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Quaff Cafe - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
668 Queen St WToronto, ON M6J 1E5
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
(647) 344-8558
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Quaff Cafe
Review Highlights
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"Quaff cafe (chai latte." In 4 reviews -
"...expensive, nice coffee, excellent baked goods, free wifi." In 3 reviews -
"Now, the Americano, my favourite: it was very good." In 6 reviews
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Dishan W.
Another fantastic coffee passport trip! Quaff only solidifies my new self discovery in recent times that I fancy coffee shops that give you a lot of room and a quiet atmosphere to enjoy a book or check in to Yelp using their free WiFi!
What really pushes this in to the top realm of coffee shops is it's great selection of eats! Although like a few people have already mentioned, the prices are the reason it's missing out on 5 stars, but I can't be too harsh since I've yet to try the various food items, maybe they are worth all that money?
Apart from the food, the drinks are reasonably priced, I was not taken to chocolate heaven with my mocha, it seemed like just chocolate and coffee with no real frothiness? But that's just me trying to be creatively negative, it's not that bad actually :)
Got a peanut butter cookie too, and was not too happy with it either since it cost me $1.89 and I expected more since I've had some amazing cookies on my passport travels.
Overall it's a great place, very quiet, friendly and chill staff members and a great food selection puts this close to the top of my passport stop list!Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
At first marveled at the idea that someone had the cajones to name their cafe "Quife" only to realize it's Quaff you big silly. Dropped into this cafe not too long ago. This is a very spacious cafe with plenty of seating and headroom. It's a good place for those who want to chill with a laptop (free WiFi) or hold a meeting or otherwise tête à tête. It's a comfortable cafe for it's clean and simple layout & breathing room, though I wouldn't say cozy.
Coffees come from a roaster in Quebec as well as a local unknown roaster. I had an Americano, it tasted pretty decent. The staff were friendly and competent as well the new owner seemed very interested in feedback about the coffee which is a good sign. Taking an interest in what your customers think of your product is the first step in operating a successful business. Competition along this stretch of Queen St. W. is pretty stiff though.
Aside from coffee and tea they have a notable selection of snacks to munch on with your beverage and plans are to provide more foods in the future as I was told by the owner. My single visit was brief so I can't really say I am a fan at this point, but I plan to return and follow up with this cafe soon. If the other nearby indie coffee shops lack room for you I say try this place.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Michael B.
Wychwood, Toronto, ON
7/7/2011
Saved by the wifi.
Long/short: The menu is limited, the food is terrible, the staff are pure utility and the coffee is uninspired.
The plus: It's not particularly busy (for good reason) so you can sip a cup of mediocre coffee all day long while working away on the lap top (plugged into one of the numerous outlets) and watching fashion crimes cruise the sidewalk outside; All without any sense that you're taking up a seat needed for / wanted by another customer. It's also nice to look at with lots of natural light. . oh and the washrooms are clean.
As for the food and drink. Meh squared. Coffee is flavourless. $9 sandwich was inedible. I was lured by its good looks but sorely (literally) disappointed when I attempted to put my teeth through the "baguette" so as to have mouth meet turkey; Much like trying to eat a turtle. A single slice of coldcut-style turkey, some lettuce, tomato slices and a touch of mayo do nothing to weaken the gluten forcefield protecting this pocket's contents from tooth attack. T'was an experience the roof of mouth will not soon forget.
If you're looking for a place to work where you'll not be bothered (which I was), this is the joint. Just be sure to slip a Clafouti sandwich and a @darkhorsecafe thermos in your bag before you plug in. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#18)
Drink: Large Soy Chai Latte
Atmosphere: B r * g h t! BIG. simple. and L o n g
This place has lots of room and the staff is very kind with a HUGE selection of baked goods. I entered and used their washroom first before ordering my drink and noticed that almost every single table had something to munch on. Too bad I had already eaten before or I would have definitely tried something there. I saw some freshly baked cookies at the time too -tear-.
But, as for my La-La-LATTAYYY. T'was very good. Everything balanced out perfectly. Spice was not overpowering. Soy milk was just enough. Foam ratio was proportional. And temperature was great. More than warm, but not hot. Enough to warm my hands and take a few sips without burning my tongue. (Y'feel me on the tongue part?)
Verdict: Qwizzle Foshizzle.......ya. thumbs in upward motion.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
11/8/2010
In this case, it's not just the Coffee Beverage that I didn't prefer. It's quite a combination that adds up to the whole. It could also be the Afternoon hour we came on the Weekend that gave us a view of the drama that takes place within this Cafe.
This place makes me think why no one can perfectly design the space dedicated to Laptop Wi-Fi users that only need 1-Chair and 1/2-Table while at this instance they occupy 2-Chair/1-Table as other consumers desperately make an attempt.
Those of you TALL guys/girls make sure you duck down your head while walking down the stairs to the Basement Washroom. It reminds me of the Home Improvement episodes, DING! Also while walking towards the stairs, there is a Vent on the floor that sticks out, but it's camouflaged against the Wooden Floor. Have a nice TRIP!
Cappuccino itself wasn't anything spectacular, that's all I have. Maybe this place just had too much coming and going disturbance that I disliked. I felt BAD for the older Couple that was happy to come in and try this place but had no seats so they left while there was enough seats just that the Tables were occupied. I guess this is where Communal would work better, maybe?
Btw, the Washroom lights are on the outside of the Washroom if you wish to play a trick on your Buddy.Listed in: Coffee Drinks
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Review from Vivek S.
9/24/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Quaff is a superior space. You'll be taken by the beautiful interior and aura of calm. There is lots of seating here, and the place seems to go on for miles. The "freelancers row" that Stephanie C. mentioned is a decent place to get some work done with access to outlets and good lighting, while the front is a cozy place to people-watch and relax.
I do take issue with sandwiches you need a mortgage to get. What's that about? Can't really say that my seven crispy bites were worth a dollar each. My latte was excellent though, so I'll probably come back here again and order something less expensive. The croissants, cookies and other desserts look inviting.
Obligatory Title Pun: (I'm not going to bother.)
Menu Readability: Big ol' letters on a chalkboard. I mean Big.
Need to mention: This place has wifi.
What this place teaches me about myself: Some words should not be punned. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
11/13/2010 4 photos
I think Quaff Cafe needs a bigger front signage. I was busy taking photos and I just walked by without even realized and when I checked the street number I was half a block away already.
Smart of me to just grab a table right when I walked in and parked myself there, while my food crawl buddy ordered our cappunccio. If not, we might have to have it to go and be drinking from paper cups (yuck!)
I still going to give Free WIFI that extra +0.5 star though I understand how it will make this place so crowded when people can stay here for hours over an emptied cup of java while others cannot eat down and have their coffees.
I do like the ambience at Quaff Cafe. It feels like a quiet, serenity space especially if you sit at the front with the big windows on a nice Autumn afternoon.
The cappuccino is A-OK. The roast here is too strong but goes well with some nice sweet... (especially the ones from Nadege Patisserie
down the street!) no latte art here though!
Used my Indie Coffee Passport here! -
Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
Quaff Cafe is a fantabulous place to read, sip coffee, read, and/or grab a light bite to eat. Despite being nestled near your typical Queen West scrum, Quaff is an oasis from the hipster havens just steps from its door. The people there are relaxed and the music is fun, If you must work, the outlets are numerous and the free Wifi is responsive. Best yet, the coffee is fantastic. My mochaccino was smooth and not too chocolatey, and the decaf was freshly ground and of good quality. If you're peckish, I recommend the croissant sandwiches, which are served warm -- buttery and flaky deliciousness, yessssss. My only quibble is that the prices seem rather high, but other than that Quaff is close to perfect.
I will definitely be back to Quaff, no qualms about it! -
Review from Isabel R.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2010
This place is pretty good. I got a latte that was moderate, and a croissant that was actually really delicious. Still warm. I don't think they make them there though, so I will have to track down the actual source.
This place definitely has a Queen West vibe. The space kind of feels like an art gallery. Though it's a cool place, it's not someplace that I would find relaxing and would want to stick around in. If I was in the immediate area, I might grab a coffee here, but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way.
There are so many independent cafes these days, that this one just isn't up to snuff. -
Review from Anne M.
2/3/2011 2 photos
During my Indie Coffee Passport journey, I stopped by Quaff cafe on Queen W. I might go out on a limb to and say that this is my favourite stop so far! The space itself is really pretty, bright, spacious, cozy. Even the bathrooms were pretty and fresh looking.
An interesting side effect of the Indie Coffee Passport is trying new drinks than the usual latte. Today I tried a chai latte (with skim milk) and it was delightful! Other drinks include the usual coffee based drinks, loose leaf teas, etc.
To go with my chai, I got a spinach and feta phyllo square. While it was really tasty, it was a tad expensive at $5, and maybe a bit too rich to go with my drink (my fault though, not Quaff's!).
Other treats to go with your drink of choice included lemon squares, cookies, yum looking sandwiches on triangle buns.
All in all, I'm surprised with myself for not trying this place sooner and I have a feeling I will be back in there either with friends or for a little break with a good book.Listed in: Do you like a latte? I do.
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Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
3/21/2011
I liked this place because of its calming clients. I couldn't even bring myself to pay for what I saw as overpriced food. Unless you have the dough. & then it looks delicious!
I had a cafe mocha that was pretty decadently delicious & full to the brim.
I wouldn't necessarily call it the coziest but it is a pretty place to get some serious work done. Also centrally located for a meet-up with a friend. A calm friend.Listed in: Indie Coffee
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Review from Angela L.
12/15/2010
Quaff is a nice and quiet coffee shop to spend an afternoon in regardless of whether your date is a friend, newspaper, or laptop. In conjunction with the bright walls and minimalist decor, the floor to ceiling windows also allow plenty of light through to keep it feeling fresh.
The sandwiches and tarts that I have tried have all been dainty and delectable, although notably pricier than many competitors'. The noticeably fresh and carefully curated selection varies from day to day though and is worth the splurge once in a while.
If you're lucky enough to spare a little time to enjoy the space, make sure you let the barista know that it's 'for here'. The large, clean mugs make a lovely warm welcome to your hands.
Since I have habitually sat in the back of the cafe, I didn't realize until my latest visit that the front door gets stuck open a lot. While this might have been happening all summer too, it's a bigger problem now than ever since the weather has dropped so significantly. Instead of sitting back and relaxing over a light lunch with my friend, I engaged in "whose turn is it to close the door now?" with the patrons at the other two tables at the front which were most affected by the sudden shock of chills. This experience alone was frustrating enough to convince me not to return (except to pick up) until spring. -
Review from Tara A.
12/29/2010
I've decided to expand my morning coffee experience to include cafe's along my walk to work. While I enjoy my "local's," Quaff is enroute to the office. This morning on my walk in I decided to check it out.
The Coffee there was quite delicious and I can't complain about the service either. What I can complain about however is the morning pastry selection. They had two options for flaky goodness, one with beef and one with spinach and cheese. While both looked good, I opted for beef (did I mention my morning walk in was 11am?). The pastry was pretty decent but the price was bit outrageous for the size of it. I think asking for $7 + dollars for a coffee and pastry is a little excessive.
Beyond the pricing, I think this cafe is quite cozy and there seemed to be an abundance of locals enjoying their morning caffeine and paper.
It's definitely worth a walk into while strolling along Queen. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/19/2009 2 Check-ins Here
After catching an insider's glimpse and passing by it on several occasions, I had the opportunity to test drive Quaff recently.
As I had mentioned before, the interior is quite large. If you're lucky enough to score a seat near the tall window at the front, it's a great spot to people watch. But if you're there to do some work, you can sit in what I have christened 'freelancers row': a set of four tables and chairs, with outlets nearby. Quaff has free Wi-Fi so it didn't surprise me to see individuals working away on their laptops. With their sturdy tables and comfortable Eames-type chairs, any spot in Quaff is good to do some work and enjoy your coffee in peace.
One peculiar thing I had found when I sat in 'freelancers row' was the further I was to the back of the room, the more angled it became. This isn't a big deal - it most likely has to do with the foundation of the building - but if you have things that can roll off the table like a pen, just keep that in mind.
My only experience with their food was enjoying a ham-and-cheese croissant. Other foods like their sandwiches seemed expensive to try. For example $8 for a sandwich with goat cheese with tomatoes and red peppers. No meat or fish inside? No way. But it does come with a salad so perhaps the next time I pop in for lunch, I just might try it.
Their ham-and-cheese croissant was tasty, and fresh. The person who served me (I believe he is one of the owners) said they make everything in house, but he probably did not mean their pastries. I overheard a customer say to their friend that the croissants are similar to the ones from Nadege, the pastry shop down the street. I'm not quite sure if that's true or not, but I feel that more testing is required to find this out.
Now, the Americano, my favourite: it was very good. They did not add too much hot water, which I prefer. Personally, I prefer if the hot water included is drained from the espresso beans rather than pouring into it afterward. However I know there's a difference in how that type of espresso style is called, and hardly anyone makes the way I like it in the city. Or perhaps they do? Hmm, I feel more investigation is required for that too. A new Yelp list perhaps? Stayed tuned.
So, I have another option to select from in a neighbourhood that loves their cafes. I find Quaff to be quiet and comfortable. However my future visits will depend on how many empty baby strollers are parked out front, unfortunately. Let's hope they remain at Starbucks down the street and get to keep this little spot for myself.Listed in: The Holy Bean | Best cafes in…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/1/2009 First to Review
Another cafe has opened on the fashionable West Queen West strip.
I had my first glimpse prior to… Read more »
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Review from Marie F.
7/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My tummy aches.... I am so sick.... I feel like I am entering a diabetic coma... don't feel pity for me, I should have known better than to order an AMAZING Dulce du Leche Cheesecake while grabbing coffee with a Vegan friend.
You see I like coffee, but LOVE desert and this place knows how to make what mama likes! In addition to great little pastries, this place also make one mean Roasted Pepper Gazpacho. They also bake their own croissants (be still my heart...) on premise (sweet Jesus...) and juice their own lemonade (Martha Stewart has nothing on these guys!)
The location itself is classy yet cozy with ample seating, a chandelier and great free WiFi. I am going to resonate Gary C.'s comments by saying for Queen and Bathurst this place is pretty pricey, but ultimately I think it's worth it. -
Review from Kelly O.
9/7/2009
This is such a great place to sit for a cup of coffee or a fantastic dessert.
I popped in for to-go stuff, but it isnt hard to notice the gorgeous decor, calm french music and free wi-fi! I'll definitely come back to spend some time with a hot beverage and a book.
We ordered an iced coffee with organic honey, and a double iced Americano. Both were delicious, and the Americano was surprisingly light and refreshing. We also had a croissant, which was quite buttery with a nice flavour, but perhaps a little stale. Our oatmeal chocolate chip cookie was FANTASTIC and still gooey from the oven.
Total was about 12 bucks. As far as I could tell everything was organic. Well worth a repeat visitListed in: All About Croissants Yo!
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Review from Aaron B.
7/19/2010
I went here today to try get some work done and find a new awesome cafe. I arrived at 6:00 and the place looked nice and there were a few customers in there with pleasant glows...turns out that was a sheen of sweat. I went to order and the two workers behind the counter were soaked and literally dripping with sweat. Yikes. Certainly not surprising considering that it was much hotter inside than outside in the summer air.
Before making my purchase I had the sense to ask when they close because Toronto has this disease of closing early. Sure enough, they were closing at 7:00pm. There are other places along the street that are cooler and open later. So, on account of the uncomfortable environment and restrictive hours they are not a visitable cafe.
I'll probably visit again when the weather cools off and try their coffee and maybe a bit of food, but unless it's really great today's experience of Quaff definitely merits the "meh, I've experienced better" rating. -
Review from Felicity S.
Toronto, ON
1/20/2011
My boyfriend and I were looking for something like a Dark Horse, except with electric outlets to plug in our laptops. Ever since dark horse got rid of their outlets, we'd been hard pressed to find a nice independent cafe where we could spend an afternoon working on our laptops while enjoying a latte. So Quaff was a surprising find. The chai tea latte I had was as good as I expect a chai tea latte to be, but the best things about Quaff were:
1) there were electric outlets (not at every table, but I was just glad that they were there at all)
2) free wi-fi access
3) "Artsy" interior. Something I prefer over the lack-of-personality, chain-type of coffee shops
4) The people who come here. They tend to be on the calmer, and more creative end of the spectrum. A nice break from what I'm normally used to, and a lower probability of running into loud people who have obnoxious conversations that you can't help but hear -
Review from Tina D.
11/15/2010
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro, (soy latte)
2. Crema, Green grind (soy latte)
3. TAN (soy latte)
4. Mascot (soy latte)
5. Bisogno Espresso Bar (soy latte)
6. Tampered Press (chai latte)
7. Quaff cafe (chai latte)
Did not like the chai latte here at all. -
Review from Denise S.
4/5/2010
Have been here a couple times now. It's a nice and quiet cafe, lots of seating room, rotating art exhibits, and newspaper/old National Geographics in case you didn't bring anything to read. They have a variety of Mighty Leaf teas and yummy pastries. I tried the spinach pie, which was light and fluffy and a perfect snack/small lunch.
It's a good place to relax with a book or get some studying done. I came with a couple friends recently, and it was almost too quiet... everyone else had laptops and we felt like we were disturbing people by talking.Listed in: Cafe Culture
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Review from Rosie T.
3/2/2011
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Honestly, in love with this coffee shop. Everytime I travel I make a point to stop in at a coffee shop in every new city.
This coffee shop truly takes the cake. BEST coffee, great snacks, amazing staff, warm, cozy, and quiet.
A fantastic experience, bravo Quaff cafe!
Perhaps you guys should entertain the idea of opening one of these in SF? Just an idea... -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
12/16/2009
I pass by the place every day on my walk to work and can't help but think of the word "Queef" when I see "Quaff".
Nice interior, nice looking pastries, nice. Don't know what the coffee like though although I'm sure it's delicious. -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
7/10/2010
This was a great surprise!
The little gingerbread men cookies are a nice surprise! Along with the mini jams you get in hotels or restaurants.
The coffee was full bodied and flavourful without a bitter aftertaste. The barista asked me how much water i wanted in my coffee which was something I rarely get asked. I'd still say that Manic Coffee is hands down the better of the two but they do give a decent cup.
This sure is a comfortable space whether you are on your own or in a large group.
free wi-fi people!!!!
Before closing, kudos to the people that work there or own it. They were so nice to us. They asked us if we were enjoying ourselves and if everything was good. It's a coffee shop that doesn't do table service so can you see why I was so impressed? -
Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
1/7/2011
There's nothing to make me dislike this place, but also nothing really to make me like it. The place is nice looking, though it feels a bit contrived, service is usually somewhere between apathetic and friendly, and they have a good food selection I think.
The coffee should be good, but the two times I've been in I haven't really been impressed. The second time I was there, instead of there being a healthy layer of crema on top of my americano, there were crema-coloured bubbles, Starbucks-style. Maybe with the new Dark Horse a short walk away, they'll step up their game a little bit.Listed in: Coffee. Plain and simple.
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Review from Jay U.
Toronto, ON
3/12/2011
An excellent Americano served by a pleasant barista in a charming and peaceful environment with free wifi makes Quaff Cafe worthy of repeat visits.
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Review from Renee P.
Vancouver, BC
6/7/2011
This is a small coffee shop on Queen Street west. It is narrow, bright and airy. A bit expensive, nice coffee, excellent baked goods, free wifi. Great service and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended!
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Review from Amit M.
Toronto, ON
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Latte was average with Latte art leaving pa lot to be desired, and $9.50 for a tiny steak sandwich seems a tad excessive to me!!
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Review from Andrew S.
Toronto, ON
9/7/2009
Stopped in for a snack with my gf the other day and was quite impressed. They were out of pesc. friendly food, but the owner didn't mind whipping up a smoked salmon sandwich for us to go with their butternut squash soup. The sandwich was a little thin and unexceptional, yet passable. However, the soup was amazing! (Turns out he has a woman in North York making his soups. I'm guessing family/friend)
Maybe because it's on queen, the prices are a little expensive for the sandwiches ($8.5). And maybe because they've just opened they made a little mistake with the register, but after tax and tip, our sand+soup was nearly $20. But all this is forgivable; it's nice to have another good cafe on queen.
I love their wooden tables, and the ambiance is quite relaxing. Can't wait to go back to try their coffee and read. -
Review from Caroline Z.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2010
I've been visiting Quaff since, like, the day it opened. I immediately liked the ambiance, the little details in the wooden decor and off-white effects. The Verve Remixed albums playing softly in the background are a nice touch.
Quaff's espresso-based coffees are always smooth, though a bit lacking in creaminess. The stew is flavourless but hearty and the sandwiches are nothing to rave about, especially since they're overpriced. They *do* make a swell spanokopita which I regularly have when I'm hungry...mostly because I wouldn't order anything else to eat here. And dessert doesn't count -- their cakes are a treat I try not to indulge in too often. This is the kind of place you can go to and zone out on your computer or book with a coffee. I've tried hanging with friends here but we feel guilty chatting when most people aren't there to socialize. I continue to go here for reliable coffees and privacy. -
Review from Tammy Y.
Updated - 2/2/2010
$2.00 buttery croissants to diiiieeeee for. And really, one is just enough.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/25/2010
As a work-at-homer always on the prowl for a great place to work, Quaff is definitely hovering… Read more »
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Review from Erin B.
6/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in for an americano yesterday afternoon. I was met with friendly, quick service and a space filled with lovely dark wood tables and lots of room to sit and slowly drink my bevvie. The coffee was good enough, nothing spectacular. For some reason it was incredibly warm in here, which made it a bit hard to sit still and drink my coffee, but I soldiered through.
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Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
5/8/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Cool, little cafe with decent coffee. There isn't really any particularly memorable about this place, but nonetheless is you're nearby and want coffee it's definitely better than Starbucks.
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Review from c f.
Toronto, ON
12/31/2010
Everything is really tasty! I love the way this place looks and smells when I walk in. Sometimes it's the soup that fills the air or freshly baked goods (croissants so buttery mmmmmm) but this past visit it was the spanakopita and it not only smelled good but tasted amazing. This is a great cafe to sit and people watch or surf (free wi-fi!!!) Great staff! Great java! Love it!
