Back in the day, there was Olimpico, affectionately known by everyone as “Open da night” (due to some lost lettering that let us know operating hours). The coffee was delicious – café lattés served in glasses, with a touch of brown sugar.  It felt “genuine”, with its old Italian men talking sports and politics. It had a pool table in the middle of the room, tin tiles on the ceiling, and posters of successful soccer championships and Ferrari car races. As you might imagine, hipsters began flocking to it.

So some of the locals felt the need to open another spot, a block to the west, where they could be old Italian men in peace. And Club Social was born. Nowadays, Olimpico attracts the young and beautiful. And Club Social feels like it’s been there longer, and remains true to its roots. Both have amazing terrasses (patios), and terrific bombolini (Italian donuts).

I’m not going to tell you which place is better. Go to both. Opt for the coffee at Olimpico and watch the beautiful people. Opt for Social for a beer and sandwich, and watch the artists and the colourful Mile End locals.