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Ella's Uncle
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
916 Dundas St WToronto, ON M6J 1W1
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
(416) 703-8881
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
30 reviews for Ella's Uncle
Review Highlights
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"If you're into chili & chocolate, try the red mocha." In 6 reviews -
"The Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies." In 4 reviews -
"Banana bread with chocolate chips OR nuts, plus cookies and..." In 5 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Corey C.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2012
I live just a hop-step and jump away from Ella's Uncle and it has become a beacon in my Dundas West haunts when I need a weekend jolt of caffeine and heavenly baked treats. On Sunday mornings in particular, one of the first things I'm thinking about is my Ella's run. Forget bathing, or even putting on a decent pair of pants; when am I going to Ella's today?
There are only two things that I have ordered at Ella's, consistently, for as long as I have been frequenting this lovely little cafe: Oatmeal Chocolate Toffee Cookies (aka the "crack" cookie) and Americanos.
The "crack" cookie is an apt title for what may just be the greatest baked treat in all of Toronto. Recently, I ventured in on a quiet Friday (it happened to be 4/20, so discretion is advised here) and happened upon a fresh batch. Textually perfect; the toffee adding that pleasant sweetness that beats back the gooeyness of the milk chocolate chips. These things are made with precision and love.
And since I don't have the same evocative writing abilities in my descriptions of coffee drinks, all I'll say about the Americanos is that they are as well made with that same love. I think I'll try one of their Ovaltine lattes soon, though.
Go to Ella's Uncle. It's run by beautiful women, too. -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
4/7/2012
VIBE
Even though it's a great spot to wait for overflow for Saving Grace (smart marketing there...), Ella's really stands on its own. VERY tiny inside with about 5 seats. If you get a window seat, you're lucky. It's a bit of sunshine on the Dundas St. W strip. Lovely owners and customers.
THE GOODS
I've only really gotten the lemonade here and if I can recall a London Fog. The lemonade is TART but if you want a kick or sugar rush, I'd recommend.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Le Love. It really is that lovely.
Guess I'll have to try this Red Mocha everyone is talking about. -
Review from Tristan B.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2012
Dear Starbucks -
I know we haven't hung out in a while, but if charm and sincerity had a price, it would be $2.75... Unfortunately for us simple folk, Ella's Uncle is a unique experience nestled in a street that dresses like a park and sings like a child. I know my words linger with a bias, but coffee served with a slice of humanity makes my toes curl... if I would ever admit to curling my toes.
Go here. Enjoy every second of it, and remember what happens when passion mingles with profit.
Sincerely yours, -
Review from Teresa C.
6/22/2011 ROTD 5/19/2012
FAVOURITE DRINK TO ORDER:
The Red Mocha - a spicy (cayenne) mocha. Oh, baby. The cayenne kick works really well with the chocolate. I don't use sugar in my coffees, but found that the slight sweetness to the chocolate made the drink delightful. The shots are pulled well here. This is a nice alternative to a latte or espresso; it's still got a great kick to it. It's a perfect autumn and winter drink. Heck, I'd order it in the middle of Toronto summers, too!
FAVOURITE DESSERT TO ORDER:
The Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are quite sweet, but in that aromatic toffee kinda way. It's chewy and moist. These cookies are the real deal.
SEATING:
There are about four or five bar stools in Ella's Uncle. There are also two benches outside. The benches are nice for hipster-watching/hunting/mocking. If you're looking for a place to sit down in, Ellas Uncle is not your place. This is more of a "to go" kinda joint.
RANDOM OPINION OF MINE:
The kitchen is open-concept and is nice to look at. Everything always looks very clean. I like to admire the baking appliances when I wait for my drink to be made. A very cute, kitschy little kitchen. -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
3/13/2011
The "Ella" is a great invention. Maple syrup in my cappuccino? Deeelicious. I eliminated sugar from my coffee and lattes a couple of years ago and forgot how great flavour can be when combined with espresso.
I had to ask about the Red Mocha as well, another creation I was not familiar with - mocha with chilli powder. Another one of my favourite combinations. A great drink to enjoy in the winter.
From the outside, Ella's Uncle looks big. Unfortunately, that space isn't for you, dear customer, it's for the staff. It took a bit of dancing around to figure out who had to order, who was waiting for the drinks and who's drink was ready for pick-up. I almost accidentally grabbed someone else's drink, but it didn't take long for the staff and the actual customer to correct me.
I was cranky and uncaffeinated and Ella came to my rescue. If only they would share some of their space with their customers. There's pretty much nowhere to sit, except for a few barstools by the window.
The baked goods looked delicious, but I was on my way to brunch. Maybe next time.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Fantastic menu board. -
Review from Christine E.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2011
I'm always in search of coffee shops that are a cut above the rest. This one definitely delivers. Lovingly made coffee that is velvety smooth & never bitter, in a lovely, airy setting that looks like someone's cottage kitchen (a nice change from the dark, contemplative decor of most indie coffee places).
Lovely, attentive staff, and gorgeous scones. I'm not a fan of sweet coffee so the Ella was a little bit much for my taste, but, as sweet coffees go, it was the best I've ever had. Definitely recommended! -
Review from Danielle F.
Toronto, ON
11/26/2010
You know what? I haven't met an Ella that I didn't like and same goes for coffee shops under the same namesake.
This place is adorable and they will serve you like you're a good friend. I've tried some beautiful things up in here, love the London Fog. Such a delight on a cold day but still do-able and refreshingly milky on a warmer day too.
I like the no-nonsense white cups and appreciate the bench outside for some rest and excellent people watching. I'd like to get down to business with more of their drinks and even delving into snacks!Listed in: Coffee n' Treats
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Review from Kat F.
After another colossal fail at brunching chez Saving Grace (frankly, my last ever attempt), I was grumpy. I needed a hot beverage and freshly baked snack and Ella's Uncle delivered.
Ella's Uncle is clearly no longer a "best kept secret" - it was at capacity inside and two wandering hipsters approached us on Dundas Street asking where "that place that serves great coffee is, we read about it online." I hadn't yet been inside but I directed them there anyway. "I think you mean Ella's Uncle," I said, showing them the Yelp reviews on my iPhone.
This is a "to go" coffee spot. There are half a dozen barstools lining the walls but there isn't much more room than that. Much of the space is taken up by a kitchen where all of the loaves are baked. Banana bread with chocolate chips OR nuts, plus cookies and other sweet things. We grabbed a couple of slices to go (holy shit, they were great). The list of specialty drinks was intriguing indeed:
* Red Mocha - two shots of espresso with hot chocolate and cayenne ($3.25)
* The Ella - two shots of espresso with warm milk and a shot of pure maple syrup ($3.25)
* London Fog - Earl Grey tea with warm milk and vanilla ($2.50)
* Warm Apple Cider ($2.50)
Two medium specialty coffees and two slices of chocolate chip banana bread came to only $11 - a nice surprise. The Ella that I ordered took a while (only one person working and a big lineup) but it was wonderfully tasty and just the right size. I would definitely order this again. The whole drinks menu looks well thought out and tried/tested. To go cups are simple and stamped with a small Ella's Uncle logo, which I appreciated. Great coffee place in the west - go here!Listed in: List Of Things For New Yorkers…, Caffeinate Thyself
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Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
5/16/2010
I don't get the hype.
The Ella coffee is unique, and good. Maple syrup with your double shot capp?! Count me in! Reasonably priced too - bonus!
But, the disappointment...the walnut banana bread. My mom makes the world's best walnut banana bread, and when Adeel told me Ella makes a fine banana bread, I took him up on the challenge. It was not even close to my mama's.
If I am in the area, I will go for the Ella coffee again, for sure. But, if I had my choice of coffee spots in Toronto - Merchants of Green Coffee, Riverdale Perk, or Voulez Vous are my favs at the moment. -
Review from conor g.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2009 ROTD 8/7/2009
Probably the best cookie i've ever had.........Choc chip, toffee, and oatmeal, and it came straight out of the oven as i was ordering.
I have been told regulars refer to this cookie as the 'crack cookie'.
Its a very small, cozy cafe located in the upcoming area of dundas west, near bellwoods. The coffee here is also very good, and i did have a tempted look at their other treats on offer, such as their scones, and other cookies.
The girl working behind the counter.... ella? hmm? just guessing.. :) was very nice, and friendly.
I am surprised in myself really that I hadn't come here earlier, seeing as I moved to this area in the autumn, but we all have places that we say, "yeah, i will definitely check that place out, and then postpone it ' ,
However, I am very glad i did finally go the Ella`s Uncle, and it won`t be long before I am back there again. So, yes... for a cafe to definitely check out, I give Ella's Uncle 5 STARS.
Slainte
conor -
Review from Steph L.
2/27/2010
Waiting for our table at the Hoof Cafe (two blocks west), we ended up at this little corner cafe.
It looked promising.
I ordered my coffee and my friends ordered hot chocolate.
Now, I'm sure the beverages are actually good here.
The hot chocolate was made with real cocoa.
The coffee sure smelled delicious.
Then why two stars you ask?
Alright. I don't like waiting 10 minutes for my coffee to be made.
The cafe was not full or busy.
She asked me when I placed my order if I wanted milk.
I said yes, with a smile, excited for my coffee.
It took 10 minutes for them to make three beverages.
The barista brought over the drinks and asked me again if I wanted milk.
I told her again that I did, still smiling.
10 minutes later my coffee is cold.
I'm no longer smiling I want my f'ing milk.
She sees me stand up and she's like "OMG, I forgot your milk!"
By this time the Hoof Cafe calls and I ask the barista to put my coffee in a to-go cup.
Mmmm tasted like luke-warm frustration..with milk.
Sigh. -
Review from Marie F.
4/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was excited to try this place after hearing rave reviews about the Red Mocha Latte. Well boys and girls, the hype is real and this drink is the bomb! The Red Mocha has two shots of espresso, hot chocolate and cayenne peppers for a reasonable $3.25. The chocolate and spicy taste totally compliment each other and the taste is reminiscent to Johnny Banana's Aztec Hot Chocolate.
While I indulged in my spicy liquid delight, Kat F. announces that there are only two pieces of banana bread left inside and that we'd be retarded not to go swoop them up. I sent my hubby in on the mission and man was it ever worth it! Even 5 hours after the crawl while at work, this chocolate banana bread was AMAZING and super fresh. I honestly couldn't ask for a better desert.
I should warn you that this place is very small, you on a busy Saturday morning I would suggest you get your order to go! -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
4/18/2009 1 Check-in Here
This is a fantastic little coffee shop serving up some amazing cookies. The place only has a few seats, but it's a great atmosphere to hang out in and the staff is super friendly.
Check it out! -
Review from Carmen M.
8/8/2009
My plan was to hit Saving Grace (again) for brunch, but as per usual, it was packed. So instead, I crossed the street to see what Ella's Uncle had up their sleeve in the way of foodstuff.
They have the typical coffee lineup (latte, americano, cappuccino, etc) but they also have -- wait for it -- sun tea! Their sun tea is made of black tea, earl grey, fresh mint and honey. Um, yes please! It was nothing short of delicious.
Of course, as previously noted on Yelp, their cookies were freshly baked and the smell wafted through the shop. So I got two of the oatmeal-toffee-chocolate chip cookies, as well as a slice of the banana chocolate bread for later in the day. The cookies were good, but were pancake-thin, and as a person who prefers a thicker cookie, it wasn't the best thing I've ever had. But it was very good if you like a flatter cookie. Served fresh. And warm. Ahem. :-)
The people working there were way nice and, while I probably wouldn't travel all that way again just for cookies, I'd definitely be an even bigger Ella's Uncle fan if they added some savoury items to their menu, as well.Listed in: The Sport of Brunch
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Review from Kennedy R.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2010
The other day, my Mom was talking about painting our living room creamy yellow with brown trim. I know what you thought after you read that sentence. You thought "What the fuck? Only a colourblind asshole would choose that colour combo!". Well I thought that too but I had to say that in a way that wouldn't get me grounded. Then she told me about the cute little cafe she had gone to on her lunch break with the cute baristas, yummy pastries, phenomenal chai lattes and the absolutely charming colour combo. She had me at cute baristas, their scones could've tasted like concrete and I still would have gone.
My heart stopped when I saw ovaltine on the menu. Ovaltine! In a restaurant! Made with steamed milk which instantly elevates every hot beverage! I know that if this was any other powdered drink I would be whining about huge profit margins but childhood memories silenced that part of my brain. Got it, loved it, mourned it after it was done. I had a sip (or five) of my mother's chai latte and it was much better than the watery, sugary crap they serve at Starbucks. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2009
My friend and I decided to do this neighbourhood in one swoop, so after brunch at Saving Grace we got coffee and a cookie at Ella's Uncle.
It was amazingly delicious (they have red eye, hurray!) and cute to boot.
The only downside is that there's no space to hang out in on the whole, although my friend and I managed to snag some in the window.
This would be a nice place to swing by after romping in Trinity Bellwoods. -
Review from Amy D.
3/31/2011
A few weeks ago while in Toronto I was on the Dundas West streetcar, and just looking out the window there were so many restaurants we passed that i knew i had to try on my next visit. After being at Dark Horse the previous day, i was so underwhelmed by my latte, that i had reservations about shelling out $4 for a latte. We walked into Ella's, it is quite small but they have seating for about 6, even though most of their traffic is just walk in. The latte was hot, the textured milk was creamy, and the latte art was beautiful. At Ella's they also make baked goods in house. I had the cheese and bacon scone, the flavour was good but the texture was off, it was too spongy. This area is heavily concentrated with cafes, but Ella's stands out and i cannot wait to come back on my next trip.
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Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2008 1 photo
Try walking by Ella's Uncle and not leave your forehead grease/trail of saliva on its front window. The four varieties of scones! The freshly baked choco chip cookies! It's like the home I've always dreamed of! Fantasy housewife momma, are you there?
I gotta warn you, though: once you set your teeth into EU's treats, resign yourself to being a regular: the hot choco has the most smooth and subtley sweet chocolate flavour, and the berry scones, filled with ginormous chunks of full blackberries and strawberries, are some of the best I've ever tasted. Methinks I'll have to return tomorrow for the goat cheese-dill special.
Also, on a purely superficial level, if I ever have my own kitchen again, I want it to look like the interior of this space. The welcoming spot feels more like a home than it does a café, and I could totally picture myself working there if I had to choose anything in the hospitality industry.
One downfall is the lack of seating -- approximately six people can sit on stools along the side walls, but it's so busy, tiny, and stuffy, that you'd probably want to get out anyway. A small bench is outside for those who'd rather stay put and down their drink before wandering off to the next drinking destination on Dundas West or Ossington.
Ella's Uncle, if you are real, I will kowtow before you and kiss your gourmand-savvy hands and feet. -
Review from Sarah T.
Toronto, ON
3/7/2010
Ok, I am a known Jimmy's Coffee fan. But when I am in the park, I like to try other coffee joints. Ella's Uncle makes good coffee. I had an Ella and it was good for a walk. They don't have a great assortment of pastries. The service was good. They don't have a bathroom in the joint because they are only licensed for takeaway. The explanation was odd - we don't have an extra sink. Okay, thanks!
It is good in a coffee pinch. And I do enjoy watching the crazy line up for Saving Grace from the window. I still haven't been able to get a table there.... does anyone get a table there? -
Review from Matthew S.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2010
A cool little cafe near Trinity-Bellwoods. The London Fog ($2.50 + $.50 for soy milk) was good. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling the berry scone ($2). It was a little bland and the texture was almost rubbery.
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Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2008
When you first walk into Ella's Uncle, you feel as though you've just stepped into someone's kitchen. There's a bit of space around the sides to sit and read, but for the most part this isn't a place to come and spend hours.
The staff here is always very friendly and ready with a genuine smile. They really know how to use that espresso machine because this place serves some of the best americano's I've had in the city. They use fair trade coffee and environmentally friendly cups.
They've also got some baked goods including things like banana bread. Delicious.
They open at 7am during the week, so this is always a good option if you're looking to grab a coffee before heading off to work. If you're in the neighbourhood, be sure to grab a coffee and go. You'll be doing yourself a favour. -
Review from Blocks C.
Toronto, ON
6/11/2010
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be a coffee-swilling hipster to go here (although, at a glance, it looks like you have to).
Generally the service is quite good and yes, it does take some time to make a good coffee. It's totally worth getting the Red Mocha or the Ella here. The straight-up brew coffee is good too.
As far as the wait goes, it does open at seven in the morning on weekdays, and if you are an early-morning type of person you won't have to wait at all. 9-10 in the morning is rush hour at Ella's - be prepared to stand in line (and occasionally remind them about what you ordered)
Unlike other coffee places in the neighbourhood (there are many) the lattes here aren't too strong and the coffee isn't too roasted or oily. I've picked up quite a few bags of coffee here, all excellent. They also provide lactose-free milk and soy milk for people with more sensitive guts. -
Review from Ella R.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011
Excellent!!! Friendly people who know my order even before I say a word! Try the chocolate chip cookies!!
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 4/24/2010
Updating for the food... The banana bread (walnut) - nice banana taste, and the right amount of "fattiness" and the chocolate chip cookies are really good. On the other hand, I know this is practically "sacrilege" but I'm not a big fan of the berry scones. To be fair, they don't use a lot of butter so that keeps it just a carb binge without too much fat.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2010
For me, walking over to Ella's Uncle to have a coffee and a cookie is kind of like walking over to a… Read more »
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Review from Gaurav S.
Toronto, ON
2/12/2009
great coffee.
cute space.
mostly take out.
Oh, and the lil lady that serves you (can we call her Ella?) is the most heart-warming creature on earth. Prince, time to redo this video: http://www.imeem.com/k...
I kinda wish the space was a bit bigger, warmer and cozier. I'd spend days here. -
Review from Elissa P.
Toronto, ON
4/22/2009
Great coffee. Sidewalk bench space is perfect for nice afternoon lazing about. If you're into chili & chocolate, try the red mocha.
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Review from Marine G.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2009
One of my favorite coffee shops in Toronto!! Their coffee's great and the cookies are super yummy. Friendly staff, too!
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Review from Peter M.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2010
I'll keep it simple. Go try the berry scones. I'm a fan. Coffee is good I suppose. I am not really a coffee afficionado so the coffee is fine by me. But oh the scones. If meth is the new crack, they're like meth...but they don't make your teeth fall out...so far. Service is always prompt but I can't imagine it be otherwise.
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Review from Mandy M.
6/8/2010
A little tiny review for a little tiny place with a little tiny menu: it's all good. All of it. All the time. Lattes: all good. Cookies: all good. Scones: all good.
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Review from Jason K.
Updated - 2/13/2011
just had another ovalate today.... be sure to ask for extra ovaltine... that's the trick :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2010
ovalate is gold. pure gold. it's great hot, or cold in the summers.
if you havent tried it, it… Read more »
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