Understory

What is Understory? Occupying 505 Church Street in the Church-Wellesley Village, Understory is a trans-owned daytime cafe and evening wine bar founded by author and activist Rowan Jetté Knox and former creative director Dani Gaede. Conceived as an accessible, calm third space for Toronto's queer community, the interior features rich botanical wallpaper, earth tones, and a canopy of lush greenery anchored by an antique Prince Edward Island harvest table, cozy armchairs, and designated laptop-friendly seating.

Understory Menu & What to Order By day, the counter serves espresso drinks, teas, and clever handhelds like the LGBLT breakfast sandwich on an English muffin, the turkey-and-roasted-pepper FTM on toasted focaccia, and the vegan Mx. Chickpea smash on sourdough with fresh dill and lemon. Pair flaky Ontario butter tarts with a matcha latte or flat white in the morning, then transition after sunset to a rotating list of natural wines, a rye-forward Maple Old Fashioned, and inventive zero-proof sips like the Haskap Berry Fizz. For pure comfort, the fontina-and-cheddar grilled cheese served with warm tomato-basil dipping sauce is the standout bite.

Know Before You Go Seating operates primarily on a walk-in basis, with online reservations available for evening community events and group meetups. Weekend afternoons and early evenings are peak rush hours, so arrive early if you plan to snag a table in the laptop-free conversation zone. The cafe is completely step-free and mobility accessible, located just a five-minute walk east of Wellesley subway station.