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Grinder Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1021 Gerrard St EToronto, ON M4M 1Z6
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(416) 901-0290
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for Grinder Coffee
17 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
The view might not be the best looking at Gerrard Square... but the coziness and friendliness of Grinder Coffee make up for that.
I like those little round bistro like round table, perfect size for a net book and a cup of coffee...
Barista took my order at the counter and asked me just take a seat and she would bring it over.. great services even with me using my Coffee Passport.
My Cappuccino has this nice milk froth, though look quite thick but not creamy at all... in fact it is smooth and velvety.. I spooned it up like a little mousse dessert...
Free WIFI but you need to ask for the password... -
Review from Selene n.
Toronto, ON
12/6/2011
Seriously don't get why everyone is giving this place such poor reviews! I just moved to this area and LOVE this place!!! Amazing amazing coffee and I LOVE the cheeky signs on the coffee. The decor is amazingly cute and cozy - It's the only place I am actually digging the holiday display style. Music is amazing, staff is super friendly and atmosphere is great. Everyone who goes there is really friendly - it's like the Cheers of cafes. Although noone knows each other, everyone talks to each other and people were going out for smokes together - cute! Haven't tried a fancy espresso drink yet, but was super super happy to find out that they don't charge extra for soy milk. They have a huge selection of baked nomnoms, even some gluten-free ones. Their baked goods come from an independent bakery in Prine Edward County. But, sadly, nothing vegan! The owner said that they had tried carrying vegan items AND almond milk and noone wanted either! So make sure if you go there that you ask for vegan gluten-free yummies so that they know there's a demand.
Ways they could get 5 stars:
- vegan, gluten-free nom noms (obv)
- ditch the gross pink soap in the bathroom and get some bonners or something in a nice soap dispenser (not sure why, but this bugged me!)
- the fridge makes me sad. It needs to be smaller or just better stocked - add some things that are more fun, like kombucha or coconut water or something!
In response to other reviews: They have since gotten WiFi and have updated their decor.Listed in: In search of a perfect cafe
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Review from Jane T.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2011
I almost took a picture of my sandwich, because It was that bad. I didn't though - cus I don't want to get in the habit of photographing my food unless I need it for evidence in court (it wasn't quite as bad as that).
But it was awful. The Grinder has a fridge full of sandwiches that look and sound tasty from a distance, and I chose turkey with mango on a grainy bread. What I got, were two pieces of bread with about 2 tbls of filling. I kid ye not. I opened the sandwich and the measly filling sat like a half a ping-pong ball that was too small to spread. And what little turkey there was had plenty of gristle. It was not good.
Normally I'm quite forgiving, except that it's almost impossible to mess up a turkey sandwich. All you need is fresh bread, good meat, and sufficient portions and the Grinder failed miserable on two counts. Apart from the nice bread, the sandwich felt cheap, and lazy.
To make matters worse, my friend had a slice of pumpkin loaf (I think) which tasted dry and old. I like the Grinder, and I've had experiences with their lattes that have been between average, and very good. But this area is getting competitive, and I'd prefer to spend my money somewhere that is consistently great. -
Review from Shaleen S.
Toronto, ON
3/21/2012
I tried an Americano at Grinder today and it was decent. The espresso is great, but not my favourite in Toronto. This is more of a personal preference though.
The atmosphere and area is really cool and the people working there were very friendly. There was a ton of delicious looking treats and I picked up a home baked granola bar (delicious!).
Their prices are a little higher than other coffee places in Toronto.
I look forward to going back. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
This is a nice, local coffee shop, but it doesn't measure up to the city's best (Rooster, Crema, Mercury, Dark Horse and the like).
The barista today was VERY friendly and helpful. He asked how much foam I wanted on my cappuccino, and I said "none". It ended up quite foamy, but I took it, no complaints. When I went up to ask for the wifi password, he asked if it had too much foam. He had realised that it probably did, and offered to make another. I said that it was OK...no problem. He asked, "are you sure?" Positive!
Anyhoo, after I finished it, I jokingly told him he could make it up to me by giving me a half cup of brewed coffee, just so I could sit a bit longer. He insisted on making me an Americano, gratis. He really aimed to please. Service means a lot, eh?Listed in: Coffee
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2010
Grinder is a coffee shop that has a nice sign. So nice that I took a picture of it while walking… Read more »
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Review from sarah l.
Updated - 9/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I had a really poor cappuccino here today. It was in a really big cup and bitter. Adam has made me nice drinks in the past but he wasn't there today.
The good:
- vastly extended hours - open Sundays and until 7pm most nights
- they have wifi now
- LARGE selection of baked goods - like over 15 things. I don't know if they're good but there sure are a lot to choose from. I think I saw circles and squares muffins so that's always a safe bet if you aren't sure.
- huge selection of sandwiches and they are all $5
- good selection of cold drinks (including coke in glass bottles, juices, lemonade)
- side street patio
- staff was friendly
The bad:
- my drink was bad today and the size of the take out cup leads me to believe it would be bad again tomorrow too
- the prices are weird - it was $3.83 or something for a cappuccino - not only is that more expensive that most places it's weird not to end on a quarter amount. I felt slightly bad putting my pennies in the tip jar, but like... no one wants pennies, just make it $4 if it has to be that close. It was an annoying amount and didn't leave a lot of tip options. Most coffee shops are $3.25 or $3.5 and you get some loonies and quarters back to work with. I had to fish around in my pocket for extra change for a tip and it's annoying.
- I don't really like the inside seating options/decor
I probably won't go back here unless it's for a sandwich or a pastry and a lemonade. Or a Coke in a glass bottle. Yeah, probably not actually.Listed in: Coffee in…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/30/2010
Went back to Grinder again today and there is tons of food for sale here now.
I saw:
- sandwiches (3… Read more »
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Review from Elvis A.
Last stop on the Indie Coffee Passport !!
This place is across from Gerrard square. Again the setup was surprising good for this area and the patio was just amazing (bit noisy as it faces the main Gerrard drag). I ordered my cappuccino and picked a table outside as I wanted celebrate the passport finale with a cigar.
The serving is generous. No latte art. The milk itself was frothed well. The espresso was mellow but the drink itself was quite decent.
2.5 for the Cappuccino with 4 star for the setup and 5 for the sitting area outside. -
Review from Jen C.
10/16/2011 8 Check-ins Here
A good cozy spot for coffee with really nice people at the helm. Their baked-goods selection is excellent, and they even carry PEC donuts! Sandwiches and ice cream round-out the offerings. A side-patio is available, with lots of casual seating. The bleachers on the outside wall offer some nice solo seating as well.
All in all, a very serviceable cafe, with above-average coffee for the area. I don't hesitate to drop in when I feel the urge for a cappuccino when I'm puttering about. -
Review from Nicole C.
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
What is up with EVERYONE thinking they can charge Starbucks prices!? I mean for over $5 for a chai latte your chai better be brought in on a golden elephant!!! (and if it is can I pet it?)
I can't even comment on whether it's good or not because I was hard pressed to spend that much on something that is TEA AND MILK!!
And their bran muffin was a tad dry.
Oh and if you're hitting up this place after mom/baby yoga like I was - make sure to bring a buddy because navigating the stairs and door without a helper is fairly impossible...you may as well head over to the cheaper and accessible Tim Horton's across the street. -
Review from Heather M.
11/28/2010
I can tell that a lot of people come here for the product but not the delivery of it. My boyfriend's Americano was great and the cider was fantastic - not too sugary and extremely appley. Also loved the giant cinnamon stick. I wondered if the prices were out of the price range of people in the neighbourhood.
Decor has to be slightly worked on - not a lot of comfy places to sit, and I can't really understand the giant plywood board at the front of the store with pillows - it seems highly uncomfortable, even with the pillows.
I'm not a regular cafe wifi user and am not in the hood, but I can see what other users mean by the lack of wifi and the times being super inconvenient. I do like, however, the TV showing when the next TTC streetcar is coming, that was a highly courteous addition.... hope they can extend that to their hours and wifi coverage. -
Review from Mavis M.
Toronto, ON
2/21/2011
This place gets two stars for the baked goods. Everything I've tried has been excellent, and there are a number of not-sickeningly-sweet options.
Ultimately, however, I just don't like it.
My reasons:
(1) The decor is cold and shoddily done. They do not provide towels or a hand drier for the washroom sink (which, by the way, is not actually in the washroom). Plywood bench mentioned by previous poster is uncomfortable and too high for tables. Tables are wobbly. Whole place has a spit-and-glue appearance that is maybe supposed to be charming but comes off as slipshod.
(2) Maybe I'm completely imagining this, but I've gotten a weird vibe here. The staff is absolutely friendly, but I get the impression that they are vying for a certain clientele (DINK condo-dwellers and the like) and they roll out an over-the-top brand hospitality for those who fit the profile. It seems to me that they're trying (too hard) to be an upscale cafe in a still-rough-around-the-edges neighbourhood. Pretension in this neck of the woods is kind of ridiculous. And lest you think I'm bitter, I pretty much fit the profile and was extended said hospitality--it just felt fake.
(3) The prices are silly. More than $4 for a latte and the same price for a hot chocolate. This I could forgive if the lattes were fantastic, but...
(4) The latte and Americano were both weak and unpleasantly bitter. Absolutely not worth $4.22. (Not rounding prices to the nearest number is another pet peeve of mine.) More expensive than most other indie places in the city. Ones that actually serve quality espresso drinks. Have you been to Sam James? They make a $3.25 latte that kicks this latte's ass into the next millennium.
Boil it down to personal preference, I suppose, but Grinder rubs me the wrong way. -
Review from Aislinn S.
Toronto, ON
12/31/2011
My husband and I regularly come to this place because the coffee is fantastic, the weekenders are so delicious, and the staff are friendly.
I love Grinder coffee because it is rich but not too acidic. We have a Starbucks on the corner and we don't go there as often because their coffee is so acidic. My dad, who's hard to please, also loves it too!
Euan, the owner, is able to get Montreal bagels to make the weekender sandwiches. They are a breakfast sandwich with a bagel, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato. You can get meat as well (but we're vegetarians).
The staff are very friendly and even remember our names. Euan loves to chat and is your quintessential entrepreneur: remembers our professions, what we've been up to, where we're from, etc. He's such a great guy and is the heart of the Grinder.
I'm not sure why people have given some poor reviews of the place. It's one of our favourite places to go! -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
No wifi. Bad hours. Not cozy.
This area badly needs a nice cafe that invites one to hang out and kick back, but Grinder isn't it yet. Grinder needs to add wifi, stay open after dark, and replace the cafeteria style tables with something that encourages one to relax and think (and drink coffee) all day long. -
Review from Rob M.
Toronto, ON
6/23/2011
It's a nice place, and it has a lot of potential, but it needs to add non-sweets to the menu, and should open on Sundays.
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Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I left feeling underwhelmed. The atmosphere is nice, though much better coffee is to be had in Toronto. That being said, I'm not sure if this place has any worthwhile competition in the area. If you're far East on Gerrard, it's still worth a try.
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Review from Nicole M.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2010
The coffee is absolutely delicious - probably the best latte I've had in ages. That said, for $4.20 (one size only), it better be the best latte ever.
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Review from Kat F.
7/25/2010 7 Check-ins Here
A through-gritted-teeth 2.5 stars. Let me explain.
The coffee here is top notch - perfect flavour (for me), consistent and fast. Adam knows his shit, and if I were only rating the coffee product & his skills here, it'd no doubt be a five star rating. The baked goods on offer here are also fucking DELICIOUS. The zucchini bread is my favourite and never lets me down, but there are also other scrumptious loaves and muffins here, as well as an obscene selection of cold drinks like pop, juice, effervescent water, flavoured water, etc.
So why the 2.5 stars?
Well for starters, no wi-fi. So please, don't stay if you want to do any computer work.
Fine, I get it - this oversight could almost be forgivable if the business hours were in any way acceptable, but they are far from it. Since coffee lovers are unlikely to ever be in the close vicinity (Grinder is surrounded by dumps like Gerrard Square and Chinatown East, whose patrons would most certainly rather frequent the nearby Tim Hortons or the terrifyingly 24/7 Rose Donuts), the bankers hours that they keep are completely counter to maintaining steady business with the clientele they're targeting. I don't know how they'll thrive closing as early at 4pm, and as such, I never go out of my way to come here, because 99% of the time it'll be after 4pm. It's only on days when I'm getting a mani at Star Nails or fending off the toothless meatheads at the Gerrard Square Zellers that I'll think to myself, "Oh yeah! Grinder!" and go get myself a cappuccino. It's really too bad, because I'd love to make Grinder my #1 destination since it's on the way to other cool things farther west.
