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The Communal Mule - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
984 Dundas St WToronto, ON M6J
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for The Communal Mule
Review Highlights
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"The Dulce de Leche cookie was made with shredded coconut..." In 2 reviews -
"...though, refreshingly different espresso blend that cuts..." In 5 reviews -
"The barista was very friendly and witty." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Eliah H.
Toronto, ON
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally made my way down to Communal Mule in effort to complete my list of go to cafe's in Toronto. I like this place, it's small and quaint with it's own individual charm. Has a slight retro-ish feel to the decor, I'll call it classic rustic minimalist. There is seating for solos, doubles and of course communally. The clientele seem down to earth. Sure you get the laptop crowd but not the business laptop crowd if you know what I mean. Many times I've passed the place I could see young woman reading books whilst sipping cappuccinos, a good omen.
Their coffee comes from Counter Culture Coffee in the US, a roadster I never knew of. I asked the barista what he recommend and he suggested their espresso done up in cappuccino. The final product was impressive. It's a very different tasting cappuccino, I can't say it falls in line with any common espresso flavor profile i.e. nutty/cocoa or fruity. Caramel tones, perhaps some blackcurrant, something else I can't quite put taste to. Very good though, refreshingly different espresso blend that cuts through milk well. Espresso shots are done on their sexy exotic Mirage Espresso Machine by designer Kees van der Westen.
I believe their baked goods are from Circles and Squares and since I am a fan of that bakery I give Communal Mule a thumbs up in the munchables department.
Only a lone staff member present when I was there. He was very friendly and more than willing to talk coffee shop as well as go into some details about their chosen coffee roaster.
All in all I am a fan and if you are in the neighborhood I suggest dropping in for some good coffee.Listed in: Eliah's Big List of Go To…
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Review from Yvonne T.
5/9/2011 2 photos
Whenever you think communal you tend to think of unpleasant things such as communal toilets... It is usually not a word with positive connotations. However, upon visiting the Communal Mule located on the Dundas West Strip - I now have something positive to recall.
Came to the Communal Mule as it was the only coffee shop that seemed to be open in this neck of the woods around 5PM. All the other ones (e.g. Ella's Uncle, Ezras Pound) were all closed. We were looking for a place to hang out until the restaurants opened at around 6PM. This strip of town is dead between the hours of 5-6PM as literally nothing is open (at least from the food/hospitality side of things).
The Communal Mule is a quaint coffee shop with operating room lights overhanging some of the tables, and rustic looking art made of wood adorning the walls.
I ordered a Cappuccino while my DC ordered an Americano and we decided to share a Dulce de Leche cookie to tide us over until dinner time.The Cappuccino was quite good as it had a rich coffee flavour to it. Even though I got mine made with skim milk, it was still quite creamy and satisfying... almost like drinking the real thing!
The Americano was a bit disappointing as it tasted like a watered down coffee. The Dulce de Leche cookie was made with shredded coconut and was a rather dense cookie. It was surprisingly just the right amount of sweetness without making you feel like running off to see your dentist for cavities.
Verdict:
We rang out at around $9 for the 3 items we ordered which is pretty reasonable for a non-chain coffee shop. The barista was very friendly and witty. The Commuanl Mule is a cool place to grab a coffee and there is even seating by the window in case you feel like people-watching. I would definitely come back again. -
Review from Vivek S.
2/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Communal Mule completes a triad of very-close-together coffeeshops along Dundas West, viz., Ezra's Pound and the Tampered Press. It's a tiny spot on the North side of the street that's kind of hard to find; on my visit the windows were fogged over but the signage promised art, community, music, inspiration and of course, espresso within.
You'd have to remark that it's pretty beautiful inside. Concrete floors, marble topped tables, long benches made of logs, walls dappled with found signage and other bric-a-brac. Cool this place definitely is. As you would expect there is a communal table inside, but it was a little lacklustre for something called out in the shop's name. I think it seats about eight, and I wouldn't put it in my top five communal tables in Toronto.
But no matter. In addition to espresso they serve loose leaf teas and nibbles by Circles and Squares. I espied some interesting looking blueberry scones and dulce de leche cookies, but alas, I was only in the market for an espresso that day. I ordered a cortado ($3.25, I believe) and I was surprised that it was made with such a cavalier attitude. Just a shot drowned carelessly in milk, and slid across the counter to me. I don't expect preening and latte art, but the effort was underwhelming fo' sho'.
Still, the CM seems like an excellent (and tirelessly hip) place to show up with a laptop and get some work done. There is free wifi, but outlets are little a harder to come by here. I'd give it another shot.
Obligatory Title Pun: I wonder if this is DON QUIxote's favourite café.
Menu Readability: I spotted no less than five chalkboards.
Need to mention: They play wretched 90s house music here. You'll want to kill yourself, if this isn't your thing.
What this place teaches me about myself: Sorry, I couldn't be ASSed to come up with a better pun. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I don't come here often but it's a café that I do enjoy visiting from time to time.
It's a lovely café, decorated with salvaged materials and sturdy wood tables. The term "cozy" can be used to describe it. When it's quiet, it's laid back, but when it's busy, it's hard to concentrate on your work or book. I find it a little unsettling when you're not trying to listen to someone else's conversation at the next table.
If you're looking for a place to do work, the Communal Mule is a good spot to do it. A lot of freelancers work there, and the owner and staff are friendly to accommodate this. It might be a little too loud if you just want to read a book in peace.
I like the coffee they serve. I usually order their Americano or latte, which are done to my liking. They also have a great selection of herbal teas. If you're planning on staying there a while, your tea will come in an individual sized French press which I like. Very often you're given a small mug and not enough water to fully enjoy the tea for a second time.
I don't know how often I'll be visiting the café with the cooler weather settling in because this was a summertime spot for me. There's outdoor seating, near the main steps that give it an atmosphere of being in a relaxed spot. It was like you were going to a neighbour's house and sitting on their front stoop and just let time drift by.
With the close proximity to Trinity Bellwood and Dundas Street, sitting outside, reading my book or watch the people go by, was one of my favourite weekend past times.
3.5 stars -
Review from enpee e.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2009
sooooooo disappointed with The Mule: After watching the business' development and waiting for it to open for months, I moved, and rarely came to the area, unless I was biking through.
However, this past week, when I finally went for a coffee, I was greeted with a complete lack of enthusiasm or friendliness, and met only with a sense of intrusion on some kind of nervously held secret LARP meeting--all eyes awkwardly a-stare as I entered. I found the atmosphere so unwelcoming, that I opted to sit in Trinity Bellwoods rather than hang out in or even near the shop. Yikes.
The coffee itself was decent; but the service was ridiculously lackluster. The server failed to successfully direct the interaction, and when I asked about cream/milk options, only gestured curtly.
This was only a first impression--and I might personally have just been too paro to appreciate the 'community' charm here--but, with pleasant options less than a 5 min walk from the Mule, I don't intend to go back. -
Review from Lawrence L.
6/26/2009
The Communal Mule is a great little coffee shop with beautiful old wood furniture and a community feel. I stopped by on a hot summer day to cool off with an iced americano.
Bonus: Solid wireless internet! (7.3/.8, 21ms ping via Speedtest) -
Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2009
If I was just reviewing the latte, 5 stars for sure. This is a much higher quality latte than I have had in a while, and I savored it.
However, the price was a bit steep ($4) and it took a while, so I am being harsh and only giving them 4 stars.
If this coffee shop was closer to my house, I would be very happy because that is top notch brewing! However, it would put a dent in my pocket that Ideal does not.
The service was slow, and it gets pretty crowded. The staff was super friendly so we didn't mind waiting.
The decor is cool with vintage posters and furniture, it had a really cool vibe.
We were there at noon on a Saturday and there was a very small selection of pastries. They didn't look bad or good really, just muh. Go for the coffee and stay for the environment and the nice people.Listed in: Coffee, Please
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Review from Tammy Y.
2/17/2010
Ahhh, yes, this is one of my favourite places to go for "coffee" (as in usually anything but coffee). They've got a badass hot chocolate and chai latte, and their tea selection is outstanding. The real draw here though is the atmosphere: a small cozy industrial inspired room (literally - just one room) where intellectuals and freelancers gather to widdle the afternoon away.
Minor drawbacks: occasionally the music playing in the background evolves into Euro-dance. Also, word is getting out! Getting harder and harder to find a place to sit now. Let's hope the Mule doesn't turn into it's comrade Horse!
The owner, Peter, is pretty much as "real" as it gets. He is constantly welcoming regular customers with a smile, and his story is great, too. According to him, he quit his $$$ job, sold his house and all his cars, is renting out a much smaller place and making almost nothing running the Mule - but won't stop saying how much he loves his life now.
Now that's something to drink to. -
Review from Marie F.
4/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've ridden a mule before. They are cute, but slow and inefficient which is a perfect way to describe my experience at the Communal Mule!
When I entered there were two ladies in front of me. Somehow, their combined order of 2 croissants, two lattes and a cookie took over 10 minutes!
The barista was working at the speed of smell and the Apple Cider I ordered took another 2 minutes to make.
After all that you would hope that my $4 drink would be flawless, but despite its yummy aroma, its taste fell flat.
The whole thing was a "meh" at best... how disappointing.Listed in: I'll Sleep When I am Dead...…
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Review from Don C.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing croissants, excellent coffee, friendly and knowledgeable counter folk and eclectic array of customers. A comfortable small space of shared tables and benches. I live in the neighbourhood with a wide choice of places to go to, and this is where I go.
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Review from Natalia D.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2010
Great atmosphere and awesome tunes. I was very hopeful and eager to try a very good latte. After spending the holidays in Seattle and having 2 a day, i was saddened to taste - not only bitter coffee (very acidic) but not good pouring technique. There was no microfoaming, in fact I think i get a better latte from starbucks which doesn't say much. The owner poured the latte so obviously not a true barista. Also my friend ordered a black coffee but got an americano instead.
Also, it seems that the owners friends was at my table, having witnessed (almost in the middle) of a domestic dispute - very awkward.
Overall: Good place to go work for a length of time but not good if you are looking for a great latte/coffee. Very pricey as well. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
10/11/2009
Once I stumbled upon the place on a Saturday night, the owner waved me in and said he was just shooting the breeze with a friend, of course I can come in.
The place is great - it has a vintage, sophisticated feel with a nice selection of beverages, all complemented with organic everything.
I opted for the $3 hot cider (which I recommend; the owner wanted me to test it for him and it passed with flying colours) and I parked myself in the window for a while. I chatted with the owner, who is garrulous and good-natured, and then hung out with a book for a bit.
At the end of the evening, he was offering the leftover New Moon pastries to anyone who wandered in and I left with a cheese-and-raisin scone.
It was a bit slow over Thanksgiving Saturday night but I was informed that there was a line to the door this morning and I was happy to hear the place is doing well. -
Review from Danielle E.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2010 1 Check-in Here
Stop number three on the coffee crawl, and I wasn't really ready for another caffeine fix. Instead I went in to request a napkin and a refreshing San Pellegrino. At least it would have been refreshing if I could have ordered it, before the day was out. Unfortunately I was after Marie, so the ten minute ordering travesty really threw me off my game. Sadly I did not order, but sleuthed out the napkins on my own and huffed out.
Bottom line...sadly I think that as this cafe is pretty far for me anyways I probably won't make it back for a second try. Unfortunately there are so many kitschy cafes in this city I really don't need to go back. -
Review from Xander L.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2009
My morning stretch took me through to the north east corner of trinity bell woods to this charming italian loft style polished cement floor espresso bar.
My america no was superbe and even though their morning traffic is slow I hope it picks up for them...
A charming addition to dundas
Great art and vintage decor..their baked goods are brought in and they have seating for 7 and steps out front.
yelped from my blackberry storm -
Review from Mike G.
Toronto, ON
4/22/2010
They have coffee, and it tastes alright, but it feels like a cross between an operating room and an art gallery -- which, I guess, could work? But it doesn't really feel right here. There are a lot of expensive art & design magazines laying around and a lot of hip kids with macs figuring out their next project. Prices seem a little steep, especially considering the huge amount of competition in the area. I don't know who their prospective clientele is, and they don't seem to either.
But yeah, the coffee's pretty alright. -
Review from Erin B.
6/1/2010
I love the decor - the huge group table in the middle of the room is a great idea. And the coffee is good.
Sadly, both times I've been in the person working behind the counter has been way too cool for cool. Way too cool to get off the phone and acknowledge me. Once acknowledged, it was made obvious that serving my americano (no special requests) was a hassle. And, though I didnt need milk, the person ordering after me did, and they were directed to it in the most condescending of tones.
There are lots of places to go for good coffee around here. I'll choose one of them in the future. -
Review from Les T.
Toronto, ON
8/15/2010
Peter is always friendly and full of knowledge when it comes to coffee.
Been going there since it opened and he has the best coffee in the city, hands down.
They may not be the fastest place in the city, but going there reminds us that not everything in Toronto is moving at the speed of light. Some people actually take the time to get it right and to get to know you. You will never find anyone as friendly as Peter and all I can say Thank God he is in my neighbourhood.
Grab the cafe latte. It is just right, not too much milk. Try the latte without sugar, I think you will love it. -
Review from Tony S.
Toronto, ON
7/4/2010
I wanted to try the Counter Culture espresso and this place is the only place I know of in Toronto that has it. Unfortunately, they only had some that was 'going off'. Peter, the owner, inquired as to what I was looking for and offered up some times I could be back for fresh coffee, which was nice and helpful. They did ask me if I ever tried it and offered up a shot on the house. I'm pretty much done judging the drinks I get from these third wave shops because my setup at home allows me to get what I want and this makes me highly critical of anything else. What I will say is that anyone who actually likes horrible coffee and is convinced coffee should taste horrible, needs to visit any one of these places so they can get good coffee.
I'm not really into eclectic/odd places, or even THE AREA it's in, but the place was inviting, small and quiet which was nice. I didn't anything, but the offer to try the espresso pulled on the very elegant Mirage machine. The Rustico's pruney/pecan taste is something like I've never had... very unlike the Black Cat and impersonator's alike. That doesn't make it better, it makes it different and having choice in Toronto is great.
I get it, most people don't understand the beauty of the espresso machine, the process and what finally lands in the cup for you to enjoy. I get that... But, there's no mistaking this place, or any other third wave shop for a stupid Starbucks and we're fortunate enough that more and more people like Peter are bringing shops like his to Toronto.
I'll be back for some coffee and I'm happy that I can make a trip to a nice place in Toronto instead of having to pay for shipping to get a possibly stale bag of coffee. I called Peter on the following Monday and had a bag of Rustico with me that evening. Great guy, very helpful. -
Review from Barry Z.
Ottawa, ON
5/23/2010
I came across the Communal Mule while exploring the Dundas West strip. And communal it is.
It is more of a cafe than a coffee shop.
The owner was there on my two visits and he was very friendly and welcoming. We talked "coffee" (both espresso and the scene in Toronto) as he pulled a few shots for me as I played testee.
As we chatted about Toronto life, where to eat he greeted locals/regulars without missing a beat.
One thing to note about people who are griping over fifty-cents
is that Peter (the proprietor) is using BOTTLED MILK.
They use Harmony's organic 3.8% whole milk and that is the best tasting milk I've come across. And it's BETTER FOR YOU.
The short:
I like the space and the cafe feel and the coffee is decent*.
The tea however, is outstanding. There is a wide selection and what I had was a 9.5/10 (something orange?).
Also, there was a two dollar ginger-esque cookie that was COMPLETELY worth the two dollars.
How often has that ever been said?
If you are in the neighborhood, this is your pit-stop.
Or a great place to catch up with someone.
Peter's reccomendation. for dinner was spot on too.
If you're near here, check it out.
*From a very experienced barista's point of view. -
Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2010
I'd have to agree with Melinda M and say that, yes the coffee is good - and I'd go so far as to say very good - but the price is a bit steep for a latte. I'm kind of a fan of tipping the baristas so after everything it's $5 for a coffee, which is too much in my opinion. But the place has a good atmosphere (I'm actually working there right now) and the staff is friendly and quick, and seems quite knowledgeable on their coffee. I'm probably sticking to my standard I Deal coffee, but it's close enough to me for being a decent back-up.
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Review from Ian G.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2010
This is the best coffee joint in Toronto hands down.
