Toronto's Restaurant Streetcars: A Blast from the Past

Toronto's Hidden History: Restaurants on Wheels Toronto, Canada – A recent video by blogTO has unearthed a fascinating piece of Toronto's past: restaurants housed in retired streetcars. The video focuses on La Pentola, a restaurant located on Eglinton Avenue East in the mid-20th century, which operated inside a repurposed streetcar. The unique establishment transformed the streetcar's interior, creating a cozy dining space and even a cocktail bar in the driver's area. "Inside, velvet curtains added a touch of romance," the video narrator explains. Another example cited is a boutique located in a red streetcar on Dundas and Bay streets, which was later moved to Thornhill and eventually scrapped. The video highlights the ingenuity and adaptability of Toronto's businesses in the mid-20th century, showcasing how even retired streetcars could find new life. The story offers a glimpse into a quirky aspect of Toronto's history, reminding us that even the most ordinary objects can hold extraordinary stories.