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The Tampered Press
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Cafes Coffee & Tea, Cafes [Edit]
256 Crawford StreetUnit B
Toronto, ON M6J 2V8
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods
(416) 534-9739
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
22 reviews for The Tampered Press
Review Highlights
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"We then crowded around a communal table and enjoyed each..." In 9 reviews -
"My latte was delicious, and just the right size." In 8 reviews -
"...seating, there are a few board games and some book shelves..." In 4 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Vivian W.
Updated - 12/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I came back to this place on Dec 27th, 2011. It's a really nice place to do work solo. I came here with my boyfriend, and we were working on something together, we almost felt bad to be talking, because we were the only group making a noise..almost awkward, we felt like we were in a library. I am not complaining, i just want to make sure people who come here will respect this, and not be surprised, and maybe it can keep it that way, so there is a coffee place for people who just want to read a book.
I didn't see any boardgame around, either they took them away or just ever existed...anyways. Store hours is kind of short.. like other espresso bar...they close at 7pm almost every night. (although we were sitting there till 7:20pm last night, and the guy didn't really kick us out, maybe he's not in a rush either)
I had a regular brewed coffee this time, it was great! The cappuccino with single shot is a little bit light...and again not hot enough.
P.S. They don't accept credit card, only take debit or cash.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2011
I finally get a chance to stop by this place and picked a up coffee today! It is small local… Read more »
Comment from Caitlin P. of The Tampered Press 2/15/2012
Hi! Boardgames have just moved to beside the bar - not as… More » -
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Review from Bec R.
Scarborough, ON
2/11/2012
I really liked this place but I don't know if I could give it more then 3.5 stars. They have a great view of the park but the seating isn't the best personally. The toilets are so far away, if you were busting to go you might wet your self.
I had a nice peppermint tea.
The chairs are not that comfortable and my ass starting to go numb after about 10 minutes.
But apart from that it's a great cafe with a chilled out atmosphere.Comment from Caitlin P. of The Tampered Press 2/15/2012
If you liked the Peppermint tea, try mixing it with the Mate… More » -
Review from jess o.
12/5/2011
A cute little place with a nice big table, sun pouring in the windows (well sometimes), and yummy coffee.
I also thought their biscotti was good but they need a wider selection of offerings in the baked goods department.
accepts credit cards without a fee if over $10.
free wifi for customers (ask for password)
decent washroom but it is not handicap accessible -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2011 2 photos
I like the vibe of this place. The people that frequent are wonderful to check out. Lots of prettIness. Come on! Who doesn`t pay attention to the people around them even if you are working on your laptop or next great novel.
The americano I had was OK. Better than average but certainly one I cannot get addicted. The casual, neighborhood feel that can get addictive.
Makes me want to move to the neighborhood.
I enjoyed sitting at the communal table. Some thing about sharing but respecting each others space is kinda cool or kumbaya-like. -
Review from Dishan W.
The Tampered Press was one of the more charming locations I visited on the passport. I really like their location by the park, their nice big communal table and collection of board games. It seems like a great place to sit down for a few hours and play some games. One thing that did hit me while I was here was that it's unbelievably quiet in here. Sure almost everyone was doing their own thing but it just seemed a bit more quiet here than it should have been. Made me enjoy my drink more.
My latte was very nicely done and the barista who I believe was the owner (or manager) was really friendly and nice.
There's not much else to say, I do wish they had a bit more room to put in some chairs/couches/tables or any sort of furniture, but from what they have, it all seems to mesh well. Not the easiest place to spot from outside but definitely the best coffee stop in the area!Listed in: Caffeine Adventures!
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Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
I came by for some early morning writing and a strong coffee. Strong coffee is indeed what I got. I ordered the Americano, and regrettably asked for two shots of espresso. I am usually fine with doubles but, I warn you, these drinks are strong! I didn't reallly enjoy it, I asked him to water it down once - but I really just nursed it.
The atmosphere was nice. The pictures do the place justice - one communal table, a seat of bar stools and a couple square tables squattered around. If you have a laptop, you need a square table - that's where the plugs are.
The barrista was very friendly, they serve cold water and they have free wifi. They were also playing some nice easy rock music at a low level. It's quite relaxing and quiet.
My major problem with the place was that it was SO COLD. I don't know if they turned the heat down because it's been mild lately, but on a snowy morning, this coffee shop was far from warm and cozy. Also, when you head to the washroom and into the creepy long halllway, it's even colder. Bundle up! -
Review from Vivek S.
11/24/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Don't be fooled by the Crawford street address; the entrance is on Dundas Street. After jimmying with my iPhone, stopping three passers by for directions, an attempt at navigating by the sun, and finally, looking at the building, I figured it out.
The Tampered Press is a cozy space dominated by a large communal table with a quiet bookstore vibe. On my very first visit, I managed to score a table with an outlet. Plugs seem far and few between here, but they do have wifi which kept me occupied for many hours in this enclave. A community group took over the big table later on in the evening, suggesting this spot has a solid connection to the locals. Definitely seems like a neighbourhood coffeshop.
My soy latte was simply put: amazing. My americano, was less so -- a bit too strong for my liking. But the baristas clearly know their stuff. I shall return.
Obligatory Title Pun: This lady is a TAMP. (wha?)
Menu Readability: Chalky, chalk, chalk, chalk.
Need to mention: The bathrooms are a fifteen minute walk away, and you'll feel like you've snaked your way into a different building. For serious.
What this place teaches me about myself: Without coffee, I can barely find a coffeeshop.Listed in: Top Coffee Shops, Indie Coffee Passport, Kommunal Kaffeeklatsch
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
1/31/2011 5 photos
The Tampered Press gave me a feeling I am back in school and studying in a library...
Though this place is jammed packed on a Sunday afternoon... it was so quiet... with the sunlight filtering from the front window.. overlooking the park... everyone were talking but kind of whispering. This is quite different from other coffee shops I been to.. where there are so much buzzing energy.
Using my Indie Coffee Passport and order a Cafe Latte with Double Shot. Love the latte art here and the barista is nice and friendly...
There are some board games that you can play with your friends if you do desire..but everyone here seems so busy studying or on their laptop typing away with the free Wifi.
I do like that huge huge mirror at the entrance...checking myself out make sure I look proper before I off to another yelp adventure!! :) -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
12/13/2010
This is a fantastic place to get work done. I was probably the most annoying, loudest person there - looking for a good seat (close to a plug because my battery was dead), asking about the wifi, bumping the table a few too many times.
The barista was extremely friendly considering how annoying I was. My latte was delicious, and just the right size. I was able to get a lot of work done in the silence.
The washroom was far, far away (down the hall, down the stairs... across the river, up a mountain) - so plan accordingly. -
Review from Tong J.
10/5/2010
Remember Central Perks? Tampered Press is nothing like that, as the matter of fact, it's smaller. However, both share one thing in common, relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
It was a quick visit, so I can't give a full review. But here are two things that stood out:
+ Hot Chocolate was terrific! It had the perfect ratio of organic milk and chocolate. Very creamy and smooth.
+ Complimentary iced cold water and drinking glasses. Yep, real glasses, which were neatly arranged next to water pitcher.
Cute little place. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to The Tampered Press just once for an über-cool and quite geeky book-swap UYE, but I've been meaning to come back ever since.
The place has a nice, laid-back decor with a huge communal table in the middle. There you can find your standard issue students with laptops (yep, they have wi-fi) enjoying the excellent coffee they serve.
I had an amazing latte - served on a tall glass with latte art - and a very good double espresso.
(Don't ask me about americanos. I don't consider watered-down coffee worthy of note. Ever.)
All in all, a very enjoyable place which certainly deserves a second visit. -
Review from Amie T.
Toronto, ON
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Tampered Press is super cute. The huge window is a big plus for me. Lots of natural light to look at your coffee date. Free wi-fi makes it a good place to do work too. The sandwiches are not cheap, but they're delicious. The grilled cheese I had had caramelized onions and a bunch of other awesome fillings.
The downside? The chai tea was not good. But the coffee is great. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Toronto, ON
11/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
My first visit here was the last stop of the coffee crawl that happened a few months back. I've returned a few times since, craving the quiet, home-like atmosphere and their fresh pear-ginger juice.
It doesn't seem like much from the outside, the café is inviting once you enter it. There's a large communal table in the centre with smaller tables hugging along the walls. It's an airy and well-spaced room, and more importantly, it's quiet. With the music playing from the speakers, everyone inside is busy working on their laptops or reading a book. With a direct view of Trinity Bellwood park across the street, it's an ideal place to decompress with a coffee. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
12/30/2010
I must have walked past this place a thousand times, and I've definitely heard the name before, but without my Indie Coffee Passport, I never would have wound up here. The cafe is tucked into a non-descript corner section of a building, and the entrance is definitely on Dundas.
Given its location, Tampered Press has some really serious competition due east, so kudos to being the only coffee shop in the area on the Passport.
That said, my friend and I were not really impressed with the place. The decor made me feel like I was in a chain (granted, a cool one, trying to look cool and not like a chain) and it was predominantly occupied by a large group of families, and not really the type you'd find at the Communal Mule or Ezra's Pound. Since there were about ten of them, they definitely set the vibe for the afternoon, but this place definitely seems less exclusive and more accepting of coffee drinkers of all sorts. This is neither good or bad, it's just my observation.
Our coffees were nothing special to write about (my friend didn't even mention anything about his drink), but I have to make a special mention of the barista. I don't know his name, but he was a delight and was ultimately the deciding factor in going for three stars instead of anything less. He seemed to be manning the place by himself and he did a great job of it. -
Review from Tanya N.
3/27/2011 2 photos
I really like this place. It's spacious, bright, the barista is really friendly, plenty of seating, there are a few board games and some book shelves around the cafe. And yes, my cappuccino was great (strong and smooth) and I had an ancient grain cookie because they didn't have any Awesomes (their homemade soft oreo cookie) left and I figured I should try to be healthy after a breakfast of bacon, bread and sausages. The cookie was surprisingly good (I thought it was going to be dry) but it was moist and just slightly sweet from the small bits of chocolate chips. It was baked fresh in the morning as with a number of other baked treats.
Will be back and hopefully have one of their Awesomes.
Note: they also have the Toronto Star available on the communal table for you to read. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
10/4/2010 1 photo
The Tempered Press has that homey feel as I arrived on a drizzly evening but it made the mood that much better as I was pretty much alone this late Saturday.
The Window Frames, Bookshelf, Potted Plants made it feel like I could comfortably read a novel next to a house window while listening to the soothing rain drops from outside. It doesn't have that exact spot though, but enough to feel relaxed here.
Cappuccino had nice Latte Art on it however it felt quite watered down so it didn't give me that Coffee Beverage flavour that complements the caffeine I so needed to continue on that night's quest and fun times. (-0.5 Star)
There's a huge MIRROR once stepping inside from the entrance or you can think of it for fixing yourself up before you head off to that next event. It would have been fun to put in a Fun House Mirror instead, it's probably larger than those.
2.5 *Star*Listed in: 2.5 **Stars**, Coffee Drinks
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Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
10/9/2010 4 photos
C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#16)
Drink: Large Mocha
Atmosphere: Feels like an inverted house that you'd find on a prairie in the middle of Alberta. Everything about this place is just very warm and welcoming. If you're feeling lazy, this is the place to go. To just chill. To grab a nice coffee. To just be.
The barista was working by herself and was very kind. One of the more memorable people I'd say. And as for my drink, it was strong. I'm sure there was 2 shots of espresso and I wasn't complaining since it totally balanced the too-soothing-almost-wanna-fall-asleep aura I got from this place. AS well, I tried their Apple Pecan Vegan Bar, which was okay, but the texture seemed too mushy for my taste. It was a nice treat, but it did not compliment well with my mocha, perhaps a sweeter drink.
Verdict: In the winter time I hope these guys serve soup or chili because it would SO perfect. This place is lovely ( :Listed in: Indie Coffee Passport Stops
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Review from Tina D.
11/2/2010
Here's my ranking so far
My rankings:
1. Intelligentisia, Sam James (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)
I would never come back for the chai latte. It was pretty much a large cup of slightly flavored warm car. My bf wasn't impressed with the cappuccino either. Although the atmosphere was great (free wifi), unfortunately, we didn't enjoy the coffee too much either. -
Review from Danielle E.
Toronto, ON
"This doesn't feel like Toronto." she excitedly whispered as we walked in the door. And truly it doesn't feel like Toronto, there is a hushed vibe as you walk in the door. No quirky lamps or pretentious decorations. Just a warm comfy place to drink a coffee and take a moment.
The shelves that line the walls are full of books, journals and water bottles, inviting you to take a look and think a little more about what you put in your body. The idea of earth/body consciousness also fills the barista menu, where there are several freshly squeezed juices and earth friendly brand choices.
As the last official stop on the coffee crawl this was a welcome addition, and as I was already quaking with caffeine I opted for a San Pellegrino. At $2.50 it wasn't cheap for the tiny bottle, but after buying a flat of them at Costco I realize they are not cheap in general. Several other Yelpers opted for the fresh juices; the likes of grapefruit, pear ginger, raspberry lemon iced tea, and orange I think. We then crowded around a communal table and enjoyed each others company. This was the only place that really fit our big group and they made us feel so welcome.
Bottom line...sweet and simple this shop is scrumptious, and I will definitely be back. -
Review from Brian S.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2010
This isn't my regular local cafe, but it is close. Whenever I do go here it's always good. it's a little more cafeteria feel than a lot of the other places in the neighbourhood, but the staff is always very friendly and I can't complain at all about the coffee. I rarely order anything different than a single latte at almost any cafe I go to, so unlike Vivek, I can't comment on multiple drinks, but the latte's I've had here were well made.
If this place as a tiny big closer, I'd go here more. -
Review from Em M.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2011
fucking fantastic view of the park for people/dog watching. steady wifi for working. chill friendly service. wide selection of loose-leaf teas, coffees, and desserts. can't wait to come back and try their new (vegan) samosas. a new favorite spot for certain.
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 4/24/2010
Great chocolate chip biscotti... will return to try more food.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/25/2010 First to Review
One could be forgiven for confusing these new coffee shops in Little Italy/Portugal for entrants… Read more »
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