Photo by CTV KItchener
I regularly award Diamond & Coal awards. On my Jane’s Walk of east downtown Kitchener, I pointed out many gems along or close to our route. While they may not all be Diamond award quality, they are all gems that make living in this part of Kitchener more enjoyable–and are worth a trip from other parts of Kitchener and Waterloo Region. I’ve deliberately focused on local businesses as much as possible.
I have used the best links to more information that I could find. If you know of a better one, please let me know.
Restaurants
Cameron Chinese Seafood Restaurant - Already on my Essential Kitchener list
City Cafe - Great bagels, coffee, pizza & sandwiches
King Fish and Chips - A great selection of lightly breaded fish and east downtown Kitchener’s best fries.
Pupuseria Latinos - on Eby near Charles
China Fried Rice - I understand they are known for their offal.
Bakeries & Food Stores
Golden Hearth Bakery - Great croissants & bread!
B&T Ben Thanh – Lao Thai
Clothing Stores
Vicanie’s - The bra fitting specialists
Sports Stores
Braun’s Is Bicycles - Brand new location at the corner of Borden S. and Nyberg
Sportco - An award-winning family-run Kitchener institution
Ski & Cycle Hut - A modest-sized store with a great website
Recreation
Towne Bowl - 5 pin bowling
Grand River Rocks – Indoor rock climbing
Kitchener Kicks – Karate
Appliance Stores
Heritage
Original Onward Manufacturing site – on King E. at the foot of Onward Street was built in 1914. The offices and some of the manufacturing area was destroyed by fire in 1964 but renovated.
First Mennonite Church – Benjamin Eby’s Meeting House was erected in 1813. This church and an adjoining cemetery were the first in the area. The brick church was built in 1902 and continues to be used.
Olivet United Church - built in 1935 on the edge of the city. There is speculation it could become part of a project to redevelop the site of the neighbouring car dealership property.
Social Service Agencies
There are many social service agencies in east downtown Kitchener. I’m only listing those on King St. E. between Frederick/Benton and Ottawa but there are more on Charles and further along King St. E. towards Montgomery.
Thank you, James, for a very informative walk/talk today. Jane would be so proud!
Lorna and John Ferguson
You’re welcome! And thank you for the great compliment.
Found another gem with the Morris Car Wash! $20 for wash, towel dry and they vacuum inside as well. Deal!
Thanks Ted! You’re correct. It is a gem! I was trying to avoid auto related uses but I guess this could be an exception.