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I Deal Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
84 Nassau StToronto, ON M5T 1M5
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 364-7700
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
27 reviews for I Deal Coffee
Review Highlights
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"...Dark Blend and Prince of Darkness are personal faves, but..." In 3 reviews -
"Indie Coffee Passport is so welcomed." In 4 reviews -
"...and laidback to sit on the front patio when it's warm out." In 8 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
2/10/2012
Very good Cortado at an excellent price (2.75) + tres cool hand-pull espresso machine = 4 stars.
Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Like many other reviewers here, I hit up this place because it was on my Indie Coffee Passport. This is the worst place I've been on the passport yet, this year or last.
The Coffee:
The coffee isn't horrible, it's just not great. It's pretty "meh" and with so many independent coffee shops downtown these days, I don't know why you would go here. My cappuccino was fine, but that's all.
The Ambiance:
This place feels like the storage room in a grade school basement. Checkered lamenant floors, uncomfortable tables, stuff just everywhere. It's doesn't have a storage-y/warehouse feel that can be cool (see, merchants of green coffee). It just feels messy and like someone needs to tidy up.
The Service:
SLOW. Oh my god so slow. There was only one person ahead of us but it still took forever to get our drinks. It was the guys last day, apparently, so maybe he just didnt care any more. When you take that long to make a cappuccino, I expect something kind of special or out of the ordinary. And this it wasn't. -
Review from Kazuo O.
10/26/2011
One summer, I spent several weeks trying to find the best latte in town. I Deal was a clear winner.
Their unique machine, "la Victoria Arduino" shines bright copper and has served me a consistent shot over the course of multiple visits. Today, ordered a darker roast shot, which gave the beverage a bolder flavor than I'm used to, but it still felt balanced against the fresh organic whole milk.
The establishment is also consistently busy, and getting your good coffee will take some time. If absent of patience you might try some of the places on Augusta. Also, limited indoor seating so bring a travel thermos with you and get a coffee to go. -
Review from Elvis A.
The crowds at this establishment defy all logic. I mean they do have seating area in front so maybe that's the charm.
I ordered my cappuccino for here as I prefer it in a ceramic cup.
Big mistake the ceramic cup had grime all over. Now for the main drink it was completely off with a scalding hot espresso shot and poorly frothed milk. No crema to speak of and technique that I relate too. Just a a very poorly executed drink.
Probably a first for me I just left the drink half way.
Stay away folks you can do much better.
The seating is surprisingly uncomfortable. -
Review from Yi Qing S.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2011
Ideal Coffee is to cafes as shortbread is to cookies. You know in theory that the two are more similar to one another than not, but in reality, they are completely different things.
I suppose Ideal Coffee is a cafe in that it serves coffee and various baked goods. That is about it. The interior reminds you more of a confused diner and the patio out front is more like somebody's backyard.
That being said, this can be a good thing, if that's what you're into. I, for one, do not mind this setup. I find it very chill and laidback to sit on the front patio when it's warm out. This place is probably the most conducive to one-on-one hangouts and other small get-togethers, and their coffee is what you'd expect from a regular Kensington fixture -- reliably good. No more, IMO, but also no less.
What this place is not good for is studying or work of any kind. Not that I've tried -- I once briefly contemplated whipping out my laptop but decided against it (one of the times when my better judgment won out). Since then I've always gone computer-free and IMO, that's the way it should stay. Ideal Coffee isn't a studying locale; that's what Second Cup or Starbucks or, y'know, the damn library is for. It's where you go for good cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon AFTER you're done studying/working/doing Very Important Things (or before -- whatever floats your boat).
One confusing thing: the bathroom light switch. I've been there at least three times now and still cannot remember where it is for the life of me. Every single time I stand there like a doofus groping around in the dark trying to find it. I think it's on the wall to your right. I think. Maybe fourth time's the charm. -
Review from Rebecca P.
York, ON
1/12/2011
Note:
This review is based primarily on one issue: price scaling for whole (or ground) coffee beans.
When Ideal opened years ago, I was a solid supporter of their coffee, and I often bought fresh-roasted beans and swore by their roast. For years, however, I've preferred the beans at Moonbean Coffee just a few blocks south east on St. Andrews. (Also fresh-roasted, and, in my opinion, just better beans.)
Yesterday, I was in the Ideal 'hood, very short on time (i.e., not enough to take the extra time to go to Moonbean & back) and I wanted to buy some whole bean coffee, so I popped in and bought 1/4 lb of their espresso roast.
Oh, what a surprise it was when I checked out and the chick at the counter told me my 1/4 lb was $5. I haven't been there in a while, but the last time I was, the price was much less. When I expressed my surprised, she noted that a full pound was $12, 1/2lb $8, and 1/4 $5.
So, it appears that Ideal has turned to one of those pricing structures, where you get ripped off if you buy less than their base amount. (If anyone knows a good reason for this other than having it be a really good way to make money, please comment.) Sure, we're only talking about a couple bucks, but it's the principle of the matter.
Since I started this review with a comparison to Moonbean, I'll end it that way: Aside from actually liking their coffee more (lovely, smooth espresso beans, and a wonderful variety of fair-trade beans), their prices are scaled perfectly. Most beans are $11.99/lb, and you weigh what you want based on that price: 1/4 lb = $3.00, not $5.00 like at Ideal.
In short, if you're in the market for less than a pound of beans, and if you care about where your cash goes, this isn't the place for you. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Indiecoffeepassport #10
I do like Ideal Coffee's beans and I will buy them the next time I do my grocery shopping in the market.
The cafe is a nice spot with the cafeteria-diner style tables but it's badly lit if you're sitting in the back. The little nook by the window looks cute but it doesn't look very comfortable to sit and relax.
The following statement will definitely make me sound old but oh man, it was loud in there! I guess it would be ok if you were hanging out with a friend or a group of people and you're already talking loudly anyway. But if you're trying to read a book, like I was, your concentration is competing with the coffee grinder and the music being played loudly. I didn't stay very long and hastily drank my Americano. Mind you, I did enjoy the barista's mixtape. -
Review from Greg S.
Toronto, ON
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best latte I've ever had!! There espresso machine is a classic and makes the best tasting espresso. Also had one of the tastiest pumpkin muffins of my muffin eating career! As for the atmosphere, no need to make it just like every other chained coffee joint so I don't know why some people complain. Great Spot for some great Java!!
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Review from Dishan W.
12/22/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Is it just me or does this place not have any sign up front indicating that it's "I Deal Coffee"? I wanted to use my coffee passport so did not want to walk in expecting a free drink to find out it was something else.
Once I did walk in, I was glad that my intention was to take my drink "to go" as this does not seem like a coffee place I would want to spend too much time at. It was small and looked a tad dingy for my tastes.
I think I was more disappointed than I should have been because I was probably expecting too much, to add to it my latte was nothing fantastic and lacked art :( But the barista seemed friendly and probably sensed that I was not the type of person that usually frequents Kensington locations?
That said, it's not the worst coffee experience I've had and I am more than willing to give this a second chance to see what kind of coffee they "deal"? Since that's their namesake, I probably shouldn't be too harsh till I try some straight up coffee to see if it is any good.Listed in: Walking Around Kensington…
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Review from Jessica W.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
They have almond milk for those of us who don't do dairy or soy, except the brand they carry has soy lecithin in it so ask to check the ingredients if that's a concern.
The sign doesn't say Ideal Coffee, it's just their logo (an atom??), so heads up on that. Indoor seating is limited, but there's standing room and a patio made for lazing. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2010
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#15)
Drink: Soy Chai Latte
Atmosphere: This place looks like someone spontaneously wanted to open a coffee shop and had absolutely no money so they resorted to using people's old tattered furniture found on their front lawn. Enough said.
My drink.... c'est horrible ....there's no other way to describe it. But someone should just kick me 'cause it is entirely my fault. I could have prevented it. I saw it coming. I should have said something. 'cause I asked her if she could make a Soy Chai Latte, and she hesitated... HESITATED. In that moment. In that 2.68415845284 second of hesitation, I should have known, man. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN... that she CLEARLY did not know how to make a Soy chai latte. Sigh. But It's okay. Because the drink was free..... NO, IT'S NOT OKAY BECAUSE ON TOP OF THE SHITTY DRINK THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY WIFI. WHAT IS THIS FUCKERY, I SAY?!
Verdict: asdfjaosdufoajdfajsdf;ljakldf;jasdf "GODDAMNIT!!" -Cartman voice-Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Giselle g.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2011
I've had some good cups of coffee here in the past and I like the atmosphere, especially on a sunny day. Some of the baristas are nice, but some have snotty attitudes. The last coffee I had at I-deal was the strength of battery acid and also cold, which pissed me off.
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Hipper-than-thou Ideal does a decent soy latte. It's not so mindblowingly great that I feel like I want to go back and spend more time there, though.
The coffee shop itself is a bit hodge-podge and dimly lit. Some cute kitcschy furnishings help the atmosphere somewhat, but it's not really a welcoming environment. In warmer months it might be nice to sit out in the courtyard (not too many comfy spots to grab a seat though) to sip coffee & enjoy the sun - however if it's a bit chilly or you don't want to sit out with the smokers, inside is what you're stuck with.
Service was pretty ambivalent - barely a smile or acknowledgement, and about the only words out of my barista's mouth other than to confirm my oder, was when I showed him my indie coffee passport were "Oh, one of those."
Ideal is.. not so much, really. Plenty of nicer options in the area. I enjoy the coffee enough that I hope their other location is a better visit and a little more welcoming.Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
9/26/2010 5 photos
Cappuccino is 3 to 4 *Star* as when I came with an address in hand from the Indie Coffee Passport, I still had to question myself where this I Deal Coffee was located. I guess this brings a Coffee Hunting element to the Passport.
I looked for the shop name to confirm but without the shop name displayed visually from outside, the only thing that lead me to believe this was actually I Deal was the customers with Coffee Beverages within this immediate vicinity.
That Barista Lady was simply amazing she was completely action-packed non-stop machine, but even with such praise she was working alone and had me waiting roughly 10+ minutes(-0.5 Star) near the doorway where everyone else stood as they waited as well. 3.5 *Star*
The seating is quite unique fascinating that brings back memories of Cafeteria seating or Old School Office seats or even history Diners. I took a photo of the Galaga Arcade table. This LEVER Mech Victoria Arduino is a very nice sight to behold. A bit of muscle work involved but as noted above, Super Barista Lady handled it no-prob.Listed in: 3.5 ***Stars***, Coffee Drinks
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Review from Heather M.
12/29/2010
In case I ever have visitors who are looking for a great (or ideal, haha. oh.) cup of coffee, I bring them here. They report that it is supremely fresh and it is awesome that they roast on premises. I also like the quirky cups and reuse of scientific washers to wash their ceramic ware. However, what not to like about this place: there is barely anywhere to sit, the windows are always fogged up (insulation anyone?) and it's super cold in there. No wifi in this age is also criminal. The verdict: the longer you sit in there after you've finished your coffee, the faster it loses its charm.
I would love if they offered other non tea or coffee products, such as ciders or smoothies. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/29/2010 3 photos
Ideal Coffee does have this old charm of a coffee bar that has been around for so so long and no one knows how long it has been...
For sure the process of waiting in line to order your coffee really sucks because this place is so small. People has to be share the small, narrow hallway while they wait in line with people going in and out. With only 1 barista managing the whole shop really slow down the whole process! (thanks for my friend who waited in line for me, while I enjoying the nice weather out in the patio doggie watching and people watching!)
The cappuncino I ordered was A-OK. with nice milk foam.. a little strong roasting taste... hmmmmm... so joyable when looking out of the window at the falling leaves on a nice sunny Autumn day.
Indie Coffee Passport is so welcomed! -
Review from Aaron B.
11/23/2010
First the good. The best espresso I've had in Toronto I've had here. And a double was just $2. Just great beans, prepared well, served well, and friendly and prompt along the way. Just great. If I judged on the coffee experience alone then it'd get 5 stars.
But I'm not judging on coffee alone. The whole experience weighs in. So, the fact that the place closes at 7:00pm gives it a 3-star max. It's totally absurd for a cafe to close before 8pm and any respectable cafe is open till 10pm. The place has no wifi, thus limiting its value as a place of work/study. The place is cramped and dingy. All manners of stoners and crack heads wonder in and out; this is both distracting and allows cold air from outside to sweep into the cafe regularly. Finally, the neighborhood is super sketchy, so I'm hesitant to leave a decent bike out front for more than a few minutes.
So with all those faults it might sound like a 1-star experience, but that coffee is so damn good , and the barista so friendly and capable, that it gets an extra star. I won't hurry back, but I'd definitely take somebody here who wanted some good espresso. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay, so the coffee isn't great, but it definitely isn't bad. The atmosphere here is definitely Kensington hipster...nice, friendly, and a good place chill with a friend.
Don't come here expecting one of the best espresso's in Toronto, but if you're in Kensington and can appreciate an eclectic atmosphere, stop in and enjoy. -
Review from Novalina N.
9/22/2010
Awesome coffee, friendly baristas. Seat is kinda limited, since they only have 3 actual tables, the rest is more like a coffee table accompanied with loveseats.
I love the fresh coffee beans smell since they roast beans on the site! -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2009
Ideal Coffee has a slightly cultish feel to it when discussed in conversation, but it is simply one of the best coffee places around. They use coffee ice cubes.
And when you are spotted on their concrete patio, you know you've made it in the hierarchy of the Toronto patio scene. No one's patio is cooler than Ideal's. -
Review from jenna m.
11/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I have been a fan of I Deal Coffee for roughly 7 years now. Located in Kensington Market, this establishment could be confused with a junk yard. If it were not for the full bodied delicious roast of the Prince of Darkness blend than I would avoid this place like I avoid crazy hobos on the street. It is actually astounding that they have such delectable coffee. The interior of the "cafe" is totally squalid and gritty. They have a mug for "dirty spoons" and you truly feel like every spoon is a dirty one. The exterior is packed with decrepit items; however, people flock to the patio like seagulls at McDonalds. A bonus is that they give you a free coffee when you purchase some beans ($14 per pound). For the most part the staff appear to be very nice. I did have one incident at I Deal that I would like to share. I used to order loads of coffee beans for my mother who lives out of town. Roughly 10-15 one pound bags of beans per order. So, I am spending anywhere for $140-210 bones per order. One time I had already ingested my quota of coffee for the day and I requested a complimentary hot chocolate instead, because technically I should be given 10-15 free cups of coffee. So, I figured I was entitled to one hot coco. The barista denied me the hot chocolate stating that they could not provide me with one on the house, just coffee. I just dropped $210 and they could not give me a $4 beverage. Also keep in mind I spend around $1000 a year for my mother alone, not including my $15/week for myself and other visits to the cafe. I was pissed! So, to spite them I said I would in fact like my complimentary coffees. They had to give me 15 cups of coffee...I then went outside and handed out free coffee to parched customers on the patio and everyone applauded me like I was some sort of mystical coffee fairy. I am not a spiteful person at all, but I wanted to stand up for myself. It was actually kind of fun. Other than that I really do enjoy the blends at I Deal.
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Review from Yvette L.
Toronto, ON
2/18/2010
Ideal coffee (I deal coffee... get it?) is a dingy corner of Kensington - even by Kensington standards. However, the coffee is superior to anything I've found by the pound by far. The Organic Dark Blend and Prince of Darkness are personal faves, but all the coffee is good. The staff are always friendly and helpful and have time for chit chat even if the place is packed.
Best deal in town: when you buy a pound of coffee, you receive a drink free. That means for $14 (with tax) you get a pound of knock-your-socks-off local roast and a latte, or a hot chocolate, or an americano... insane! Try haggling with Starbucks for that kind of value. Patio in the summer. Oh - they only use Harmony milk, too! -
Review from j w.
Toronto, ON
7/4/2010
Everything people before me said is true. I drive an hour and a half into the city for their coffee and it is so worth it. Many a day you can smell the coffee roasting (they roast their beans in house) from two blocks away. Their serious about coffee - how serious, both their simple syrup and ice cubes are made from coffee so as not to dilute the experience. They have soy milk, rice milk and organic cows milk.
Prince of Darkness is my favorite blend, and far better than anything I can get anywhere else. Their Damn Fine Decaf is, yes, wait for it - damn fine. And each pound comes with a free coffee. Any kind. Include really fancy ones.
It's the kind of laid back place that when I lived across the road, they would let me take my coffee home in a real mug and return the mug some time later.
I can not think of a better coffee location anywhere. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
3/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think this is my new favourite weekend cafe.
Although a bit hipster-heavy, this place is just too much fun for people-watching and sitting on the patio.
like Rachael L mentioned, you really ARE at the epitome of cool when you sit on this concrete patio. On a warm sunny day patrons practically own the street and it kinda looks like people are just sitting around on somebody's front lawn.
They do a decent americano and after reading that they have ethically traded coffee i'm a big fan.
This place is also super cheap to boot. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
11/22/2008
As I was walking out of This Ain't the Rosedale Library which stands adjacent to Ideal Coffee in Kensington, I remarked to my wife (in a perhaps quintessential commercial voice) "They really do make great coffee." And it's true. It is very rich. They roast it themselves, do their best to buy from economically, environmentally, socially and politically reputable places (for details of their philosophy visit their website http://www.idealcoffee...).
It is a stand out occurrence for a coffee company to have their beans be great, and therefore their espresso perhaps, as there is so much competition to become espresso royalty in Toronto. Where they don't stand out, at this location, is environment. In the summer there is a makeshift patio with a bare bones flair and a picturesque view of loafer central, which is often filled with smokers, and some guy will surely be there with guitar in tow that he probably can't play very well. definitely sounds judgey, but its the vibe i get anyway.
But I will always go there for the coffee and the market. -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2010 5 Check-ins Here
A great little grungy coffee shop with tons of character and good coffee. The latte is good, but not excellent, it tasted a bit burnt. I have been going to Ideal for at least 8 years and always find the coffee to satisfy my craving for a decent drink. For home use, I think their Around the World coffee beans are the best coffee for my french press. It's pretty nice that when you purchase a pound of beans you get a free coffee. Nice touch, Ideal, nice touch.
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Review from Russ B.
10/6/2009
I'm a coffee junkee who's traveled a bit and worked in a coffee house for many years. One of the fist things I do when I get to a new city is hunt for coffee houses.
Ideal Coffee is one of my favorite coffee spots in either North America or Europe. They use a real hand pull espresso machine. They know how to make espresso. And if you order an iced coffee drink you get it with coffee cubes, not ice cubes. So your drink doesn't dilute as the cubes melt.
They also have really awesome and comfortable furniture and a nice little patio where you can chill out and talk to strangers.
This is a cool little blog about Ideal Coffee. You have to roll your mouse over the pictures to see all of them.
http://www.hooliator.n...
