Hastings Snack Bar gets second life as Polish cafe

Photo: Lauren Howard

Cuts and coffees are now a Leslieville thing as Hastings Snack Bar has been reopened from the same people behind the adjacent Hastings Barber Shop. 

After it shuttered last summer ending over 50 years in business, neighbourhood fixture Hastings Snack Bar has been given a second life as a Polish-influenced cafe.

A menu of real-deal Polish staples like cabbage rolls and kielbasa keep things focused on the old world. Traditional pierogis, just like babcia used to make, come stuffed with cottage cheese and potato and slathered in fried onions, and will run you $5 for four, $8 for eight and $11 for 12. Perhaps the real gem of this new spot, however, is the Polish breakfast of two eggs, parowka (Polish weenie), potato pancake and Polish bread — all for $8.

The interior has been given a tasteful tune-up from the tired greasy spoon decor of its previous life. Huge windows with stained glass features let plenty of natural light spill into the cafe where the hex tiled floor matches the barber shop next door. 

Fans of classic typography and those nostalgic for the past will appreciate that the original Hastings Snack Bar sign was left in place.

Espressos and teas will also be keeping customers buzzing at this corner of Queen East and Hastings. Best part is that you can scoop up a fresh coffee and head next door for a fresh fade.

Hastings Snack Bar is now open at 5 Hastings Ave with cafe hours running seven days a week for coffee, and Thursday through Sunday for Polish breakfast with all the fixings.