- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
238 Annette StToronto, ON M6P 1R1
Neighbourhood: The Junction
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
21 reviews for The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar
Review Highlights
-
"...the city as I had come in to use my indie coffee passport." In 3 reviews -
"...to get my coffee, sit on the stoop and just watch the folks..." In 2 reviews -
"...solid daily brews (which Crema also lacks) and everything..." In 5 reviews
Loading...
21 reviews in English
-
Review from Dr. K.
Toronto, ON
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Are you getting a little tired of the snooty, tattooed, hipster, coffee snobs who run Crema? They'll make your coffee, with a little sprinkle of attitude. They're baristas who are rock and roll, man! Can't you tell by the spacers in their earlobes?
Well, walk one block south and you'll find the best coffee shop I've ever been to this side of Atlantis, The Good Neighbor. The coffee is amazing and the pastries are awesome. They'll even do all that fancy shit with your foam if you're so Inclined to buy a latte or a cappuccino.
The design of the place is very cool too. Exposed brick, natural wood, industrial metal chairs... It's like what I imagine my apartment would be like if I were a single playboy, chasing tail and solving mysteries. Kinda like that old show "Wiseguy". Ever see "Wiseguy"?
I also saw a couple of lesbians in there once. That was pretty awesome! I think they were lesbians. They were kissing in my imagination...
Anywho, go to The Good Neighbor! -
Review from SP M.
Toronto, ON
5/16/2012
I'm a diehard Crema fan (just up a block on Quebec) but after having tried this place...I'm torn. Argh.
Yummy latte, tho they had run out of decaf so I was a little twitchy a half hour later ;) Also had a delicious chèvre tea biscuit which was fresh and sizable.
I like what they've done to the interior having lived across the street 6 yrs ago when it used to be a video store.
Will def go back. -
Review from Tina H.
1/9/2012
Great cortado. I'm assuming other espresso-based drinks are good. Pretty good crema and nice latte art. Good job on espresso-milk drinks. No raw, brown or cane sugar at their sugaring station, only white, available from a canister and in packets. Also sweeteners for all your aspartame and sucralose needs.
Pretty decent chocolate chip cookie, just a bit hard.
Pretty fast and reliable wifi. Environment is comfortable and conducive to working. Large communal table is on wheels and somewhat wobbly. Not many electrical outlets but there are a few. The design is quite nice and homey feeling. I like the wood, concrete, metal accents, and the mirror with shutters in the larger washroom. They also have a fireplace with leather chairs. Wish I sat there as there was an outlet there too. Pretty busy but quiet enough most of the time. Mostly people on computers when I went.
They use Tealish loose leaf tea and have a pretty big menu (at least 6). I ordered a white tea and I think that the water may have been too hot and burned it as it tasted quite bitter.
Cheaper than the downtown cafes. Lots of free parking nearby. It's quite the drive for me but I can definitely see myself going out of my way to return here sometime. -
Review from U U.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 1/8/2012
Pros:
I've switched from drip coffee, and started treating myself to double Americanos. They are delicious. Rich, without tasting burned. Service remains great. Seating is sometimes hard to find, but not going to knock them for that.
Cons:
None!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/14/2011
This is a nice coffee shop. I spent a couple hours working here on a Sunday afternoon, and had a… Read more »
-
-
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
7/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Incredible machiatto. Serious contender to Manic Coffee as best espresso ever.
They also serve gelato, but apparently they were fresh out when I went there.
The place looks amazing, with a very nice retro-rustic decor with some pop-art sprinkled on top. There's a big communal table, several high chairs and a few love seats.
The soundtrack is amazing and the staff is very nice. Definitely added to my list of go-to places in the neighbourhood (and certainly dethroned Crema Coffee as my after-meal coffee place in the Junction). -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
I love The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar the minute I stepped inside!!
Where should I sit?? By the big floor to ceiling window?? Or at the Communal table logging on to Yelp? Or at the individual tables enjoying my privacy? or better yet those comfy armchairs? Decisions! Decisions!
I used my Indie Coffee Passport for my Americano which was nicely made with a good kick. Barista was cheerful and friendly.
I would definitely come back to The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar next time when I am in the area. Every neighbourhood should have a espresso bar just like The Good Neighbour! -
Review from Mike M.
Toronto, ON
8/15/2011
I gave this place 5 stars after my first visit. That review was based on the latte and chocolate croissant that I had, but more so on the design and vibe of the place.
I still like the Good Neighbour..a lot...HOWEVER- Only for the coffee and atmosphere.
I went back twice after my initial review. The first time back was for their Gelato that they advertise very openly on their windows...but there was no Gelato in sight. Apparently the freezer was broken. Disappointed.
The second time was to try their paninis. I was really excited for this. I have had MANY paninis in my life...and this was probably the worst. I so badly wish I was exagerating, but I am not. I would rather have one of those frozen dinner paninis. The bread was like a soggy bun. I'm pretty sure it was frozen and they just shoved it in the oven. Some pieces of chicken were warm and some were cold. I can't stress how bad this "panini" was.
If you want a great cup of coffee, a really chill atmosphere and maybe a little snack, I definitely recommend The Good Neighbour. But please don't come here for lunch or dinner because you will not be happy. -
Review from Elvis A.
This place actually surprised me with the setup and the quality of drinks here. I have never ventured out in this part of town so didn't know what to expect when I was walking here.
They are priced very well and all the posted prices are inclusive of taxes.
The setup is modern yet cozy (the bar area reminded me of Dark Horse) The Barista is quite friendly and the cups are kept warm the way the it should be. I asked for Cappuccino with an sweetener no problems there. The espresso shot had slightly burnt taste but it mellowed out. Decent Latte art over all 3.5 Stars for the Cappuccino.
Surely recommended if you are in this area.
P.S. They didn't have the AC and the interior was quite hot on a nice sunny day. -
Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
9/13/2011 9 Check-ins Here
A good friend moved up to the Junction recently & this has quickly become a new favorite. The space is very welcoming - with huge windows spanning the front & a cozy wooden interior. The service has always been friendly - I got a bird drawn in my foam the other day! -
I haven't had a chance to try their panini, baked goods, or gelato - but I'm sure that day will come. They are also a new addition to the new edition of the Indie Coffee Passport, which will definitely bring them even more traffic. -
Review from Amy P.
Toronto, ON
3/26/2011
I love this little place. The daily brew is great and the baked goods are to die for - especially the butter tarts - YUM.
The owners are super nice too, which is always a plus. -
Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
10/27/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I hesitantly entered The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar, feeling as if I was cheating on my favourite coffee shop, Crema, which is located just down the street. The feeling evaporated when I drank their Americano and realized there could be two great coffee shops within a stones throw. I prefer the Good Neighbour for Americano and coffee. The space is stunning and comfortable, very relaxing and low-key.
They have panini's featuring local Pingue prosciutto and other delicious sandwiches. A great coffee shop on a great coffee street! -
Review from John M.
Toronto, ON
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favourite of all the coffee shops in The Junction. The coffee is great and I like the vibe and decor better than Crema up the stream. It's a good fit. I just wish it was closer to my house!
If they had a patio and more bike parking The Good Neighbour would be perfect. -
Review from Clara K.
Toronto, ON
Great place. I enjoyed sitting on the stoop outside using the free wifi and drinking a latte. The barista added a beautiful swan on the latte and we chatted about other great coffee shops in the city as I had come in to use my indie coffee passport. The Good Neighbour has a really cozy interior and location. I will definitely stop in again during my next jaunt to the Junction. The place could use more bike parking though.
-
Review from kai s.
Toronto, ON
5/2/2010 3 photos
The Good Neighbour is an independent gourmet cafe that was established and is being run by a husband and wife team. The place get top marks because it accomplishes what it set out to do: Offer great coffee, provide a comfortable and relaxed neighborhood atmosphere that's like a second home, and plus contribute to the vibrancy of the neighborhood itself.
Let's start with the coffee. Every cup is prepared with care--using proper beans and equipment--by expert, unpretentious staff. The beans change based on seasons, so there's nuances to the flavor. It's just simply a good, proper cup of coffee.
The cafe itself was a labor of love for the owners. They painstakingly restored the building which recently housed a sketchy corner store. Layers of drywall, do-it-yourself renovation additions were removed to expose brick walls and wooden floors. Almost every piece of furniture, fixture and art was sourced from various local artisans in the Junction neighborhood where the cafe is located - Giant wire spool from the local Hydro company turned into a coffee table; Wood from the lanes of a local bowling alley turned into the counter; Light fixture created by the local electrical guy. The fireplace is a big hit during the colder months.
The pastry is tasty. They found a former Parisian pastry chef who moved to Toronto to supply the daily treats. Fresh paninis are in the plans, but not available yet.
Finally, here's my favourite feature of the cafe - the front stoop. There are these three steps that lead you up to the cafe that are as wide as the storefront. I love to get my coffee, sit on the stoop and just watch the folks stroll up and down Annette Street. Torontonians love their outdoor patios, but I gotta tell you that I would take a stoop to sit on any summer day.
Make sure you bring cash as they don't (yet?) take debit or credit. Overall, the cafe is worth the visit if you like the Junction neighborhood, want an awesome cup of coffee in a beautifully relaxed place without the too familiar hipster attitude. -
Review from Danielle D.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2010
I'm one of those few Junctionites who despite loving the coffee/snacks of Crema is not as impressed with the crowded interior. Also, bitter Americano's, yeah, I said it, sorry guys.
But at the Good Neighbour I'm embraced by a smooth, rich delicious Americano and have a choice of tasty Tealish teas, solid daily brews (which Crema also lacks) and everything is now available iced, perfect for these constant 30+ days of heaaaat.
The seating is varied and I don't feel like a hog with my computer, I can sit by the windows or take up a small table or crowd around the former electrical wire spool table in the corner.
The butter tarts are generous and rich, but the pecan ones with chocolate shell have a bit of a burnt taste to them, I prefer the classic. I'll definitely be tasting as many pastries as I can before I make a full judgement on them, but so far, so good.
Now if only they had panini's, I'd be here way too often.... -
Review from Jeff S.
North York, ON
4/16/2011
This is just what.....Annette Street needed?
Great space, great coffee, pretty good baked goods and general atmosphere. Treads the line between the ultra-social and a productivity zone quite well, and the different little areas around the cafe allow for people to coexist pretty peacefully. The coffee is basically what you can expect of most cafes that serve Intelligentsia, though the prices may be a little steep (nothing to lose sleep over though).
The service is a little hit or miss. Some of the baristas are super friendly and outgoing, but others can be a little cold and reserved.Listed in: Coffee. Plain and simple.
-
Review from Maddie R.
5/29/2011
Love the decor, the vibe, the brightness and the product. A+!
-
Review from Mike F.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2011
My partner and I dropped in on a Sunday morning. We had some totally awesome coffee and muffins. The room is bright and the staff is friendly. I highly recommend you drop in. Parking can be tough to come by so if you can walk or bike over, do it.
-
Review from J S.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2010
I found out about The Good Neighbour via Yelp, and my first visit here is what inspired me to join this site. I love this place! I think they might use the same brew as Crema but for some reason I like the taste of the coffee here better, and because it's served in glass mugs it's also prettier. I actually find myself thinking about it on the days that I don't stop by, it's that good. I had a sip of my partner's mocha latte and wasn't a huge fan but I'm not generally into lattes anyway and she liked it a lot.
The people behind the counter are always friendly without being overbearing and while I haven't actually eaten any of the sandwiches or snacks offered, they look delicious. It's filled with natural light and the music is at an appropriate volume. The seating options are varied - some stools looking out onto the street, one big table that can seat six or so, several small two-person tables, and even a couch for people wanting to relax a bit more. The only downside is that the chairs at the two-person tables are structured in a way that can make sitting a bit uncomfortable if you've got wide hips.
I havent tried the wireless myself but have heard some customers experience trouble finding the network, though management says it's temporary. -
Review from Bill G.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2011
Best cafe shop in town. Great coffee, fantastic tea selection (try their Tea latte special - always great!), and great pastries too. Relaxed, well done atmosphere, and knowledgeable and friendly staff. A must visit if in The Junction.
-
Review from Lisa F.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2011
Very disappointed Sat May 28. Rushed up there to make it by closing time to get after dinner coffee. Just to hear that they have already put chemicals on the machines for cleaning. The staff is in such a rush to get out of there they forgot about the customer. Luckily Crema up the street is open until 8 pm, more than happy to serve customers, and don't take a lifetime to make a latte. They also have pasteries and cookies right up to closing unlike The Good Neighbour who never order enough.
