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Mascot
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1267 Queen St WToronto, ON M6K 1L5
Neighbourhood: Parkdale
(416) 533-2888
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
25 reviews for Mascot
Review Highlights
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"My soy latte was delicious, made by a great barista." In 3 reviews -
"...latest stop on the Indie Coffee Passport tour & also part..." In 7 reviews -
"Bonus points for the almond milk." In 3 reviews
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole T.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2012
gorgeous space
hidden pink flamingos and excellent mags, beauty of a long bench outside.
sorry i dont drink coffee so cant say shiz bout that but i did have a weak tea and so did buddy- vegan delights but i wish there was some honey.
all 5 stars go to its beauty which stands alone!!! -
Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
4/7/2012
3.5 stars
VIBE
ALL. OF. THAT. SPACE.
They probably decide to put in a rocking horse and odd chairs in one half of the cafe to ward of the laptop brigade but as a customer (and laptopper) this pains me. If you want to make it an art gallery, make it more of an art gallery or at least use it as an event space. Decor is cool though. I love the gorgeous antique chandelier, the antique roadshow happening in the bathroom and various tchtokes laying about. (i.e. lion's head and the Gary Taxali toys on the beams).
As Vivek said, he's taken an inventory of the space. If you want to internet, there are three tables and three outlets. Good luck! But at the same time, it's good to unplug and chill out. The lovely blue velvet couch will assist in that process. Looks great for reading a newspaper. And the soundtrack in here is KICKIN'. Love the old school 60s funk.
I DRANK
Iced chai latte. It was kind of weak. Not as sweet as I'd like it but not bad.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Maybe I need to get offline more and stop counting all of the people standing in line at Grand Electric across the street (30 people half an hour before it opens on a Saturday night). -
Review from Margaret H.
5/22/2012
I recently spent a couple of weeks staying in Parkdale and immediately found myself a "home" at Mascot. I'm not a coffee-phile, but I also don't drink "just any" coffee-- I'll skip it if Tim Hortons is the only place around.
What kept me at Mascot was not just the very respectable Americano and smooth drip coffee (I didn't have a latte), but the friendliness of the guys who work at and own the place. I just felt so damn content to be there. There's a great selection of art/ design mags, and the space is very open which means if you want to work, you can get a little space if you need it.
Yes, good coffee, but for me, it's just as, or even more important to support a place where there's a genuinely friendly vibe. They made my 2 week stay in the neighbourhood really special. -
Review from Amy P.
Toronto, ON
3/14/2012
Amazing coffee, no attitude, beautiful space, AND vegan cupcakes. I think I'm in love.
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Review from TOFoodReviews n.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2012
Sometimes I ride the 501 streetcar just for something to do. It's a fun way to people watch, without really having to watch out for them, but it's also a great way to spot new businesses, or old ones for that matter. The past couple of times I took this trip, I wondered what was in the chalkboard-black building on the corner of Queen and Elm Grove. I assumed it was a gallery given it was such a big space, and I was half right. The Mascot is a coffee shop that showcases art...or an art gallery that serves coffee, depending on what you're going for I guess. I myself was going for the coffee.
At first the place is a bit daunting. It's quite large, with a lot of negative space, and very limited seating. There are two barstools at the counter, a few tables that can seat more than one, and a surprisingly comfy blue velvet couch in the front room, but patrons need to be ready to get creative if all of those are taken. The back room, which houses the artwork offers up a couple Victorian chairs for those who feel like working on their posture, an old elementary school chair/desk combo, and a springy antique rocking horse (???). I'm not quite sure if that last option is for display only, or for those who like their coffee with a little bouncy nostalgia, but I for one wasn't about to find out. I used to have one of those horses, and I remember getting pinched by the damn springs on a regular basis. Luckily for us, there was a free table.
My girlfriend ordered a latte while I went with just a basic drip to see what Reunion Island coffee is like in its most vulnerable state. I should've went with the latte. Not that the drip was bad, but the latte was fantastic. It was smooth and strong without being bitter. The Rosetta adorning the foam was a nice touch as well. (It should be noted that I went back a few days later for my very own).
As it was around the brunch hour, and breakfast had long worn off we decided to get a couple of treats to go with our coffee. The edible portion of the menu at The Mascot is provided by OMG Baked Goods, and like the seating, selection is limited. The cupcakes were tempting but we were in the mood for savoury, so we ordered a ham & cheese quiche along with a stuffed foccacia.
The quiche arrived looking a little bit sad and we faced off as to who would try it first. We both agreed that it was tastier than we would have guessed, but I've definitely had better quiche. The stuffed foccacia on the other hand was a nice surprise. It didn't come to the table looking like much... really just a bun on a plate. But as with all things stuffed, it's what's inside that counts. Filled with roasted peppers, artichokes and Asiago cheese, it was not unlike a grown-up Hot Pocket...one that got tired of all the negative attention so it moved out of its parents freezer, and adopted a healthier lifestyle. The quiche was pushed aside, but later finished - out of hunger alone.
Food however is an afterthought at The Mascot. From what I saw, the people of Parkdale go for the coffee, and rightly so. There was a steady stream of people coming and going, and judging by the interactions, quite a few regulars. With friendly laid-back staff, good ambience and amazing lattes, I would make it my local too - if only I lived anywhere near it.
Footnote: Seating doubles in the warmer months, when it's comfortable enough to sit on the driftwood looking bench that runs the length of their storefront. Another good place to do some people watching. -
Review from Christy J.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2012
Awesome coffee, with very friendly staff. The space is really cool too. It's big, with an art gallery in one room and eclectic decor. There's always loads to look at. Patrons are pretty laid back too, with quite a few free-lancers hunched over their computers, toddlers playing on the bouncy horse, and wanderers reading the paper or a magazine. The music is good too. I might just go get a coffee right now!
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Review from Dishan W.
I really enjoyed my visit to the Mascot, it was not crazy busy when I did pop in so the already discussed seating locations were not an issue for me.
It does not look like a coffee shop from the outside and once inside you really do need to take a moment to look around and see some of the stuff they have lying around. Right next to my chair was a tiger skin rug with the rest heading on the table next to my macchiato! It gave me one of the best pictures from my passport travels!
The guy making the coffee was very friendly and lamented the fact that Mascot was not my last stop (I had 2 more to go), the only reason it's missing out on 5 stars is because I want there to be a good amount of food at these locations, and the options were seriously lacking here with a lot of tasty sounding options having been sold out.
My drink was my only attempt at a macchiato during my passport travels and while I can't compare it to many places I did enjoy it more than I expected I would. Very flavorful.
The mascot is one of few places from the indie passport that I see myself realistically spending a long TTC ride to visit again.Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Denise S.
4/20/2011
I dig this place.
DRINK: I had one of their new white teas (they have a laminated list of teas with descriptions of each) which was light and sweet ($2.50).
SERVICE: chill, friendly.
SEATING: I sat in the tiny wooden chair and desk in the corner by the window. Felt like a kid in elementary school again but it was just right for me since I was there with my laptop to get some work done. Sometimes I like the coziness of communal tables but sometimes I like to have my own little space too. Also, it was also a good spot to people-watch or observe capuchin monks across the street at the St. Francis Centre where they do outreach, providing hot meals to those in need.
DECOR: Currently, they have a massive art installation along the back wall by graffiti artist Kwest (http://www.1loveto.com...). Pretty cool. Also, the bathroom is gorgeous with this antique-looking sink.
READING MATERIAL: They also sell a bunch of magazines, mostly design and fashion stuff but also The Walrus.
MUSIC: The music was another entertaining distraction. They were playing a mashup of 90's music including such hits as "Tom's Diner" by Susanne Vega (anyone remember that movie "Untamed Heart"?), something by Color Me Bad and "Your Woman" by White Town.
WIFI: free and reliable (ask for the password at the counter).Listed in: Cafe Culture
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Review from Michelle G.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I had a terrible latte here. Bitter, weak foam, and unexciting. Maybe it was a bad day to go in, since I walked in on Boxing Day, and it was one of the only open cafes. I might give it a do over after I'm done with the rest of my Indie Coffee Passport stops, but I'm not in any rush.
I enjoyed the space itself though, that wide open emptiness. My table was covered in magazines (so if you don't bring reading material, you're more than covered), they have wifi and I read and finished a book without interruption (it's quiet). I'd probably go back eventually, buy a coffee I might not even like, solely to hang around. Maybe that's why there isn't much seating, there is a certain dark homey comfort to this place I can't quite put my finger on, but I like it.
While I'm happy they offer soy AND almond milk, I don't like that they charge extra for it.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Vivek S.
Just to set the record straight, an inventory of the Mascot's seating situation shows: three wooden tables for two, two tall stools at the ornate antique bar, a low chesterfield (that I wouldn't dare sit on), and a rocking horse (that I would). While it's easy to disdain the lack of seating here (and fun too), it seems the Mascot is about straight-up chililn' with a fresh espresso in their sunbathed and airy exercise in negative space. The antique espresso machine is a beautiful artefact that presses coffee at its own deliberate pace (be warned), but the results are flavourful and solid. (And reasonably priced too.)
There is soy milk on the counter, lactards.
It's actually refreshing to enjoy a space that emphasizes relaxation and decompression over work. As someone guilty of being a W/O (wifi/outlet) addict, I welcome the Mascot's reminder to sloo o o o o w down, close your laptop, and relax.
(But they also have wifi here, so take from that what you will.)
Obligatory Title Pun: Kicks some serious MASS.
Menu Readability: Beautiful script lettering on a chalk board.
Need to mention: Their washroom is a must-try. It's beautiful. Also, keep an eye out for a well-hidden Gary Taxali piece.
What this place teaches me about myself: To unplug once in a while.Listed in: Queen Street Address, Top Coffee Shops
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Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2011
The latest stop on the Indie Coffee Passport tour & also part of our gradual winter exploration of our new 'hood.
There was an abnormally large group of people behind the counter upon arrival. They can't possible employ that many people in the winter! Or...in general...
My mocha was served in a bright orange mug that helped cure my winter grey aura. More coffee than sweet to my uncultured tastebuds.
Like others, I pondered the usage of their space. I liked the eclectic chairs, although their spacing didn't lend itself to intimate coffee conversation. It's a good thing I was there for a large dream-planning-with-large-hand-gestures session instead!
I liked it. But I didn't love it & wouldn't be someplace I would go to hunker down & get some work done.Listed in: Indie Coffee
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Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#22)
Drink: Latte
Atmosphere: v y t h n g s r l y s p c d o u t n d
l d - f s h n d.
(Tell me if you got that)
I swear I hallucinated Gatsby using the men's washroom here. Feels like a cross between an art gallery and a home from the 1800s. The Mascot has definately got a unique charm to it. What I don't get is why they do not have more seating! This -really- puzzled me because there are only 4 small tables, a large sofa, big treasure chest? a rocking horse?? and another treasure chest with a chair???
There was no seating left except for the treasure chest and sofa. I was not about to sit alone and isolated with a knee-level ''table'' (I.hate.knee.level.) PASS. Nor was I going to sit on the sofa which was placed awkardly close to one of the tables. another pass. These guys NEED more seating. I think they spent all their money on the decor. Perhaps I'm the one not rendering the atmosphere enough, but how can I if I cant sit anywhere?!
The barista was welcoming and the menu is pretty much basic with your latte, mocha, drip coffee, espresso etc.
As for my drink, it was Capital S....trong and smoothe. Went down lovely. The foam wasn't the best though. Not smoothe enough, and a bit ''crisp''. There were also few baked goods, but very limited.
Verdict: Please sell the rocking horse and use the money to buy more chairs and tables.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/30/2010
#indiecoffeepassport stop #2
Before the Mascot opened, the space was occupied by a t-shirt shop. The exterior was painted in black and neon green. I never set foot inside nor do I know how the store was laid out but the owner(s) of the Mascot did an excellent job at restoring and decorating the space.
I ordered a large coffee with my Indie Coffee Passport and scanned the room for a seat. There wasn't any. I waited a minute or so, chatted with the barista as I checked over my shoulder for a free table. I was sure that I would have to take my coffee to go or sit on the piano bench, but a group of ladies gathered up their belongings and I grabbed the last table before others did. The Mascot is gorgeously decorated but it lacks in seating options.
I can see the logic in keeping the establishment uncluttered by chairs for events and such. But I do think that having another table with chairs or a sofa would benefit them.
Having said this, the negative space does offer little obstacle to look at the artwork on the walls. Viewing art in smaller cafés meant a delicate dance of hovering and not annoying the person sitting at the table underneath the artwork. Luckily here, that awkward situation has been eliminated.
I brought my book but I was distracted by the activity around me. I observed a lot of people coming in, chatting with the baristas for a several minutes, or with a customer reading their newspaper. The Mascot seems like a great addition to a neighbourhood populated by bars, boutiques, and restaurants, but few cafés.
I'd return to the Mascot again because I'm often in the neighbourhood. Since I only had their regular coffee, I'd like to try one of their espresso drinks, peruse through their great collection of art and fashion magazines and perhaps sit in the rocking horse - for kicks! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
2/12/2011 2 photos
I almost walked right by Mascot without realizing it! Just looking at the outside, it does not really look like a coffee shop.. especially when I was checking out other side of the shop through the big windows on the west side.
Indie Passport got me a Cappuccino here which had a nice strong taste.. and love the latte art done by the nice barista.
Since I was here on a weekend afternoon, there were plenty of seats. Of course if you do consider those elementary tables and chairs seats too. There are so odd armchairs, but there were not place to put my drinks....
The big communal table was full of magazines?!! No one is really reading them.. they looks like something for sale instead for my leisure reading while I enjoy my coffee.
Music was a little loud this afternoon... or were I just sitting right underneath one of the speakers? -
Review from Julie T.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2011
Part coffee shop, part art gallery, the Mascot is by far my favourite hangout spot on West West Queen West.
It's not just that the coffee is excellent (the best in the area), the WiFi is reliable, or that there's always something new and interesting to look at, but it's run by three really great guys who always go out of their way to make sure you feel right at home.
Seating looks sparse in such a big space, but there are additional workspaces located withing the gallery portion of the shop. It's the perfect venue for reading, working, relaxing, or having a group planning session. It's a lovely place to go when you want to hunker down and get some work done. I bring most of my meetings in here and everyone loves it.
There's a short menu of traditional drinks, and the Steven Smith teas are out of this world. Ask for a Rooibos almond milk latte with a hint of the complimentary agave nectar - delicious!
(Bonus points for the almond milk. Thanks, guys!)
Cash only, but there's an ATM machine across the street. -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
12/14/2010
We scored the very last table at Mascot, which makes all the difference. Mascot is pretty big but has ZERO seating. I like and appreciate empty space, but I could tell more people wanted tables and chairs. From a business owner standpoint, it's almost ingenious the way they force you to get your coffee to go. From a customer's point of view: more seating please!
My soy latte was delicious, made by a great barista.
I love the way they've decorated the place - cool gadgets everywhere you look. Even the washroom is very cool.
I wouldn't count on a table being free here, so be prepared to get your coffee to go. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
11/6/2010
Adding to all those fabulously written reviews, I will add my view for your reference. If ALL the seats that Vivek S stated were filled, you would still have a 20-1 Magazine-to-Patron ratio. Where did they get all these Magazines from and who is going to read them when I notice most customers do one of the following: Novel, Laptop, Sip Coffee.
All the Decor and "Stuff" that make up the setting must be from a Garage Sale and renewed. Those things are actually interesting to observe and ponder upon but it's hard to link one item to another unless the Designer is there to explain to the General Public? No worries, I'm A-OK with what they have as atmosphere.
The Barista behind the counter made my Cappuccino on the Manual Press Victoria Arduino with Reunion Island brand Beans which I'm starting to get a taste for as it seems very consistent every Cafe that uses this brand. He signed my Indie Coffee Passport " MK Thx :) " which is a nice gesture as nice as the "Heart pattern" from Merchants of Green Coffee.Listed in: Coffee Drinks
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Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2011
Excellent quality product with helpful staff. Nice decor and layout too.
Don't miss it if you're in Parkdale.Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
I popped into the Mascot to use up my stop there on my Indie Coffee Passport this past weekend. It's a gorgeous little cafe, its style bordering somewhere between vintage and kitsch (I loved the TTC fare box tip jar). The staff were friendly and happy to see I was stopping by with the passport - a lovely welcome!
On offer: the coffee menu is nice and simple, one small board written out in lovely sign-board calligraphy. I went for my usual, a soy latte - as it was being made, I noticed a little note at the bottom of the menu board saying soy *and* almond milk are on offer. Bonus points, Mascot!
I purchased a small chocolate vegan cupcake with delightfully colourful sprinkles and frosting and took a seat near the fierce tiger's head cabinet to enjoy my latte. It was very smooth, no bitterness at all, and very well flavoured (no weakness here!). Couldn't have asked for a nicer first coffee of the day.
Practicalities: not too much seating, washroom on premises, wifi available.
Overall: Very impressed, and would probably even deliberately make the trek out there for a coffee again despite never really being in that neighbourhood.Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2010 5 photos
The Mascot is a new Parkdale cafe having opened just over a month ago. I came across this place upon an invite of a friend who was showing off his latest custom motorcycle creation at the cafe as a kind of art showing.
As you step into the establishment the first thing you'll notice is it's warm, spacious atmosphere. A well worn, old fashioned wood panel floor leads up to complimentary creme-beige colored walls with further dark wood accents and a touch of exposed brick. At the time I went to the Mascot they only had three tables and a sofa for seating, leaving the bulk of the floor space for people to walk around in as they take in the various art pieces on display. The establishment certainly doesn't lack for breathing room, which has it's value in a city of claustrophobic cafes, but one has to wonder if perhaps The Mascot would fair better with at least a few more tables to accommodate customers wanting to sit and relax with their caffeinated beverage.
Coffee related drinks are made with Reunion Island coffee which is locally roasted, organic and Free Trade. Reunion Island makes for decent coffee, better than what you'll get at most chain cafe's, but I've experienced better local roasted coffee (then again I'm a coffee snob). The staff seem quite competent at pulling a decent espresso shot so I'm sure you'll be pleased with any of the various espresso based drinks they offer. Additionally The Mascot carries loose leaf teas and a small selection of locally baked goodies both savory and sweet. Prices are on par with other indie cafe's.
The Mascot makes a fine addition to Parkdale area independent cafe's and if your in the area I suggest dropping in for a drink and a look at whatever art they have on display.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Anne M.
1/16/2011
The space is, as mentioned, very sparse and very cool. I might bring a friend visiting from out of town but unless I'm in the area I don't think I'd go out of my way to go back. The seating is limited, albeit quirky. I sat on a swivel 50s desk chair at a vintage sewing desk, which I'm fine with since it was an upgrade from the old-school movie theatre bench without a table I'd been sitting at. My main reason for not rushing back is that their coffee is too strong for me. However, it's similar in strength to Ezra's which I know a lot of people are into so that might not be a turnoff for everyone.
Overall, this is a cool coffee shop, perhaps just a little too cool for me! -
Review from Ford C.
Brampton, ON
3/1/2011
The Mascot is new.
I drink coffee.
The coffee was great - in fact I drank quite a lot of it over several days.
The decor is different - interesting - and yes, I DID take a seat and read a magazine. Enjoyed it, even.
Service and conversation - good coffee, reading and atmosphere. Thumbs up.
(I haven't a clue about the sweet sticky drinks - I wouldn't drink them anywhere) -
Review from Tina D.
11/2/2010
Here's my ranking so far
My rankings:
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James (soy latte)
2. TAN (soy latte)
3. Crema (soy latte)
4. Mascot (soy latte)
5. Bisogno Espresso Bar (soy latte)
6. Tampered Press (chai latte)
I agree with the previous yelper that said that they should get rid of the rocking horse and how the place is awkwardly large. That's exactly how I felt about the place as well. -
Review from TJ A.
Toronto, ON
3/24/2011
I love coffee + magazines so this is a win for me. You can read those magazines without buying them? Wish I'd known! I didn't stay and sit but the coffee was good. I wouldn't come to hang out here, it's open and feels like it's full of "cool" people; if I wanted to hang out in a coffee shop I'd go somewhere quieter and with more comfy chairs.
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Review from Jay U.
Toronto, ON
3/27/2011
Visited The Mascot today, a sunny Sunday afternoon, and was impressed with the coffee, the friendly baristas, and the beautiful decor. Then I tried to find a seat. There were several unoccupied chairs with jackets "reserving" them. Stayed about 30 min. but no seats opened up. Despite my favorable first impression, I began to feel like an uninvited guest at a private party. I see that several other reviewers have had issues with seating, an unfortunate situation in a large and otherwise inviting space. I think I'll follow Yelp to see if the seating situation is addressed before attempting a return visit.
