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The Green Grind
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
567 College StToronto, ON M6G 1A9
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston, Bickford Park
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
45 reviews for The Green Grind
Review Highlights
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"...if you snag the head spot at their wide communal table." In 15 reviews -
"Intelligentisia, Sam James, Te Aro, (soy latte." In 10 reviews -
"...walls, huge pot lamps, beautiful countertop) and free wi-fi." In 3 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Alla G.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2012
This one of my favourite coffee places in the city -- good coffee, delicious snacks, unobtrusive music, laptop-friendly environment, eco-conscious, and very smart design (except the lack of double doors in winter).
It is a great place to hang out and work, kind of like a cafe-work-space. It is not a good place for a loud conversation or a date.
I often come here to get some writing done, and I would say that most of the clientele are graduate students and members of the so-called "creative class". Still, the level of pretension here pales in comparison to Manic Coffee down the street, and in my opinion the Green Grind is better on all accounts.
The space is bright, airy, and welcoming -- great natural lighting and open design. Most of the seating is around one large communal table, with wi-fi and plenty of outlets available. There are three more private seating nooks for groups of two or three who want to chat or read. On evenings and weekends all seating can get full.
My only note of warning is that some of the clientele mistake this cafe for their personal office space. Once two women had a very loud 2-hour meeting about their community-organizing work and their struggles with their "class privilege" in working with marginalized communities. Considering they were at the communal table, the private nature and volume of their talk were inappropriate. More frequently you will involuntarily be privy to some grad students having a shallow debate about political theory -- a debate so rife with whiny intonations and dreadfully misunderstood basic concepts, that it causes me intellectual distress. Perhaps my own scholarly musings can be charged on similar accounts, but I wouldn't loudly force them upon unsuspecting coffee shop neighbors. -
Review from Pouneh R.
Toronto, ON
5/25/2012
Free wifi no password required cuz it's a "community space"
Quiet. Perfect space to work or study. A chill background music.
Great coffee. Trendy design. Organic options.
Hard to find from the street. Noway I would have known its a coffee shop if I didn't have a meeting here. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
5/11/2012
A few years ago I made the mistake of setting an event at Sensual Lounge, the venue which originally did business where The Green Grind now exists.
Only went there once, first the site itself has an inherently bad layout resembling a triangle and on top of that triangle is the entrance. So back then, the place had a few tables and a few couches against the walls and a big empty space in the middle. The whole place was overpriced and mucho sleazy. Rarely do I find a place that was trying so hard to be something that it was not, and in this case it was Sensual.
Many years later, I came back to the same spot and although the Green Grind is head and shoulders a better venue, the building is still the same and as such the layout leaves something to be desired. Specially during the Winter months where it sucks when anyone opens the door and in comes a blast of freezing air for everyone in the joint. No double doors here.
As far as the place you have a few small tables on the right, and a large "A la Dark Horse" communal table on the left mostly littered with single drinkers sporting laptops. Seriously, who thinks a large communal table is a good idea? The communal table was made to eat, talk and be merry. That is why it can be kind of cool at some restaurants but a cafe is a different animal.
Instead here you have a bunch of people not talking to each other over a huge swatch of wood staring at laptops. Not necessarily promoting the 'having a coffee with friends idea there, eh? Since everyone is so quiet, you can't really talk with friends without having complete strangers overhear you so everyone ends up not talking much. It seems communal tables at cafes are meant for loners and laptop hobos searching for free wifi, which GG does have. I think this is a place more akin to a library than a cafe, so an alright place to come and say, read or work.
Eventually we got one of the smaller tables and found the chairs not very comfortable since they were going for that aesthetic VS comfort debate where comfort gets hit on the face with a crowbar.
The place has that cool, "we are trying to be artistic and chill at the same time but not trying vibe," so, having said GG does not lend itself to socializing and my friends eventually asked to leave for friendlier grounds.
Oh, and our lattes? They were just okay. -
Review from Jackie P.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
A colleague of mine brought in muffins from the green grind and I'm already strategizing on how I can squeeze another one in by end of day. They are light, extremely flavorful and I love the bottom just as much as the top. I don't eat muffins that often because they tend to be way too dense, but these are surprisingly airy. I can't wait to check the green grind out, grab a tea and the view from their beautiful windows.
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2012 4 Check-ins Here
I only came here bc of Vivek and other Yelper's rave reviews for a great work space. I half expected to see V here, but didn't.
I parked on Manning, north of College. Free, but I think only because there was a sign removed.
It was Friday afternoon, and the place had a handful of people. Not empty, but not full.
There's tons of seating here, be it at the large communal table (ideal) or at the bar. As well as some loungey chairs to the side.
Everyone in here is a mobile worker, seems like or studying or trying to so something productive. I thought I wouldn't like the communal table, but it's not crowded at all. I was lucky I had a place to put my bag and there's a power bar for your devices.
The coffee isn't amazing, I had a better latte (stronger), but still good. Their snacks are some gluten free and vegan sweet things, but no lunch or anything like that.
When people work in here, it's quiet and they play some good mellow music. I got a lot done. Wheat messes things up is when people are meeting up for a chat, and you have a high pitched voice telling me all about her cousin who just had a baby. I hate that, but cue the head phones and hopefully drown her out.
You might see me here more often!Listed in: Thanks Yelp!, Coffices
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Review from Tristan B.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Dear Potential Assassin,
The vintage teak chair by the window is where you will find me. I will be too busy reading classic literature and enjoying my artistic steeped tea to notice your shadowy gaze.
All I ask is that you leave my book on the communal shelf for the other loyal patrons. The secret is already out on this neighborhood spot, so come think, relax, and unwind with this classy creative crowd.
Sincerely yours, -
Review from Maheen M.
12/23/2011
Hung out with friends this afternoon at the Green Grind in the Little Italy area. The cafe is super cute and environmentally conscious as well. The cafe seating is communal with a big table in the main area. The washroom lights are motion sensored, so energy efficient!
The lattes were awesome here! Service was excellent. There is even free wifi - there were a bunch of folks with laptops working away while we chatted away.
This is a great hangout out spot if you are looking for an independent chain or great coffee!Listed in: Little Italy, Coffee
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Review from Ben B.
5/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have a crush on this place. Tucked away on the corner of what I'm told is Little Italy (despite all the Italian restaurants being bad apparently...pull it together, Toronto), the Green Grind really feels like the creative professional's office away from home.
Bright, open, and welcoming, it's one-part neighbourhood café, one part muse as you're surrounded by lattés and people doing the coolest 'ish on their MacBooks. No really, it's hard not to get caught up in the creativity when sharing the communal table with people talking about everything from literary analysis to vector renderings and animations.
The coffee is reliable and tasty, the service is friendly enough to make a traveler forget they're not in their own city, and damnit I just want to copy their groove and force it upon everything else in my life.Listed in: The Big T
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Review from Natalie T.
East York, ON
1/16/2012
I came here on Vivek's recommendation. What a find!
VIBE
If it's one thing I can't get enough of when I'm trying to get my internet on --err wait, that sounds dirty; let's say get some writing done--- it's natural light (again, get your head out of the gutter!). There are huge windows here that really work if you are at the communal table. The white walls and decorative art really add to the atmosphere of the table. I cannot get enough of the print that has the name of the TTC stations going northbound to Bloor. There's a bookshelf and lots of other neat finds like a mural on the back wall and a cool decal of a man and woman for the washrooms. The owner is clearly a design lover. The people here are really nice too; many with their head down but also willing to chat and say hi too. And yes, the lights automatically turn on and off in the bathroom area. Amazeballs. Great place if you need wi-fi but I think the cords are at each end of the table so hopefully, your cord is long enough to connect or someone is willing to switch with you if it's busy.
I DRANK
So my usual is a chai latte. It wasn't that great but it was what it was. I also didn't feel like it was a big enough portion for its price but maybe that's me? I'm okay because you're mainly paying to sit yourself down here for a few hours.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
I could totally see this as my regular grind! There are just way too many innuendos in this review. Eeps! -
Review from Elvis A.
The setup is really nice for this shop and simple to boot.
Bright spaced with neatly arranged furniture and plenty of room. Lots of seating and and very clean finish. High marks for the interior.
Now for the drink I asked my cappuccino for here and with a sweetener. The Barista was nice and friendly and took her time making the drink (even asked me if I wanted a low fat milk) I said OK with the 2% milk they use for cappuccinos. The drink looked nice even though there wasn't any latte art. Milk was frothed very well. The espresso was very mellow though (ground fresh) and the ratio for milk to espresso was off.
4 Star for the setup
2 stars for the cappuccino.
Tried the mochachino on the 2nd visit much better than the cappuccino but I wouldn't go out of my way try it.
I wouldn't mind coming back here to kill time. -
Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
My new favourite study spot that was discovered thanks to these fabulous yelp reviews. I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and got a lot of work done at their busy communal table. Everyone speaks very quietly and is respectful on their phones. The restaurant is set up to accommodate work. They have plenty of plugs, extension cords and power bars set up under the large wooden communal table, free wifi (no password needed), and all of the larger comfortable chairs for groups are on the opposite side of the restaurant to keep the communal table a bit quiet.
The space has an industrial look to it (high open ceilings, dangling yellow light bulbs, large open windows), but is still quite cozy with red furniture, a large mural, some TTC art work and decorative frames/mirrors.
To eat and drink, I had the peppermint rooibos tea, which was so delicious. I've never had a roooibos/mint combo before but it works. The tea is available in a few different varieties, blueberry, tangerine/ginger, chamomile, green, early grey, cherry/berry - you can also buy it in bulk. A large tea was about $2.50, or you can also buy a teapot for around $3.
I also had a cookie that was full of apples and oats. It was vegan and sugar-free, I believe, but was very hearty. I definitely recommend as a good study snack to hold you over until dinner. They also had some slices of a berry loaf, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies and muffins.Listed in: Coffee faves
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Review from Anne M.
2/23/2011 ROTD 3/18/2012
I agree with Audrey A. - this place is oddly silent, like library reading room silent. But for someone who is trying to do homework and looking for distractions, this silence was golden. And, having spent some more time here, I wanted to add that the quiet isn't first-date awkward silence, more comfy friendship silence.
Since it was so late in the afternoon I had to go for an herbal tea (something with Roiibos) which was yummy, and since it was late in the afternoon, I also had to have a snack (something with apples and ginger in an crumbly oaty bar), which hit the spot and not too rich. They also have vegan muffins with banana and chocolate chip, healthy fruity cookies and other baked goods as well as soup.
I was surprised at how cozy it felt inside since it looks sort of corporatey from the outside.Listed in: Do you like a latte? I do.
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Review from Dishan W.
1/27/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Passport stop #8 for me. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I'm beginning to realise that I really appreciate clean and roomy cafes to the more crowded and more cramped up locations.
I did come here alone, which is why I enjoyed the experience so much because there was only 1 more seat remaining in the communal table and if I had an accomplice the experience might have suffered but then again the cushioned bar stools were free..
The staff was very friendly and chatty (in a good way) and their mochaccino was probably the best chocolate infused coffee drink I've ever had! (Granted a mocha is not something I frequently indulge in during my coffee visits.) It was nice warm and frothy, perfect for the coldest Sunday of the year to date!
And it's not too far for me to make it realistic to start visiting more often, definitely to try their snacks. This has definitely been one of my favourite coffee passport stops yet!Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
1/31/2011 4 photos
I know I get lost all the time.. I have this habit of walking by places and did not know I just walk passed them.... The Green Grind is one of those places!!
Cold and Freezing outside..Nice and Toasty inside...
Mochaccino, just have the nice hint of chocolaty flavour... which I like much better than the cappuccino there.. The roast is a little light for my taste and I felt like I am drinking a hot steamy latte without the cafe.
Free Wifi... does attract a lot of laptop Junkies like myself.. but at least we secluded 2 seats for ourselves and can enjoy our drinks and gossip a little.
Indie Coffee Passport was welcomed here!! -
Review from Vivek S.
Once upon a time there was a douche-bar called the Sensual Lounge where you could go overpay for rail drinks, and watch 905ers make out in pleather chairs and ruin an otherwise decent Saturday night. That place is gone.
Rising like a glorious phoenix from its skeevy ashes is The Green Grind, an absolutely gorgeous spot at College and Manning. You'll feel like a world leader if you snag the head spot at their wide communal table. If you're feeling more chill you can lounge in the cozy chairs by the bookshelf, or sit at the bar. There is free wifi and a few plugs at the big table for your laptop.
I'm not sure all coffee afficionados would vouch for the espresso at GG; they're definitely less hardcore than other shops in the city. That said, I've never had a bad drink here. Oh, and they have a variety of cool snacks including a sugar-free and vegan squares. But even if they rang my coffee out of a discared toupée, this place wins points on atmosphere alone. It's just fantastic.
Obligatory Title Pun: I give this place the GREEN light.
Menu Readability: Liquid crayon on framed chalkboards of varying sizes.
Need to mention: The lights in the bathroom turn on automatically.
What this place teaches me about myself: I could never join a "roundtable discussion." I need to sit at the head.Listed in: Top Coffee Shops, Indie Coffee Passport, Kommunal Kaffeeklatsch
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
1/25/2011
I didn't notice a ramp of any sort leading to the front doors, so I considered it my daily exercise to walk up the flight of stairs. The communal table was half full by early Sunday afternoon while the initial Bookshelf/Lounge area was quite free for use. I parked myself on 1 of 3 comfortable cushioned chairs and began to ponder why everyone preferred to sit on hard wooden chairs...
This is truly a society of multi-tasking Techno-Junkies, as nobody there simply sat and enjoy what's in front of them without having both hands full. While I had both Hands on the Cappuccino created from the Green Espresso Machine, everyone else either had a handful of Laptop or Smartphone. I'm the one becoming obsolete and no one else in that room.
The regular Cappuccino was bigger than some other places which meant when I saw the modern Cappuccino preparation method(Non-foamy), I knew that initial sip would be watered down because of excessive Milk/Foam-to-Espresso ratio. I did get slight MILD Espresso taste but afterwards it just became a Latte to me. I didn't get Caffeinated enough.Listed in: Coffee Drinks
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Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
#indiecoffeepassport #11
Stepping into the Green Grind is like stepping into my living room: airy space, mid-century modern furniture, entertainment magazines scattered everywhere. I love the atmosphere here. The owner did a really nice job with the layout because the dimensions aren't the best.
I spent a good chunk of my Saturday afternoon here, making headway in the book I was reading and overall, just enjoying the space. I felt very comfortable and relaxed. Sure, the symphony of coffee grinders, espresso makers and steam makers played in the background but it didn't sound "loud" enough for me to feel like I was bothered by it.
I also love that these guys are environmentally conscious and actually do something about it. They use biodegradable products, limit their waste consumption and use renewable energy to power their space. And their Americano is tasty too.
It wasn't my first visit to the Green Grind and it won't be my last. -
Review from Tanya N.
3/24/2011
Spacious, bright, friendly service and the large yummy latte was a lot larger than expected - probably a bit more than 16 ounces. I couldn't finish it, I guess I was latte'd out.
There's plenty of seating with a large communal table, a few small tables that seat two, lounge/bookshelf area and some bar tools. When I came this place was pretty full with a number of people on their laptops, reading, studying and those who were chatting were polite enough to keep their conversations low. Great place to sit back and relax.
Note: they take off 15 cents if you bring in your own travel mug. Woot! -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2010 5 photos
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#21)
Drink: Large Hazelnut Latte
Atmosphere: This place can be easily missed if you're not careful. A huge wall stands tall infront of the entrance, but it has their logo. (maybe, i'm just blind..)
Inside, there's a huge communal table, just like The Tampered Press. Now that I think of it. This place reminds me of the Tampered Press, with a modernized touch. It feels like it's from a Home Show! On the right there's a small "Living Room'' area then further in is the ''kitchen'' where the barista makes the drinks and the dining room (communal table). I'd describe the vibe as a family of strangers. It feels just right, especially with the suns rays beaming in.
My drink was quite dissapointing. I don't know if Hazelnut is supposed to taste burnt, but I've only tried hazelnut latte here and at Second Cup. Tasted quite similar 'cept Second Cup's had a more intense burnt flavour. Eh. It was okay to be honest, it's dissapointing though since the atmosphere is really great. But, since it's only one drink, I sure will come back to try the others!
3.5
Verdict: They'll be saying ''WELCOME BACK, STRANGER!''Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Avi L.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010
Grabbing a spot at the large and long wooden table is key. Otherwise there are still a number of spots. Plenty of plugs. Good wifi connection. Great vibe, what with a mural by the Make a Wish Foundation, creative and thoughtful art and good coffee and sustainable initiatives.
If I lived in the neighborhood I would be a regular.
In many ways the friendliness and community-at-work feel of this place is is reminiscient of places like Cafe Novo.
Went here first time with my Indy Coffee PassportListed in: Best Coworking
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Review from Allison T.
Toronto, ON
9/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
I didn't always like this place. The first time I went, I was a grump & thought it was minimalistic & overpriced.
Now? I love it. Forgive me, Green Grind - I was used to the cluttered kitsch of Kensington.
Taking sanctuary at any of the great seating, soaking in all of the natural light (I see you approaching, winter...), using the free Wifi, friendly & helpful employees.
I like their Chai, their regular coffee...& if you're eying that muffin - do it. It's awesome.Listed in: Indie Coffee
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Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010 3 Check-ins Here
It might be bright and open with big ol' windows and a lot of clean white space, but the Green Grind certainly isn't a clinical spot. Bear in mind that it isn't super-cosy either.
There's a nice little seating area in the front of the cafe for more informal coffee outings, a mishmash of seats and small tables. Along the east wall is a nice communal table that seats quite a decent amount of folks - and unlike other communal tables i've sat at (i'm looking at you, Dark Horse), I've not gotten dirty looks from other customers while sitting with mates having a chat over coffee.
A small coffee menu is all this little cafe really needs - keeping it simple, like the decor. I've enjoyed my soy lattes from there - not something I am going to cartwheel in the streets about, but still a nice taste without bitterness (and the soy doesn't overwhelm). They have a great range of baked treats on offer, a great deal of which are vegan (and some gluten free, if I recall correctly), which ALWAYS give you points in my books. It doesn't seem to be standard, but they'll always have some sort of cupcake/cookie/loaf on offer.
Finally, points must be given for living up to their name - this place really puts in the extra effort to be green. LEED certification, green energy, disposable (recyclable) cups for take-out only, and discounts if you bring a travel mug to get your beverage in. Very nice, Green Grind! Very nice indeed.Listed in: Caffeine Nation: The Toronto…
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
12/10/2009 ROTD 4/1/2010
This is an amazing spot to hang-out, have a coffee, and, if you wish, type away on your laptop. It is with some trepidation that I write this review... as the cat will be then *Kramer* mmmmEEOOWWWTTTTTOFTHEBAG */Kramer*... No one really reads my reviews, do they?
Pros:
+ The place: clean, minimal layout; amazing long communal wood table; huge windows looking out on College; high, exposed ceilings
+ Coffee's good... I don't consider myself a connoisseur but their Americanos and drip coffees taste pleasant to me. Food looks good (mostly cookies, biscotti, cake etc.), haven't tried it
+ Great music (especially important in the holiday season, when across the street at S*******s, they are pumping the Christmas carols SO oppressively)
+ Water is available to grab at your leisure
+ Free wi-fi
+ For those who are interested, you can go to the website to catch up on the many different ways this place is environmentally friendly, use fair trade coffee etc.
+ Quiet sort of atmosphere, which I like
Is it a pro or con?
+/- Prices are not expensive (that's not the same as "inexpensive") but probably fairly competitive with other indie/"premium" coffee shops. Realistically, if you get your coffee and hang out here, especially if you use the wi-fi its a pretty good deal.
Potential future con
(-) Amount of seating (12 at table, another 8-10 seats around)... when/if this place gets popular not sure how that will affect ability to get a seat.
Note - this place only opened a few days ago and they are still doing some of the finishing touches... but its no big deal.Listed in: College Street kinda from…, My ROTD's
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Review from Kat F.
The only thing not to love about The Green Grind is the fact that it's not in my backyard.
Lovely staff, gorgeous interior (bike wheels on the walls, huge pot lamps, beautiful countertop) and free wi-fi. I needn't repeat what others have said about the massive communal table (twice the size of the one at Dark Horse), but really, it begs to be fawned over: it's exquisite.
They have an appealing selection of drinks, both hot and cold, including the not-yet-seen-in-Toronto kombucha tea. I will be back soon to work from this gorgeous, quiet space filled with friendly people.Listed in: Reliable Wi-Fi In Toronto
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Review from Marie F.
Updated - 7/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Kids, you can ask my husband about this if you want, but I don't normally say this... I was wrong!
Sometimes this happens! You are in a rush or in a weird mood or surrounded by people you don't know and you feel overwhelmed by a situation... or sometimes you are just plain full of shit.
I don't know what crawled up my ass the last time I was at Green Grind but I certainly didn't give it the praise it deserved.
Learning from my last experience I passed on the treats but asked the barrista what she would recommend for someone who "needed a caffeine kick in the face" She promptly made me an extra-large cappuccino with (count them) 3 shots of espresso.
For those of you who don't know me... you are probably thinking "Wow that's a lot of caffeine" , but for those of you who do know me, you are probably thinking "Poor Steeven L!"
I was an adrenaline mess... but on the bright side my short little legs were walking at the speed of light and for once I was able to jaywalk across College with no hesitations!
Thanks Green Grind... hope you can forgive me for being such a crusty bitch!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/13/2010
I hate to be the one to bring this place down a notch but truth be told I don't think it deserves a… Read more »
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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)
i really loved this place! -
Review from Em J.
Toronto, ON
8/5/2010
Green Grind's chalkboard sign appeared like a mirage in the middle of hot humid Little Italy. "The Green Grind! Bring a friend, bring a laptop" it read. Well, I had one of those things so I headed on up.
Wow, this cafe is big. The white walls and large windows make it seem airy and light. I settled down at the long communal table with a strong iced americano and watched College street go by. Inoffensive indie rock crooned in the background. It was like I'd found my own little oasis.
Also, this place has perhaps the best bathroom signs I've ever seen. -
Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
5/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is a gem.
I went here with Wendy H. today, and it was such a lovely little escape.
The environment is very 'hip' - 'trendy' - 'quaint' - 'modern'.
I got myself a Green Tea, and it came in a lovely large mug, plus a cute side plate in the shape of a cat, to put my loose leaf tea bag on.
I did have one of their chocolate chip and um... granola or something cookie. I had two of them. So damn delicious.
A lovely escape. Unassuming from the street, but so nice to jump in and be in a transformed environment. something lovely and new on the college strip.
I cannot comment on their Coffee, but once I can drink that stuff again, I will update this post.
But for tea, cookies, and a lovely environment escape. I highly recommend. Prices are reasonable and affordable. -
Review from Aaron B.
11/1/2010
This is another nice cafe in Toronto that would be great if it were open later. Though its current closing time of 8:00pm puts it later than most of the nice cafes in town, that's still too early get a rating higher than three stars. The Americano was quite tasty and the view out the large window is nice. The decor is simple and clean and bright and those are all good things.
Free and fast wi-fi is a bonus though I am not a fan of the large communal table setup. It could in theory promote a more social atmosphere, but in reality this is Toronto and people here don't share space well. And I might be worried that breaking down barriers to conversation could work against them since, after all, the most likely scenario in this part of town is for some wacko to be bothering some nice lady while she's trying to study or get work done. When I came in the evening it was basically empty so nothing like this could have happened except for me creeping myself out. It does rather spoil the atmosphere to be alone in a big open space like that...too much like a library. But I blame the people of Toronto rather than the cafe for this vacant feeling. -
Review from Margs L.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2010
I am not the biggest coffee snob but I do enjoy a good cup of coffee. I don't like going for the specialty sugary coffees either. The Green Grind is a very cool coffee place. I sometimes stop by in the morning and always feel welcome. I love the idea of having a coffee place that puts a lot of thought into the environmental impact of their business.
Anyways, I would recommend you try Green Grind when in the area and you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Jan A.
Toronto, ON
1/27/2010
This is such a gem of a coffee shop.
I'm sitting here right now at the communal table and a bouquet of flowers was just set right in front of me. The coffee is pretty good and the service is friendly. There's also free wi-fi with access to plugs for your computer and a nice sitting area in the corner that seems comfy for a good read.
The decor is open and fresh and I just adore the orange chairs. It's a great laid back atmosphere to get some work done, do the crossword or get your read on. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
7/25/2010
Yet another coffee place in the College region. This one differs from the others by the spacious, bright and minimalist environment.
The beverage selection is not as extensive as in other places nearby and the coffee leans more to the north-american tastes (read: espresso is not their speciality). There are a few options for cold drinks (all bottled - no iced coffee here) and the pastries are ok - mostly following the OMG EVERYTHING IS WHOLE GRAIN FAIR TRADE GRANOLA I PLANTED IT MYSELF style.
So, if you've read any of my previous reviews of coffee places, you already know this place is not my favourite to just go inside and grab a coffee. I like dark, evil espresso, just the way Italians and Brazilians like it. But there's one thing in The Green Grind that's just unbeatable, and it has nothing to do with coffee: you just want to hang out there.
Let's call this "hangoutitude". Some places have high levels of it, and that's The Green Grind's case.
The shop has huge windows and feels like a nice, spacious living room. In fact I'm at The Green Grind right now, writing this in my laptop while someone is waiting for me somewhere else nearby. But since it's so nice to just sit here, drinking my latte and looking outside, I decided to take my time.Listed in: Best coffee
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Review from Leslie-Anne W.
Toronto, ON
How had I not known about TGG before? What an adorable, bright, calm coffee shop! The barista was so friendly, the decaf latte with Shannon F was very good, well-poured and good flavour on the espresso (which is often hard with decaf). Separate seating areas were appreciated so our conversation didn't keep the laptop table from their fantastic coffee shop freelance day jobs that I wish I had.
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Review from mondayjane s.
Toronto, ON
6/3/2010
The coffee here is quite good - I love the eco-sustainable concept, and all the natural light the place gets.
The design is cool, but don't expect to have an intimate conversation at the huge (beautiful) harvest table - there's not much by way of private chit-chat (I met with a friend who wanted to get a clandestine romance drama off her chest ... everyone in the joint couldn't help but be all ears, despite hushed tones). Friendly-ish counter service and fair coffee prices. -
Review from Heather M.
7/11/2010
This cafe is a nice sanctuary along the somewhat chaotic College St. strip. Cute and modern decor, I like their nice book shelf of up-to-date magazines and books and I also like how they are dedicated to sustainable business practices.
I was rather juvenile and ordered an apple juice box, which was nice and not too sweet (organic, too.). My boyfriend ordered an Americano, which he said was quite good.
Staff seems friendly and not as pretentious as say, Dark Horse. They are also quick to turn around drinks.
To really up their sustainability game I would love to hear more about the origins of their coffees and teas. And, all the chairs look comfy but beware the mod-looking wire seats to the left when you enter - they are as uncomfortable as they look. -
Review from Shannon F.
Toronto, ON
2/2/2011
Tasty latte! And the atmosphere was nice too. You could tell that this is the place locals come to chill out and do work during the day. My friend and I got seats by the door but there's a big table to sit at, too. That was all packed with people.
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Review from Junichi Z.
Toronto, ON
1/26/2010
In the heart of Little Italy there is an awesome coffee shop. Its got organic free trade products, its bullfrog powered, and has free wifi.
The space: There is one really huge coffee table with about 16 chairs and off to the side are 3 quasi-couches, I think there are stools at the coffee bar as well.
Another plus about this place is that they don't blare annoying music or have the volume too loud like some other places. They're also cool with you putting up any sort of card or self promotion.
If you like Darkhorse, you'll like the Green Grind. Your should check it out before it gets super busy. -
Review from Candice E.
Toronto, ON
7/4/2010
I really like The Green Grind. It's become one of my new favourite cafes. The coffee is great, the staff are friendly, and they're as environmentally-minded/green as they possibly can be.
I will say that the food can be a bit hit or miss, but I do appreciate all the vegan options, as well as the fact that they sell some gluten-free items. Their ginger tea (I think it's ginger tangerine) is really lovely if you're an herbal tea drinker.
The atmosphere here is more laid back and casual than at Manic down the street. I wouldn't say they're trendy, actually. Just a peaceful place to stop to have a snack or do a little work (they've got free wifi and a huge communal table). -
Review from Downtown D.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2010
Big, spacious, bright, ample seating, wi-fi and good selection of loose leaf teas. I had a tea and they said they offered free refills of hot water.
Good for people watching. -
Review from Ella B.
Toronto, ON
11/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
Communal nice atmosphere, I like the big tables. Service was really good and the snacks were nice. Great cappuccino and a good latte. Another nice independent local coffee shop in Toronto, though beware it's a bit cold inside. They also accept the Local coffee passport.
