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Holy Oak Cafe
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1241 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6H 1N6
Neighbourhoods: Brockton Village, Bloordale Village, Wallace Emerson
(647) 345-2803
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Holy Oak Cafe
Review Highlights
"...at any rate, the best espresso-based drinks I've ever had."
(in 3 reviews)
"They do have quite a few baked goods too."
(in 3 reviews)
"They even have live music."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie G.
Welland, ON
1/20/2012
This was my first time here, and it was for a very special event. A friend of mine was launching a book of photos he had taken of some of the many lost and forgotten rivers under Toronto.
The staff were all very friendly, and the drinks were reasonably priced. After having a terrible dining experience just minutes earlier, I was very relieved to see that they offered a quinoa salad, and banana coconut muffins. The salad was fantastic, it was just the right balance of everything, and the lemon tang was not too overpowering. The portion size was much bigger than I expected, and still reasonably priced. My boyfriend had the muffin and he said that although it wasn't as tasty as the ones I bake, it was second best.
Although the food menu is limited, I think it was very suitable in hosting the book launch. It became quite packed, but atmosphere always remained relaxed and welcoming. The only disappointment was the beer selection, which wasn't that great, but still passable. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a quaint little cafe... and yes, the Indie Passport is the one reason that brought me here as Lansdowne and Bloor is one of intersections of the city I generally tend to skip altogether.
Don't get me wrong, there is the odd and quaint dive bar nearby, the interesting restaurants that seems to be starting to spring up here and there and... Who can forget that strip joint adjacent to the church just west of Lansdowne? That setup is golded and definitely a one stop shop for the local sin-ridden-strip-joint-lover. However it is hard to fight the slightly soul sucking vibe you get when hanging around this hood for too long, SPECIALLY at night.
No, I am not being snobbish, in fact, this used to be my hood for a few months back in '03 and I knew the hood well and let just say, gentrification has ways to go.
Anyway, this cafe is trying to go all out, and transcend being just a mere cafe. Oh yes, they are going for the "artistic venue" approach normally found in larger locales like the Tranzac, Victory Cafe and to a lesser extend The Central.
As a word of warning, The Oak's website is a bit half-cooked but you can see they are keeping themselves busy with ongoing live music, dj fueled nights and even a live dating game show? For real?
However this 'dive cafe' is just one room in size and cannot compete when it comes to sheer space to other venues and as such they try to make due with what they go. So, don't be surprised if you are having a latte at 8:45pm and all of the sudden the staff beings taking adjacent tables to the back to make room.
Also they are LCBO licensed, and before I left they were setting up a DJ as it seems they stay open past at least midnight and wait for the ringing techno music to lure willing dancers to chill the night away.
Now, the place is very low key, with rickety looking tables and chairs. Heck, my chair felt as it might actually break on me, so expect for everything to have that retro, Queen Street West cheap look with some random painting/photos hanging from the wall.
Sadly, my latte was really 'meh,' and although the staff seemed more than friendly, I would more likely recommend this locale as a place to hang out with a beer than with a coffee.
I do applaud them for trying to be a far more diverse venue than just a cafe, like El Cafecito, located just east of here and in fact, I might check them out again if there something in their calendar which sparks my interest. But fix your website though. -
Review from Elvis A.
This update is for the cappuccino served at this place.
As part of the indie passport I came here for my Cappuccino fix.
The serving is small and they don't have any sweetener as well (on the plus side they use organic milk which done right can balance the drink)
The Latte art was nothing special and the espresso had not much taste either and was way too mellow.
The place was busy with a younger crowd.
2 Star for the Cappuccino.Listed in: Face off Indie coffee passport…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/7/2011
This is my first time doing a pub crawl in this neighborhood. Needless to say I was taken aback by… Read more »
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Review from Jake G.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2012
Great place to read a book over a cup of coffee or get some studying done. They're also licensed and have some food options. And there's a bunch of board games downstairs if you need something to do.
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Review from Victoria s.
1/3/2012
The last time I was there the place was FULL of flies. And whenever I've been there, the barista's do not appear to have a systematic way of taking orders and money. It's this kinda, whoever-pounces-first cluster around the bar.
And So Dark! for a cafe. It's not for me. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Indie Passport brought me here again to Holy Oak Cafe. This time cappuccino was on my mine instead of beer....
It was quite busy on a Wednesday afternoon full with locals chilling. The atmosphere was really relaxing as most of the patrons were either reading or on their laptop.
Cappuccino was average. I would just ordering a beer next time............ and my Yelp friend can just keep drinking his coffee!Listed in: Yelp 30 Day Challenge October…, Coffee, Tea or.........., Just Love Being Independent!, Places I Would Go For A Drink…, UYE Sends Me Here!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/10/2011
CMYE: Bloordale Bar Crawl #2
Drink: St Ambrose Apricot Wheat Ale
Holy Oak Cafe reminds me of an old… Read more »
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Review from Vivek S.
5/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
You've heard of dive bars? This is is a dive cafe. Just about everything at the Holy Oak has a rustic and mismatched air about it -- and the faintest hint of grime. When I walked up to the bar tucked at the back of this diminutive shop, I almost wanted to order a round of PBRs, but it was Sunday morning and I thought better of it.
It's located steps from Lansdowne subway station which makes it a highly convenient meeting point for Bloordale Villagers. They make a solid espresso here (Intelligensia) and also offer tea, hot chocolate, and baked goods. It was a rock solid place to spend a few hours with my laptop plunking out reviews. The vibe is quiet enough to chill out without feeling that you are in a library or mausoleum. There is free wifi, but outlets are far and few between.
If the HOC has a failing it's the filthy washrooms (which included a note on the urinal imploring me to turn a knob as I "wizzed" (sic) to prevent stink) but my feelings were quickly ameliorated when I spotted a mirror outside the loo emblazoned with the Def Leppard logo. So I guess I don't mind so much. This entire paragraph was useless. I apologise.
On my last visit the staff was painstakingly applying gold leaf to the acoustic tiles on the ceiling; I wonder if they're done yet?
Obligatory Title Pun: Holy Oak Cafe Batman!
Menu Readability: I can't remember, but if I had to guess... chalkboard?
Need to mention: They really do sell beer and other boozies.
What this place teaches me about myself: I might need to rethink my Sunday morning teetotaling ways.Listed in: Top Coffee Shops
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Review from Lauren M.
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another hipster bar.
The furniture here is even more ghetto than the average hipster bar. Some of the tables looked like they had been salvaged from a garbage disposal site or from the "free" pile of a garage sale. Yikes.
Very friendly bartender and good selection of both coffee type drinks and boozy beverages.
It was so fecking hot in this place. I honestly don't think I can return until at least the end of September. They need to get some A/C, or if they are too hipster for that, at least get a couple fans please. I suppose the lack of air was meant to add to the whole "grandmother's living room" theme. -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a gem! Holy Oak does it all and does it well! Great drinks (try the Pear and Bourbon, it had a good name, but I can't remember it now), casual cafe vibe, a coffee-shop by day, bar by night, with food!
They even have live music! I will have to return for the live music, because this place is small so you would get up close with the performers.
Recommend.Listed in: Live Music
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Review from Rafi N.
Toronto, ON
6/10/2011 2 photos
Holy Oak is pretty much a typical bar, except it serves coffee, espresso, etc. The decor is different, but doesn't match the music. I came here on a crawl.
*** DRINKS ***
I forget the name of the beer I had, but I remember thinking it was good. So at least this place isn't watering down their beers.
*** APPEARANCE ***
Holy Oak is a rustic looking bar. The cafe element is lost until you see the espresso machine behind the counter. The chairs and tables look like they were bought at a garage sale. There are pictures on the wall that give a maritime feel, but the music is more upbeat.
*** SERVICE ***
Service is good. The server is friendly and seems upbeat (must be the music). There was only one server for a pretty big group and she served us all in a timely manner.
*** PRICE ***
Once again, I can't remember the price. I think their prices are inline with most other bars in the area.
*** HOLY smOAK! ***
Holy Oak serves beer, coffee, espresso, etc. They have food too, so I think this would be a nice place to chill over a drink if you prefer to be indoors. -
Review from Kazuo O.
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ordered a latte. Server was friendly. Simple olive walls, mismatched furniture, and eclectic playlist. At 430 in the afternoon, quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Low murmur of several conversations and a family with a moderately quiet infant. Good place to get some light work done. Latte was average... Beer list looks good. Solid 3... Would need come back at night to see if it could be a 4.
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Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2011
So many reviews already, I feel like a pebble in the pond!
Consequently, let's make it snappy!
* EXCELLENT $2 Americanos. Yum!
* Delicious sandwiches on artisan bread. Apple and Chedder... Yum!
* Wicked good quinoa salad. Yum! (Pattern?)
* Super relaxed, but not overbearingly hipster, atmosphere. Yum! (er... ahem)
* Boardgame nights on Wednesdays. Though I've still yet to make it to one. It's gotta be good, right? It's a groovy cafe with boardgames. I even saw a copy of Pandemic. Huzzah!
So, Holy Oak? Holy HELL YEAH!
(Note: Outdoor seating is a bench. Still, I think that counts. I hope so, I like the bench, and I had an Americano sitting upon it.) -
Review from Matthew B.
Toronto, ON
1/3/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I've been to the Holy Oak a handful of times now, that in itself means I'm impressed. Friendly, quality, affordable cafes frequented by the sane(er) members of the neighbourhood are a commodity for me, and the competition is getting thicker.
Great brunch on the weekends -if not for its limited hours- delicious americano's all week, good tunes (not radio) and lots of tables (and plugs), make Holy Oak a go-to spot.
Holy Oak also has live music often and board game nights/special events on the various weeknights. That, combined with bonus points for being a few doors down from Vintage 69 Collective, where I found sweet pair of winter boots for 45 bucks the other week, puts it in the ranks of Three Speed and Saving Gigi for places I like to read/eat/listen/drink in the neighbourhood. -
Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Holy Oak Cafe might not seem like much as you peer in from the outside but I assure you it's what's inside that counts! It's kinda an ad hoc cafe, where the bulk of the start up money went into what was important: coffee and snacks. The remaining funds were used to install an eclectic mix of old, second hand tables and chairs to accommodate the clientele. As you stand in the place the impression you'll get of Holy Oak is that it's essentially a new soul in an old body. For what tends to be an otherwise dreary section of town Holy Oak Cafe is a welcome addition.
The coffee is purely espresso based here and the shots are competently pulled getting a nice reddish brown crema. The coffee in question is none other than Intelligentsia's Black Cat Espresso. This particular espresso in flavor is exactly as the roaster describes: Notes of cherry, syrupy, molasses. It's an interesting espresso blend that differentiates itself from other espresso I've had round the city. Yummy.
Aside from the espresso I enjoyed I also had one of their croissants and it was easily one of the best croissants I've had in the city. In fact I'm tempted to wonder if they were hauled in from Bonjour Brioche cross city. So definitely have a croissant with your coffee if they still have some available. On the downside their muffins are pricey for the tiny morsels they are, but they did look appetizing.
Staff was friendly and attentive and importantly the lady knew what she was doing on the espresso machine. Prices are reasonable. I'm a fan. Makes a nice stopover on your way to or from Value Village.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from U. S.
Toronto, ON
5/16/2011
I've frequently come here for coffee, and recently came for some drinks. This is, indeed, a dive-bar.
Pros:
-Friendly owner
-Prince/Purple Rain decorative mirror above the bar (had to mention that somewhere)
-Cheap drinks
-Free internet
-Unpretentious attitude, and fun-loving atmosphere. A DJ was playing when I came on a Saturday night. By the end of the evening, the DJ was wearing a purple wig, had sunglasses on, and was dancing with the owner in the middle of the floor. It was hilarious, and a lot of fun.
-Good music
-Free board games for your pleasure
Cons:
- Everything is a little cluttered, a little old, and .. well, odd? The decoration teeters between charming and just-plain grungy. -
Review from Sarah H.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2011
Great casual place for breakfast/bruch....didn't know about the free WIFI...even better!
Great food, went on a weekend and did not have to wait in any lineup.
Def recommend Holy Oak. -
Review from Kaye H.
Toronto, ON
1/12/2011
Best americanos and lattes in the city. There, I said it. Or at any rate, the best espresso-based drinks I've ever had.
You walk into this quaint, small space, and yet somehow, they've managed to lay it out perfectly, so that even if you're in a smaller, two-seater table against the wall, you feel as if you have space to move, and gather your belongings safely about you. The last thing I want is to go write at a coffee shop, try to enjoy my coffee, and feel as if I'm having a conversation with the two people who are sitting next to me, at a separate table, and Holy Oak has managed to space everything out so that this doesn't happen.
As night falls, the staff turns down the over-head lights little by little, and places candles on the tables, and very discreetly, might I add, so as not to interrupt whatever you're doing. Sitting in that little cafe, with the candles twinkling all around, good music pouring out of the speakers at the most appropriate level, makes you feel cozy, but more importantly for me, it provides me with an extremely relaxing and comfortable environment to work within, enabling me to get more done. And when I'm trying to get writing accomplished, that's the most important thing for me that a coffee shop provide. That, and a damn good coffee. (Or even a beer, of which they've got an excellent selection).
Definitely worth the travel-time, if you don't live in this area! -
Review from Dan F.
1/17/2011
Excellent coffee, nice ambiance, great service and free wifi. I love it.
The atmosphere is very chill at the Holy Oak and I always feel totally welcome. When I'm in Toronto, I generally stay nearby but even if I didn't, I would probably make the trek here because it is such a great place to set up and be productive for a few hours. -
Review from Bloordale M.
Toronto, ON
2/16/2011
I have only been here once for brunch. My favourite brunch place is the Swan and that is how I measure other brunches.
My Mum makes the best scrambled eggs EVER and she sets the standard there. The only ones that compare are served at Frank (the AGO) and cost $16!
The Holy Oak is Swaneriffic and the eggs are Mumtastic. The food is a proper mix of honouring the traditional and adding signature twists that make this place special. The potatoes are flavoured with lemon and mint(?) - sounds weird but is very nice. And the scrambled eggs are PERFECT.
My companion had a version of eggs benedict served on grilled halloumi and she liked it so much she returned the next week.
Good coffee is essential to the brunch experience and some of the very best coffee in Toronto is served here.
The only quibble I have is beet salad comes with almost everything and I am not a fan of beets. -
Review from Toronto L.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
the Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
This is a very nice cafe in a very cool area. You're sitting in here read a book, write a book, chat with a hipster friend of yours, or to have a decent breakfast. The Holy Oak Cafe does almost everything you want it to; however, the breakfasts are a little overpriced (they can be over $10 for meals that really should be under) and the room is a little small, so you might have to move chairs around to figure out a comfortable seating arrangement.
3 stars -
Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2011
Despite it's seemingly religious name, this Blansdowne cafe has nothing to do religion. It's a little cafe chock-full of character and a cool, homey-sorta vibe. You know the type of place I'm talking about: mismatched plates and cutlery on the tables, Value Village-esque paintings and pictures on the walls, slightly damaged panelling on the ceiling. It sorta looks like one day someone decided: 'Well, we have a stove. Why don't we open a restaurant?' It seems random, but truthfully, it doesn't matter all that much. If anything, those details make it better and much more comfortable.
There really isn't that much for food here. They've got a couple of items that are fairly easy for the lone person working to make when the place gets busy, which it definitely does. Mostly it's just the standard pressed sandwich kind of thing. No soup, no fries, no salad, as a side anyways. The friendly guy working there told me that it's not that kinda place. He said that it's mostly a cafe and a place to drink booze.
The menu is up on a chalkboard, and like I mentioned, it mostly has pressed sandwiches, like grilled cheese with apples and Tandoori chicken stuffed Naan bread. The sandwiches certainly aren't bad, but sadly, the majority of the stuff they make seems to have been brought in with little of it made in-house, like the Naan bread. The Naan was the kinda stuff pressed and packaged somewhere distant, and then bought at some grocery retail giant. It definitely would have been better if they worked with someone local to get some truly authentic stuff. They do have quite a few baked goods too. I'm not sure if those were made in-house or not, but they look nice next to a cup of the great coffee they serve.
I've seen some pictures of brunch items at Holy Oak, like eggs Benny, but based on when I was there I couldn't see that happening. Maybe they do bring someone in on the weekends to cook, but they guy working never mentioned it to me when I asked him about the food or the limited menu.
I went during the week for lunch, and this little place was pretty packed. Mostly with twenty and thirty somethings in front of laptops. It seems like a pretty cool place to work for those of us that frequent coffee shops for that sorta thing, because there really isn't much else in the neighborhood that offers it. It's cozy and comfortable, and I could easily see myself sitting there with a coffee, comfortably typing away.
Holy Cafe is a neat place, but it certainly doesn't warrant a big trip to get to it. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and you're looking for a comfortable place to soak up WiFi and get a decent cup of coffee, Holy Oak can definitely provide. But it doesn't offer much more than that. -
Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
2/18/2010
Yep, welcome outpost in an underserved area. Great place to grab a coffee (at a nice price too!) and relax, as predicted by previous reviews. They have baked goods, sandwiches and beer! Also, they have free wi-fi. Tip: Take the Emerson street exit from the subway.
I have occasion to be in the area on a weekly basis and will now look forward to it! -
Review from Poof A.
9/14/2010
Drip coffee please! Your espresso-based bevs are delicious, but $4 for a latte is not always something I can swing. That said, I welcome Intelligentsia's entry to Toronto, and this is a cute cafe in an area that could use a few more cute places.
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Review from Ryan S.
Pickering, ON
3/17/2011
Great place! fantastic atmosphere, it was even better listing to a live band play! Not a bad selection of beer on tap and for pretty cheap too! Next time i'm in the area i will be going back.
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Review from Ramanan S.
Toronto, ON
6/19/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I've been to Holy Oak a few times now. It opened up recently in the Blansdowne neighbourhood, down the road from the sort-of-sketchy Coffee Time. To say it's a welcome addition to the area would be an understatement. Americano's are $2, and they are all kinds of good. I haven't tried any of their pastries yet, though they look quite tasty. They also sell sandwiches. I had one of their grilled cheese sandwiches, which was enjoyable. The place is filled with some eclectic furniture and a piano. It's very spartan. I quite like the way it looks. This is definitely a place to check out.
Listed in: I live in BLANSDOWNE!
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Review from Moi T.
Toronto, ON
9/25/2010
Tasty coffee, amazing vibe and setup. Only ever been during the day. Very kid friendly (there's a basket of toddler toys) and superb taste in recorded and live music. Food is tolerable. Great staff. Should go down as one of the businesses that helped revive/grow Bloordale.
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Review from Melanie H.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2010
I like it here because its just one step above hanging out at home. you can go there and just shoot the shit, play games, drink tall cans of beer and warm your heart.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2010
Everything about this place is a gem. I will always go here for delicious sammiches, coffee, beer, games and company. Truly my number one go-to for a relaxing place outside of my home!
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Review from Paul J.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place is like the old Kensington Market. Hippy-ish, authentic and sincere. And fun. the staff have an edge...there seems to be lots of diversity in the music that's played - both live and canned. The coffee is delicious, so is the creamy beer on tap. I forget the brand but the cream stuff is good and I'm not a beer lover at all. Some of the tables have plugs for computers - their internet works. This place is an oasis in a neighborhood that is crying out for more. The prices are reasonable and there is a vibe of openness and welcoming. Cafe (salon) culture comes to Bloor and Landsdowne, finally...
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Review from Min min T.
Scarborough, ON
1/24/2010
whole wheat bread + aged cheddar + basil + sliced apple + chillax atmosphere = mmmmm
