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Green Beanery
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
565 Bloor St WToronto, ON M5S 1Y6
Neighbourhoods: The Annex, Palmerston, Seaton Village
(416) 964-9223
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for Green Beanery
Review Highlights
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"A nice selection of beans, fair trade and organic, as well..." In 9 reviews -
"...coming back again and again and if you live at Bathurst and." In 15 reviews -
"...of stool seating make it a great spot for people watching." In 8 reviews
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65 reviews in English
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Review from Mochi M.
1/26/2012
Coffee lovers should come here. I am not a coffee lover but I can see that they sell unroasted beans, they will roast them on the spot for you, and the amount of coffee paraphernalia is incredible!
They even have manual grinders for coffee!!
Come. Here. -
Review from Brianna R.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really didn't like the whole vibe of this place.
I was with a couple friends from Vancouver who wanted to go to a coffee shop around Bloor and Spadina, couldn't find anything better closer so we decided to hop in and take a look.
The layout is just god-awful. There were two line ups for one cashier and people were almost literally getting into fist fights over who was first.
And for a place who sells there own coffee -- you would think they would at least sell good coffee. It was mediocre at best, should have ordered an americano... maybe it would have been better? -
Review from Morgan S.
Toronto, ON
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Green Beanery is one of many coffee shop options around Bathurst and Bloor. While it manages to differentiate itself from chains like Second Cup and Starbucks with a wide selection of coffee beans and equipment selection, the experience offered is sub-par.
The employees tend to be quite slow in taking your order and making the beverage. I've tried a number of things from the menu (from standard brewed coffee to cappuccinos, lattes and the like) and have always found them to be average at best.
What's most problematic about the Bathurst and Bloor location is the space itself. The Green Beanery is actually quite large (the space was formerly a bank branch), yet the area relegated for seating is small and crowded. Half the space is set up as a standard retail store - shelves displaying various coffee beans, coffee makers, mugs, etc. I rarely see anyone browsing or purchasing these items though. By condensing the display area they could make room for far more seating or at least spread out the seating already provided. Overhearing conversation at the next table should be an option to nosily eavesdrop, not mandatory because they're so close it's unavoidable! Plus what if that conversation is boring or depressing...now I'm really put out!
Bottom line: this place will do as a last resort if other options in the area are full. -
Review from Brian K.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a very enjoyable Americano. Atmosphere was chill, and I could see myself returning to do some reading.
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Review from Robert D.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2012
There is simply no excuse for not having wifi these days. If I can't get a coffee while I work, I might as well stay home.
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Review from Catherine C.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2012
Great coffee -- staff has bad attitude -- no internet -- good idea but come on.
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Review from Ryan W.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2012
If you love coffee, then visiting this location is a must.
Their selection of unroasted coffee beans in one of the widest in Canada.
It has a very small and cramped seating area, which is almost always filled.
I had high expectations for the coffee here, but it the taste was okay at best. They serve their coffee in these cheap styrofoam cups, which gives the impression that you're paying for a dollar latte.
There are better places to get coffee in the Annex. -
Review from Jarita L.
Markham, ON
3/30/2012
amazing selection of beans. Lots of awesome coffee making tools for purchase, great place.
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Review from K J.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2012
The coffee is great and the staff is knowledgable about their product and the roasting process etc. The pastries are inconsistent in quality. Sometimes they are perfect, other times burnt or old tasting. The massive bar set up is awkward and there is no trash bins near the dressing area for your coffee. Not to mention, where you dress your coffee is full of flies. I've been in more than once and when I get coffee for myself or my colleagues, there are always flies flying around the sugars and milk. Today I opened the brown sugar and a tonne of flies flew out. It was disgusting.
If you're getting coffee and pastries in the neighbourhood and you want to avoid Starbucks, go to Aroma. -
Review from Mumuuu S.
Toronto, ON
2/29/2012
I don't really feel like breaking out the "funny machine" for the bad reviews, so I'll just be quick and to the point.
This coffee shop looks and sounds as if it was designed and named by someone who hates good coffee shops.
The products available to eat look (and maybe this is the real clue to understanding the place) like they were curated by someone whose fear of failure and risk aversion were so great as to be in themselves the unavoidable causes of certain failure. No one who cares about eating would ever put together such a random smattering of treats. Sure enough, however, just like the busted clock being right once a day, that random smattering results in a pretty groovy little shortbread cookie.
The people who sit here (and I include myself in their number) look like half-assed hippies or suburbanites in fugue states. I can only imagine that they find each other mutually depressing. -
Review from Raj B.
Toronto, ON
1/10/2012
An otherwise quality people-watching session left a bitter taste in my mouth when I ordered my coffee "for here" and got it in a throw-away take-out cup, just without the lid! I guess the "green" in the name only goes so far... and their website even says it's staffed by environmentalists! (Although the LCD menu alone makes you question that claim...).
Otherwise, I actually kinda like the chaotic helter-skelter layout and unorthodox decor, and the retail side can be a fun (but potentially pricey) distraction. The lack of WiFi makes for good eavesdropping (with lots of newspapers to provide cover!). As for the coffee itself, I thought it was surprisingly lacklustre for a place that seems to be screaming "coffee snob". -
Review from Aloysius C.
Markham, ON
12/23/2011
I'll add my name to the list of people who find the layout of this place to be just plain.... weird.
I don't have a problem with the retail side of the store but the seating side is just uncomfortable with a sea of tables and chairs slapped down with no real thought. The only decent part is the bar seating by the window which provides a pretty awesome place to relax and people watch on Bloor (and trust me, there's a lot of weirdos to watch near Honest Ed's).
The bar area is also confusingly huge. Lord knows why they need that much space to move around back there. It creates a weird dynamic and atmosphere... and definitely alienates the customer.
The drinks themselves are okay. You would think for the kind of emphasis they place on roasting their own beans, the espresso would be a lot better but it's only smeh. My Americano was nothing to write home about.
I respect the lack of Wifi. I was there at 9:00 am and I found the atmosphere there kind of nice (people relaxing and reading the paper) instead of everyone plugged in and shut out. -
Review from Nixname N.
Thornhill, ON
2/24/2012
I went there once or twice to buy some espresso related gear for homebrewing, one guy didn't seem very happy to help, but another time a lady was there and was very nice and friendly.
They do have some good equipment there t hough.
I ordered a Cappuccino once, the coffee flavour wasn't very good, and there was allot of DRY foam, I believe this is how traditional itallian cappuccinos are supposed to be, but most places now are using nice microfoam throughout the drink. So it's more like a strong latte, to be fair I didn't specify, maybe I should have. But it wasn't that enjoyable. -
Review from Kelly O.
3/9/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Just enjoyed nom nom noming a freaking awesome red velvet cupcake here. Made by OMG bakery, it was light, moist, and fluffy. And of course, the cream cheese icing was killer!
My latte was great as well, and I love how there are lots of spots to sit and watch people going in and out of Honest Ed's.
Will definitely be back!!!! -
Review from Lisa C.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a huge fan of this place, to be honest. I find it tough to relax and enjoy my coffee in a place that feels a bit like I imagine the flight deck of the USS enterprise to look like.
From the barrista staring me down while I tried to quickly read the menu off a horrible LCD screen, to the slow service, to the high bar that made me feel somewhat insignificant, it just wasn't a pleasant experience. I ended up taking my americano to go, but even that was kind of mediocre - not bad, just not as good as I would have expected coming from a place that seems to be trying so hard esthetically.
I will say that they do appear to have a comprehensive selection of coffee-making accoutrements... but since I came to this establishment to have them make the coffee for me, that was sort of irrelevant.
If you are in need of any equipment to make a homemade cup of joe, then this place might just be for you - otherwise I'd recommend somewhere that puts more effort into service and coffee-making than trying to be cool. -
Review from neesa r.
5/7/2011
oh ok so I am not really fan of coffee in any kinds but I do like coffee aroma. and the moment you step in the cafe you plunge into coffee aura! I don't know how to call it otherwise but it feels like coffee is everywhere and it's a nice feeling.
So it motivated me to buy a cup of iced latte which was great! but what is even more yummylicious is their sea salt brownie! aaaaaaah! I'm going back just for that treat!
I also loved the decor - displays with coffee makers of all kinds, french presses and travel coffee mugs, sacks and bags of coffee grains. Love it.
and there are so many tables with soft looking chairs around that I don't think there will ever be a problem of finding a seating spot.
and very friendly staff=)
oh and looks like they have nice light lunch menu which was done by the time I came in but maybe I should come just to check it out=)) -
Review from Julia L.
Toronto, ON
6/11/2011
I wandered into Green Beanery today because I had some time to kill while walking down Bloor and was too lazy to cross the street to check out Aroma instead. The first thing I did was poke around at the selection of coffee paraphernalia, of which there is quite a wide selection (oooh, gadgets!). Lots of Bodum double-walled cups, french presses, kettles, even toasters! In fun colours! They also sell Aeropress coffee makers for around the $40 mark (in case you're interested - Aeropress is amazing!).
After satisfying my curiosity, I grabbed a table and meandered to the counter to order a drink. Seriously people, the LCD menu is the worst. I was squinting at it for the longest time while the girl at the counter stared at me blankly until I finally just blurted out "regular latte" ($3.26) in desperation. I also ended up getting a rosemary and sea salt scone ($3.15), because I was starving. My latte was quite good but I can't say the same about the scone...I tasted no rosemary and only salt, and really, who wants a salt scone?
All in all though, I like the place. The chairs are comfortable, there's lots of space, and it wasn't too loud or busy inside. The coffee is decent and there's an assorted selection of baked goodies, ranging from croissants to brownies. They also seem pretty serious about this "Green Beanery" business - not only do they literally sell green coffee beans, they also have taped little notes all around the place such as: "We like trees! Please take only what you need!" on the napkin dispensers. They mean green.
My theory is that Green Beanery would be a good spot to meet a friend to catch up. And yes, I do plan on testing it. Although, next time I would definitely pass on the scone...and maybe be extra generous with what I throw into the tip jar in an attempt to get one of the staff to actually smile at me. Didn't they get the memo? Surly baristas are so last year! -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
12/4/2010
I found this place kind of weird, to be honest. It's a very large space for a coffee shop, but a big portion of it used for retail - they are selling coffee-related equipment, which I guess makes sense, but if you are just ordering a coffee and are stuck behind people buying coffeemakers and grinders, can be annoying.
There are a lot of tables and chairs, and you can move chairs from one table to another, so that was handy for a busy place when you want to sit down and read or work on your laptop for a bit.
As other people have mentioned, the staff isn't that great. The guy who served me was actually really nice, but he did something odd. He took my order, and then made it, and then walked to the other side of the counter, away from where I was standing, and shouted out "Latte" as if he didn't know whose latte it was, even though I was the only customer at the time. So, rather than bring me my latte, he made me walk around the store to get it. I mean, I guess if I wanted to add sugar or something to it, it made sense as that's where all those accoutrements were kept, but he acted like he didn't know whose latte it was. See what I mean? Weird.
The latte itself was quite good, and I found a seat and read for a bit, despite my seat being almost part of the store, so people were browsing just behind me. It's just a weird coffee shop.Listed in: Coffee, Please
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Review from Heather M.
12/29/2010
I'm not a coffee drinker but this place is fantastic for coffee lovers on your shopping list as well as sitting around and reading. A nice selection of beans, fair trade and organic, as well as other coffee accessories. The desserts and pastries looked tempting.
I hope they can make this corner work, as it was for many years the Corner That No One Could Succeed At. -
Review from Vivek S.
11/6/2010 12 Check-ins Here
There's nothing quite like enjoying a coffee with Sarah L while basking in the sun-filled windows of the Green Beanery on the "Best Saturday of 2010." With a privleged position at the southwest corner of Bloor and Bathurst, the Grean Beanery is a café and retailer of coffee equipment, gadgets and doodads. They have all manner of java-related implements idncluding French presses, Chemex pour-overs, vacpots, espresso machines, you-name-it. It's an impressive selection. I'm too lazy/stupid/unmotivated to make my own coffee, so I usually head for the café.
I should mention here: there was some respectable eye candy sitting at the table across from us that Sarah _thinks_ was looking at her, but I'm certain was looking at me. Not that you're not awesome Sarah, just saying.
Anyway: their bar resembles a UFO except that it doesn't fly or abduct you for probing. When you walk up you will notice that that the service here is confused at best (and downright negligent at worst) -- but hey, they put together a decent latte. The large windows, cute tables topped with burlap and glass, and comforable brown leather chairs make it a cool place to unwind.
Obligatory Title Rhyme: Nice scenery at the BEANERY.
Menu Readability: It's not. Everything is posted on an LCD with a lousy refresh rate.
Need to mention: The bathrooms downstairs seem like they're a mile away. Just use the one on the main floor, and don't tell anyone.
What this place teaches me about myself: She was looking at me, Sarah. -
Review from Dishan W.
12/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars for me.
I finally purchased my coffee passport here, and the barista made me feel guilty when I asked if I could just use my passport as soon as I purchased it. "But can't you use that the next time you come" he asked me. "Oh yeah I guess I could" was my reply. :s
After having visited some other independent coffee establishments in recent times (thank you Yelp!) and having been here a couple of times, I don't think this compares to the best of the lot, their menu like mentioned here before is on a medium sized screen and it does not even display all they have to offer.
The baristias always seemed to give me the feeling that serving me was a secondary task they had to do as they were busy with some other stuff, which I think is the problem of having half the store dedicated to selling coffee apparel from bodum as far as I could see.
And with "Beanery" in it's name I thought it would offer better prices, not too expensive, but certainly not inexpensive either.
I will visit again as after trying out their shortbread chocolate chip cookies I certainly want to give their food items more of a chance. I've got a latte and mocha here and neither blew me away, but certainly good enough for repeat visits.Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
10/28/2010
Over the past, I've gathered that Green Beanery does something quite well which is to display their Coffee Retail side of the shop that allows you regular JOE to realize Coffee beverages is a whole culture, community of passionate enthusiasts.
If they don't get that idea by the time they pass the entrance, then simply show them one of many Home-scale Espresso Machine($500+) in comparison to their Coffee Pot($50+). Maybe you can educate them on Commercial Grinder($800+)? That Espro Toroid Milk Frother Pitcher($38) would be an awesome toy, more of a want than a need unfortunately.
Okay, now that I've done with the positives I can say the Coffee beverages I've had here is mediocre and the seating although looks spacious can sometimes be just an image as you can hear the next table of patrons and their plans for the day. It didn't sound as interesting as the Elite event, losers.
I would say this is more of a take-out Coffee spot or a browsing-only place for Coffee Geeks. I'm in the 2nd category as this is at one of the most convenient locations nearby the Bathurst TTC station.Listed in: Coffee Drinks
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Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2011
Across from Honest Eds. A Toronto landmark.
Green beanery is a popular place with neighborhood residents and weekend tourists for a long time. I recommend buying your green beans here and roasting them at home.
If you want to splurge try Jamaica Blue Mountain No.2 "Flamstead Estate" 5 lb @ $162.94. Ok, it is brutal. But awesome.
My only regrets is that they do not carry Cuban coffee which is much less expensive and offers comparable taste.
The equipment they sell is very pricey. Get the info you need here and then shop around for a better deal. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/29/2010 8 photos
Visiting Green Beanery makes me appreciate the $4 cappuccino I drink at cafes from now on,
In order to make a good cup of coffee/espresso/cappuccino what people would have go through for the perfect cup.
If I have to
- buy the green bean
- get a roaster to roast the coffee bean $150
- get a grinder to grind the beans $150
- get the coffee machine to make the coffee $500 - $1500?
- gee I need that frothing pitcher so my milk will be nice and frothy??? $40
And the result will be some homemade my version of crabby cappuccino? (And without the human interaction and people watching?)
Nice quiet environment with high ceilings. The Mocha Latte I ordered using my Indie Coffee Passport is A-OK. Not too sweet just have a hint of choco.
The big windows overlooking Bathurst give me a nice view for people watching..... and daydreaming...........
No Free Wifi... booo -
Review from Tina H.
10/12/2010
Haven't tried the coffee but their cookies are decent. Once I saw a fly buzzing around on the cookies I wanted, so I got a different one.
I've been here about 3 times and have had the same experience with the service every time: absolutely abysmal. If it isn't running at a stoner snail's pace, it's impeccably rude. The guy today said--in the slower, extra loud, douche baggy tone we all know and love--"IS IT FOR HERE OR TO GO." I actually said that it was to go with my order. Curt response: "Well it's loud in here." Okey dokey then! As if I'm going to sit in your stuffy café alone so I can get yelled at some more. He was sitting down the whole time (possibly with an espresso tamp up his bum, based on the attitude). I almost said to forget the order altogether because of his d-bag attitude but I wanted a cookie and decided to go with it still. The girl who got my cookie was much friendlier and very smiley. Why can't everyone there be that lovely?
The only reason I come here is because I'm in the 'hood and don't know where else nearby to get cookies. I wouldn't try the coffee here based on every other Yelper's review--especially since Aroma is across the street. Also, I'm going to try extra hard to find another cookie place that isn't run by jerks. I don't mind too much if the service is a bit slow but if it's rude then what the hell? You aren't all that, you're a coffee shop... A mediocre coffee shop at best... I don't see why all this attitude is necessary.
So for other Yelpers reading, if you know of some place to get cookies nearby, please let me know!
And if you're trying to decide whether to go here or somewhere else... Somewhere else! If you're in the 'hood, try Aroma across the street. They have fast, friendly and efficient service and are considerably busier than these guys. And they give free chocolate with your coffee. Skip Green Beanery. 2 thumbs down. -
Review from Tina D.
11/20/2010
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro, (soy latte)
2. Crema, Green grind (soy latte), Ideal coffee (chai latte)
3. TAN, Green beanery (soy latte)
4. Mascot (soy latte)
5. Bisogno Espresso Bar (soy latte)
6. Tampered Press (chai latte)
I would really give it a 3.5. it's just that competition is tough with the coffee shops. It was very good. But, if I had to choose between green beanery and creama, I would pick Crema.
I think it's a really cool place to visit though. They have all the coffee from all over the world. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2010
#indiecoffeepassport stop #5
Is it wrong to that I like the Green Beanery solely for their comfy chairs?
I know that they serve fair trade organic beans, and the Americanos and lattes I've had here were good, but I love their comfy leather Parsons chairs!
Even though the Green Beanery is located on a busy intersection and it gets a lot of foot traffic, I can always find a seat. The chairs are perfect for me to sink into and rest my tired butt for a while, especially after I've overspent my budget on music at Sonic Boom nearby. -
Review from Marie M.
10/2/2010
While trying to kill time before an audition, I found myself at the Green Beanery on Bloor Street. I'd heard about this place from a friend who works as a graphic artist for this company, so I'm glad I finally got to check it out.
The venue serves as a retail store of organic coffee beans and coffee equipment, such as coffee tumblers and steepers, and as a cafe where people can sit, chat over coffee and baked goods. The store features a high open concept red ceiling with silver piping, white walls and earth tone furniture. In the afternoon, the sunlight comes in softly through the windows facing Bathurst Street. When I first walked in, it was pleasantly quiet, even though most of the tables were filled. However that quickly changed as time went by.
I ordered one of their 2 featured drip coffees today, the Sumatra Mandheling. It was very smooth, light tasting, non-acidic... simply perfect for afternoon tea/ coffee, especially since I was trying to calm my nerves for my audition. Although I didn't order any food items, I'm pleased to announce that they offer a vegan cupcake! Score 1 for the home team! YES!
I'll definitely return to this cafe for a second go. My time here today was so short that it probably didn't do it any justice. If you're looking for organic and fair trade coffee, or a new coffee house other than Starbucks to hang around in, perhaps to people watch, I definitely recommend giving this cafe/ store a chance!Listed in: Legit Coffee and Espresso
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Review from Downtown D.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2010
First off I'm not a coffee drinker so this review is not about the coffee. I usually come here to meet up with friends for chit chat. I've usually ordered one of the herbal teas, nothing special since it is store brand (Stash Tea).
It's good for people watching, free to use the washroom if you happen to be in the area, sunny and located in a former bank. The old vault in the back has been converted into a room you can book for meetings. I don't know if anyone does though.
Sometimes seating can be tight since I've seen 1 person sitting at 2 person tables or groups doing homework around 1 table. What can you expect from this student area?
I guess the next options is Starbucks, Second Cup or Aroma across the street. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
9/29/2010 3 photos
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#10)
Drink: Mocha (one size)
Atmosphere: On one half of the place it feels like a coffee section in Sears and on the other half, it's the actual cafe with lots of tables. Felt modern and futuristic because of all the colours and glass that was used here. I liked it.
Although the staff seemed pretty dull, the drink was definately not. My mocha had a great balance of chocolate and coffee, still maintaining the strength of the coffee flavour. Some places were watered down and had that thick leftover residue, while this place didn't!
Also, their location is great too, it's just a few steps away from Bathurst Station! Very convenient.
Verdict: I'd come back. Thumbs UP!Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Taylor O.
9/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I disagree with the politics. It was best said, "Every trade between two parties is fair, as long as no fraud is involved. There is no such thing as unfair trade. Trade implies a voluntary exchange, and only people who think they will be better off by trading will do so. Paying or receiving the market price for goods is neither unfair nor unreasonable."
("All Trade Is Fair," Holcberg WSJ 2004).
That said, Green Beanery has some really high quality green beans unroasted; I know a defect-free, perfectly washed bean and this is it, with a wide variety from around the world, including my favorite, Guatemala Antigua (wish they had a Guatemalan Coban to blend it with). They also have some great fresh roasted selection and the equipment to roast and grind it.
I spluged on a sleek manual German grinder from Zassenhaus; a wooden black and white Z; perfect for a Bauhaus coffee house. I'm saving up for a roaster; of course, one could always use an air popcorn popper DIY style but a purpose made device might end up less of a disaster (at least for me). -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2010
This place begs to be more! It has all the elements and a prime location but the coffee could be more.
Customer service at least my experience was fantastic! Who knows what will happen the next time around. I fear it from the reviews I have read but for now I was pleased. The woman behind the till was jovial while the girl we ran into was chatty and helpful but left me alone when I was wandering about.
This place is a coffee lovers dream. You can buy beans to roast, buy the roaster, the grinder, the various coffeemakers and contraptions as well as the cups they go into. My brain was having a coffee orgasm. I said it. I did.
Now, all they need is a primo barista and they are set.
I wasn't floored by the coffee. I wanted to be. Like I said they have everything going for it.
Every business can grow and I hope they aren't banking on their wholesale side because I think they could be great if they listened to the reviews from all of us here,Listed in: Coffee Adventures in Toronto
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Years ago (pre-Yelp!) before there were any other non-big-chain options in this area & I was a visitor in town, I went to Green Beanery in my search for decent espresso-based drinks in Toronto. The latte I had was so awful (bitter and just a terrible taste) that I didn't go back that visit, my subsequent stays here, or even when I moved here.
However, this past Sunday I actually returned (thanks to the Indie Coffee Passport) for a soy latte in the morning while waiting for friends, and wasn't horrified. The service was a bit aloof but not necessarily rude, and the creation of the coffee was prompt. The drink itself was passable - not overly strong with bitterness (although the foam retained a little of the burnt flavour of the crema), enjoyable enough to sip and gave a nice kick.
3 stars rather than two because they have soy milk out as well as other milks to add to brewed coffee or tea, and they do have a killer range of coffee-related appliances and paraphernalia. Plus there's an interesting view of Bloor/Bathurst as neverending entertainment to stare out their windows at. Regardless, Green Beanery still remains low on my stack of caffeination priorities in this area.Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from Kat F.
12/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
The staff here is the opposite of overbearing - they're aloof and and busy (surely) daydreaming about their breakthrough role in a Canadian Tire commercial or wishing they'd be the subject of a CL Missed Connection. Do they even notice that I regularly come in here to use the bathroom yet have never once made an actual purchase? Nope.
Bathrooms are clean, well appointed and there's never a lineup or key required for use. If only they had better hours! -
Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
5/5/2010 ROTD 8/28/2010
The Green Beanery I find is a good place not only to find coffee related equipment (items I haven't found available in any other shop in Toronto) but also some really good freshly roasted coffee. Looking for a Vacuum Pot coffee maker or a decent home coffee grinder? Chances are you can find more than a few models to choose from here. How about some fresh roasted coffee from regions all over the world? Yep, they have that too.
The establishment itself is spacious with roomy seating and lots of headroom (I believe this corner of Bathurst and Bloor use to be a bank). Plenty of natural sunlight through large windows makes for a pleasant spot to sit and sip alone or with friends. They even have a private "vault room" for those who wish to plan out their design for world domination over coffee.
What I don't like about Green Beanery, as mentioned by others, is the staff. One always gets the feeling that serving customers is their secondary duty. Maybe that is because, as their website claims, Green Beanery is staffed by "Environmentalists" and so they are too busy saving the world to properly attend you as you desire a cup of joe or wish to inquire about a coffee related product in their store. For example, twice I've bought coffee there and did so stressing that the coffee was for a French Press (course ground). Both times the person who ground my coffee (doing so with a regretful sigh as he was apparently busy doing other...Stuff) ground it espresso (finely ground). What kind of cafe' can't properly grind your coffee?
The coffee by the way is excellent. Many good varieties and all fresh and delicious. I just wish the staff would be more attentive to the customers they are their to serve.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
6/16/2009
As a former barista, I think I can say that I know a little bit about coffee. The Green Beanery seems to know everything about coffee. No matter what piece of equipment you're looking for, it appears to be there. Unfortunately, the staff is usually busy making lattes, so you'll have to fetch someone if you need assistance.
Ordering a latte took a little longer than expected. This gave me a chance to browse the merchandise - maybe that was the idea? The latte was alright, but I've had better. I tried to order an iced latte once, but they weren't able to make that for me.
The place is a little too busy and hectic for my liking, so I usually get my coffee to go. I haven't quite figured out their hours - they always seem to be closed when I have my late night caffeine cravings.
The Green Beanery excels in the area of coffee supplies and equipment, but their café side of business is just alright. -
Review from Lauren M.
8/2/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Being the queen of the Bloor/Bathurst street corner, I obviously have wandered into the Green Beanery quite a few times.
One additional thing to note here that hasn't been mentioned - they also serve ice cream! Ice cream from Greg's Ice Cream too, the good stuff!
I order regular coffee, not into the fancy coffee drinks, but the regular brew here is very decent. No complaints. The staff have always been quick, friendly and seemingly knowledgeable on products to me.
The interior has high ceilings and has a modern loft feel to it. One large area is used as a store space to sell various coffees, glassware, grinders and espresso machines. The other side of the room has seating for 15-20 people. -
Review from Emma A.
Toronto, ON
10/15/2011
Terrible. Okay coffee, dirty tables (seriously, you have like three staff-members behind the counter, can one of you wipe down tables? Starbucks is eight times busier and still manages to keep the place clean), boring decor, overpriced food. The scone I ordered had an interesting and quite tasty flavour, but it was completely stale. They used terribly designed mugs for their cappuccinos that meant my pants were completely covered in coffee drips by the time I left (which was especially frustrating, since I was there for a business meeting). There are so many better options basically anywhere else.
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Review from Tony S.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2009
I think it's safe to say that the IDEA of the this place is much more than what the REALITY turns out to be. Sure, they have really nice merchandise from vac pots to manual grinders and even one off sets of tea or whatever. It's expensive so I'm hoping it was hand-made and people died in the making of the damn thing.
I've been here several times, they do have fresh roasted coffee, which is a plus. But, the one time I got a fresh roasted bag of beans I was pleasantly horrified at the flavour. So, suffice it to say I haven't purchased any freshly roasted beans from there since. I've tried to make it a private goal of mine to find the best espresso in town. Manic is still #1. Bulldog is alright and Broadview Espresso is not a very nice tasting espresso, although the owner pulls a great shot. Anyway, about Green Beanery's espresso/coffee - it's pulled by lazy looking hipsters who ignore you while they stare at their monitor than take the next person who's loudest with shouting their order as opposed to the next person in line. The way it's laid out, people think there's more than one "till". So, we wait, I order an espresso that looks like crap and - surprise, surprise - tastes like crap.
How could they get so much right, with the merch and fresh roasted bean offerings and than butcher the product by having employees working there that could care less about coffee - or so it seems.
A place like that needs people who love coffee and will be the barista people WANT to have an espresso from. Go to Manic and you hear those guys talking about the great colour in the latte art or how good the Black Cat their pulling tastes today, etc. Those guys love coffee.
Stay away from Green Beanery if you love coffee and are in search for the best espresso in town, because this won't even come close. -
Review from Elaine K.
9/18/2010 4 photos
A nice place for a after dinner drinks. The service was friendly, the seating was somewhat comfortable. The winner for me was vegan cupcakes and a nice selection of fancy coffee making supplies to browse.
The crappy thing is that the whole place has one bathroom.
