Cafe Culture

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I love a good cafe, whether it's for chatting with friends, reading a good book, or trying to study. Here are some of my favourite ones.

 1. Mylk Uncookies

253 Gerrard St E
Toronto, ON M5A 2G1
(416) 276-3075
5.0 star rating
  10/12/2011

Continuing with my Indie Coffee Passport crawl...

I'm so glad I found this place, I definitely wouldn't have come across it if it weren't for the passport as it is in a somewhat random location (although good if you are visiting the Allan Gardens or…More »

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 2. Bisogno Espresso Bar

61 Sherbourne St
Toronto, ON M5A 2P8
(416) 301-7633

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Corktown

4.0 star rating
  3/20/2011 ROTD 7/28/2011

Great place to relax on a quiet afternoon. I came here today with my laptop to get some writing done. I couldn't get wifi but it was okay since I didn't need the internet for what I was doing. Everyone else in the cafe was alone reading a…More »

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 3. Bulldog Coffee

89 Granby St
Toronto, ON M5B 1H9
(416) 923-3469

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  7/22/2010

Cozy, unpretentious little cafe. Seating is pretty limited but the small patio area is cute. More of a social cafe than a place to read/study, although I did see some people doing that too. Drinks are on the pricey side -- $4.50 for a mocha chai?! I…More »

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 4. Café Pamenar

307 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2M2
(647) 352-3627

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

4.0 star rating
  7/19/2011

Great espresso and one of the sweetest patios in Kensington Market, what more can you ask for? This cafe has a long, skinny layout with a little patio on Augusta and a bigger one out back. A perfect oasis of calm to do some reading or get some work…More »

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 5. Mascot

1267 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6K 1L5
(416) 533-2888

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Parkdale

4.0 star rating
  4/20/2011

I dig this place.

DRINK: I had one of their new white teas (they have a laminated list of teas with descriptions of each) which was light and sweet ($2.50).

SERVICE: chill, friendly.

SEATING: I sat in the tiny wooden chair and desk in the corner by…More »

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 6. Caffe Furbo

55 Mill St
Toronto, ON M5A
(416) 366-7070

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Distillery District, West Don Lands

4.0 star rating
  4/12/2011 First to Review

Great addition to the Distillery District. This newly opened cafe is probably going to give Balzac's some stiff competition, however I think they will be able to co-exist as they are different enough. While Balzac's is more cozy, Caffe Furbo has a…More »

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 7. Thor Espresso Bar

35 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5V 2P2
(416) 351-8736

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Niagara

4.0 star rating
  4/3/2011 ROTD 5/12/2011

I didn't actually have the coffee here... (came on the coffee crawl with a group of Yelpers and was pacing my caffeine intake). But I did have a delicious and fresh grilled vegetable and goat cheese panini. Two thumbs up except that it came to $9.72…More »

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 8. El Almacen Yerba Mate Café

1078 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J
(416) 516-2898

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village

4.0 star rating
  11/9/2010 ROTD 12/6/2010

I came across this little cafe after work and am so glad I did.

The space is relaxing and inviting, with genuinely warm baristas and chill lounge-y music. There's a decent amount of seating, with small tables and bigger ones for groups. When I went,…More »

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 9. Seven Grams

131 Avenue Rd
Toronto, ON M5R 2H7
(647) 351-1317

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  10/12/2011

Another stop on my Indie Coffee Passport and another great new discovery! The space is airy and minimalist, with a gallery feel. I had a cappuccino, which was artfully done, super-smooth, and rich with flavour. They have pitchers of lemon water on…More »

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 10. Tinto Coffee House - CLOSED

89 Roncesvalles Ave
Toronto, ON M6R 2K6
(416) 530-5885

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Roncesvalles

4.0 star rating
  5/8/2011

Not much to add to what has already been written, except:
- Try the apple banana loaf! Really delicious!
- Se habla espanol aqui
- This place hosts a monthly event "Classical Revolution" (live chamber music)

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 11. Music Garden Cafe

466 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON M5V 3Y2
(416) 827-4873

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  11/17/2010 First to Review

This is a fantastic addition to the waterfront area, which just opening this summer next to the Walter Carsen Centre for the National Ballet of Canada. Amidst Starbucks, Second Cup, Coffee Time and Williams Coffee Pub, Music Garden Cafe is a breath…More »

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 12. The Sublime Cafe

219 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2L4
(416) 732-0431

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

4.0 star rating
  10/19/2011

Cafe love! I think I may have found a new Kensington fave...
This is a funky little cafe that plays great music (anything from Billie Holiday to Black Lips) to accompany your espresso. I actually had a chai latte, which had just the right amount of…More »

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 13. Lit Espresso Bar

810 College Street
Toronto, ON M6G 1C9
(416) 519-1884

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park

4.0 star rating
  7/22/2010

Had to stop by again after the Yelp event last month.
Low-key cafe with a winning combo of quality drinks, warm and knowledgeable staff, and welcoming atmosphere.
Lots of seating, which is nice. You never have to worry about getting a table if you…More »

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 14. Sam James Coffee Bar

297 Harbord St
Toronto, ON M6G 1G7
(647) 341-2572

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park

4.0 star rating
  5/18/2010

Stopped by today and had a latte made by Sam James himself. It was artfully done and perfectly smooth. 1 size only (honestly, the large/extra large sizes at other places are alarming! who can drink that much coffee?!?). I had read all the…More »

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 15. Balzac's Coffee Roastery

55 Mill St
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
(416) 207-1709

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhoods: Distillery District, West Don Lands

4.0 star rating
  5/11/2010

Great atmosphere! I could read here for hours. I especially love the little table on the 2nd level balcony overlooking the entire cafe. Mocha lattes are decent. The chocolate pocky served on the side is a nice touch.

As others mentioned, there is NO…More »

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 16. Redline Coffee and Espresso Bar

354 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M5A 1T2
(647) 344-3865

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Corktown

4.0 star rating
  10/9/2011

Came here to use my Indie Coffee Passport this weekend -- so far this is one of my favourite passport finds! The location isn't bad, it's a convenient stop if you are making you way to Leslieville or the Distillery District, although the immediate…More »

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 17. F Coffee

641 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1G4
(416) 463-0500

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  10/15/2011

I dropped by this afternoon to do some reading. Red Rocket Coffee and Dark Horse were both really packed with no seating, so I ended up here where there were plenty o'tables.

It's a funny name for a cafe, apparently it's short for "Time For Coffee".…More »

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 18. Manic Coffee

426 College St
Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
(416) 966-3888

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

3.0 star rating
  Update - 8/11/2011

I like this place, but NB they are doing a ton of construction right now. It's still open but there are only a few tables at the front and no bathrooms.

Their ice lattes are nice though.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    Okay, so I didn't have a coffee/espresso drink, so can't comment on that BUT my chai latte was… Read more »

 19. Gilead Cafe and Bistro

4 Gilead Place
Toronto, ON M5A 3C9
(647) 288-0680

Categories: Canadian (New), Cafes

Neighbourhood: Corktown

4.0 star rating
  3/27/2011

This place reminds me what Sunday brunch should be -- relaxing, quiet, and delicious. It is refreshing to come here on a weekend and not have to worry about massive lines. The place was busy, but as long as you aren't coming with a huge party, you…More »

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 20. Lettieri

79 Front St E
M5B 1B8
(416) 260-0543

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  7/8/2010

One of my most reliable go-to study spots.
- Warm, friendly staff. I ordered a chai latte and they suggested I try it with some honey. Delicious!
- Spacious. Both indoor and outdoor seating available, and I've never had any problems finding a seat.
-…More »

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 21. Zaza Espresso Bar

75 Yorkville Ave
Toronto, ON M5R 1B8
(416) 823-4719

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Yorkville

4.0 star rating
  Update - 10/29/2011

Checked out the newer, larger space downstairs/next door for breakfast today. As others have mentioned, it is really like being in a cafe in Italia. The owner calls out orders to the barista in Italiano, there's Italian music/radio in the background,…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    9/15/2011

    Something about Zaza espresso bar makes you feel like you are in Italy/you are in fact Italian. Just… Read more »

 22. Royal Conservatory of Music

273 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M5S 1W2
(416) 408-1776

Category: Music Venues

Neighbourhoods: The Annex, University of Toronto, Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  7/30/2010 First to Review

The new RCM is a beautiful building that balances old and new perfectly. Excellent instructors here, but even if you are not a musician, check out Koerner Hall which has a fantastic range of concerts (classical, jazz, world music, etc.). The hall…More »

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 23. T.A.N. Coffee

992 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
(416) 532-9949

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Cafes

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

3.0 star rating
  11/16/2010

After walking past this quiet cafe several times on the way to work, finally stepped in this morning for a latte.

Menu - all your standard espresso drinks, coffee, and loose leaf teas + muffins and bagels. My latte was okay/good, but at $4 for a…More »

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 24. Moonbean Coffee

30 St Andrew St
Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
(416) 595-0327

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

3.0 star rating
  10/16/2011

This is a solid Kensington hangout. I've been here a few times and it always seems to be buzzing with activity. Staff are friendly and relaxed no matter how crowded it gets. On my last visit, I had a mocha latte. Most places use hot chocolate +…More »

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 25. Te Aro

983 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1K2
(416) 465-2006

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  7/30/2010

Beautiful laid-back cafe with a great atmosphere. They have everything to make you feel right at home -- massive "sumo" bean bag chairs, newspapers, design magazines, good tunes, and a jug of ice water at the counter. The patio is pretty big and…More »

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 26. The Bean

388 College St
Toronto, ON M5T 1S7
(416) 964-9900

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

3.0 star rating
  4/30/2011

*3.5 stars*

Have walked past this cafe a few times during the day and it has always been FULL of people with laptops and I never thought there was space for me. But recently, I was able to drop by after work and it was actually empty. So in terms of…More »

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 27. Green Bean Roasting Co

210 Lakeshore Rd E
Oakville, ON L6J 1H8
(905) 844-1286

Category: Coffee & Tea

3.0 star rating
  9/26/2010

Great location right downtown and nice atmosphere. The tables in the front are bright and cozy, but I prefer the quieter section in the back (even if it is really dark and feels more like a lounge/club than a cafe) for catching up with friends. In…More »

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 28. Little Nicky's Coffee

375 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M5V 2A5
(416) 260-0500

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  12/2/2010

Little Nicky's is a cozy place to stop by for a coffee or snack if you are shopping on Queen St. or catching a movie/show at one of the nearby theatres.

Yay:
- Fun, laid-back, retro atmosphere
- Good selection of magazines - thick, glossy European…More »

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 29. Dark Horse Espresso

215 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2C7
(416) 979-1200

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Chinatown, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  7/22/2010

Gorgeous space with a huge chandelier and big windows overlooking Chinatown. The little upstairs area is nice too. It feels like an artist's loft. But if you go during peak hours, it can be disappointing to find nowhere to sit. Also, the food and…More »

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 30. Spot Coffee

333 Bremner Blvd
Toronto, ON M5V 3V3
(416) 883-0762

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: City Place, Entertainment District

3.0 star rating
  7/30/2010

All around a pretty good coffee shop for getting work done. Free WIFI, ample table space, and not only good coffee drinks but also pizzas and paninis. I had the chicken focaccia which was pretty good, although for my taste, too much chicken and not…More »

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 31. Hank's

9.5 Church Street
Toronto, ON M5E 1M2
(416) 504-2657

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Canadian (New)

Neighbourhood: St. Lawrence

3.0 star rating
  Update - 12/2/2010

Went back here recently and a lot has changed! The menu is the same and the food is still great (I had the omlette special again), but they look like they are renovating the space as half the restaurant was sectioned off behind dry wall. Also, there…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/5/2010

    I've been here twice for brunch. Great, relaxed place to grab brunch on a saturday before getting… Read more »

 32. Second Cup

145 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON M5J 2H4
(416) 203-7880

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Harbourfront

3.0 star rating
  7/22/2010

This Second Cup may have to compete with the Starbucks across the street, but they will always have the advantage of the fantastic location. As mentioned already, it is right on the water with huge floor to ceiling windows to admire the view. The…More »

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 33. Starbucks Coffee Company

4 King St W
Toronto, ON M5H 1B6
(416) 363-5983

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core

2.0 star rating
  5/25/2011

I come here a lot but only because of the location right above the King subway station.

This Starbucks is alright. There is a LOT of seating, however if you go during the day it is often completely full. Lots of people on laptops and such. There are…More »

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 34. Quaff Cafe - CLOSED

668 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1E5
(647) 344-8558

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

4.0 star rating
  4/5/2010

Have been here a couple times now. It's a nice and quiet cafe, lots of seating room, rotating art exhibits, and newspaper/old National Geographics in case you didn't bring anything to read. They have a variety of Mighty Leaf teas and yummy pastries.…More »

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 35. Spice Safar - CLOSED

510 King St W
Toronto, ON M5V
(416) 214-9198

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  9/13/2010

Although this place borders slightly on trying too hard to be stylish, you can't deny the beauty of the open space, dark decor, and black and white photos.
I came here in the afternoon for coffee. This is a great, relaxed place to catch up with…More »

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 36. B Espresso Bar

111 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M5C
(416) 866-2111

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Corktown, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  10/18/2011

I always want to come here because I like the b espresso bar inside Koerner Hall, but this one is closed on weekends and only open 'til 5pm on weekdays. I had the afternoon off today, so came by to do some reading.
I had a latte, which was rich, and…More »

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 37. Urbana Coffee

878 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4W
(416) 960-0878

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Yorkville

1.0 star rating
  10/17/2011

Coffee adventure FAIL. This is my first 1-star review EVER, so it says a lot! I came here to do some serious studying, and was in this neighbourhood so I figured this place looked like a decent option. Why oh why did I not read the Yelp reviews on my…More »

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 38. One Hour

435 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, ON M5T 2G6
(647) 346-2172

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Ethnic Food

Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Kensington Market, Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  10/23/2011

This modern bubble tea shop has been open for a bit over a month and is still finding it's groove. I came by twice during times where they were supposed to be open (hours are on their facebook page) only to find them closed. When I finally did make,…More »

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 39. Avenue Café + Bistro

480 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1V2
(416) 979-0500

Category: Cafes

Neighbourhoods: Discovery District, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  11/11/2011

(3.5 stars)

A solid breakfast or lunch option in the busy hospital row area. The simple white decor is aesthetically pleasing and makes eating/drinking here feel a bit nicer than most counter-service spots. It's a great place for a work meeting or a…More »

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 40. Sonic

60 Cecil St
Toronto, ON M5T 1N6

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  1/5/2012

Hmm, I want to like this place more, but it's just A-OK in my books. It's a good alternative to the coffee chains (Second Cup, Starbucks, Tim Horton's) in the area, however I think Kensington has several far better choices, or there is a TAN Coffee…More »

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Review votes:
665 Useful, 283 Funny, and 500 Cool

Location

Toronto, ON

Yelping Since

April 2010

Things I Love

sleeping in, dance, film fests, hello kitty, yoga, travel, carbs, karaoke, pandas

My Hometown

Mississauga

My Blog Or Website

http://twitter.com/TOp...

The Last Great Book I Read

"Dry" by Augusten Burroughs

My First Concert

Weezer

My Favourite Movie

Amores Perros, Before Sunset, Hable con Ella

My Last Meal On Earth

caprese salad, spaghetti cacio e pepe, tiramisu

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I want to see "Step Up 3D"

Most Recent Discovery

Kings of Convenience

Current Crush

Prabal Gurung