Sam James Coffee Pocket

4.5 star rating
13 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

688 Bloor St W
Unit A

Toronto, ON M6G 1L2
Neighbourhoods: Koreatown, Palmerston, Bickford Park, Seaton Village
(647) 341-2572
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 8 pm

Sat-Sun 9 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
No
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13 reviews in English

  • Review from Emma L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Teensy tiny coffee shop with fantastic espresso. Not the sort of place where you linger over a coffee for hours and take advantage of wifi -- no, here you get in, get great espresso, get out. Don't we all take our coffees to go nowadays anyway?

    Cash only. No snacks that I could see. Occasionally the baristas will sleep in, so the opening hours may get pushed back a bit.

  • Review from Jen R.

    • 6 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/5/2012

    Delicious, rich, bitter-sweet Americanos
    Sincere, friendly service
    Great when out walking our dog- just pop in and out as there is no seating.
    But like Cherry Bomb in Ronceys, and their dearth of seating, I suspect that during the summer this place may have sippers and linger'ers sitting on the edges of the sidewalk planter boxes... a chair or four out on the sidewalk... if allowed... would rock.

  • Review from Brian Y.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    4/23/2012

    Went to Sam James Coffee Pocket for my #middayblues.  After having a late hugeee lunch at Soon Tofu across the street, this was the perfect remedy.

    It's located in bloor west's koreatown and is very close to Christie Pits.  So I definitely feel the location.  Got a short americano and immediately you can taste the quality.  It was fresh and very smooth.  I added some brown sugar and half half and for me, it was just perfect.

    At $2.50 after tax, it's hard to not feel this place.  As a heads up, there are no washrooms, wifi or seats buttttt, is there a need?  It's a nice small indie coffee spot and when summer rolls around, take your coffee out to the park.  I would definitely be back if I'm in the area.. no timmy's or starbucks for me.  SJCP please.

  • Review from Camila E.

    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seaton Village, Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I feel incredibly lucky to live next to the pocket and have the luxury of grabbing a quick Americano on my way to work or out to run errands. Consistent great espresso the way we like it.

  • Review from Sharon F.

    • 18 friends
    • 21 reviews

    East York, ON

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2011

    Spectacular espressos. I don't know what I can say about anything Sam does without sounding like a 16-year old gushing over Bieber.

    Finally dropped in at the "pocket" the other night for the first time, hoping they were doing some sort of one year anniversary similar to the Coffee Bar (they gave away free coffee for the whole day). Sam James wasn't there, but the barista was equally competent. Ordered an espresso, loved it, ordered a latte to go.

    For anyone who complains about the space being too small, I would reiterate my philosophy about espresso bars. They are suppose to be standing room, bar counter, drink and leave. Italians usually stop by the espresso bar in the morning on their way to work, or take one just after lunch, or take one just before heading home. I'm glad the pocket is basically that, with really awesome Annex grunge (music, menu, high ceiling). If you would like to sit and sip, best go to a proper café and save us espresso junkies the space in the pocket.

  • Review from Eliah H.

    • 48 friends
    • 80 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    1/26/2012

    The little sister to the Sam James Cafe 'The Pocket' is strictly take out fare for those looking for a quality espresso shot on the go. Quality of coffee and shots pulled from their espresso machine are top notch. Really, really good espresso. I can't really think of any other place in Koreatown that compares. Grab some walnut cakes from down the street then head here for some damn fine espresso.

  • Review from Jennifer K.

    Markham, ON

    4.0 star rating
    5/6/2011 2 photos

    As usual, I almost walked right pass Sam James Coffee Pocket without realizing!!

    Cute little takeout place and serving awesome Cappuccino ($2.62) at a good price!

    Lovely latte art! Rich and Smooth taste!

    I love Sam James!

    Come here for their espresso drinks, good services and who cares about no seating, no WIFI or even no washrooms??

  • Review from WaYnE c.

    • 86 friends
    • 871 reviews

    Maple, ON

    4.0 star rating
    4/5/2011 1 photo

    My route to the - ~ Koffee Krawl ~ - destination had a sudden disruption.
    As I strolled by this shop originally attempting to crawl a block South towards "Sam James Coffee Bar".

    Cappuccino($2.62)  -  Took me by surprise.  Excellente.

    I officially dub thee Last Stop for any Espresso/Coffee Crawl.
    I had HIGH expectations after your Capp.  No other stops came close.

    #                       Location
    ------l------------------------------------------- ----
    ?      I   SAM JAMES COFFEE POCKET
    1      I   Sam James Coffee Bar
    2      I   Cafe Pamenar
    3      I   Dark Horse (Queen W)
    4      I   Thor Espresso Bar
    5      I   Jimmy's Coffee( I Timed Out @@)

  • Review from jocelyn j.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Mississauga, ON

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2011

    Well Well Well.....I actually stumbled upon this unique and very small little coffee shop while walking along Bloor just near Christie. I was told by another barista at another great little coffee shop that you will probably get the best shot of espresso in this city at this cafe (can't really call it a cafe).  

      Sam James sounds as if it was straight out of a western movie.  Low and behold I entered into this little maybe 100 square foot place ( Coffee Pocket yes) and asked the barista who the heck is Sam James (all this by the way is happening inside my head).  It took a moment to register...... than I noticed a Toronto Star article nearby with a picture of this baby faced guy and wow it was him!!! Hollywood North and the cowboy himself.  All I have ever heard about this guy is he will make you a coffee that is truly unforgettable.

     I ordered a shot of espresso (Moi Toi) and it was so delicious I wanted another, but realism and my weak heart said otherwise.  Some Rock n Roll meanduring through the background and with my best coffee snob appreciation look on I said "GREAT ....THAT WAS JUST GREAT".

     My only complaint is the size because if there was more seating or any at all I would of needed an ambulance to drag me to the hospital for a Caffeine overdose.  

    Great Place!! Truly Unforgettable ...The Crawl Continues found another great spot.

  • Review from Erel E.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Best coffee in town. Period.

  • Review from Nicole H.

    • 67 friends
    • 176 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/24/2011 1 photo 3 Check-ins Here

    This place is tiny & takeout only (although when in there I did see a gent enjoy an espresso shot while waiting for his to-go drink) which is the only reason I can see fit to knock off a star on my rating.

    What little space there is in the coffee pocket, they've done a lovely job with - the decor isn't showy and the place feels nice to hang about in while you wait for your coffee. Their coffee menu is a pretty standard one full of espresso-based drinks, and the soy latte I ordered was well-made *and* delicious. An excellent option for a great coffee in the neighbourhood!

  • Review from Lauren M.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    12/11/2010 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    F*CK YEAH @$%^$%^ Finally, an indie coffee shop in Korea Town! Thank you, Sam James.

    This little spot just opened up at Bloor/Clinton next to Tacos El Asador.

    It's the smallest coffee shop I've ever seen! Just over 100 square feet, it really is a "pocket". No room to loiter here, take-out only.

    Coffee Pocket brews up espressos, americanos, macchiatos, lattes, hot chocolate and tea. They had a few nice looking pastry selections too.

    I am stoked!!! I'm going over to Tim Hortons right now to yell, laugh hysterically and wave both middle fingers at the entire staff and patrons.

  • Review from Bryan T.

    • 3 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2010

    Very glad to see this place open.  Sam James is a top barrista.  Had an Americano there on the weekend that might have been the best I've had. No seating at this location, but still, a great addition.

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