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Te Aro
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
983 Queen St EToronto, ON M4M 1K2
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
(416) 465-2006
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 6 pm
Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Te Aro
Review Highlights
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"and the barista made my capp with latte art of a phoenix." In 5 reviews -
"...a large Sivetz fluid bed coffee roaster, considered one of..." In 2 reviews -
"The roast their own beans (but they aren't good beans." In 3 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Corey D.
5/15/2012
Pretty darn spectacular!
I'm not going to lie, I don't LOVE coffee. But an amazing roaster in Tucson called Savaya has got me on the coffee train and I don't want to get off. When you pop into this place tucked a little bit off Queen East, an amazing roaster smacks you in the face. Well not literally, that would be a horrible business model, but pushed towards the back of the space is the beaut that I imagine they fire up after hours. It's pretty sexy for a piece of machinery. Coffee is well crafted, there are a plethora of tea options and the staff is super helpful and super informative. Not one of them scoffed at me when I asked for lactose free milk in my cappuccino. (Which was one of the best I've had btw, including sippers I've downed in Italy where I feel like cappuccino tastes like magic.)
Pastry kicks butt too! I don't think they make everything, in fact I remember seeing a sign on the case for the place that crafts these little numbers. Wish I could remember, but suffice it to say the brownie and cookie I tried were worth the calories.
I do wish they were open longer, but I imagine that's sort of a demand thing. If you build it, they will come. So if your thirsty Leslieville, perhaps they'll stay open. Looks like they do a cupping class on Tuesday night, although my schedule didn't allow me to try that out. -
Review from Alex S.
Toronto, ON
5/13/2012
My friend and I have a nice-weather-on-Sunday plan, and I'll let you in on it:
Te Aro
I always get an Americano; he gets a latte. Sometimes we split a cookie or a scone, and I try to time it right and nab the last bite as he's fiddling with his phone to get a great snap of the foam art on top of his drink. Barristas = artists, y'all.
Warmer months? Outdoors for a prime people watching patio spot.
Cooler months? Indoors at the long communal wood table (5/5 on decor, including the large garage door that brings the outside in).
WE'Z GOTS OUR RITUAL DOWN PAT. And, chased with a stroll around Leslieville...wouldn't change a thing.
Yelp note: all you work-from-home-ers and freelancers: it's a great weekday place to tackle some work, too. -
Review from Peter Z.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great tasting coffee, hip crowd , relax atmosphere with free wifi and friendly service.
Nothing much more to write or read.
Actually, one more thing: they roast on site. -
Review from Agile R.
Montréal, QC
5/19/2012
The coffee at Te Aro is excellent. They do a very, very good flat white. There are plenty of wooden benches and tables, and the space is airy and pleasant. It's a spot well worth seeking out.
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Review from Kathy H.
Mississauga, ON
4/19/2012
OHMYGOD they have the best mocha ever!! And their green + white pear tea was soooooooooooooooooooooo delicious and it smelt amaaazing. I'm having trouble deciding which is my favourite favourite beverage, but I think I'll go with the tea.
Their coffee was pretty nice too!
I also adore their decor. I would prefer to sit inside just so I can admire the atmosphere. I love the dark colours and cozy feeling.
Strangers I met here are so sweet :) The baristas even sweeter. It's never empty here! -
Review from Pouneh R.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2012
Great coffee, chill place, outdoors seating, free wifi. Everything you need from a cafe!
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Review from Sarah L.
Markham, ON
4/16/2012
This place is really nice and new. I loved the decor and it was a great space. I tried the mocha and it was lovely. Not too strong of coffee taste and not too sweet. They also draw designs on them which I am a big fan of. There are also different coffee/tea related things you can buy in there.
They also have a patio which I imagine is amazing in the summer time. Next time I am in the neighbourhood, I will be sure to visit this place again.
The service was great and the prices are average. -
Review from Justin C.
Mississauga, ON
4/9/2012
My first time at Te Aro though I have come across the name in reading up on coffee houses in Toronto.
Through the course of a few hours, had both an americano and a cafe latte. I found both to be very enjoyable, as the espresso was pressed well and tasted great. The latte art was also enjoyable.
The ambiance, atmosphere and crowd here is something to mention too. My friend and I sat inside the cafe, and I really enjoyed the layout and industrial feel to the place. There was farm equipment and crates/etc. around the sides. Seating was plentyful from long benches to individual tables. In addition, there was plenty of outdoor seating set up the particular Sunday we went.
My friend avoided any of the pastry/food selection after having a look - none looked very appetizing to her.
I really enjoyed observing the crowd coming in and out of Te Aro. From artsy hipsters, to elderly folk, couples, families, those out walking their dogs - it feels like a great place to both spend some alone time doing work, or hanging out and chatting over a warm drink.
I would return if in the area - I am a fan of the Leslieville neighbourhood! -
Review from Howard H.
2/1/2012
Damn! This is some fine coffee! This is some of the best coffee in the city. Maybe in ANY city!
They select and roast some of the most rarefied beans available in the GTA and all are available for your homebrewing pleasures - but the joy here is really had by sipping a finely crafted cup in this awesome converted garage. The atmosphere is mellow enough to come and get some quality work done, or to hang out with friends and have a spirited discussion. The people who work there seem to genuinely enjoy what they do and the barristas display some serious skills. All of this quality is brought in at a price that is more than fair compared to other cafes - mostly of a lower quality than Te Aro.
The owners of Te Aro are New Zealanders. Little known in this hemisphere is that Kiwis are purveyors of great coffee as a matter of both national pride and habit. It was, in fact, on my very first trip to NZ that I started my life long love affair with coffee.
Yes, I do confess an extra jolly factor in being able to walk in here and order a flat white without so much as a raised eyebrow.
I momentarily considered withholding a star due to the owners recalcitrance in not having opened a west side location EVEN THOUGH I asked nicely. See mom? It doesn't always work... -
Review from Jiao S.
Updated - 2/2/2012 1 photo
Went last week again, after 1 year. Coffee is still very good and service is still excellent.
It just..just..i am kinda disappointed right now I don't get a the pot for french press.. they pour it to a cup.. which makes sense since it is a busy day.
I am kinda disappointed by the bakery choice that day too. Used to love the almond croissant there, this time only some chocolate one taste descent but not surprisingly good.
Also, they use to serve tea and water in a cute jar look mug from pottery barn, I like it so much that I even went to bought two for myself !!( all my friend saw it, ask me why u drinking water from a jar??), they don't have it anymore. Right now only small glasses.
Don't get me wrong, still LOVE this place, and they still have great coffee, just for one of my fave spot, I have higher expectations and it is the weakness in my human nature that.. I hate changes.Listed in: Coffee Lover~
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/29/2011
Confession comes first. Addict to coffee. On average 3 cups of black coffee on a work day. For… Read more »
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Review from Bec R.
Scarborough, ON
2/11/2012
Have been here 3 times now. The coffee is good, the layout of the cafe is nice, the customer service could probably use a bit of work but I guess you get that with a bunch of hipsters that never smile.
Overall a nice place -
Review from Daniel O.
Stumbled upon Te Aro about a year ago, shortly after moving to Riverdale. Looking for somewhere to get a quick bite with friends with an outdoor patio, Te Aro fit the bill. Since then, I've become a regular.
What brings me back to Te Aro is their amazing espresso. Beans are roasted in house and they always have more than one roast in rotation. Favourite drink is their cortado, a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, more steamed milk than a macchiato, less than a latte. Confused? Don't be, just try one. Their baked goods are also very good including their Panini sandwiches.
Te Aro sells their own line of coffee as well as many brewing devices including the Chemex (what I use at home), the Bodum French Press etc.
The space is a converted garage which lends well to the open concept, loft feel. Their tables are reclaimed wood, stools look like they are from your high school wood shop, and they even have a bunch of Eames shell chairs. Lighting is good, super cozy. Free wifi as well, perfect for those who work remotely or just want to catch up on the day's blog news.
A great addition to Leslieville. -
Review from Gerry F.
Toronto, ON
10/17/2011
I'm really torn about this place.
On the one hand, the coffee always tastes great...EXCEPT when this one barista makes it. He's such a douche, total attitude, and tasteless espresso-based drinks come from him. Where's the coffee dude? Before I was served by him, I had always found the baristas to be nice enough I guess...they're not very talkative and are kind of pretentious but at least they make good coffee. The chai lattes are AMAZING...I never would have tried one until my gf let me have some of hers and I can't find a decent one since trying Te Aro's.
There are always WAY too many moms and kids. I know it's the neighbourhood but still...they take up all the space inside and out (and it's a huge place). They're SO LOUD and you feel bad smoking near them so it totally ruins my coffee experience.
But there's something that draws me to the place, the decor is outstanding and I always get lots of work done when I go (as long as I go at nap/feeding time so the babies are gone). -
Review from Natalie F.
Toronto, ON
8/18/2011
Best cup of coffee I've ever had in my life.
That's all I have to say about this one. -
Review from s t.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2012
I used to go to Te Aro quite often. I love the coffee, teas, lattes, and sweet treats. They make a good apple brie toasted sandwich.
Only reason it gets 4 stars is due to the large number of babies/strollers. The neighborhood is changing so I guess this is the new mum hang out. It isn't a huge issue but I can't relax when there are babies screaming around me. Or strollers blocking most of the paths in the cafe.
I still go... but I haven't found the best time to go when the baby: adult ratio is low. -
Review from Maggie E.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2011
There's something off about the coffee here. I only drink it black, so I've become quite the critic when it comes to decent coffee. The Americano tastes old, bitter, and syrupy. After being roasted, coffee beans are only fresh for a few days, if that. They should be stored in vacuum packed containers to retain the initial freshness. Then there's that whole issue with grind, ideal water temperature, etc.
I'll stop bitching now.
It would be great to find a decent cup in Toronto, and this place has the potential. If only Te Aro knew how to roast and store coffee beans properly.
On a side note, the baristas are (usually) likeable. -
Review from Ara M.
Toronto, ON
10/9/2011
Nobody is perfect and a 5 star rating is pretty rare from me but TeAro seems to hit a home run with everything they do! I left the corporate world to start my own business recently and did not have office space yet. I frequently use TeAro as my home base. I meet clients there, I use it as an excuse to get out and keep regular hours. Their WiFi is super fast and reliable.
Of course if their coffee wasn't phenomenal I wouldn't bother going back. Every morning I wake up to the smell of their in house bean roaster and a fresh cup to get me going. They have a nice variety of beans and occasionally they release a "Cup of Excellence" which is a special bean that takes a team of 4 to properly roast. At $35 per 1/2 pound (about 10 cups of coffee) it aint cheap but it is truly the best coffee I've ever tasted!
There are a lot of local Mommies and their babies in the morning but hey, that's Leslieville for you. Lots of young families just comes with the territory. Actually statistically, the "Mommie" demographic has proven to be the best Word of Mouth advertising so could be good for my business if I can get "in".
Just to summarize:
1. Great vibe, lots of energy and great music
2. Phenomenal coffee roasted onsite
3. Cool location in an old auto body shop
4. Best patio in town
5. Free WiFi that is reliable
6. Great spot to network with local like minded business people
7. Aside from coffee and deserts they have pannini's, sandwiches so it's a great spot for lunch too.
8. Baristas are solid and create amazing drinks
Peace! -
Review from Geoffrey W.
Toronto, ON
8/8/2011 5 Check-ins Here
One of the best cups of coffee/espresso in the east end, decent treats and wifi. A front patio and big garage doors that open up. It's a great place to go for an espresso or coffee.
They also sell coffee that they roast in-house, which is quite good, and with roasting dates on the bag (important if you're interested in 'freshly roasted').
Finally, they have a decent if not amazing selection of well-selected (trendy) coffee equipment: aeropress, chemex, pourover, hand grinders, etc. -
Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
1/15/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Located deep within Leslieville, which I'm sure is going to be renamed Coffeeville for all the high ranking cafes in the area, you'll find one of Toronto's more prominent coffee roaster/cafes called Te Aro. This cafe/roaster is housed within what was perhaps a former auto or loading bay of sorts. The whole front wall is a rolling window which I assume is opened during the hot summer months. Inside is a good sized space (which quickly gets cramped due to Te Aro's popularity) with high ceilings over minimalist earthy tones that accent across the cafe. It's comfortable enough a place to sit and sip coffee whether solo or congregating with friends, but I wouldn't say lounge chair comfortable.
In the right hand corner of the cafe you'll find a large Sivetz fluid bed coffee roaster, considered one of the best coffee roasting machines in the world. The results of which ends up being a bright and delicious cup of coffee to your lips. Te Aro carries a few regular brew coffees which are rotated from day to day (I assume their yummy Little Bro house blend is regularly available) as well as their house blend Big Bro espresso and a single origin espresso. The recent Nicaraguan I had French Press style was delicious as was the single origin espresso I had when I first encountered this place. Price-wise Te Aro is in line with most indie cafes.
Even more reasons to go to Te Aro: If you are hungry Te Aro also offers a large assortment of snacks as well as the more hearty fare of soups 'n sandwiches. I found the staff pleasant and knowledgeable. Worth mentioning and one of the reason I gave Te Aro five stars is that above everything else they also offer a coffee tasting session each Friday at around noon. A good way to get familiar with fine coffee.
Te Aro is definitely one of the shining stars in the midst of Coffeeville. I recommend dropping in.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
Antipodeans rejoice - Te Aro knows what a flat white is and how to execute one perfectly. (How I missed this in the menu at the Ossington location still astounds me.)
Second-to-last stop on our Yelp Indie Coffee Passport UYE, our big group struggled slightly to find room to sit and consequently took over the big communal table. There's not much other seating here, so save it for a visit on your own or a couple of people at most.
The feel of Te Aro is like walking into a workshop or something similar - big shelves take up one wall, filled with coffee-related paraphernalia; you'll find lots of wood/metal/concrete amongst the minimalist decor. Up front, the counter has an array of baked treats, and on the wall is a big chalkboard menu.
But really, the most important part is the coffee - first up I had a soy flat white, which was pretty much perfect (only a slight hint of bitterness, but the foam/milk ratio was spot-on). After seeing Eliah H with his french press, I one-upped to a one-cup of my own, one of the special blends on the chalk-board. They have soy out with other milks to add (yay!), so after my little timer went off, I happily sipped my cup of joe - a damn fine cup that Special Agent Dale Cooper would be proud of.
Te Aro, thanks for bringing a little Aeoteroa to Toronto! (Try saying that 5 times fast.)Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from Aaron C.
Victoria, BC
5/25/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Te Aro is as good as it gets when it comes to cafes in this city for me. Having recently moved into the neighborhood, Te Aro quickly became my local favourite and regular weekend hangout spot.
The cafe itself is great - big converted garage (?) that is a treat on warm days, and the free wifi and abundance of indoor and outdoor seating really add a lot of value. Being set in from the street lends itself to having a great patio too, and Te Aro does not disappoint.
The espresso does not disappoint either. They roast all their beans in house and it's evident that there is a lot of care and effort going into the product they serve. I've never been disappointed by the lattes or drip coffee I've ordered.
All in all, great coffee experience, and highly recommended to anyone in the Leslieville area. -
Review from Tanya N.
2/28/2011
I've been to their Ossington location and heard great things about the Leslievile cafe so even though I wasn't particularly craving a latte, I had to drop in. I love the decor and atmosphere of this place. It's large, open, with plenty of tables. I went on a Sunday afternoon and the place was pretty packed with only the bar area left unoccupied. The latte was delicious and made me think why I go to Starbucks as often as I do.
This is one of my favourites, along with Dark Horse on Spadina. -
Review from Tina H.
1/23/2011
Ok you people who produce an insufficient amount of lactase enzymes, start poppin' your pills or strap a bag on because they only serve USA sized lattes! (12 oz.) Lattes are good, and they only have chocolate and vanilla syrup. I couldn't taste any vanilla in my latte even after having them remake it, which leads me to believe they skimp on the syrup. If I'm paying $5 for a latte, I want it to be perfect. It wasn't.
Baked goods look delicious and they source from a bunch of places in the city. The pecan butter tart was super delicious. The rest of the stuff looked good too.
The decor is really nice. They have a program to support some local middle school's breakfast program: donate a minimum of $5 and get one of those burlap coffee sacks.
They have free wifi but hardly anywhere to sit... Not because of lack of seating but because it's so busy. They're a popular coffee shop. I also look forward to going to their cupping event on a Friday.
Bonus: they have a loyalty card! Finally a yummy coffee shop with a loyalty card.
Overall, I wouldn't order a latte from them again but that's ok because they seem to have a bunch of other interesting drinks to try and learn about on their menu. I look forward to trying them out again, hopefully having the espresso based bevy knock my socks off like other Yelpers here. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2011
#indiecoffeepassport #8
After we filled our stomachs with sushi, we continued our Indie Coffee Passport crawl to Te Aro.
When we arrived, the café was already bustling with activity. If I'm not mistaken, Te Aro might be one of the few cafes open in the area on a Sunday.
The overall vibe felt comfortable albeit a bit noisy for me, but I do think that as a large group, we contributed towards the noisy environment. Personally, if I came here by myself to do work, I wouldn't be able to concentrate. But I was meeting with, or was with a group of friends, then Te Aro's a good place for it. We were here for at least an hour where a game of Uno broke out and my friend Mark, who was in the neighbourhood, joined us for a bit. He also became initiated into the cult and favourite time waster otherwise known as Yelp.
I really like the décor: a contemporary feel with beautiful dark wood tables and shelves, a lot of industrial accents, and plenty of light. I'd like to return here in the summertime and sit on their patio.
As for my coffee, I ordered a regular cup of Joe which tasted good since they roast their own beans. But Mark's cappuccino looked really nice and from what he told me was yummy. I'll have to order it the next time I'm here. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/11/2011
I wasn't crazy about the garage-like vibe of this place. It seemed cold. My latte was also only slightly about average. Why the four-stars then?
- Free wifi.
- They take the Indie Coffee Passport, and advertise the fact with a big sign.
- They encourage reuse with a .15 discount for bringing in a reusable mug, .20 if it's one of theirs.
- They have a "These Come From Trees" sticker on their serviette dispenser (google it...these stickers discourage use and save trees).
- Staff was friendly.
- Latte art!
'Nuff said.Listed in: Coffee
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Review from E H.
Toronto, ON
3/10/2012
Pretentious/Expensive: the staff are never friendly and I paid $4.87 for iced latte (made of milk and coffee). Need I say more............
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Review from Silvano G.
York, ON
10/31/2011
Great espresso. Very funky industrial look to the place which I liked. Smells great with the fresh roasting
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Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
9/19/2010 3 photos
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#6) Special Edition!
Coffee Shop Test: Te Aro
1. Describe the atmosphere in 3 words. (3)
Answer: Chill, Relaxing, Spacious
2. Tell us your drink and describe it in less than 10 words. (3)
Answer: Soy Chai Latte - perfectly spiced/ lovely latte art/ awesome foamy goodness
3. What was the price? (1)
Answer: $4.00 including tax
4. Describe the staff. (1)
Answer: Nice + welcoming
5. Would you come back here? (1)
Answer: Definately.
Total: 9/9Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/5/2010 13 photos
I really enjoy the atmosphere and the vibe at Te Aro.
The inside is perfectly lit with warm and inviting lighting... It have to be one of the most quiet coffee place I been to, seems like everyone are whisphering in here... I love that communal table with the bar stool... even if you do come alone, feels like you are not alone sharing some spaces with others...
The staffs here are all nice and cheery. The brew is a little stronger than the other places I been to for the Cappuncino I ordered but love the latte art. So pretty to look at....and of course served in the proper glassware +0.5 star
Te Aro's patio is nice and inviting.. (I luck out.. no little ones or toddlers on this cool fall day.. but plenty of furry friends - the water bowels for doggie is a nice touch). It feels like an Oasis and a resort up North in the middle of TO.
Free WIFI always and extra +0.5 star!!
Used my Indie Coffee Passport here! -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
9/12/2010 4 photos
Third on "Kat F - Miss U Crawl" I head to Te Aro which seems to be the FAV of most people. I picked up an Indie Coffee Passport here, thanks to a tip from a fellow Yelper. This place actually makes you walk through all the customers sitting in the Front Patio and the Interior before you can get to the counter at the back.
Cappuccino took some time to prepare as I sat on one of the creaky metal barstools that I thought I broke from a screeching noise but it's suppose to be like that. At least I hope it is. My Cap looked normal but as I drank the flavours of the Crema really stood out and what's more amazing is that the Crema and flavour was endless as you can see from the bottom of my cup.
I was served by a new girl which doesn't know all the answers yet but she puts on a nice smile and greets people. This place can be considered a large place as far as independent Coffee spot is concerned but this Sunday evening close to 5 pm, it was 75% full of customers.Listed in: 4+ ****Stars****, Coffee Drinks
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Review from Kat F.
Te Aro owners Jesse & Andy are lovely people - both impossibly gorgeous, friendly in a small-town-neighbourhood kinda way and they've created a lovely space out of a former autoshop. Te Aro in the summertime is especially wonderful thanks to the large rollup garage-style windows, street facing patios (one of Leslieville's best) and ample seating both inside and out.
I very much enjoy the drinks I've had here - drinks made with in-house beans are great and a double shot cappuccino is only $3.24 with tax. They have a rotating daily brewed iced tea with leaves from nearby Steeped & Infused and nice lemonades and juices. Universally adored baked goods from Circles & Squares can be found here.
The wi-fi is free and easy to use - lots of people come here to work or lounge with pals and I never feel rushed or unwelcome. Last time I came here John Frusciante's "Shadows Collide With People" was played in its entirety (!!) and the barista made my capp with latte art of a phoenix. There are always intriguing coffee lab experiments going on at the side counter, everyone seems to genuinely enjoy working here, and the atmosphere can't be beat! Also check out the beautiful artwork in the washrooms - I covet it.
FYI: There are a lot of stay at home moms and kids in strollers here, so if that's your demographic, you'll feel right at home. If that bothers you, this might not be your place, but there are always headphones (although then you'd be missing the killer music selections!) -
Review from sarah l.
I. Really. Liked. Te. Aro.
I. Really. Dislike. Strollers.
These two things seem to go hand in hand.
The good:
- The roast their own beans (but they aren't good beans)
- They have the same pastries and muffins as dark horse (but a bit less expensive)
- There are some good baristas here (scratch that, Emma quit.)
- There is a big patio out front
- The decor inside is lovely - I am especially enamored with the solid wood communal table - it has beautiful butterfly joints
- They usually play good music... Te Aro single handedly rekindled my love of Wild World performed by Cat Stevens
The bad:
- there are some bad baristas here/new baristas (new to the trade itself)
- the lids for the take out cups are like sippy cup lids - it's just weird and I don't like it
- sandwiches are expensive (but they have sandwiches! kind of makes it a neutral)
- It's always full of people with babies. I like babies better than children, but I hate strollers. Te Aro caters to the stroller crowd.
- Their wifi requires a randomish 16 bit hex key that they keep in a cup under the counter and always kicks me off. Thankfully, someone close to them has an open network (that is much more reliable).
- There are no bike racks and they don't plan to get bike racks. The closest city bike posts are outside of view so I never really ride my bike here because I am pretty confident it will be stolen.
I have recently downgraded this review to a 2 star rating. I don't really even go here anymore. I don't like their coffee and I don't like the other people who have discovered that this exists.Listed in: Coffee in…, Turn Down Your Baby
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Review from Tina D.
11/2/2010
Here's my ranking so far
My rankings:
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro (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)
Sometimes its difficult to describe why I like certain coffee shop over others. Today, we visited Te Aro and thought it was delish! It was just the right amount of espresso to steam soy milk ration. Absolutely loved it. My bf was shocked when I said that I liked it as much as Intelligentsia and Sam James. I don't exactly know what it was but I couldn't put my coffee mug down! Yum yum. -
Review from Dylan D.
9/19/2009
So I'm all about the quality of the coffee.
I have been disappointed by coffee in Toronto. All the "Third Wave" coffee shops seem to only use Intelligentsia's Black Cat espresso and on the rare occasion 49th Parallel beans. Why do we have to go to Chicago or Vancouver to get well roasted coffee? So the small handful of local roasters I have been to generally don't have discerning barista's capable of extracting the full potential of their beans.
So then we come to Te Aro. They know what they are doing with the roast. They use a fluid bed roaster which definitely has a distinct difference from the drum roasters that everybody else uses. Better? Depends on your taste. Definitely worth a try.
Their barista are not exactly consistent, which may be changing as they are a fairly new operation. For example sometimes you get a nice rosetta (pretty leaf pattern in the milk) in your latte, and other times you get an attempted rosetta. That being said the shots have always been pulled in good taste and the milk is frothed well.
The staff have always been super friendly and seem happy to be there. The space is very cool. It has a charming little outdoor area, set back from Queen St. enough to feel removed from the hustle. The inside is airy and tasteful and on warm days have garage doors which open up to the world. Definitely a nice place to sit and write or conversate while you caffienate.
In conclusion, I would much rather go to Te Aro for locally roasted and well prepared coffee then go to a bundle of other places in town that do a poor job of extracting espresso from beans roasted in Chicago. But then I've never been that excited about Intelligentsia's Black Cat. Add to that the friendly vibe and cool space and you have a great place to go.
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Review from Scott C.
Toronto, ON
10/12/2011
My new Fav. Coffee spot. Great space, great coffee and fast WiFi. Wish I had discovered it earlier than I did.
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Review from Will L.
Toronto, ON
3/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
Te Aro Cafe is a retrofitted garage which has carved out a spot in my heart. My first impression of the place was "Coooooool!"
Owned and operated by the darling couple, Andy and Jessie, alongside with their equally cool staff - they make fantastic coffees sourced from Fair Trade and Sustainable operations all over the world.
Passionate and insanely knowledgeable about the science of coffee, they host a free "Cupping Sessions" every Friday at 12:30 PM where they personally guide you through the intricacies of tasting and profiling coffee to help you cultivate a finer appreciation for it. The cafe's "cool vibe" and fantastic patio serve as a great spot to chill out and connect on a date. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
A trendy coffee spot in Leslieville that doesn't sacrifice coffee or style/decor. This place roasts their own blends and serves up an amazing cappuccino. In addition to having great coffee, Te Aro also holds "coffee classes" so you can taste and learn about various coffees.
Definitely try it out if you're in the area. -
Review from Rainie L.
Markham, ON
9/12/2011
Tried the latte here. Came topped with heart foam art which was cute. But I didn't really like the latte itself. It didn't taste smooth. There was this burnt taste to it. Tried the drip coffee. Didn't really like it either. If I had a better grasp of coffee language I might be able to explain why I didn't like it but I don't. If anything it tasted acidic and I guess I like a more smooth rounded roast. The butter tart i had was delicious though. And the atmosphere of the whole cafe is really nice. One can easily spend an entire day here.
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Review from Dani L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/19/2010
Can a girl change her mind?
After getting a gig primarily working from home, I've been spending a ton of time in L-ville coffee haunts.
TeAro is most certainly the best the hood has to offer. Why did I not see it before? The coffee is so freaking good, baked goods awesome, staff super nice (but still pretty slow with the drink-makin') and the patio oh-so-cute. Every drink on the menu is flawless.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2010
Solid coffee. Like, international-award-winni ng coffee. That good. These people know their shizz.
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Review from Magdalena O.
Montréal, QC
Updated - 7/9/2011 10 Check-ins Here
The gluten free muffins have gone terribly down-hill. I had one and it was dry, ok, maybe it's an off-day and it was still edible (my gluten-free attitude is I shouldn't be *that* picky), but then I had another and it was also dry, so I moaned to myself thinking maybe it's over but I love Te Aro so much I couldn't believe it. Maybe, just maybe it was another bad batch, maybe they will change providers - so then came the third and last gluten-free muffin I will ever eat from Te Aro: so dry and cardboard-y, it really was like eating sawdust. Everyone knows I will eat anyones left overs especially if it contains sugar, and I had to chuck half of this in the trash. Completely inedible. So disappointing. I am done with you Te Aro - I gave up on your coffee long ago when I discovered the rich smooth flavour that is Mercury. I love the staff at Te Aro and can't stand the staff at Mercury, but Mercury espresso is infinitely better and never tastes burnt.
I write this with deep regrets, and maybe if Te Aro reads this and fixes their muffin situation I could see myself going back, but definitely not until I'm assured.Listed in: Gluten and/or Wheat Free…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2011
Despite the derivative Archer font logo everything else about this place is awesome. I spend all my… Read more »
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