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Jet Fuel Coffee Shop
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
519 Parliament StToronto, ON M4X 1P3
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown
(416) 968-9982
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 8 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
39 reviews for Jet Fuel Coffee Shop
Review Highlights
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"The crisp bold espresso is my Toronto favorite." In 15 reviews -
"...cafe of choice for bike couriers, they even sponsor their..." In 3 reviews -
"This and the still economical latte price is what keeps me..." In 11 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie W.
Toronto, ON
I've been going to Jet Fuel for years, and for a non-coffee drinker, I think that's impressive given the culture of this place really revolves around that bitter drink. As a fan of large beverages, I appreciate that my teas (while really nothing special... I'm fairly sure they use Tetley) are served in pint glasses. I still wrap a couple of napkins around the glass like they used to, now the baristas seem more inclined to plunk my glass in a take away cup.
A special fav is the hot lemon ginger drink: coarsely chopped ginger with on-the-spot-squeezed lemon juice and a heaping tablespoon of raw brown sugar. If you ask me, it's best enjoyed sitting in one of the window seats (if you can grab one) and watching the colourful characters of Cabbagetown stroll by. Limited seating is also available in the backyard... can't really call it a patio, but you can hang out there and smoke if you got'em.
The walls are adorned with the work of different local artists every month and they sponsor a their own Jet Fuel cycling team. I love the community spirit of the joint. It's really easy to make friends there if you don't mind jumping into someone else's conversation:)
When in Cabbagetown its a must visit. -
Review from Elaine K.
2/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really liked this spot.
Comfy seating, great service, decent prices and wifi. The only issue I had was that their wifi was dial-up speed.
I had a delicious vegan hot chocolate in a pint glass for $3 and worked away uninterrupted for about an hour. At one point I logged out of their free wifi and opted to tether my phone instead. It was insanely slow. -
Review from Tanya N.
1/20/2012
Came late on a weekend afternoon. There was a line along the barista bar with only one barista. She was efficient with the orders so the line went quickly. I know some people who have had some rude experiences with the baristas but she was fine. I had a small latte which was $2 - pretty cheap for a latte. I think it's only 8 ounces (maybe 6?) so smaller than other places but nonetheless gave me the java jolt I needed in the afternoon.
There's plenty of seating but this place is busy so I wouldn't always count on getting a spot here.Listed in: For the Love of Lattes
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Review from Justin D.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2012
No menu is a little jarring, but doesn't really matter when you're just getting an espresso. Can't beat $1 for a doppio. Great coffee.
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Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
1/12/2012
After almost a year and a half of being in Toronto, I finally went to this place that many have suggested.
If you are a regular to this 'institution' you might not the drill as you walk in. I was at a total loss. Where do I order? Since there is no menu, what do I order?
I stood there for at least five minutes trying either not to be in the way or trying to figure how i would be able to be in a line that would make me at least look like I wanted something.
Just as a side note. If you are a short person like myself, the high counter for ordering makes a short person feel like a toddler.
I truly did not like that. The resulting coffee in my hand was a good cup of Joe but all that hassle was not worth returning. -
Review from Leeor J.
9/17/2011
Hard to argue with $3 tallboy-coffee drinks. This place is always busy and has a nice vibe that's a bit different from most of the cafe's I go to. It's a nice change of pace now and then. free wifi. a mysterious back patio that i'm not sure is actually even a back patio.
I like how the toilets are on an elevated platform too. makes me feel like a king. -
Review from Katherine C.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011
My BF and I visited Jet Fuel on a Sunday morning after it was recommended to us by a number of people since we live in the neighbourhood.
Upon walking in, we were confused - there is no menu, no clear place at the counter to order and no clear line (people were just gathered around the counter hanging out like they were at a bar on Friday night waiting to get a drink).
Sidenote: We drink a lot of coffee, and not the frilly stuff (just a plain latte is fine) and have been to a lot of the unique coffee shops in the city. We don't need anything special in a coffee shop - just to get in and out with our coffee without much hassle.
After taking a minute to figure out what we were supposed to do, we approach the counter and wait for someone to take our order (or even to be acknowledged that we had entered the shop). Meanwhile, the barista was chitchatting with someone who was obviously a regular.
After about 5 minutes, finally someone realizes we are there and takes our order - apologizing (half-heartedly) to us for talking to the others and not us because they were "regulars". After finally placing our order, we had our lattes but then waited another few minutes for someone to take our money (it was so confused in there we probably could've walked right out without paying - not that I would).
I realize it was late Sunday morning which is going to be peak time at any coffee shop and therefore it is going to be busy - but there are many businesses that manage to handle high volumes of traffic in a much less chaotic way than Jet Fuel.
In summary, they give you a decent latte (not the best I've ever had) for $3 which is a good deal. But what turned me off is their disregard for those who are not "regulars" - not a good attitude to have, considering I live minutes away and would be happy to be a regular if my initial experience was good. -
Review from Michael N.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2011
I'm gonna say it, though for regulars I'm sure this is no surprise - Jet Fuel has developed an attitude, and it has way too much ego and arrogance to be much fun.
The coffee is absolutely first rate, and I would heartily recommend you come here when you're with friends and want to chat while drinking fantastic espresso and such. If you're alone, however, you may find the atmosphere wanting - the music is super loud and it's difficult to concentrate, much less read anything. Any people watching you may want to do goes out the window because you can't even hear yourself think.
As for the attitude ... I've been coming here for 3 years now, and I've always been able to just walk up to the counter, ask for a coffee, and 3 minutes later, something was put in front of me that I enjoyed. Didn't even care what it was, or how much I paid, because the quality is just too good.
Now? I get a lecture about how I can't just ask for a 'coffee', it's a friggin' Americano. And I need to be taught how to order it. Yes, I know, Jet Fuel is a haven for coffee snobs - I'm not averse to the idea (proud beer snob here), and I didn't mind being sassed for this over the last 3 years (that's always fun, especially as a QC fan), but give me a damn break. You wanna sass me? Sure. Make fun of me after I've paid and walk away? Go ahead. But to give me a lecture about what an Americano is? Give me a break. And unfortunately, this has happened more than once.
I'm trying to move on ... but it's hard. Jet Fuel has probably the best coffee in Toronto. Maybe if they can just deflate their collective heads a little bit ... -
Review from Stefanie L.
Markham, ON
6/4/2011
I'm trying to think of just one thing that was nice about this place, but I just can't think of anything.
I came here with a group of 4 friends and one of them had suggested it. It was hot outside so I wanted something cold. I looked for the menu and clearly could not find it as they do not have one (how convenient!).
I am by no means a coffee expert so I asked the woman behind the counter for any kind of cold coffee drink she would recommend (I'm not picky). She said, "Uhh..well all we have is iced coffee. We don't own a blender or anything." I guess that's my bad for thinking a shop that specializes in making drinks would own a blender to crush ice.
Whatever. I told her I'd get the iced coffee. She stared at me blankly and there was an awkward silence. I didn't know what she wanted.
She said, "Sooo...what kind of coffee do you want?"
"Uhh.."
"Cappucino? Latte? What do you want!?"
"Sure cappucino is fine," I said.
"Don't forget to bring your glass back to the counter when you're done," she said.
The drink was horrible. Everyone else who tasted it didn't like it. I forced it down cause I was hot and returned my glass to the counter like she asked. I guess the servers don't clean the tables. I saw serveal other empty tables with dirty glasses just sitting there. Maybe the coffee is "good quality' like some people say, but it still didn't taste good. And I'm not a huge fan of the attitude. Yeah....definitely not coming back here. -
Review from Jack W.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2011
New to Toronto, and new to my Cabbagetown digs, one of my first searches was for good coffee. Fortunately, Jet Fuel was my second stop. I love this place. As totally confused as I was the first visit I had (massive jet lag, confusion, running on 3 days without sleep), the staff were very sweet to me and helped me get my latte and find a chair. And they've been that way every time I've been there since, even though I'm far more concious now.
Fantastic coffee, great place to sit and look around, it's definitely my coffee home away from home. -
Review from Original E.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2011
Welcome to a Toronto institution.
This place has always been a little eccentric. So I'm going to share a little secret with all the yuppies and "foodies" hunting for that perfect spot.
Jet Fuel has always been a hang out for Toronto bike couriers, that's right. This fact started a culture there that will never be broken by some spoiled yuppie (that's why you have Yorkville).
I think if you go in there with an open mind to their way of life your experience will be the greatest. I'm not a courier but my presence there is always treated with respect. That's because I don't go in there with a silly grin asking stupid questions. Who wants to serve coffee to a wanna be food critic anyway, right?
They throw parties for their regulars, and back in the day there would be some memorable drunken moments with Jet Fuel.
I read how one yelper caught on to their strong point. You get a generous serving of caffè latte / cappuccino for $3. What else do you want?
In all fairness there's plenty of places in TO for coffee. For those that can't go with the flow and keep this place as it was many years ago, take a hike and go across the street to Starbucks.
Jet Fuel is a coffee institution for Toronto's hard working bike couriers, that probably explains why it packs a punch.
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Hana B.
This is a latte I have found that REALLY gets you wired for the next 6-7 hours. Excellent to pick up before embarking on a study session.. or if you are like me a dance-and-clean-apartment-athon.
It can be a bit confusing when you first walk in to this place. No menu. No "Oh hello what can I get you?". You just get a hold of someone behind the counter and order a coffee related drink to see if they have it (atleast thats what i do). They will whip you up a delicious drink, then quote you a a ridiculously cheap price for a beverage of high standards. BONUS!
This place is right across from a great burger place, and its my usual place to shake off after-big-meal sleepiness. I'd definitely visit Jet Fuel more if I lived closer to avoid that Starbucks shaped hole in my pocket. -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
11/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was originally attracted to this place because of the cycling team... Yes they do partly sponsor pro cycling! Not many companies do this in Canada and I'm very thankful that they do.
The first time I went here it was rather confusing because they don't have any signs with prices, they don't have a menu of any kind, and the staff didn't offer any suggestions. However, the first time I ever went here I had a Latte and all they took out of my pocket was $1.00. (This was some time ago now seeing as the latte price has undergone a 300% increase in price)
The whole-bean coffee is great depending on how you like your cuppa. Since I have an espresso machine at home with the same internals as the shop, I can get just as tasty a result at home.
In all my visits, I've only heard rumours about a mythical beverage they serve containing 8 espresso shots and 8 scoops of chocolate powder. I would like to try it soon since my machine at home has let me indulge at a rate that would cost $150 a week at coffee shops.
Over the years it has gradually become cleaner and cleaner with nicer decor and wall coverings. They often feature local artists and photographers and offer the work for sale.
The counter staff however has always maintained their high level of sketchyness! This and the still economical latte price is what keeps me coming back. It's a bit out of the way from where I live, but every once in a while I get a hankering for their sweet sweet whole bean blend.
Last time I was there my latte and 500g of delicious beans cost me a whopping $13.Listed in: coffee coffee coffee coffee
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Review from Juliana H.
Toronto, ON
9/4/2011
I've stopped in here a number of times when in the mood for some caffeine while strolling around Cabbagetown. I wanted to like this place so I returned hoping to have a better experience. Unfortunately, never once have I enjoyed the vibe. Yes the coffee is good, but it's not worth the attitude of the people who work there.
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Review from Aaron B.
11/24/2010
I'm a fan of this place. If it were closer (or really at all close) to where I live and/or work then I'd be here everyday. It closes at 8:00pm, which caps it at 3 stars. Any good cafe is open till 10pm at least. So even though I've really only got good things to say about it, it can't be better than 3 stars
The service I got was fine -- no banter, but I got a smile and my order placed...and promptly thereafter I got my beverage. No menu necessary for me, and the espresso was quite good. No prices necessary for me, whatever is fine. The music IS TOO LOUD, but at least it was decent music. I mean, if it were bad music played that loudly then I wouldn't be able to cover it up with headphones. But as it is, it covered up the conversations from around me and that's why I usually listen to headphones anyway.
Oh yeah, and even though the wifi is free, it sucks.
And though I'm not a hipster bicycle fanboy who thinks walking around in my SPD shoes and a lowered rim hat is a badge of coolness, I do like the cycling-positive spin of this place [pun intended]. Like I said, I'd come back to this place again and again if it were closer, and I would pump it all the way to 5 stars if it were just open until a reasonable hour. -
Review from Kat F.
10/4/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Holy shit this place is a circus act. Mike S and I couldn't hold back tears of laughter and we weren't the least bit discreet about it. Inexplicably this is a bicycle enthusiasts' hangout and there are dozens of them loafing around the storefront.
NOTEWORTHY:
* no beverage menu, prices or sizes
* no discernible line etiquette
* no cash register
BARISTA:
* drop dead gorgeous
* huge Silver Jews fan
* high as hell
Seriously, this guy was "in the zone." He was so in the zone that when I commented on him being in the zone he didn't even react. He just walked over to the stereo, changed the Silver Jews track, leaned back into a half squat and belted out a choice lyric like he was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
When he noticed that the napkin dispenser was empty he randomly yelled "fuck!" as if he'd just discovered his home had been broken into, and when I asked him if he had any tea he took about a minute to reply with the options. Then he reached into the canisters with teabags in them and dramatically put what he thought must be peppermint up to his nose and sniffed the teabag.
Mike hazarded a guess that Americano would be on the "menu" and ordered it. At no point did he ask us what size we wanted, or if it was to go or to stay. I got an extra large, and after standing for five minutes wondering if he was going to ring us up, we asked how how much we owed him, and he pulled "How about $4?" out of nowhere.
Sure, bromigo. $4 sounds swell.Listed in: Caffeinate Thyself, The Best Places To Eat &…
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Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
12/30/2010
Jet Fuel in my opinion is a time honored Toronto institution. Every Torontonian should go at least once, more if you are an avid cyclist (Jet Fuel is considered the cafe of choice for bike couriers, they even sponsor their own race team!). It is to cafes what the Bovine is to rock 'n roll bars. Famous for their lattes (which became noteworthy for their tastiness and the fact they use to be $2.00 back in the day) though their other espresso based drinks are pretty darn good as well.
Plenty of seating, the music is louder than most cafe's but the choice in music is always good, especially if you are a rock 'n roller. Not too formal in set up, you just walk in up to the counter, find someone who looks like they take the beverage orders and ask for what you want. The decor is cozy-cool and there was at the time of my recent visit a collection of 'Rat Fink' inspired artwork on the walls.
This isn't a place for the quiet Macbook typing crowd. It's more a place to gather with friends and shoot the shit about whatever as you down a large espresso based drink. No snacks, not a huge selection of beverages, it's just a straight 'n simple espresso bar. Check it out.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Jonathan S.
York, ON
5/28/2010
I'm told that a seasoned food critic makes at least two visits to a venue before posting a review. I've read enough reviews to have some idea about how it's done: maybe you repeat an appetizer, share a different set of mains with the group, leave room for a few desserts, which you then dismiss as store-bought.
Surely, you don't write a review on the strength one item, even if it's the only thing that you've ever ordered.
More surely, you don't bind your review in a personal tale of loss and redemption, especially of the romantic kind.
Most surely of all, you don't recommend a place, then tell your readers that you will likely never visit again.
Yet this is how I feel about Jet Fuel, a hipster-cum-bike messenger coffee shop on the stretch of Parliament that divides gentrified Cabbagetown and yet-to-gentrify St. Jamestown,
Jet Fuel is a noisy, hot, red room. The hours are erratic, and the staff is by turns friendly, giggly, surly, paranoid, and hungry. Reaally hungry, man. The clientele reflects the neighborhood; at least those members who can afford $3.50 for the best latte in town: mostly bike couriers who could deduct the caffeine as a work expense, the aging literary class, and Church Street migrants. Michael Ondaatje acknowledges the place by name in his 2007 book, "Divisadero".
Allegedly, they serve baked goods, tea, hot chocolate and the like. I never bothered with any of it.
Jet Fuel is where I'd stop after a night spent with someone for whom I cared deeply, though I don't think that she felt quite the same way. I'd be late for work, fooled by the fact that I was "downtown" relative to my apartment, but really too far to walk to be expected to make it in on time. Not that I cared; we got together in the dying months of a lousy contract job. At the time, she was the best thing I had going. Coffee at Jet Fuel became part of the ritual; a way to savor a lovely evening, as I headed in to a grim day.
The coffee was the best I'd ever tasted; a double-shot latte, with minimal, densely-packed foam. The milk was intensely sweet, even without sugar. The espresso, fresh, hot shots with a depth that spoke of cocoa and echoed the Spanish red wine we'd drunk the night before.
This was coffee my brain could believe in.
Served in a white paper cup with a black lid, it was a private pleasure; the previous night in liquid form. I drank with gusto. The drink was short, but hot and sweet, and I always wanted more.
Since then, I've found new outlets for caffeine and for company. I even own a "Disloyalty Card" which I get stamped as I visit hipster coffee bars around the city. Perhaps it is a handy reminder that all too often, people come and go.
Each new latte takes me a step further from those mornings on Parliament. I wonder whether that subtle sweetness came from properly-roasted beans and perfectly-steamed milk, or from the memory of her lip gloss. I wonder whether the surge of energy I feel comes from the double-shot of espresso, or a night spent with her in my arms. I have found love since, and don't need to revisit either.Listed in: If I Can't Have My Coffee…
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Review from Will E.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2009
What can I say about Jet Fuel that will use language appropriate to post here, will be an elegant enough choice of words to lend credence to my opinion, and yet will express my sheer unadulterated hatred for this establishment?
Now, I understand that the name is Jet Fuel and they are all about the coffee, but would it be such an awful thing to serve up your supposedly delicious coffee in a decaf form for someone who can't have caffeine?
Has your fetishism for coffee reached the level of religion such that in effect I just marched into your church, asked for decaf, and then pissed all over the altar? Because I'd like Jet Fuel to explain their reasons for their utter rudeness. You're a coffee shop. You sell coffee. Decaf is a legitimate choice of coffee.
OK fine. I'll accept that you don't want to serve it, but how about you be polite about it? You've been known to CHASE people out of the door just because they ordered something normal that you find offensive.
Cabbagetown is in need of excellent services as the Parliament area continues to improve its offering, but Jet Fuel does nothing to help that. If they can't change their attitude and product, my opinion is that the sooner they are replaced the better.
For all of those who've had a good experience - I say congratulations. You're one of the lucky ones who Jet Fuel clearly has determined to be cool enough to be in their club. For everyone else, Jet Fuel says you can go F yourselves.
My recommendation? Avoid like the plague. Go a bit further to Dundas and Munro, and on Matilda St you'll find Merchants of Green Coffee - the total antithesis of Jet Fuel. A loving, warm, cosy, friendly place which some say serves the best coffee in the city as well as the best decaf I've ever had. -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2011
A Toronto tradition. I love coming to Jet Fuel after a run or a long bike ride. It is a rider's paradise - evident by the cycles out front and the jersey's on the wall. Ok the place is packed with couriers as well. Hey speaks volumes on the quality of the JAVA!
The coffee is bold and strong. My only complaint is the length of time to pay for the coffee. They need a new Point of Sale system.
The crisp bold espresso is my Toronto favorite. Grab one. Go shopping in the local area. Get a hair cut and then pop into a local pub for brunch (but don't forget your JetFuel!) -
Review from Giselle g.
Toronto, ON
7/26/2010
Here's some advice for anyone going to Jet Fuel. Order a latte, cappuccino or jet fuel coffee. It will come in a big glass. It will cost $3. Pay when you leave. Give the server a tip.
Apparently these are big secrets. There is no signage to let you know any of this. If you have to ask, you will be made to feel inferior.
I went there yesterday and the server just TOOK her tip out of my change. -
Review from Mike C.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2010
For the people who want a menu, quiet background music, and friendly, perky staff, look elsewhere.
My favourite way to describe Jet Fuel is: 9 AM, Ramones cranked, no BS, terrifying amounts of caffeine for cheap.
It's definitely a love it or hate it type of place. And I completely love it. -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2009
Tried this place out for the first time in my quest to find good coffee. I certainly did not find it here.
The no menu, line and blaring music kind got to me. I prefer my music to be in the background rather than the foreground, it bugs me when people bud in line and because I don't have a go to coffee drink (I like to see what a place offers), here I don't know what is available. In the coffee culture world you don't lallygag in front of a menu hmm'in and humm'in about what you want. You have your drink order ready to go to keep the line moving and be ready to order when called upon. So I look like the tool here when I wasn't sure what I was going to order.
I had the latte and there was nothing that really stood out. It wasn't disgusting but doesn't crack my list of favourite coffee's. The only good thing this place has going for it is that you get quite a lot of coffee for a $3 latte. Great pricing but the flavour wasn't up to my expectations. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
Jet Fuel is pretty much a to-the-point, don't-mess-with-me, just-make-my-coffee and let-me-drink-it kind of place.
I rarely get out to Cabbagetown anymore, but when I lived in the area, it was one of those places I would grab a drink on a Thursday morning and scour the various weeklies.
It's not an incredibly relaxing place -- the café is always bustling with activity, with a familiar face who stands near the counter and chats it up with the server, with one server yelling to the other, and constant clatter and hiss from the espresso machine.
Now, I love quiet, relaxing cafés, but sometimes I get so chilled out that it's hard to push myself to finish anything. Jet Fuel, on the other hand, feels truly gritty and urban, in a small-town sort of way, and I always walk out completing whatever I've set out to do, even if it's something as silly as planning my live music gigs for the week.
Nice, comfortable neighbourhood hangout. Infinitely more cool if you live in the area. -
Review from Debaser S.
Toronto, ON
1/5/2012
Good coffee, bad attitude is how i would describe this place. Some of the staff here especially the guy with the beard (not sure if he still works there) but they have huge attitude issues here. The clientele is nice and friendly but the staff are awful. It is a shame cause the coffee is good, cheap, they play awesome music and its a wonderful place to come and read the paper. But its the staff that never make me want to come back
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Review from Carmen M.
4/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Way hipper than I'll ever be, the patrons at JetFuel obviously know a thing or two about coffee. I know this because there's no menu, yet everyone seemed to know exactly what they wanted, as well as the ordering process, like the backs of their hand.
The coffee was strong to me, but I'm not a huge coffee drinker. It was definitely fuel-ish tasting, not that I've tasted fuel before. :-) It was only $3 for a huge tumbler-sized cafe au lait and it was pretty good. I whipped out the turtle brownie I'd just bought at Daniel et Daniel around the corner and had a lovely, lovely afternoon snack.
The staff was friendly, if not a little snarky, and I got the feeling they are no-nonsense type people -- get your act together before you order.
There was a line the entire time I was there -
Review from Plank D.
Scarborough, ON
12/9/2009
This is the main place in the city where I buy my coffee. They sell bags of Jet Fuel beans for a good price and will grind it for you if you are so inclined. My advice, buy a bag of beans and then buy a grinder. Nothing is better than freshly ground Jet Fuel.
That being said, this is not my kind of place to hang out and have a coffee. Their Americano is fantastic but I have to get it to go. The place is a bit too much like a crappy bar for when I need a caffeine fix. If I want to go to a bar, I could just go up the street to the House on Parliament.
For me, it's a good place to grab a great cup of java to go. -
Review from Sophie M.
Toronto, ON
6/28/2011
If you don't like strong espresso drinks and if you need hand holding and a comprehensive menu to be able to order then this probably isn't the place for you. Like they say, there's no menu and a fairly opaque queuing system however the barista did a good job making what I think he said was his first flat white and I found that the tables of the back were quiet enough to be able to read and enjoy the music at the same time. Plus, the coffee cost me $2. I'll be sure to leave myself time to drink two when I'm next in Cabbagetown.
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Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2010
Jet Fuel Coffee Shop offers more than exceptional coffee, the shop serves as a catalyst for community, art, conversation and friendships.
A gem in Toronto. Proud to refer to the Jet Fuel as my local coffee shop! -
Review from Emily T.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2008 1 photo
If you're a bike courier or know one, there's a good chance you've heard of Jet Fuel Coffee Shop. As biking and coffee seem to go hand-in-hand, so do the great coffees and fun atmosphere of Jet Fuel. Rich hot chocolates, and satisfying triple-shot lattes are a few favourites, not to mention the aeronautical decor and loud punk blasting from all around.
A tad on the history of Jet Fuel will bring you back to its' cycling roots. Once a small coffee bar in a bike shop, now Jet Fuel is its' own establishment with plenty of seating. You may notice they lack a menu, but it's the kind of place that doesn't need one. Some say the service is a bit on the slow side, but it is well worth the wait! -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/30/2008
It's my understanding that Jet Fuel is the go-to stop with local bike messengers, and it doesn't surprise me one bit. The name is not just a cutesy affectation, but a lifestyle. Your entire visit will be a pleasant jolt to your senses, from the moment you walk in to the blasting music to the frisson you'll experience with the first sip of the potent coffee.
When I was having a rough day and worked in Cabbagetown, I would hop over to Jet Fuel for a little pick me up. If we brought back coffees for everyone the whole office would be abuzz for the rest of the day. But it's also some of the best coffee in the city, so no one's complaining when they're bouncing off the walls.
The ambiance in the shop itself leaves a bit to be desired in my opinion, but there's always an opportunity to grab a to go cup and sip it on the way or sit in the park and enjoy your drink. This isn't one of those touchy-feely, Enya on the radio kind of coffee shops, and thank goodness for that! -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
I've got to say that I love the name. Jet Fuel is an espresso bar in Cabbage town that leans heavily towards a cyclist consumer base. They're known for their support of bicycle couriers and leisure cyclists alike. Basically, walk in there with a helmet and you'll instantly belong.
The espresso drinks are certainly the best in the area. Over all, they're good coffee drinks.
If you choose to stay inside, they have a small bar seating area, as well as a few tables along the wall and more in the back. It's a wooden floor, exposed brick kind of place that's instantly homey. -
Review from Liz K.
9/16/2008
Good, strong coffees though these guys are known by locals for having sub-par service. I myself had a good experience, and saw the guy behind the counter churning out as many lattes as he could on a busy weekend morning.
They could use some extra help to bus the tables, or at least signage directing people to clean up after themselves.
Bonus point for the good music (Pixies' Surfer Rosa was on when I was there) and people watching appeal. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
Updated - 1/21/2009 10 photos
i have had the occasion to visit quite a few espresso shops in the city. i would say that JET FUEL COFFEE SHOP from all that ive experienced is the best all round espresso shop in toronto. there is no other coffee shop that ive visited that has a communal or a familial vibe like jet fuel. there is no other coffee shop that seems to have a vision of what they are - they have their own cycling team; the owner is a pastry chef and eccentric in his own right; theyve sponsored community events; they throw a party every year for their customers; they play great music there; feature great art; their space is interesting to both look at from the outside and peek outside from the inside.
and their coffee is superb.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2008
jet fuel always seems to be at the forefront of the espresso shop phenomenon. they have art… Read more »
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Review from Madison A.
Toronto, ON
1/24/2011
What can I say about Jet Fuel? This place is totally no frills but they make a mean coffee for a low price. There are plenty of other places in the city that serve frilly customizable espresso-based drinks so I appreciate that Jet Fuel sticks to the basics and does it well. Macchiatos are just $2 and they regularly change up the artwork to showcase different artists. Yes, the servers can be characters, but honestly that's part of its charm.
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Review from Kat T.
5/28/2009
A really good cup of coffee or espresso-based beverage. I had a perfect foamy cappuccino. This place is actually quite small inside. Enough room to sit alone and study all day. Or, if you feel more social, pick one of the stools in front. The quirky neighborhood serves to entertain you, whether they are inside chatting you and telling you how they admire your nose, or walking past on the sidewalk.
Listed in: Intelligent(sia) Coffee
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008 1 photo
Before I went into Jet Fuel Coffee Company I had my doubts. I had been by a few times and every time I looked in, I saw a bunch of early thirty somethings lazing around and this worried me. There is nothing more boring than someone who has made nothing of their life by thirty and who thinks that the best way to solve this problem would be to sit around in a coffee shop. When I finally did go in I was more than pleasantly surprised. While the thirty somethings were still lounging about unkempt and bearded, they were very friendly and easily allowed others into the conversationThe espresso was ok, nothing to write home about but it was only $1.00 thus making it the cheapest espresso I've ever had. This is the kind of place where you have to become a regular. So if you are in it for the long haul and looking for regular conversation then I recommend Jet Fuel but if you're just looking for a cup of coffee then there are better places.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Hratch P.
Toronto, ON
5/17/2009
This place will be making it into my regular rotation for sure. Perfect for those little get me going drinks we all need those rough weekend mornings., like today...
Order a double espresso, really they serve you a tasty potent three or four shots, a couple of seconds and $2.00 later you walk out, bounce off the walls all day long with a huge grin on your face.
I left a half full cup in my car the other day , and it still smells like amazing strong coffee. -
Review from Mark V.
Toronto, ON
1/10/2010
I live in Cabbagetown and prefer to patronize at the local shops except for Jet Fuel. The latte is just as cold as its staff. Starbucks has hotter coffee and friendlier employees.
