Anthony D’Arcy (also the owner of the Dundas West bar Magpie) bought the Kensington Market-neighbouring Cecil Street space long before he knew what to do with it. D’arcy, who himself has spent many years in the DIY bike circuit, came up with the concept when he realized how central and accessible the location is.

The space itself is a bit unusual. Once home to an old coach house (and it shows), the café contains just a few seats on its first floor, a small window where the baristas whip up the joe, and a colourful neon piano.  There are a few more tables upstairs and a prime second-floor patio, but Sonic is much more conspicuous from the outside. Eschewing a traditional sign, Sonic’s exterior itself is painted and bannered by East Coast artist Christian Toth.

It may be located east of Spadina, but Sonic has more of an “old Kensington” feel than most of the Market’s current inhabitants. And why not? It’s just a short bike ride away.