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Little Nicky's Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
375 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 2A5
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 260-0500
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
42 reviews for Little Nicky's Coffee
Review Highlights
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"The mini donuts are adorable and delicious." In 16 reviews -
"The tastiest espresso that I've had in a long time." In 8 reviews -
"A half dozen batch goes well with the double espresso, a..." In 5 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Shiori M.
Ariss, ON
5/13/2012
gah I wish I did not discover their little donuts because my $s and body are feeling their delicious consequences. Made fresh to order and you can certainly taste the difference from the store bought donuts. Warm, fluffy and coated with delicious sugar - they are not cakey so if you prefer your donuts denser they may not be your cup of tea.
I've only had the Iced Americano and the Iced Latte here but both were very tasty. I am definitely going to try their Latte sometime in the near future.
In terms of service, I've had mixed experiences. The first time I went the guy seemed a bit aloof. The second time I went the server was very charismatic and friendly. So I guess its a hit or miss but it does not personally take away my enjoyment of this place. -
Review from Edwin A.
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Little Nicky's located just a stone throw from Queen St.
The Americano I had here was rather weak sauce, and there were no infamous doughnuts either! They stopped making the batter late in the afternoon. I wasn't the only one who was asking for them either. I heard some other patrons after me requesting some too. doh! move for them.
Cool shop with retro deco pieces and hand painted signage.
I'll have to revisit and update. -
Review from Tristan B.
Toronto, ON
4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Dear Mini Donuts,
Quit teasing me with your sugary scent. I made a promise on a mountain top somewhere that I would eat healthier... but one little, cute, fresh baked donut couldn't hurt?
I started frequenting this humble hideout before signs were even outside, I could smell the care and precision from my routine window gazing down Queen st.
This place is cool.
Tip: the red bull girls work next door.
Sincerely yours, -
Review from Rod G.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2012
The little mini donut making machine is adorable, and the little morcels that come out are perfect. If nothing else, drop by for a taste of the mini donuts, you won't regret it. The cafe itself is a charming little establishment just off the bustling Queen West drag. And the baristas pour a tasty brew. Treat yourself and gain some hipster cred.
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Review from Johnathan N.
Brampton, ON
Tasty coffee, free wifi, nice space, mini donuts. What's not to like?
Little Nicky's is the straight up platonic ideal hipster coffee bar. I don't mean it as a slight, nor as praise, it's just objective fact. Let's add up the score:
- Chalkboard menu
- home made pastries
- wood and loftish interior
- good music
- a Donut Robot Mark I making mini-donuts with exactly the right mix of ironic humour and "these are actually quite tasty."
- baristas (baristae?) who are neither as warm as the homemade pastries (which would make this place folksy instead of hip), nor as cold and aloof as a donut robot
It could only be more hipster if there was a poetry slam happening in the corner, but at 10am on a Friday that would smack of trying too hard.
At any rate, they carry the whole thing off pretty well. My cappuccino was *very* wet, but tasty, and the prices are perfectly reasonable.
Try the donuts. Pretend you're doing so ironically, if you have to.Listed in: Food near Mozilla Toronto
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Review from mondayjane s.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2011
I went there today for the first time and instantly want to go back - but not for reasons you may think.
It was really that the hipster baristas behind the bar were so fabulously grumpy and classic that it was kind of awesome. It set a new standard of grumpy hipster barista for me and I was laughing my a-s off. The coffee was meh, the little donuts were just like the ones you get at the Ex ... but the service was so dismissive and dishevelled complete with ironic moustaches and 80s eyeglasses and it totally made my day. Sit DOWN The Common! -
Review from Glen M.
Toronto, ON
10/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Situated on Peter Street just south of Queen W, Little Nicky's is the kind of place you could just walk by. From the window table vantage point, I notice people wandering by on a beautiful afternoon, with some coming in. This is mixed with large groups of what appears to be local office workers out for their afternoon coffee hit.
The place ebbs and flows with people moving in and out. One or two people do wander in and quickly walk out after noticing the line up at the bar. All-in-all though, the barista punches out the espressos quickly matching the made to order donut production, which seems to be a local favourite.
This is my second visit to Little Nickys' after coming here initially to meet a friend who also relocated from Sydney to Toronto. The coffee here is good. This time just a double espresso, strong but not bitter, last time a cappuccino which was not a typical frothy concoction, but smooth milk foam to savour the coffee flavour.
The mini-donuts are the draw card though. In either half or full dozen (or possibly combinations of the two) , they are made on request, tossed and dusted in sugar. Watching the machine being loaded, the thick batter makes a slightly heavier than normal donut which is tasty but not at all oily, just tasty tasty tasty. A half dozen batch goes well with the double espresso, a dozen would certainly be good to share and they definitely need to be eaten straight away. The main reason why I will have to come back to share the experience with Allerina M.
The 2:30 rush has passed and a few tables are occupied along with a few bar stools. It's a nice place to while away an hour or two, although if you do intend on utilising the wi-fi here take note that it has been quite unreliable for me. Maybe just poor reception by the window table. Bring a book, the funky music and background conversation noise is not at all distracting.Listed in: Yelp 30 Day Challenge
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Review from Kendra G.
Toronto, ON
2/22/2012
Love Little Nicky's Coffee. It's so cute and so good. Their fresh mini donuts are additive and the coffee's amazing. Plus, it's a great location - just off of Queen St. W. behind the Gap.
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
4/26/2011 13 photos
My visit to Little Nicky's Coffee was the result of one of those random unplanned walks I took while I wander aimlessly around downtown core walking to my yoga class.
I know it sounded strange.. I need my espresso beverage fix before my class... I did not know Little Nicky's is located on the side street.. all I saw the banner saying Coffee Shop while walking along Queen Street, and that was my calling!
Love the Retro Vibe of this place.. really laid back compare to other Indie coffee shops I been to..and you kind of have to chill and take it easy...
While waiting for my cappuccino to be ready.. I could not take my eyes off those little mini donuts being made!! They kind of like Tiny Tims but they look a lot more delicious!! But you have to order at least half dozen.. and no way I can eat that have a cappuccino and do a headstand in a heated room within 30 minute. It took me all my will power to say "that's all" when the barista asked me if I want to have something else with my coffee...
My willpower is weak.. really weak... I am now have my mind set to come back again to have those mini donuts SOON!! And of course, their cappuccino was awesome too! Lovely Latte Art! -
Review from Amy D.
12/10/2011
Where in Toronto could you go for a coffee and all three of the male baristas be wearing a plaid shirt? Only in the Queen West neighborhood. You may have walked along Queen west a million times like myself and never seen this cute coffee shop. Upon entering you are immediately hit with a scent of freshly made doughnuts. I am surprised that more places are not making doughnuts in house, since it is such an obvious treat to accompany a coffee. While amazing at first the novelty does wear off, and you really get tired of the smell after too long of a visit. Their lattes are amazing, and priced under $4, a rarity in Toronto. The art atop the beverage was beautiful, and the drink packed a robust espresso flavour. Overall Little Nicky's is a great coffee bar, with wonderful drinks and a cool vibe.
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Review from Jared W.
2/2/2012
This place is the coolest and tastiest place in the area
The best espresso, mini donuts made on the spot, to order and a great fun staff, Little Nicky's is a great spot to have a pick-me-up.
The entrance and space is a little strange, but everything else is on point! -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
4/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Small and charming coffee place on the Entertainment District. I believe it's the only indie coffee place around there (quite surprising!).
It's a shame I didn't come here sooner, since I work pretty close and know a few regulars (hey Vivek!). Their muffins are pretty good and the espresso machiatto was expertly made. As others have pointed out, the music here is awesome. You simply don't want to leave - although the barista really made clear they were closing at 6pm. My bad, I guess. :-) -
Review from Tanya N.
5/12/2011 2 photos
Yay for Little Nicky's for giving me an alternative to the big coffee brands in this shopping area. Just south of the Gap on Queen & Peter, I feel like I'm momentarily taken away from the hustle & bustle of the Queen St. shoppers. It has a full on vintage feel to the place with its decor that adds to its charm.
Their lattes are fantastic and I've had their chocolate croissant which was nice and flaky. They have a few seats along the barista bar which makes it interesting to see them pulling the shots, steaming milk etc.
The last time I came here the aroma of their mini donuts filled the cafe. I can imagine that perhaps spending an hour or two here, you'd walk out smelling like mini donuts, which isn't a bad thing...right?Listed in: For the Love of Lattes
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Review from Linds B.
11/24/2011
I am soooo not really a fan of this place. The staff is hipster pretentious. The coffee is meh. And the donuts, well, they are just whatever. They lack oomph. They should be good? but they just aren't that great! They are hot, and fresh, and that's about all they have going for them. I find the dough to be overly doughy and kind of tasteless. The cinnamon sugar junk does not adher to the donuts very well, so you don't get that really strong cinnamon kick that you should. And whenever I ask for more cinnamon sugar, the hipster staff either rolls their eyes or scowls at me. Overall, I think this place is kind of lame. I might drop by when I'm in the neighborhood, but more often than not, I just don't.
Listed in: Donuts
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Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011 ROTD 2/17/2011
I might be biased because I am a full fledged patron of this delicious joint.
I am there Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. and Saturday.
I would be there Sunday, but they are closed then. Hey, it is a family business, I understand a day of rest.
Little Nicky's is a coffee shop that isn't a chain, is a family business, and is next to my work. Plus it has an amazing vibe.
I spend my mornings there reading the news and having an americano while on the weekend I treat myself to a London Fog.
The drinks are delicious, the atmosphere is charming and relaxing, and the owners are wonderful to chat with every day.
If you get a chance to pop by, have a drink, and be social, I recommend it. -
Review from Vivek S.
I'm now officially a regular of this coffee spot (the Yelp app told me so) and a devotee too. It occurs to me that I need to update my review on two fronts.
The first: forget what I said about the music here. It rocks. My first experience must have been an anomaly because now: it's as though they are streaming music directly from my brain. To wit, they played the whole White Album while I was here today which is a good way to make me fall in love with you. Following it up with David Bowie and Thom Yorke is basically proposing marriage. I do.
And deuce: the service here is swell. Maybe you just have to come back more than once, because I'm always warmly greeted when I come in and they usually know what I want. Now that I've had a chance to sample their baked goods (and more than a few donuts) and I can confirm this is an excellent place to relax with a coffee and a magazine and decompress.Listed in: Top Coffee Shops, First Name Basis
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2010
You'll want to know that this isn't exactly on Queen St. A kindly sandwich board pointed me down… Read more »
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Review from hangover n.
Toronto, ON
11/5/2011
A proper cafe. You can sit at a table or at their bar. Lots of newspapers and magazines available for patrons, a nice touch that is strangely lacking in so many coffee joints these days. Friendly service, good coffee, delicious donuts, cool decor. Why anyone would go to starbucks when this place exists is beyond me! Go to Little Nicky's.
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Review from Ben B.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yep. This is one badassed coffee shop.
About the size of a deck of cards, this isn't the place you pop into with a large crowd. Little Nicky's is definitely a place where you fly solo, perhaps accompanied by a stack of magazines or an ironic use of a discman from what I saw during my stay.
Learn from my mistake and go a little bit hungry. As soon as you walk in, you're going to get punched in the face with the smell of mini-donuts which can either be intoxicatingly good if you're peckish enough to order a half dozen in a sugary cup, or kind of nauseating if you've arrived right after a solid lunching.
Vivek is bang-on about the music though. From motown jams to high school flashbacks, every song seems to be a forgotten classic that'll keep you groovin'.Listed in: The Big T
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Review from Kent P.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great cafe filled with decent people. It's small, so don't necessarily anticipate camping out for hours to work...people do that, but those seats are rare commodities. The donuts are fresh and warm, we like those. Also, it's sort of fun to sit down and order a half dozen donuts and feel like you've only eaten 1 apple fritter.
Had an Americano...it was decent. The best part of this spot is the decor. Sort of Norman Rockwell-ish.
Also, around the corner from Khao San Road. Double whammy lunch.Listed in: coffee that is worth the side…, Thanks Yelp!, Dessert
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Review from Jess W.
Toronto, ON
I've been here a few times and I've always had a great experience. I really enjoy their ice coffee. It's got a great flavour and comes unsweetened (you sweeten it yourself with syrup they have available). I also really enjoy their raspberry lemonade (I'm a sucker for lemonade...).
The one thing you must, must, MUST get here are the mini donuts! They have a donut machine and they make them fresh for you right after you order them. After they've been made, they're tossed in cinnamon sugar. Delish!
Although I've never tried their cookies, I often see them baking the cookies fresh. I always want to get one, but I'd feel a bit guilty since you can't come here and not get the mini donuts! -
Review from Denise S.
12/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Little Nicky's is a cozy place to stop by for a coffee or snack if you are shopping on Queen St. or catching a movie/show at one of the nearby theatres.
Yay:
- Fun, laid-back, retro atmosphere
- Good selection of magazines - thick, glossy European fashion mags, Toronto Life, Wallpaper. Newspapers were sitting around too.
- Friendly baristas, apparently it was a brother-sister team working today
- Mini-donuts dusted with cinnamon and sugar right before your eyes!
- Yummy apple cider - perfect on a chilly day
- Nice music selection (maybe it depends on the day, but no Virgin radio today! I heard some Modest Mouse and The Cure).
Nay:
- Closes at 6pm on weekdays; kinda early
- Not a lot of seatingListed in: Cafe Culture
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Review from Ashleigh G.
Toronto, ON
11/24/2010
Even if it wasn't as close to my office (I can practically see it from our windows), I'd be sure to make the trip.
Their mini donuts have become the reward of choice for all favours at our headquarters. It makes for a great break spot with delicious espresso, great staff, and beautiful decor.
Try the Roasted Almond Tea Latte. The colour of the tea and the milk makes for a pastel pink, and the drink tastes fantastic. -
Review from shyni y.
2/1/2011
I believe I have an addiction to caffeine. I work in an area where within 5 minutes all the major coffees shops are available to me: and until today I have been rotating between my 3 regular/brands for their "specialties" that appeals to me: Timmies for their Steeped tea; Starbucks for Chai latte; and Second Cup for whatever strikes my fancy. Sometimes, I even visit Timothy's on my very lazy days.
Today was brutally cold and I happened to get to work by Queen street and not my regular route via King street; devastated by the distance I needed to walk for my daily java - I was just about to have a fit - until I saw the magical words: Little Nicky's Coffee.
Now I'm a latte person - I'm not sure why, but coffee rarely strikes my fancy any more (possibly because I worked at 2/3 major brands?) - but this little place didn't strike me as having latte- and really, when I opened my mouth to ask, the words that came out were, "May I have your largest cup of coffee with whatever THAT is?"
I got to the office satisfied. When I sat down and took a sip I was grateful for my "keen" observational skills...and in awe of the flavourful liquid in my hand - with my second sip I took a bite out of their banana muffin(wee little thing it was too) which melted away in my mouth and was gone way too quick.
Maybe it seemed so good because was so devastated seconds before getting it - but I tell ya, the 2nd and 3rd cup of coffee I had throughout the day - was just as delightful. It's a gem - and best of all it's close - so yes, I am now a fan.Listed in: Breakfast and Coffee spots
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Review from Aviva S.
6/6/2011
I went here for the donuts. They turned out to be just okay. I was sad. They're cute, tiny, hot, but it wasn't yummy enough. Great price though for those who would like the flavour (less than $3 for 6)
The guy making them just seemed bored but the lady at the cash was very pleasant.
I'll try their hot chocolate sometime :) -
Review from Arwen L.
4/17/2011
Huge fan over here!
I had an explosion of flavor that occurred by accident and this alone, would make me support this independent coffee shop ALL THE TIME!
I ordered my morning staple, cappuccino. But I decided I needed a leeto something with it so I ordered the blueberry muffin solely off of looks. What can I say? It was staring at me and enticed me with its overwhelming giant blueberries pouring over the muffin top.
I sat down inside and drank my cap in a mug rather than paper, which btw, I recommend you do that anywhere you can. A: Environmental issue and B: It tastes so much better!
When I broke apart my muffin it crumbled beautifully, but what took my breath away was the flavor. I couldn't put my finger on it. Was it cinnamon? Was it all spice? In a blueberry muffin? How oddly wonderful!
When I finished salivating, I had to compliment them because they bake it all there. It turns out, I had a freak experience and what happened was the apple cinnamon mix got mixed in with the blueberry muffins. I told them they accidently stumbled on something awesome and should keep making them that way!
So before you visit another Starbucks or Second Cup, support an indie shop like this one, where everybody knows your name. -
Review from Geoff F.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 4/29/2011
I still really want to love Little Nicky's and I still really don't.
Since my last review I've convinced myself to go back twice. My two visits were very different experiences. For me, inconsistency alone will lose you at least a star.
Visit number two was actually quite good. As I suspected might happen (see previous review), the donuts were really what brought me back. I got a latte to go with my cinnamon sugar half-doz and I must say, both were very, very good. The customer service on this visit was still lack-lustre, but I figured that was probably my previous experience clouding my judgement. I was beginning to warm to Little Nicky's.
By visit number three I was convinced that I was finally going to fall in love with my local indy coffee shop. I went in with a smile on my face. I figured that if I bring positivity in I'll get some good vibes coming back at me. I was about to enjoy a high-quality coffee bevvy on a beautiful afternoon. This was gonna be GOOD!
It wasn't.
I'm guessing the drink preceding mine in the steamer was something concocted with soy or almond milk and the barista mustn't have cleaned the tools between drinks. I got some flavours in my cup that I definitely hadn't ordered and really didn't enjoy. I was hoping for a yummy, milky latte and I got a coffee whose texture was all right but whose flavour was all wrong (I know, first world problems, right?). Either way, I just couldn't enjoy this cup of coffee, and I really, really wanted to, especially since a latte goes for the better part of a hard-earned fiver.
I'm gonna keep coming back here every few months because freshly-made donuts are awesome and because I want to prove myself wrong on the customer service and the coffee. All I'm looking for is a top-drawer cuppa and SOME indication from the staff that they appreciate me spending my money there.
To be continued.....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/4/2010
I had high hopes for Little Nicky's both because I'm at least a bit of a coffee enthusiast and… Read more »
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Review from Kelly O.
The doughnuts kick serious ass.
Hot chocolate is only ok - its more milky than chocolatey. I don`t love the service here, it seems a little standoffish sometimes, but I still come here for the hot doughnuts. -
Review from Vivien L.
3/30/2011
BABY DONUTS!!
need I say more? I came here a couple weeks ago when it was very mild in Toronto and I must say, it was the perfect day to munch on baby donuts. I got a dozen of the cinnamon ones and shared them with a friend.
It's sort of in a hidden location and it's actually quite small so don't anticipate there being room for a group of 10 to sit and eat baby donuts. I have yet to try the coffee but I will soon because I'm definitely coming back! -
Review from Jen C.
6/21/2011 14 Check-ins Here
These are the only two things I've ever ordered from here and I don't plan on changing that any time soon: a 1/2 dozen donuts, fresh from the machine, dusted with sugar 'n' cinnamon, and a cappuccino. There's something about taking an hour in the morning - reading the paper, doing the crossword, or sketching - accompanied by caffeine and these sugared treats.
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Review from Ramanan S.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2011
I went to this place twice in one day, both times to get a dozen mini donuts. Oh hells yes this place is good. The place is styled like a 50s diner, sort of. The staff each time i've been have been super friendly. Coffees are good, and should be eaten with donuts. They make the donuts fresh, when you order them. They are warm and delicious. (They are also so cheap I can't imagine why you wouldn't get some.) The place has a deceiving address. It's actually off Peter street, inside the building that would be 375 Queen St. West. If you're on Peter you really can't miss it. You need to go here.
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Review from Grainne M.
Toronto, ON
8/15/2010
Maybe a little more than 3? I'm having a day of half points today.
They have a pretty evil advertising strategy. You'll be walking along Queen West, minding your own business, when you see the sign advertising mini donuts and a big arrow. How to resist?
The café itself is small but pretty quiet. I've had regular drip coffee a couple of times and it was good-I'm getting a bit sick of Starbucks and can barely stomach Tim Horton's coffee.
The mini donuts are adorable and delicious. As Tammy Y said, they're $2.75 for 6 and $4 for 12. You get a choice of icing sugar, granulated sugar or cinnamon. I was bringing mine to a barbecue and didn't know what people would like so had a tough time deciding. The man making them recommended cinnamon and I think he was right. They get a big thumbs up from me! Also got icing sugar ones which were also yum and all warm and freshly baked....
There's not a huge selection of other things to eat although the cookies do look good. I was very impressed by the girl serving who discussed cupakes enthusiastically and gave recommendations! More places to try :-)
So, kind of a 3 to 4....it's just a little bit small and there's not a huge selection. Definitely try the mini donuts though. They're mini so eating them doesn't count! -
Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Just an update. Tried their fresh, made-to-order, doughnuts. AWESOME! So warm, moist and yummy. I heart their Donut Robot Mk 1!
Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/10/2011
Indie cafes are a rare sight in the city's central core. Usually the only coffee businesses that can… Read more »
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Review from Tammy Y.
7/8/2010
Little Nicky's is a refreshing addition to borderline Clubland, and sneakily hidden just behind the Gap. It's exudes Old-Timer's Diner with it's black wooden chairs, small circle-top tables, and vintage-looking wooden bar. Service is friendly and attentive, and the folks behind the bar are eager to recommend their signature mini-donuts (1/2 dozen for $2.75, a dozen for $4), popped in a paper bag stamped with their logo. They of course draw a lot of comparisons to their Tony Tom's (Tiny Tim's?) donuts at the Ex.
When I mention this, the dude simply says, "Well yeah, but better." -
Review from Erin K.
Toronto, ON
9/11/2010 3 photos
These donuts are fantastic!
Note: not directly on Queen Street - the entrance is on Peter St! I almost thought I wrote the wrong address down and headed to O&B Canteen for a croissant.
This cute little coffee shop offers an array of sandwiches, croissants, muffins, and cookies. Best of all, you can get hot fresh donuts that are made to order!
They're quick and efficient and watching the donuts being made within seconds of ordering was a delight for my inner child. Once done, they're thrown into a bowl and tossed with sugar and cinnamon before being thrown into a paper bag or a bowl if you prefer...but it's much more fun to get it in the paper bag :P
The entire café is noticeably tidy & clean, and I found the lady quite pleasant (not that the guy wasn't - he was just busy and I was slow to choose a drink). She also took care to ensure that every order of donut was cooked to perfection :)
Yum! These donuts disappeared quickly . They're the perfect size to just pop in your mouth, and not heavy at all. They're super fresh, hot, and a delicious treat. I got a full dozen for $4 - worth every penny :)
The shop is a delightful place to visit with a friend or a book. I will definitely return for a freshly made cookie :). I didn't see any signs of Wifi, but it'd be a perfect spot to study if they do.\ -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
Nice, laid back atmosphere promises to be a potentially worthwhile cafe by downtown standards.
Service is expedient, but not exactly welcoming, although that's comparing it to the neighbourhood places in Leslieville and the Beach. By downtown standards it is over-bubbling with friendliness. -
Review from Daniel O.
8/8/2011
toronto has seen its fair share of new indie coffee spots open in the last few months. especially in the king/queen/old entertainment district vicinity. sense appeal opened just north of king on spadina, lit espresso opened its third location in the burroughs building at queen/bathurst & little nicky's took over a small retail space just south of queen on peter street (building right behind the gap).
what drew me to little nicky's were rumours of a tiny tim's-like mini donut machine. walking through the shop's doors, the donut machine is hard to miss, it's front and centre at the bar and the smell of warm deep-fried dough & sugar hits you right away. couldn't pass up the chance to relive our childhoods of gorging on mini donuts at the CNE, we ordered a half dozen ($2.75) but probably should have ordered a dozen ($4.00).
they tasted like little clouds of doughy heaven and melted in your mouth. also ordered double espressos ($2.62) and i must say it was probably one of the best i've had in the city (other than lit's stumptown hair bender). the creme on top was delicious and the espresso had a very smooth, not-bitter taste.
upon repeat visits, i've grown to love the ambience of the shop and their espresso. little nicky's is open monday to friday 730 to 600 & saturdays 930 to 600. -
Review from Rayanne L.
East York, ON
7/5/2010
I like me an adorable coffee shop and Little Nicky's is definitely an adorable coffee shop. Simple on decor, old timey coffee house feel, but the photos available online probably over sell this place.
Little Nicky's is probably better for coffee purists than me. I'm one of those lovers of ruined coffee beverages (hellooo mochas!), and this place is pretty basic. Straight up coffee (though I'm sure pretty awesome straight-up coffee) and lattes.
I got an iced latte and the sugar was liquid sugar! That was pretty sweet, but since the barista added it, I was too ashamed to add as much as I wanted to. Haha.
I'm big on customer service and this place ranks so-so for me so far, though I might've gotten a weird transaction. The barista kind of forgot about me, assuming I was just standing around with the girl I went with. I suppose that's what I get for being obnoxious and chatting leisurely with the entire staff before letting them know I actually want something other than attention.
The tiny donuts are probably what will make this place if it makes it -- and I hope it does (cute downtown coffee shops? Thumbs up!). Haven't tried them yet 'cause the smell when you walk in didn't turn me on enough to give them a-go, which is super strange for me. Sweet, terrible things are delicious.
The cookies (home-made, I'm sure) look DELICIOUS, though! So, that's my plan for next time. After I go to Starbucks and get a mocha : (Listed in: Coffee Coffee Coffee
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Review from Alex H.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2011
Was just in the city for an interview last week and on my way to the office with time to kill, stumbled upon this place at random. I was feeling a little disoriented, cold, tired, all the things you'd expect of a visitor to Toronto from a small city to be feeling. All of that dissolved when I saw mini donuts being shuffled through their little oven. It was a pretty great welcome to the city. The staff were all incredibly friendly and attentive. I ordered a smoothie which was by no means life changing, but reasonably priced and delicious nonetheless. I look forward to going back there, very nice atmosphere and good prices.
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Review from K E.
Oakville, ON
8/27/2010
Great little coffee shop. Really good ambiance.
Definitely worth trying the mini donuts. Fun just to watch them being made.
Had an iced coffee, and the barista handed over the sugar water for sweetening, which works better than having them try to guess. Wonder why other places don't do that.
When ordering an americano they slowly pour the water and have you say when to stop, so you get just the dilution you like.
The tastiest espresso that I've had in a long time. Better than any other shops in the area.
The prices all include tax, so no fiddling with pennies, nickels, etc. -
Review from Jenny M.
East York, ON
8/19/2010
Little Nicky's is just what I am looking for in a coffee shop. A wee machine that makes fresh, tiny doughnuts and the smell of vanilla dough just tempting you to death, rich caramelly espresso, marble countertops, free wifi and great service! I only wish they took interac, and not just cash, however, I can understand that since they're pretty new.
Definitely going back - the perfect treat.
