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Manic Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
426 College StToronto, ON M5T 1T3
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 966-3888
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
77 reviews for Manic Coffee
Review Highlights
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"...coffee brewed with the clover machine and I was impressed." In 14 reviews -
"The espresso base is nice and rich." In 21 reviews -
"Intelligentsia coffee in Toronto." In 8 reviews
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77 reviews in English
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Review from Rohit S.
North York, ON
3/25/2012
Good coffee. Full of hipsters.
Noticed a gentleman wearing a dress doing some "interpretive dance" literally in the middle of the store - free entertainment I guess. The coffee was delicious black. -
Review from John Paul T.
Montréal, QC
2/20/2012
Manic is hella hipster when I was there I saw someone wearing shorts and a wife beater with gold lame Ray Ban glasses sewing a hat out of business cards ... and it was February. yea, THAT hipster. But I digress. Manic is located at the intersection of Bathurst and College just before Little Italy. Its a perfect spot for local students, yuppies, tourists, 905ers looking for culture, etc. The coffee itself is really quite good, I had a macchiato (different than a 'caramel macchiato' from Starbucks FYI) which is basically a double-short shot of espresso with a hint of steamed milk. It was tasty! You can really get a sense of the high quality-ness of the coffee they used. I noticed they sell bags of their espresso beans for all you kids that have espresso machines at home; I highly recommend it, and they were reasonably priced. They have a small menu--just the basic espresso-based drinks with drip coffee as well (my friend had a large drip coffee and she said it was great!). They also have the ubiquitous vegan snacks and baked goods, which I didn't try but looked vegan-y (interpret that as you may). Its not a diner/cafe with food-type place, just coffee.
The spot itself is modern industrial chic with quite a bit of seating, although we weren't able to snag a spot. It seems like there are a lot of regulars that frequent this joint and they settle in for the long-haul. Come early on a weekend before the hipsters emerge from their slumber. Their are also a couple of chairs (not tables) right outside the shop so you can sit and have a smoke with your coffee if you're so inclined. The baristas are known for their 'latte art' and they put a cute little heart on my macchiato. I love that shit, and its something you don't get at Starbucks, Second Cup etc. So if you're in the neighbourhood, don't mind gold lame-wearing hipsters and are looking for a bangin' coffee you've got it in Manic.
Prices: Espresso/Macchiato: $3; drip coffee: $2-3.50 (depending on size), large latte $3.99. -
Review from Amy D.
1/30/2012
I have been on the hunt for a go to solid coffee shop while in Toronto, and manic definitely is at the top of my list. I first went there a few months back, and even though their latte art is amazing, i saw London Fog on the list and had to go with it. What came to the table was a beautiful carafe of loose leaf tea with vanilla syrup, combined with steamed milk creating the most beautiful visual presentation. The vanilla really complimented the tea, and the portion size was great, it fills about four small cups, so it is great to share or for one person as well. The service is beyond friendly, i am greeted each time i enter the shop. The attention to detail is fantastic, sometimes after finishing a caffeniated beverage you get thirsty, and one barista took the initiative to go table to table bringing each patron a glass of water.
Overall Manic is a great independent coffee shop, in a great foodie neighbourhood, that serves a great product by friendly people. -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
9/24/2011
I'm not a Manic Maniac. There are so many places for good coffee these days that one isn't too much better than the next (in my opinion). So if that's the case, why choose Manic? well if you like waiting for seats, I guess it's alright. If you sometimes like a time-limit on your spot, that's also a good reason to go. If you like snobby baristas that have little patience, you should check it out.
Aside from those reasons, you can try a cup of coffee from their clover machine which makes a good cup of joe but again, not THAT much better than a standard latte.
They do justice to coffee but the quality of coffee is burdened from the poorer quality of service and experience that customers look for in a coffee place. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Definitely one of the choicest places in Toronto for an espresso-based coffee beverage!
The cafe itself has a great location at College/Bathurst, and if you're lucky to pop in at one of their quieter times you'll be able to take a seat and take the time to sip your coffee. Unfortunately a lot of the time it's almost TOO busy, and that's what is holding me back from a 5th star - because sometimes I want to loiter, maybe have a few coffees and just relax & chat/read while I caffeinate.
My concerns aside, I can't stay away because of the deliciousness of the drinks. The soy lattes are a perfect mix of foam done just right and the bold but not bitter flavour of the espresso. I've also had an Americano as well, and even taken black there's no overwhelming bitterness.
There's a small case of baked goods on offer, and usually one or two vegan selections amongst those which is terrific when i'm dying for a little coffee companion snack. Manic also sell a decent selection of beans if you really like what you try.
Other random things that are pleasing to round this up: squirrels on the cups = adorable; water is help yourself on the counter; there's always some sort of art/photography on display (last visit there were some great custom skateboard decks on display!); the corkboard behind the bar with all sorts of stuff from friends/customers pinned to it. All in all, Manic is for the win.Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from Monica B.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2011
Manic offers coffee, teas, espresso-based drinks, baked goods, coffee beans and more in their little crowded place. Their coffee drinks and cup size options are limited and they don't have wi-fi.
After going to Manic a couple of times, I realized that I'm not so hot about this place. The staff just rubs me the wrong way. They don't seem friendly and stare at you to see if you're even worthy of stepping into their café. It seems like they have the attitude that they've pioneered the best tasting coffee in the world and have amazing coffee-brewing art ever. Reading their 'coffee conspiracy' on the wall against other coffee establishments didn't give a nice feeling either.
After encountering unfriendly staff, a completely unorganized line and being overcharged for my large latte (which isn't that large), I realized that the latte was not really worth it. The coffee was strong, not acidy which I like, and the milk/foam had a nice velvety texture. However, the latte was lukewarm as if it was already sitting out waiting for me 10 minutes prior. Also, I've had their overpriced loose leaf green tea- so bitter and tasted burnt!
I tried to like Manic, but I don't think I'll be back here again.Listed in: Coffee, Tea & Juice
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Review from Biz D.
Medicine Hat, AB
1/23/2012
Once you get past the fact they think their shit don't stink, it's a good local coffee shop with in-house croissants (win) and a good drip coffee and Americano. Lattes are decent but nothing to write home about, but it easily takes any other coffee shop available out with extreme prejudice. PYAH!
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Review from Steph L.
5/4/2011
If you are strolling along College Street and need to caffeinate yourself, Manic Coffee does the trick!
Once inside, the smell of coffee and cinnamon is warm and welcoming. The latte they served up was a bit cold, smooth, but a bit too much milk.
However, I'm a huge fan of foam art!
There was a decorative leaf in the foam... I tried to sip around it but gave up! I liked my latte more because it was so pretty.
As for the atmosphere...
I didn't like how people just sat there and read.
There were times when it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Go to the library.
If the place is full, you have to wait for a table because people are sitting alone and reading (and not buying more coffee).
Ah well, I like chatting in coffee shops so we broke the silence by gabbing away. -
Review from Denise S.
Updated - 8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this place, but NB they are doing a ton of construction right now. It's still open but there are only a few tables at the front and no bathrooms.
Their ice lattes are nice though.Listed in: Cafe Culture
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2010
Okay, so I didn't have a coffee/espresso drink, so can't comment on that BUT my chai latte was… Read more »
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Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Manic Coffee is one of the pillars of coffee geekdom in Toronto. Meaning that whether you are a self professed coffee geek or coffee snob, or just an average Joe looking for a cup of Joe, Manic Coffee will do you right. They take particularly strong interest and pride in the coffee they serve and you should be able to taste the difference such attention makes. No doubt this is the reason why Manic is as successful as it has been against a sea of other nearby cafes both indie and corporate.
Coffee is supplied both by Intelligentsia and the local Social Coffee company. Both top notch coffee importers/roasters in their own right. Aside from espresso based drinks Manic also offers drip and coffee brewed through the infamous Clover machine. As I'm already familiar with Intelligentsia's Black Cat Espresso I decided to partake in coffee roasted by Social and brewed through the Clover. I was recommended their Panamanian coffee and as it turned out it was an excellent suggestion. The Clover machine produces an excellent cup and the Panamanian coffee was like a hug and a kiss from a loved one.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, competent and more than willing to discuss coffee with you. The cafe itself is comfortable and spacious with plenty of seating, though the popularity of this place (oooh, pretty college girls) may make getting a seat at a table a bit of a challenge at times. Aside from coffee they also serve up munchies like muffins, scones, etc. The croissant I had with my coffee was good.
Highly recommend this cafe. It's the cat's meow.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
11/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Have you ever visited an extremely pretentious coffee shop with snooty staff? I have now.
Walking around Little Italy last week, we were searching for a nice hot cup of coffee as it was a bit windy & chilly outside... I now wish we had spent our money somewhere else. Walking up to the counter we did not receive a friendly welcome from the guy working at the till, he basically looked at us like we were ruining his perfect day. I noticed there was no kind of menu or list of drink options around, so I asked him if they had any lactose free milk options. He mumbled something to me that I could barely make out and when I said pardon he sighed and checked with the guy behind the espresso machine and confirmed that they had 2% lactose free milk. Well how nice, I know that must have been stressful to find out. We ordered 2 large lactose free lattes, which came to $10 - and a waste of money. The guy at the espresso machine was a little more friendly and at least said our drink orders clearly and said have a nice day.
The lattes were unexciting to me, pretty much bland. I can honestly say I've enjoyed a Starbucks latte more than the one I got here, and usually the smaller shops make really good coffee. The atmosphere inside the shop was also a bit pretentious, so we decided to go back out in the cold rather than sit in there feeling awkward. I won't be back, if I'm going to get treated like dirt when buying coffee I'll just go where it's cheaper.Listed in: Coffee Time!, Toronto Madness
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
Manic Coffee is nice and calm 20 minute before closing... I can sit anywhere I like.. No crowds.. and I have the full attention of the 2 nice baristas who advice me I have only 20 minute to drink my coffee... that's more enough time!
The Cappuccino is bold, strong and smooth. And the heart shaped Latte art..awesome!! Maybe he knew I am on a way to Anti Valentine Elite event.. or I just need some love since I am alone drinking coffee??
The cups so cute.. love that they have their own name branded coffee cups.. and that remind me of the thicker cup for HK style tea! -
Review from Maria P.
Toronto, ON
1/10/2011
After reading some of these reviews, maybe my palette for coffee isn't as refined as some of you out there, but this one particular experience being my first trip to Manic Coffee was greeted with absolutely the best cappuccino I've ever had. Each single sip was heaven in a cup on a Wednesday morning.
Maybe its the Clover machine.
Oh ad the ham and cheese croissant sammy was the perfect little size (and price) for an unhealthy morning nibble. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
12/3/2010
#indiecoffeepassport stop #4
I stayed here for less than 15 minutes. It's the longest time spent I've ever spent at Manic Coffee. With impending dinner plans, I had but a few minutes to soak in the atmosphere.
Manic Coffee isn't so much a café as it is a study hall. It's close to U of T and OCAD, which means students spend their evenings and weekends stationed at one of the tables.
The friendly barista stamped my Indie Coffee Passport and I took my Americano to the only table available, in the back. Compared to the warm glow and inviting comfort of the front room, the back room has harsh light and a Spartan atmosphere.
I scanned my surroundings: Students' gaze rarely left their computer screens, which illuminated their faces. They blocked out any distraction by listening to their iPods despite the fact that music played in the background. Flashbacks of my college days suddenly revisited me.
Would I return to Manic? Yes, but only to get my coffee to go. It's too busy for my liking, even if everyone was quiet and focused on their work. The rows of magazines look like an art installation rather than an organized shelving unit. They serve a good Americano. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2010 ROTD 10/19/2010
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#13) dun dun dun.... get it?
Drink: Soy Chai Latte
Atmosphere: Modern chic little cafe with lots of seating. I find it funny because I remember walking past this place a few times before and probably wouldn't have gone it if it weren't for my passport, and boy am I glad I tried this place! Almost all seating was occupied when I had gone but luckily I was having it to go. And as I recall, when I did used to have a peek inside while walking past this place, it'd be pretty empty, but now it just seems like it's bustling with people.
My Soy chai latte had just the right amount of spice in it, and not watered down or anything at all. Some places either water it down hard, not put enough milk, or way too much spice. I think this place got some competition with Bisogno's chai latte. But they're both really good. Also, it had just the right amount of foam. I hate how some places leave you a bad foam to drink ratio. Cheap bastards.
Verdict: Didn't you read? My thumbs be up.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Christine H.
Scarborough, ON
3/7/2012
Love the latte. Not sure about the $15/cup specialty coffee but I might give her a try for fun....
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Review from Dishan W.
1/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I bought the indie coffee passport I expected to stand out in most locations as nothing much about me is....."indie"? I just like coffee, trying out new places and exploring the city. But almost every single location I'd visited until Manic seemed very easy going and relaxing, however Manic was very crowded on a Sunday afternoon and I did not expect to find a seat at all (although we did end up being lucky and got 2 seats as we were placing our order). And everything seemed so rushed that for a first time customer I did not have time to properly go through the menu (even though I would have got a latte either way). And I didn't even see their food selection until just before paying.
Like it's been brought up here, customer service is not their primary focus, but rather whipping out drinks and it's hard to criticize that too much since their drinks are very good! Prices I found were a little cheaper than most other passport stops (but then again with the passport I've not been paying too much attention to prices). My drink was fine, I'm not some coffee expert to go on about the specific taste etc of the drink except that I normally prefer no added sugar, but my latte was just that tiny bit too strong for me to enjoy without a bit of sugar added.
Even with it being a full house, it was not uncomfortably cramped (we sat in the back) and I never really saw a line up that was considerably slow.
So yes, they are crowded but their drinks are good and you won't have to wait too long to get it. Just don't expect too much warm and fuzzy love thrown your way. The lack of wifi is also a minus point for here. Although that would just attract more people to occupy seats for longer! An ideal spot to get a drink on the go I say!Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Vivek S.
Updated - 10/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Finally managed to snag a seat at the ever busy Manic. Service seems to have taken a slide from my last visit, as I was thoroughly ignored for two minutes. (One usually expects to be ignored for no more than 45 seconds in a too-cool-for-school cafe like this.)
The americano was quality (and served in a mug heavy as a cinderblock), but I am now disillusioned about my desire to chill here. Seating in the back seems strangely hot and humid and I could swear I was feeling the onset of malaria back there. No wifi either. What gives guys?
OTOH: my wild blueberry scone was a delicious and crumbly adventure. I'm still undecided about this place, so three stars it shall remain.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/20/2009
Kinda expensive coffee hotspot on College. I asked about their Clover machine, which is basically a… Read more »
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Review from Tina H.
10/31/2010 1 photo
Even though they don't have wifi, word on the street is there's an open connection. I recently moved into the neighbourhood and this place keeps me coming back to grab stuff to go.
They don't have a lot of flavour shot options--only vanilla and chocolate (for mocha). I had a vanilla latte and it was delicious. The mocha wasn't as impressive. The espresso base is nice and rich. I saw a pour that looked like it could be an americano but it basically looked like 3 to 5 shots of espresso in a glass, meaning their americano looks thick and rich. Mmmm.
I've grabbed a latte here twice already and both times the art was beautiful! Art is all poured, no stir-stick action. It was really impressive!
The chocolate chip cookies (with sea salt!) are quite good. Nice and chewy. According to their website they're baked fresh on-site.
Having lived in Vancouver and knowing quality coffee shops, I'm glad I live so close to such a great coffee shop. Rarely do I find the combination of excellent coffee and baked goods in the same establishment in Toronto.
They're a "disloyalty card" shop, meaning you can get a stamp from here as well as other high quality coffee shops in the city to eventually redeem for a free drink.
Manic Coffee doesn't need wifi to keep me (and the rest of the full house of patrons) coming back. I don't think I would ever come here to do work anyway, it seems too busy for my liking. The espresso based bevies and chocolate chip cookies are enough to keep me coming back, especially since I live so close! -
Review from Spiro P.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2010
I had a Honduras blend by Intelligentsia coffee brewed with the clover machine and I was impressed. It was one of the best cups of coffee that I've had.
Manic also carries 49th Parallel which is another great blend of coffee.
I also ordered a butter croissant which was nice and flakey and contained a liberal amount of butter--as a croissant should be.
The service that I received was exceptional. The barista allowed me to smell the aroma of the beans before they brewed them.
Even though this place is small, it is definitely worth it to check it out. -
Review from Min Min T.
Scarborough, ON
10/6/2010
By no means am I a coffee connoisseur, but the soy cafe latte here is the bomb!!
It reminded me of my first cruise, along the Alaskan waters, when I had free range to the cheese plate at the open buffet every night. Only then did I know what real cheese was, not the goo that comes in a neon-coloured brick at No Frills. Thus, the steep descent into fancy cheeses resulted in greater grocery bills and spurred on the development of love handles, otherwise known as a Canadian Tire.
The lesson?
This latte here might be the start of another habit. Good thing I don't live close enough to feed it! -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2011
Last day of the Indie Coffee Passport, and I had to get to this place at my nephew's recommendation. Indeed, I invited him to join me in my last hurrah. (Second-last, actually, 'cause I also squeezed in F'Coffee in the east end.)
Requested a Cortado* which was excellent. My nephew had a superb cappucino. My oatmeal chocolate chip cookie was great, and he loved his ginger cookie.
The coffee guys** were very skilled and helpful and this was as good a coffee experience as I've had anywhere (see Crema and Rooster Coffee House. Well, almost...Jay at Rooster and Eric at Crema put those over the top for 5-stars).
*Similar to a Macchiato, with a bit more milk.
**Do coffee guys like to be called baristas, or has Starbucks ruined that title?Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
8/25/2010
Manic is absolutely bursting at the seams of amazingness but maybe you never noticed it because the place is concealed by an average-looking storefront. Once you peer inside, you might get an idea of what's going on.
This is one of those super cool places. Either you make it a destination to sustain your already established coolness factor or you sit there and think "I am significantly cooler than I was since I walked through the door," but you will always receive a dazzling caffeinated beverage. The decor is pretty awesome and the machinery is hardcore.
As it's around the corner from UofT, it's a nice place to study and it's typically packed with students who take over tables with papers and books for what seems like hours on end. You'd also guess there is a dress code of sorts because people are hip-ly dressed to the nines, even if they're in their sweats. No matter who's there to look good and get their fix, it's hard to catch a table so perhaps you should get your joe to go.
Manic is serious about its coffee and its clientele are serious about Manic. -
Review from Lanna J.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2010
Always a little too crowded on Sundays, which is convenient if you're up for sharing tables (rubbing elbows) with strangers and making new friends; although annoying if you're battling for the limited electric outlets. Wifi is also lacking.
Other than that, the atmosphere is nice but not entirely conducive to studying. Deserts and green tea are tasty enough. -
Review from Len M.
Toronto, ON
10/5/2011
I'd describe this place as one of the best independent coffee shops in Toronto in regards to the product they create, however some of the staff and the regulars are kind of off putting. I went there daily for several years yet still kind of got a cold vibe from the staff, they weren't overly cheerful. Perhaps because I'm not a hipster doofus (just a doofus) I didn't really feel welcome. So if you are just grabbing a coffee to go this place would be like a 5 star rating when you factor in the in shop experience it's just ok.
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Review from Laura T.
1/24/2011
Going against the grain I know, I wasn't too impressed.
The inside is sort of run down, although there are large windows that let some beautiful natural light in. The staff was "meh", and my tea was almost $3. Normally I don't mind spending a little skrilla on something delicious, but $3 for your average loose leaf green tea, seemed a bit much. They did offer unlimited hot water, and it was served in a bodum tea press, BUT still...
It was just okay. But then again, I didn't try the coffee, and I THINK that's why most people go to coffee shops... -
Review from Tina D.
12/31/2010
COFFEE PASSPORT -
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro, (soy latte)
2. Crema, Green grind (soy latte), Ideal coffee (chai latte)
3. TAN, Green beanery (soy latte), Cafe Novo (soy hot chocolate)
4. Mascot (soy latte)
5. Bisogno Espresso Bar (soy latte)
6. Manic Coffee
7. Tampered Press (chai latte)
I was very excited about this place bc it has Intelligentsia coffee. However, I was sadly disappointed but I didn't like it at all =(. I actually didnt even finish it. -
Review from Adam P.
Toronto, ON
12/2/2009 ROTD 5/13/2010
The second half of a coffee crawl brought me to this place. Whether it was because of a coffee cleansing grilled cheese for lunch or the fact it was only the 5th stop or so, I have to rank this coffee with some of the best I have tried.
Of course I had to try a coffee from the suckling of the renowned clover machine. With their X thousand dollar machine (I've heard a range of cost) my first experience could be no else. There are only about 3 or 4 different beans to choose from, they are all quite potent. When they grind up the beans they let you smell it. Luckily I had witnessed the process of obtaining a clover coffee and I knew what to do when they handed me a cup of ground coffee beans. I do like the smell of coffee and although I don't see the point of smelling it (since coffee smells like coffee to me), I did feel important. When the cup of joe arrived and took my first sip, my palette was satisfied.
This coffee shop is filled with your stereotypical hipster crowd, many people with their macbooks writing screenplays (one can only assume), and people with open textbooks and writing stuff like its a library. I don't fit into the coffee crowd culture here, but I do enjoy what they serve up. -
Review from Michael P.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2010
Reviewed café for my blog - I've probably visited a dozen or so times. Given the increased competition, I probably hadn't been in the café for about 6 months. Last Sunday was definitely not one of the best visits.
I asked for an espresso, and asked what blends were available. Black Cat was the answer. I asked if Alphabet City was available (I have never tried it and was curious from Coffeegeek reports), but I was told no because it wasn't dialed in. I decided not to push the issue.
I waited my turn as a couple of milk drinks were being prepared, and then my shot was next with nobody after me. The measured grind went into the portafilter and tamped very carefully and hard. The cup was then setup under the portafilter, a little elevated with a mini bowl. The shot was then started, and the barista turned her attention to washing another portafilter and cleaning the area near the grinders. Completely obvlivious to my shot. Another barista in the area ended up turning off the shot when he thought it was done.
The cup was a nice thick-walled tulip shaped that was classically styled brown and white, and the shot looked good in terms of size, colour, and generous crema.
The aroma had some chocolate notes with some bright fruitiness. The first sip revealed a shot that started off overly bright with citrusy, cherry notes, and continued into rich, deep chocolaty notes throughout the long aftertaste with bright citrus at the very end. The shot had good body and the aftertaste was long although it was lost in the brightness as was the sweetness that I usually find in Black Cat.
I then revealed myself as a blogger of cafés and espresso to the barista. I then asked if the intention was a bright shot? The answer was that it was a new bag of Black Cat, and that it might be that way now. No offer of another shot or mention that it might require further dialing in.
There were many disappointments during this visit: the overly bright shot of Black Cat, the lack of attention during prepration of the shot, and the overall indifference to the customer. I was never asked for feedback on the shot, and when I hinted at it, the response was one of "that is the way it is". Based on the reviews that I have seen circulating, this is not an aberation. It's too bad, as this used to be a place that I could depend on for getting an awesome shot.
The quality of the shot was definitely not what I've had in the past, and I am starting to believe more the other reviews that I've been reading. I am weary of the passion for great coffee that exists at this café. Please someone say this was a really off day. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Let me get this out of the way before anything: Manic Coffee makes the best espresso I've ever tasted anywhere. Period.
It's a concentrated coffee sip which packs an atomic bomb of flavour just waiting to explode in your mouth. The temperature is just right: hot, but not scalding. The texture is perfect: it covers all surfaces in your mouth, both parts liquid and frothy in the right combination. The aroma is strong, but not overpowering.
The right word to describe it is OMFG. Even if it's not an actual word.
Since the espresso is my yardstick to rate coffee shops, this one gets top marks. But if you need some treats to go along with your perfect gem of caffeinated goodness, you'll be glad to know that the cookies are great. I didn't try the other pastries, but they look equally good.
The decoration is your fairly standard coffee shop thing with some cool collages on the walls. But I'll be frank here: even if this looked like a worn down seedy biker bar, I would come back for the espresso.
OMFG.Listed in: Best coffee
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Review from Jessica G.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2009 ROTD 6/21/2009
I fell in love with Manic the moment I sat in their smooth wood seating, reading a book and enjoying a good, strong coffee. Their coffee is strong, yes, and so good that I have only had their espresso a couple times.
Now, I have the caffeine tolerance of a caffeine-a-holic and let me tell you, after one of their lattes I feel that sweet kick one only gets after getting their fix.
Comfortable, artistic atmosphere, great staff, awesome thinking place.
So Manic Coffee, thanks-a-latte for being awesome. -
Review from Barry Z.
Ottawa, ON
10/13/2009
Manic is a very well located cafe with friendly, knowledgeable staff
who prepare quality drinks across the board.
My experience at Manic brought me there two times in as many days on my recent visit to Toronto. I politely asked to borrow the phone and was gladly accommodated. The staff was very friendly and had a good chat and impromptu tasting session with one of the guys. I tried unique clover but drip/filter/black coffee isn't usually my thing - I could taste it, but my brain demanded a cappuccino.
I wasn't sneered at or "given the eye", but gladly offered a capp.and a wonderful cappuccino I had.
I downed it in about a minute. it was that good.
The double espresso I had earlier here was also very, very good
Note: The double was to start me up, the capp. was to keep me going as I just arrived in Toronto, and needed to hit the ground running.
The decor is nice and not overly bright, so if you are there to read or relax your eyes won't be over taxed. It's just down the road from Caplansky's deli, so if you are ever there, this is your after dinner "wake-up before driving" spot. I took 3 friends here after dining there and they all liked what they got. My friend's double got a huge thumbs up, and his brother enjoyed his first clover.
Just too bad I missed the Esmerelda (sp?) shipment else I would have tried that.
Overall, great product at a location with great staff and good decor.
To two other reviewers:
1. It's hypocritical and self-serving to chastise a business for being "pretentious" while you ordered an "allonge", which isn't even on the menu, and is in French. That's a doobule-whoups (sound this out phonetically in a Parisian accent).
When I ordered for my friend, a double long, I was told they could add a bit of hot water. The fact is, they know what they're doing since it preserves the taste and integrity of espresso.
2. I appreciate the honesty of the barista who mentioned the "This how we make a Chai, it's X + Y + Steaming = Your Drink".
If you want to visit make-believe beverage land, go to S-bucks where a macchiato is a giant, sugar-laced concoction that has nothing to do with microfoam and espresso.
So in closing, nice, well informed staff with huge PLUSES for not caving to B.S. Go there for a great espresso, or try a coffee of your choice, brewed fresh, for you, on the clover. -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2011
Excellent Coffee. Good service. Try the Kenyan when available.
Love the fact they offer Lactose free milk. Very busy location. The foods are sweet and fattening. Not a place to visit on a diet. UFT crowd extant. -
Review from Kelly A.
4/27/2010
We were in Toronto for the week on vacation, and I brought my Intelli beans with me but forgot to grind them for the trip (duh). I ran over to Manic while my husband went to The Beer Store down the street (free parking). They graciously ground my beans and I ordered up a cappuccino.
I didn't detect any pretension from the baristas. In fact, one of them commented how much he liked Detroit while I while I whined about the lack of non-chains up in the 'burbs.
Back to the cap- Tasty, nice microfoam with a pretty rosette. I was a happy camper. Next time I'm in Toronto I need to try the Clover. -
Review from Siobhan L.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2011
Hands down best butter croissants in the entire city. Truth be told, the best I've ever eaten period.
They also press a mean espresso. Great beans and machines. My favourite Americano in the city as well.
However, I was there this week and got a very watered down version of what I'm used to there. Hopefully they haven't changed anything--I'll write an update next time! -
Review from Bijan V.
4/5/2009 3 Check-ins Here
It's probably just me but I don't understand what the hype about Manic is. Sure they know a lot about coffee and your tea is served in a bodum press but the place is so simplisticly dull. Plus the barista was giving me the eye of "order now or I shall attempt to kill you with my hateful stare" which made me really consider whether I wanted to stay there or not.
Now I'm not a hardcore coffee drinker and I like my espresso drinks a little sweet (call me what you like but I need to feed my sweet tooth cravings) but damn that cappuccino was the most bitter thing I've ever tasted! I'll stick to Aroma Espresso -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2009
This place serves up great coffee in an awesome atmosphere...Don't mis-interpret my 3 stars to reflect the quality of their coffee. I've tried everything from the americano, espresso, cappuccino, and latte...all of which were quite tasty.
My lack of stars comes from the fact that this place is definitely on the pretentious side when it comes to coffee. I typically drink an allongé (a long poured espresso) and this place refused to serve on the grounds that it ruins the espresso. I will be back here as their coffee is good, but the attitude just rubs me the wrong way. -
Review from Andrea W.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/24/2010
So, my co-worker Jed ghostwrote my five star FTR of Manic when it was new. He used to be Manic's biggest fan but he now no longer goes there, ever. Jed thinks that the customer service and coffee quality have declined significantly with Manic's growing popularity.
However, my boss still gets coffee and lattes there, whatever that's worth.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2008 First to Review
I am not a coffee person. Half a cup of it will punish me with days of stomach ache. However, I know… Read more »
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Review from Jay U.
Toronto, ON
3/7/2011
This was my second visit to Manic Coffee. Both times, the Clover machine has been out of order so I have yet to try the much-hyped Clover coffee. Instead, I had a very good Americano that I drank with a friend in the "study hall" at the back of the cafe, where wifi isn't offered. I'd return if I was in the area, but the place isn't sufficiently compelling to warrant a special trip.
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Review from Renata R.
5/29/2010
I was there today and bought the Black Cat. They have the most awesome muffins I've ever tried, I could count three whole berries inside the giant muffin. And offered me a shot of a real, short, dark espresso ristretto. This is hard, hard to find.
They also have free wi-fi, no login or password required. I just sat there, drinking the great espresso and tasting the great muffin while reading my e-mails. Great experience. The guy who served me was very friendly and knew everything about dark-roast coffee, really - specially brazilian coffee. He suggested me a blend (I was there to buy something very strong) and I'm now tasting it at home, very good stuff indeed.
I must go back there with my husband, who is the coffee-lover.Listed in: Coffee & Muffins
