location: 492 College
phone number: 416.619.9282
hours: Mon to Sat 11am-8pm/Sun 11am-7pm
payment methods:Cash, Interac, Mastercard, Amex, Visa
Directions: On the North side of College, between Bathurst and Spadina.

What was once solely an arts and culture publication has since stemmed into a café/book/CD/clothing store called Ukula. The store contains pieces, here and there, created by European and local designers that you may not find elsewhere, such as Sussun, GSUS, Cheap Monday and Box Fresh. The price range may just be what to expect for such designers, like $218 for a Milk Berlin purse, $150 for a woman’s fall jacket, a simple locket necklace for $75.

Past the intentionaly almost bare racks of clothing and the counter where you can order your coffee, is a cozy little area to sit and read or just hang out. Unlike bookstore cafés, such as Indigo, you do not need to buy the book to be able to read it while you drink your coffee. The pricing for books and CDs is pretty standard. The staff is sweet and knowledgeable and gives the what-could-easily-be-pretentious store a more laid back feel.
In keeping with the combining of arts, you can book events at Ukula. Just call a month in advance to book your band’s first gig, your art show, or your ‘zine launch.
review by Bonnie DeKuyper
photography by Ashley Satchell