Aura

What is Aura? Occupying the former Aft space at 686 Queen Street East near Broadview, Aura is an intimate cocktail hideaway and cafe founded by Turkish-Canadian brothers Andi and Arda Akin. The daytime espresso bar transitions at dusk into a 1940s-inspired, candlelit lounge featuring exposed brick, an artisanal wooden bar, and a year-round heated back patio tucked away beneath greenery and mural art.

Aura Menu & What to Order The kitchen keeps things straightforward and accessible with globally inspired shareables and daytime cafe fare. The standout plate is the Jamon toast—crusty Vienna bread layered with rich brie, apricot jam, and prosciutto—alongside crunchy fried chicken sliders and house-spiced kofte meatballs. Pair the food with theatrical drinks like the cloche-smoked Scottish Kiss, a spiced Gin Amore, or an evening espresso martini.

Know Before You Go Seating operates primarily on a walk-in basis, though calling ahead is wise if you are aiming to snag a table on the back patio during peak weekend hours. Daily happy hour runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with discounted house cocktails. The bar is right on the 501 Queen streetcar line, making transit straightforward, while street parking along Queen East fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights.