Toronto’s 11 Must Visit Coffee Shops

Toronto Coffee

If there is one thing I have noticed about Toronto is that it is indeed a millennials creative haven. A place where the creative and the entrepreneurial meet. You can find any intersection filled with great minds and enthusiastic techies at any independent coffee shop scattered about this town. Whether its technology or a revolutionary age, everyone seems to seek expression of the most profitable kind. We are now living in a post enlightenment, information era, where people have taken what they learn and are now implementing it.

Walk into any given coffee shop and you will see heaps of businesses in the making. Everyone and their brother is sitting there with a laptop in the midst of creating the next big startup.

For myself, visiting coffee shops have always been my thing. People say to cut the daily coffee spending, and they may be right. But for me, it’s a ritual, relaxing and as the only office I have, I would say necessary. A pleasant way to start my day. Not because it’s required for energy, but because I’ll admit, I’m a #coffeeholic. Who’s with me?

I’ve made the rounds and I too fall into the category of young hungry entrepreneurs who seek offices around the city via a flat white and a croissant.

I’m no stranger to almost eighty percent of the local coffee shops and some I make a point to travel far to. Not all make the cut though. When I frequent a cafe, there are many things I watch out for because heck, my rear is going to be staying put for some time.

There are four things typically needed in order to score a repeat customer out of me.

What I generally look for is atmosphere. How does the ambience make me feel? Can I sit there and work or will I be distracted? Is it loud, or noisy and are the staff treating their place of business as professionals or like a click of teenagers looking for a hangout spot. Which I’ll admit some owners do.

Along with pleasing artsy aesthetic, I make sure the seating is not only comfortable, but do they provide patrons with ergonomic table space? Call me technical, but when your life’s work is on a computer, you bet I want comfortable seating.

Coffee, coffee, coffee. Some may label me a Starbucks snob, but that is the only place I will order a cup of joe. Where I buy my cappuccino’s is independent and local, well because quite frankly they make mean espresso’s. So if the coffee is foul or just poorly crafted, then call that a deal breaker.

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Oh and let’s please discuss another excruciatingly important factor. The mother of all reasons, why I would even step into a coffee shop. WIFI. If I have a bad connection more than once, than I’m a gonner. I mean in all seriousness, why bother right? At least for me the two go hand in hand.

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Here are a list of all the hip and happening coffee shops that have made the cut in The 6.

Bobbette & Belle

This is the quaintest artisanal coffee shop and bakery in the city and the first place where I’ve tried a macaron. Bite size delectable pieces of heaven. Fabulously chic, with a Parisian twist. From design to decadence, this place has it all.

Darkhorse Espresso

Start with a latte and leave with a cold-pressed juice. Darkhorse is a perfect working spot where  the aromas and food are divine. A charming place to be alone or drag your #squad of working professionals. Welcoming and friendly service alongside killer cappuccino’s. What more you could a #coffeeholic ask for?

Te Aro – Pilot Roasters

Industrial setting but comfortable nonetheless. Tucked away in Leslieville, this is one of many  locations and by far the most trendy. The Wifi is unmatched. I believe I must have broken a record when I stayed there for six hours one summer day. When you have beautiful weather coupled with a gorgeous garage door opening and view of the city, you would do it too.

Dineen_LorianaSavo_@alittlebitoflor

Dineen Coffee Co.

Located in a charming historic building in the core of the city. This cafe is the one I frequent the most and maybe for others too as it is busy most of the time. This place is probably a Dean & Deluca (all-time fav) equivalent. From the ceiling to the floor, the service matches the decor. Just superb.

Balzac’s Roastery 

True coffee aficionado’s and french inspired, their coffee and artistic branding is exemplary of that. With more than one location this roastery is based on four admiral cornerstones; natural, artisanal, sustainable and local. Their design is vintage and nostalgic. If you’re visiting for the first time I encourage you to check out the Distillery District location.

Boxcar Social_LorianaSavo_@alittlebitoflor

Boxcar Social

What a fantastic set of young eclectic men. Friendly and cool this place never disappoints. Their menu is not limited to curated coffee from around the world but has a splendid selection of wine, beers and bourbons as well as charcuterie boards. Great place to be social.

Reunion Island 

One of the biggest assortment of worldly coffees, this trendy little spot in an even more trendy location is a place where everyone dons a laptop and a latte. The birth of this roastery goes all the way back to 1978. The history and it’s growth is enough to want to check it out.

Voodoo Child

The kind of place you won’t find unless you look. But when you find oh how you’ll admire. The beauty about this cafe is the choice to indulge in either their tasty coffees or exquisite bourbon cocktails. Great place to work making you feel like your in 1700’s Louisiana. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to get away.

Rooster Coffee House

With the owner being a film set decorator, it’s no wonder this place is elegantly decorated to make you feel as though your in some European destination. Not just a great spot to work but makes for an awesome coffee date with their serene patio overlooking the city. This is a must visit.

The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar

Another little hideaway in the Junction but what a great one it is. Exposed brick, wooden tables and comfy couches is just as outstanding as the coffee itself. If you haven’t already, you might want to be a good neighbour patron and visit this place in the summer.

MamanTO_LorianaSavo_@alittlebitoflor

Maman 

Montreal-born couple and South of France head chef bring to life french, childhood inspired baked goods and a full lunch menu in the most warm, gorgeous and exquisitely decorated artisanal cafe. Beginning in New York City, they quickly made their way into the heart of Toronto. And were so glad they did!

We would love to know which are your favourite coffee shops in Toronto or elsewhere!?

Photo Credit Source: (Loriana Savo)

Photos Via (Follow her @alittlebitoflor)

With Love,

fmenthusiast
fmenthusiast

6 Comments

  1. March 7, 2016 / 4:06 pm

    What a great read!
    Love this.
    Thanks girl 🙂

    • fmenthusiast
      March 7, 2016 / 4:12 pm

      Thank you Loriana!

  2. April 13, 2017 / 8:56 am

    This actually replied my dilemma, thank you!

    • fmenthusiast
      April 13, 2017 / 12:19 pm

      Anytime 🙂

    • fmenthusiast
      April 13, 2017 / 12:20 pm

      I’m happy to help 🙂

  3. April 14, 2017 / 5:07 am

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