this - small business and local. Really friendly staff. Will definitely come back to check out more of their stuff.

  • Marilou Lopes

I absolutely LOVE this store...though it is so much more than a store - it is a community hub. It has something for everyone so it is a great place to buy gifts. I particularly like the assortment of chidrens books. This spot is worth taking a special trip to!

  • Zum One

This store is the best in store in every way. Great people, great snacks, cool gifts, amazing books, booming garden, delish coffee, ice cream gelato, baked goods.... and community outreach and a whole heap of LOVE!!! Great place to buy PRIDE flags and more!!!

  • Krista Flare

Cute place, lots of unique, homemade items, some imported, mostly organics. Sadly, things are insanely overpriced and the inside of the store is a little dark/poorly lit. Lots of coconut based products too, which is a bad thing if you're allergic like I am.

  • Erica

This is the coolest store. Amazing books for all ages that teach about social issues. Great books for kids to teach them about race and different cultures. Natural health care products, fun groceries and hot sauces. A great place to buy unique gifts.

  • Denis C

Love this store.!!! Clean friendly community meeting place. Great for coffee, specialty gifts, great place to visit while waiting for the bus. Friendly owners and staff. Outside seating, Lotto and general confectionery. Wheelchair accessible.

  • East end Family Wellness

Great community store! They have something for everyone. We are regulars there for their kombucha, coffee and popsicles! Wide assortment of gift items and handmade treasures. The owners are amazing and really bring the community together.

  • Sherry Angus

I called for a week to get a every child matters tshirt. I was told one would be put aside for me to pick up today. I drove all the way from Mississauga only to find out there wasn't a shirt available and not even an apology. Its now the

  • LAURI JARVIS

Amazing corner store!! So different from any other corner store. Mariko and Zara totally support local artists and foodies. They carry a wide selection of stuff you need and things you didnt think u need (like amazing baked goods AND

  • Michael Went

Love this store! Great assortment of gift items especially books. Range of food items both of a convenience store variety and more diverse foods. The owners commitment to community and social justice makes this a true gem of a store.

  • Mike Hoang

Everything is overpriced and the cafe portion gave me some of the worst experiences for London fogs and or other lattes. The best cafe drink was drip coffee. They also get a bonus star for Jamaican patties that come on Fridays.

  • Alysse Rich

Damn, I love this place. They do so much good and they carry the best stuff. When I need a reminder about the goodness of humanity I just go walk around in there (and inevitably buy stuff like books, ice cream, candy, socks…)

  • Sunny Gafur

I was in briefly to pick up some Fun Dip(remember them?) for my wife's birthday. Wish I had a little more time to browse all the neat stuff they sell. Gotta get some gelato next time, too. Great customer service as well!

  • Madalene Arias

Absolutely love this place and feel so lucky to have this gem of a shop in my neighbourhood. The staff are super kind, helpful and considerate. Great coffee, great book selection and lots of candles! Oh and snacks …

  • Belle Kaplan

Cute neighbourhood shop with both essentials (eggs, milk, candy, chips) and interesting products (gifts, cards, soaps, etc.). I respect their work to feature products from BIPOC makers and they make a mean chai lattee.

  • Heather Corner

Beautiful selection of local products, snacks, books, jewelry, beauty, great for finding a special gift or just to treat yourself! The owners are so lovely and helpful. So happy to have this place in my neighbourhood!

  • Downing Craig

Beautiful general store with a boutique angle.Convenience store items plus arts andcrafts. Also a great helper of the community with a fridge and pantry outside for those in need.Kind staff and good covid protocols

  • veronica dicerni

Just WOW!! Been wanting to stop in for last couple years. What a gold mine of incredible ethical and endlessly interesting items. I got a handmade quilt!! Closed at 6pm so will need to go back earlier next time

  • Rebekah Devonish

I’ve purchased a few gifts for loved ones here. Great selection of unique items, food as well. Highly recommend checking it out. Owners truly care about their community and actively show support to others.

  • Meaghan Tellier

The absolute best community centered store. They have all the necessities, great coffee, local artisan finds, and the best staff. Old's Cool just keeps getting better and better everytime we visit.

  • Erin Canning

This is more than a store - it's the kind of place that makes a community. But also, great selection of things from everyday needs to special gifts, and a convenient place for coffee and pastries!

  • C Warner

each day there may be a variety of baked goods, and sometimes a surprise variation of Sweets/chocolate bars not usually seen. Like for instance, Resee's BIG CUP with potato chips... I kid you not

  • Maggie L.

Wonderful store. Lots of amazing gift ideas, supportive of all! Loved my first visit and bought an orange shirt. Will be back many times I'm sure. So excited that they sell food as well.

  • Dasong Zou

A great variety of eco friendly and people friendly goods. It is a delightful visit. New layout. New Community Fridge and Cabinet, by the people and for the people.

  • Natalia Perez Wahlberg

I love this place. It has a ton of interesting items, serves coffee and fresh pastries. You can also find organic dairy and other items that might be hard to find at other locations.

  • Genevieve Mullally

Wonderful assortment of goods and giftware and social justice books. Always a favourite place to stop in for a snack, or an ice cream and pick up something unique and interesting!

  • Catherine Khemraj

Their passion for social justice is evident. They're knowledgeable about the products and always ready to offer recommendations or help you find the perfect gift.

  • Jawney Floros

I stopped in with my mom we got incredible coffee and walked around. I enjoyed chatting with the cashier about incredible books. The location is always clean.

  • Suzanne Nuttall

Best corner store in all of Toronto! Everything from candy bars to cool birthday gifts and everything in between. Plus, they do so much for the community!!!

  • Michael Maxwell

WHITE kids are doing all the stealing according to these ladies. Racial profiling is never cool. I will keep my family away so they don't feel judged.

  • Zehra Khan

what a fun inclusive shop! great for picking up gifts, books, even icecreams! I got myself a progressive flag from there to celebrate pride month!

  • L B

Came here for the gelato. Great sized scoops and great flavours! Also really cool spot to find interesting knick-knacks and souvenirs. :)

  • Rachel Jonsey

This is such a great store. Has everything you need and more. Super friendly/helpful staff. My favourite place for gift shopping.

  • Brady Earnhart

Love this place. The woman at the counter even washed out my to-go mug for a latte. Cool hippy-dippy stuff on the shelves.

  • Alex Verdugo

Best local convenience, general store and coffee shop. Always friendly staff and fresh ingredients. Highly recommended!

  • Tova H

Thank god for their community donation fridge and locker, it has saved me a lot of money on groceries.

  • Cherry Blossom

Me and my daughter love the store been meaning to go in for months. Their bakery is so good.

  • V Scott

Such a fun neighborhood spot for coffee, treats, staple items, gifts and so much more.

  • Kevin

Unique. East York t-shirts and some other cool stuff available.

  • Kathleen Barry

Such a great store and wonderful owners. Highly recommend!

  • Hexen 007

First vintage antique market

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