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Eliah "on the run from Thinkpol" H.'s Profile
Eliah's Big List of Go To Indie Coffee Houses.
See All Lists
1. Manic Coffee
Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
(416) 966-3888
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Manic Coffee is one of the pillars of coffee geekdom in Toronto. Meaning that whether you are a self professed coffee geek or coffee snob, or just an average Joe looking for a cup of Joe, Manic Coffee will do you right. They take particularly strong…More »
2. Sam James Coffee Bar
Toronto, ON M6G 1G7
(647) 341-2572
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park
Having recently settled in the lower Annex neighbourhood, the coffee snob in me decided to venture forth in search of some tasty local brew. A short trip down Harbord St. W and what should I find but Sam James Coffee Bar. Who is Sam James? A bit of a…More »
3. Te Aro
Located deep within Leslieville, which I'm sure is going to be renamed Coffeeville for all the high ranking cafes in the area, you'll find one of Toronto's more prominent coffee roaster/cafes called Te Aro. This cafe/roaster is housed within what was…More »
4. El Almacen Yerba Mate Café
Toronto, ON M6J
(416) 516-2898
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
I happened upon El Almacen as I walked past the establishment and recognized some of the artwork inside as being done by a former roommate. Entering into the establishment out of curiosity I discovered it was being run by a Latin American couple who…More »
5. Lit Espresso Bar
Toronto, ON M6G 1C9
(416) 519-1884
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park
LIT Espresso Bar is one of the major players in the Toronto independent coffeehouse scene. The location is spacious and comfortable, unassuming. Decor is much like what you'd find at most indie cafes (seriously someone has to break the mold and go…More »
6. Full of Beans Coffee House & Roastery
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y3
(647) 347-4161
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
Walking down Dundas St. W. today I came across a cafe I hadn't seen before and the first thing I noticed, as I paused peering into the cafe, was this classic coffee roasting machine. Intrigued I looked up at the cafe's name: Full of Beans. I remember…More »
7. Mercury Espresso Bar
For those who love coffee, perhaps a little too much (hee hee), Mercury Espresso Bar is one of Toronto's main go-to cafes for the best of that liquid black magic. I think what makes Mercury such a hit with coffee drinkers is that not only are their…More »
8. Holy Oak Cafe
Toronto, ON M6H 1N6
(647) 345-2803
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Brockton Village, Bloordale Village, Wallace Emerson
Holy Oak Cafe might not seem like much as you peer in from the outside but I assure you it's what's inside that counts! It's kinda an ad hoc cafe, where the bulk of the start up money went into what was important: coffee and snacks. The remaining…More »
9. Little Nicky's Coffee
Toronto, ON M5V 2A5
(416) 260-0500
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
Just an update. Tried their fresh, made-to-order, doughnuts. AWESOME! So warm, moist and yummy. I heart their Donut Robot Mk 1!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/10/2011
Indie cafes are a rare sight in the city's central core. Usually the only coffee businesses that can… Read more »
10. Cherry Bomb Coffee
Toronto, ON M6R 2K6
(416) 516-8212
Categories:
Bakeries,
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Roncesvalles
*Update.
Really, their Kona coffee through the espresso machine is one of the highlights of my coffee drinking life. Awesome baked goods as well. I heart this place.
I come to Cherry Bomb mainly for their Hawaiian Kona coffee. Kona is to coffee like…More »
11. Mascot
The Mascot is a new Parkdale cafe having opened just over a month ago. I came across this place upon an invite of a friend who was showing off his latest custom motorcycle creation at the cafe as a kind of art showing.
As you step into the…More »
12. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
(647) 436-3460
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
I first herd of Dark Horse Espresso whilst at a west end cafe sipping a double and having asked the barista as to what kind of espresso they were serving. I was told it was Dark Horse. Having really enjoyed the espresso I decided to make a mental…More »
13. Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Toronto, ON M6J
(647) 352-3512
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
This Dark Horse on Queen St. W. is I believe the latest extension of their cafe business. Though I've reviewed Dark Horse in the east end already I thought it worth reviewing this particular spot as I like it a little bit more. The cafe has a nice…More »
14. Moonbean Coffee
Toronto, ON M5T 1K6
(416) 595-0327
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Moonbean is easily one of my all time favorite cafes in Toronto. I'd say at least 70% of the coffee I brew at home comes from Moonbean. They have perhaps the best selection of worldwide coffees in all Toronto. Coffee varieties from Mexico, Tanzania,…More »
15. The Common
Who doesn't love The Common? Everybody loves The Common. It's one of those mid sized quaint cafe's that draws both coffee loving hipsters, students and baby toting moms alike. Located in an otherwise dry zone at around College and Dufferin, it is…More »
16. Thor Espresso Bar
Toronto, ON M5V 2P2
(416) 351-8736
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Bakeries
Neighbourhood: Niagara
Soon to complete my big list of Indie coffee joints in Toronto I knew I had to get Thor Espresso Bar on the list as I've herd nothing but good about this place since it opened. The espresso bar itself is, as others have said, off the beaten path near…More »
17. T.A.N. Coffee
Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
(416) 532-9949
Categories:
Coffee & Tea,
Cafes
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
There is so much to like about T.A.N. coffee. First of all there is the attraction of the fact they roast their Fair Trade coffee beans right on premise. This means there is a very good likelihood you'll get a very fresh and tasty cup of coffee,…More »
18. Hula Girl Espresso Boutique
Here's one of those slightly off the beaten path indie cafe's you're glad you found. A quaint little espresso bar with charm build right into the aged brick walls. Pretty much the only decent cafe you'll find between All That Jazz and Cool Hand of a…More »
19. Green Beanery
Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6
(416) 964-9223
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: The Annex, Palmerston, Seaton Village
The Green Beanery I find is a good place not only to find coffee related equipment (items I haven't found available in any other shop in Toronto) but also some really good freshly roasted coffee. Looking for a Vacuum Pot coffee maker or a decent home…More »
20. The Mad Bean
*Update
I have been consistently pleased with the coffee here as well as service. Best place for coffee in the area.
The Mad Bean is a quaint, artzy little cafe on Eglington Ave W. This place makes for a nice alternative to the nearby chain coffee…More »
21. The Only Cafe
Years have past since I've been to The Only Cafe, but after having had the opportunity to step in the other day I was glad to see the place still oozed the charm of my earlier visits. If you are looking for a somewhat hip, down-to-earth, local…More »
22. The Communal Mule - CLOSED
Toronto, ON M6J
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods
Finally made my way down to Communal Mule in effort to complete my list of go to cafe's in Toronto. I like this place, it's small and quaint with it's own individual charm. Has a slight retro-ish feel to the decor, I'll call it classic rustic…More »
23. Crema Coffee Co.
Toronto, ON M6P 1Z9
(416) 767-3131
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: The Junction
Crema Coffee Co. makes for a welcome addition to the Junction for those who love a deliciously brewed caffeinated beverages. I can easily say they serve some of the best espresso based drinks in Toronto. The baristas are friendly and competent in…More »
24. Jet Fuel Coffee Shop
Toronto, ON M4X 1P3
(416) 968-9982
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Cabbagetown
Jet Fuel in my opinion is a time honored Toronto institution. Every Torontonian should go at least once, more if you are an avid cyclist (Jet Fuel is considered the cafe of choice for bike couriers, they even sponsor their own race team!). It is to…More »
25. Red Rocket Coffee
Interesting that I should come to a cafe called Red Rocket after coming from a cafe called Jet Fuel. Red Rocket is kinda tucked away in low traffic area surrounded by residential and office buildings. Kinda off the beaten path if you will. This cafe…More »
26. E L Ruddy Co Cafe
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y3
Categories:
Vegetarian,
Coffee & Tea,
Vegan
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
E.L. Ruddy is a small, cozy cafe on Dundas St. W. with lo-fi charm. It takes it's name from the business that use to be located here back in the day. In fact the left wall use to be the outside wall to what was E.L. Ruddy, you can see the outer…More »
27. Merchants of Green Coffee
Merchants of Green Coffee is a coffee roasting company and cafe. The cafe is located off the beaten track tucked away on a short side street in Toronto's east end. You'll have to go on a bit of a hunt to find this place but once you've found the cafe…More »
28. Crafted by Te Aro
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z6
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods
Crafted is a quaint little cafe on the Ossington strip. Though small in size with only enough seating for a handful of people it's does have a very pleasant decor (love the art poster espresso machine paintings) and it's more than comfortable for…More »
29. Ezra's Pound
Toronto, ON M6J
(647) 346-8448
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods
Ezra's Pound has two locations and I've been to both. My review here pretty much goes the same for their Dupont location. Ezra's Pound has been around for awhile, since the beginning of the indie coffee house boom here in Toronto. They've maintained…More »
30. White Squirrel Coffee Shop
Toronto, ON M6J 1G5
(647) 428-4478
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
As noted by other Yelpers White Squirrel Coffee Shop is named after the rarely seen but none the less legendary albino squirrel of Trinity Bellwoods park. Apt name as the place is just south of the park itself. The cafe is small with most of their…More »
31. Café Pamenar
Toronto, ON M5T 2M2
(647) 352-3627
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
Recently went back and it seems they've improved their espresso shots. Much, much better. They should be serving sandwiches by the time you read this too.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/19/2011 First to Review
Kensington Market is by no means short on cafes but as there never seems to be a shortage of coffee… Read more »
32. Capital Espresso
The coffee crew over at Blondies have uprooted themselves and moved down the street to a new local and have adopted a new name as well: Capital Espresso. Pretty much everything I said about Blondies rings true here for great tasting coffee. I do like…More »
33. I Deal Coffee
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7
(416) 534-7700
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
I know iDeal coffee from when I use to live in Kensington Market. It was a great local hangout though I'm not a huge fan of their espresso. Decided to check out their location on Ossington. I have to say the espresso here tasted much better than what…More »
34. Quaff Cafe - CLOSED
Toronto, ON M6J 1E5
(647) 344-8558
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
At first marveled at the idea that someone had the cajones to name their cafe "Quife" only to realize it's Quaff you big silly. Dropped into this cafe not too long ago. This is a very spacious cafe with plenty of seating and headroom. It's a good…More »
35. Fairgrounds Roastery Cafe
Toronto, ON M8W 1R1
(416) 251-2233
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Etobicoke
Would have never known this place existed if I wasn't already going to T.O. Cycle and happened by. This establishment specializes in organic Free-Trade coffee as well as various organic treats like muffins and scones. They roast on site and have a…More »
36. Sam James Coffee Pocket
Toronto, ON M6G 1L2
(647) 341-2572
Category:
Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhoods: Koreatown, Palmerston, Bickford Park, Seaton Village
The little sister to the Sam James Cafe 'The Pocket' is strictly take out fare for those looking for a quality espresso shot on the go. Quality of coffee and shots pulled from their espresso machine are top notch. Really, really good espresso. I…More »
Recently updated lists from Eliah H.
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Toronto, ON
Yelping SinceOctober 2009
Things I LoveWorld cuisine, gourmet coffee, motorcycles, a good book, comics, film noir, pin-up girls, tattoos, rice putting, daring escapades, punk, ska, reggae, dub.
Find Me InToronto
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When I'm Not Yelping...School + coffee drinking + music production
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