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The One in the Only
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
966 Danforth AveToronto, ON M4J 1L9
Neighbourhood: The Danforth
(416) 463-3249
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 9 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for The One in the Only
15 reviews in English
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Review from Sharon F.
East York, ON
12/9/2011
Anyone who has never been in the One will have their mind blown, because it's totally wacky and a perfect representation of Toronto.
This is not for the faint hearted; if you come in rushing, you will leave relaxed. Don't tap your toes waiting for your drink like a Starbucks caffeine fiend; the One in the Only is an experience. It's as cozy as a hippie commune with the right vibe of a cafe. There are mamas with strollers, musicians, university students, neighbourhood locals and construction workers all sitting and chatting. Come in with a book, laptop or stranger and stay for a few hours. Stare at the photograph of Audrey Hepburn and let your eye slowly move to the handmade robot on the fridge. Anything happens at the One.
Their lattes are a part of my daily routine, but they also offer your usual espresso-based drinks (cappuccino, americano, machiato) and chai latte. They also serve a cafe allongé - basically a stretched espresso with more water, not as large as an americano and with crema! The difference is also that americanos basically dilute an espresso with hot water, whereas an allongé just "elongates" the volume and preserves the taste.
I am salivating again. This always happens.
Another specialty NOT on the menu is a green tea latte, which is macha powder with warm milk, but surprisingly sweet and has a good caffeine kick. A bonus for the adventurous - if you try anything on the menu, end up not liking it, the baristas will make you something else free of charge. They are that cool there.
As for munchies, Circles and Squares scones and muffins are usually soldout by the afternoon but cookies from desmondbeatrice, a cute new place from Leslieville, are always around. If you're hungry for the savoury, ask for the menu (not advertised). They serve samosas, olive and cheese plates (olives come from Uzel which is right next door) and paninis named after Italian movie stars, like Sophia Lauren, Alberto Giocommetti. Once you've stayed too long, just cross the curtains and head to the Only for some solid craft beers. -
Review from Elvis A.
Nice setup ok crema good latte art
Another entry into the indie coffee passport. The Setup is quite nice and with a nice eclectic look with music to match. I was taken aback by how big the place is. Nice comfy sofa and free WiFi.
Now for the drink I ordered the cappuccino with a sweetener. The barista put in before pulling the shot just the way I like it. Good latte art. Nice crema to boot as well.
Initial taste was the burnt smell one gets but it mellowed out quickly. 3.5 stars for cappuccino. I think one of the better ones in this area for sure.
3.5 stars overall.
Small hitch though I couldn't somehow connect to WiFi. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
3/23/2011 5 photos
I did not pick The One in the Only on purpose to be my last stop for my Indie Coffee Passport run, but it just happened and I am glad that my Passport experience ended in a high note!
The mismatch furnitures and the disco ball surprising goes well together! Those armchairs are just so comfy.. and love the music VS Starbucks' canned music.
Cappuccino A-OK.. and with lovely latte art. Friendly barista made my stay one of the best.
The One in the Only has the best tea selections I seen... over 20 of little sampling bottles at the cash for you to smell before you decide on what you like.
The late hours! The bar like vibe! The free wifi! Makes The One in the Only stands out from other coffee shops in the area! -
Review from Dishan W.
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am so happy that the interior is not like Sneaky Dees because that's what the sign outside looks like. It seems as if this place was made for groups of any (decent) size! From comfy looking chairs for the party of one to a communal table and scattered pairs of comfy chairs place making full use of the not so large interior.
The staff member seemed one of those people that you might feel comfortable giving a complicated order and not be afraid of him messing it up and on top of that he was friendly as well.
My latte was pretty fantastic to top it off, I couldn't spend too much time in here, but it is very conveniently located near the subway exit. Had a chocolate chip cookie as well and it didn't disappoint although I do wish they had a bit more snack options under their belt.
One of those places that I would sadly not visit again as my passport travels have introduced me to other great coffee stops that better suite me in terms of location.Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Nick S.
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is killer. They easily have one of the best cappuccinos I've ever had in my life. I don't know how they do it. It's magical.
The food is also outstanding. I had a bagel that was perfect, and $6 total got me my bev and my food.
Throw in a casual, hipster vibe and free wifi (ask for the p/w) and you've got all the makings of a regular hangout. -
Review from David M.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2011
Hipster alert! Do you wear a wool cap? Perfect, you'll fit in.
Let's start with 3 stars...an average coffee house.
*dark and cluttered, every patron with a laptop in their lap - lose a star
*eco friendly coffee cups - gain a star
*unfriendly server/barrista - lose a star
*good quality coffee, nice microfoam - gain a star
*Indie Coffee Passport participant! - Congrats, you get 4 stars!
(The most important quality, good product, earns this place it's 4 stars...the gloomy employee makes it feel like a 3.5.)Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Kat F.
Essentially my #1, most favourite place in Toronto to get work done and relax, and here's why.
Circles & Squares baked goods
+
Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso
+
Tea In The Saharas looseleaf tea
+
Free, reliable wi-fi
+
Open till midnight every day
=
Happy Kat. More than a happy Kat - THRILLED Kat.
BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE.
Add to that a killer selection of music (Iron & Wine, Bloc Party, Blur, Sufjan Stevens), chic, worn in decor with comfy couches and armchairs, and vintage posters that I covet, boardgames galore, and the final coup: it's attached to The Only (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) next door - and by attached I mean literally attached - you walk through a curtain that separates the two businesses (it's where their quintessentially Torontonian basement bathroom is). There is a shared back patio that's lovely and secluded, and always full of characters.
The Only (bar) has an incredible selection of beer (upwards of 200 in bottles), so it's basically the perfect place to end up after the cafe has caffeinated and stuffed you with baked goods (muffins, butter tarts, cookies, brownies) from the lovable Circles & Squares. And there's a pinball machine. And more boardgames.
If you loved the vibe at Tequila Bookworm pre-2004 (ish) and miss having a cool spot to hang out with pals, you'll adore The One In The Only. There's nothing else decent in this neighbourhood so you won't have too much walk-by competition, but if you're anywhere in the east end this is more than worth a visit. -
Review from Tanya N.
2/28/2011
This place is cozy with a vintage/Kensington feel with a bunch of old couches. It's also one of the few independent coffee shops that I've found that's actually open late (around 10, I think...?).
I'm giving this place 2 stars because I found my latte had a slight bitter/burnt taste to it and service left a lot to be desired. Doesn't seem like it's a regular occurrence according to the other reviewers though. The barista awhile to take my order since he was distracted with chatting with a coworker (a person waiting behind me actually left). The coworker openly expressed how she gets so annoyed with people asking where the washroom is (it's in the bar next door through the entrance by the barista bar in the back) right after someone asked her.
Between this place and a coffee chain, I'd choose the chain.Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport
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Review from Downtown D.
Toronto, ON
3/22/2011
Funky little cafe with couches, mismatched furniture...reminds me of the shop from Friends.
I came here on a wintery night...I think they were holding their X-mas staff holiday party. People were milling about near the back and the music got loud. Prices seemed okay - they have a large selection of loose leaf tea. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/24/2010
I had a Soy Chai Latte here and it was probably one of the worst ones I have ever tasted. It was on the brink of being cold 'cause there was way too much milk and not enough chai at all.
The latte on the other hand was super strong but that's because my barista put 2 shots of espresso since I told him I was getting tired. The vibe is still rockin' but I don't think fancy drinks are his specialty. I'd order a coffee or latte next time if I were you guys!
BUT, the staff are still charming and as friendly as ever!Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/13/2010
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S TO P (#3)
Drink: Beautiful Foolishness: White tea (Pai Mu Tan) with… Read more »
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Review from Daniel B.
We head east upon a strong recommendation to check out this acclaimed spot. The promise of 'the best beer list in the city' too good to pass up.
Mere steps from the subway, the place is really a collection of two rooms placed side by side.... it instantly reminds me of Nye's in Minneapolis. Just less Polish. And not in Minneapolis.
Our friends are on the "One" side. They're huddled in the back corner sippling foreign sounding beer and playing Jenga.
You take a block from the bottom and you put it on top.
We put our coats down and venture to the bar on the "Only" side. We stare at the well stocked fridges and try to select some beverages that will garner us some street cred amongst the locals. I think that we ended up choosing based on color. I ended up getting a bottle of something that came in a shiny package from far far away. Hipsters, eat your heart out.
You take a block from the middle and you put it on top.
I personally think that the decor here is amazing. Sure, it's standard kitchy bar stuff.... but they do have an original signed copy of the Mona Lisa, which must be pretty rare.
Eventually the tower fell, but it did so before we did. -
Review from Caitlin R.
Scarborough, ON
2/26/2010
This place is a novelty, and if I was rating it purely based on ambience and decor, it would probably be five stars as far as hipster coffee shops go. They have an abundance of comfortably seating, which I'm tempted to say all of which has been pre-loved (if you're a germaphobe, stay away) and they serve you drinks in fun mugs (expect no china tea cups...). The lighting is VERY dim, especially if you are sitting in the back.
It's a fun and interesting place with plenty of knick-knacks for your observational pleasure. BUT. I found the service to be mediocre. The girl behind the counter was indifferent to everyone but for a few customers sitting at the coffee bar, and although she did serve me as I waited in front of the til, she seemed impatient with me and didn't smile. T'was unwelcoming and threw me off.
The coffee is coffee, I did not find it overly fantastic or anything to complain about. And the place smelt a little funky. I'm almost sure that it was just someone that was sitting near to me, but the smell lingered still after he left...
Note to people who choose to sit in the back of the cafe: There is a back entrance. Thinking I was as far back as I could get and able to see everything happening in front of me, I almost peed my pants when someone walked in from behind me.
When I actually went to use the bathroom, I started scanning the room questioningly, the barista girl definitely saw me, and yet failed to point out what I might be looking for.. Turns out the bathrooms are in The Only Cafe, the bar next door, through the curtains. I felt EXTREMELY awkward going in here and trying to find it. I mean, you want to do work, you have work mind set, you walk into a bar with work mindset, and it throws you out of whack a little to intrude on two middle-aged guys having a drink on a Monday afternoon...
I don't know... The whole bar/cafe combo didn't sit well with me. I don't think I shall be returning to The One in the Only. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
9/23/2010 5 photos
I walked inside and saw Beer Taps and Bar Counter. Not my idea of a Cafe but maybe it is a new Cafe concept I thought. I slowly walked in while the Bartender did his work. Nope, no espresso machines or cups. I saw a way through behind the curtain at the back. Sounds like a porn shop, right? It lead to the Cafe side which is, The One in the Only.
I remember Greg C. said that sometimes enjoying a drink is a personal preference and in this case I'm not sure what did it for me but I enjoyed my Cappuccino while seating at the comfy back sofa seats just in front of the doorway to their back Patio. The Pumpkin Muffin($2.00) was A-OK too with all those Pumpkin Seeds on top. I believe it's imported since I saw similar Muffins from other Cafes.
I can see why it's one of Kat Fs fav since I saw two Apple Laptop users side by side. I thought it was her sitting there. :p There's even a spinning Disco Ball on the ceiling for those party animal minded. Lots of books for that reading environment at the back while you will notice lots of art and photos on the wall which I'm sure at least one will peak your interest.Listed in: 4+ ****Stars****, Coffee Drinks
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Review from Kit C.
Toronto, ON
12/28/2009
The coffee's pretty good and the ambiance is perfect for getting some right-brain work done. Dark and comfortable, with good service from pleasant people.
Had the breakfast burrito, which I can't recommend as it was rather small, dry, and tasteless. But at least the prices are low.
Free wi-fi is a bonus. -
Review from Suzie G.
East York, ON
8/2/2009 1 Check-in Here
I am currently sitting in The One in the Only, the coffee shop attached to The Only Cafe on the Danforth at Donlands. This is my first time here and I'm already taking time out of my cover letter writing activities to review this place. Because it is THAT cool.
First off, the atmosphere. Cozy decor, with comfy couches and chairs, nice lighting, and cool tunes. It's currently just past 6 on a Sunday evening and my company is a group of four men drinking beer (which I presume is from The Only Cafe, which is actually a bar, that is next door) and playing backgammon, and a girl at the back drinking a coffee and reading a book. Dig it.
Secondly, the eats and drinks. Admittedly, I can't speak to this very much as all I've had is the $2 (inclusive) massive glass of tea I'm still nursing. They have about 20 types of fancy tea and I'm drinking the Monkey King Jasmine which was given to me in a Mill St. Brewery pint glass. Wicked cool. You can also order a pot of tea but this glass is more than enough for me! They do seem to have some nice snacks in the form of cookies, danishes, and croissants that I'll have to try when I'm hungrier.
Thirdly, there's free wifi. I love, love, love free wifi.
Guaranteed, I'll be coming back to this place when I need to get out of the house and get some work done!Listed in: My fave Danforth area stops
