Coffee and Cafes of Toronto

I love a good cafe and I know this doesn’t have to do with my Watson but if you ever get the chance to go to Toronto these might just be a place you want to stop by and try. In a way this is also a travel blog, I might as well give everyone some great recommendations! I am listing them in no particular order as they are all fantastic for different reasons and it depends on what you are looking for.

I want to preface this with a funny story so you all know I am not obsessed with coffee or addicted but I do enjoy a good cup of joe. As a kid growing up Dad would always tell me that coffee would stunt my growth so I avoided it like the plague. Being 5 '11” who is to say if he was wrong. Although I think that has more to do with genetics than actual scientific proof.

There is a lot to be seen and understood in cafes. You can learn a lot about the people and atmosphere of a place by sitting down in a small local establishment with a nice latte or flat white, seeing the people come and go, and understanding the dynamics of the daily routine.

Hello Coffee @hellocoffeeto

Nestled in the Heart of Bloor Village, right near Christie Pits Park, this local coffee shop is one of my favorite spots I found to work. The space is open, welcoming, and perfect if you want a specialty latte. After having Restoration Coffee (located in Bridgewater, MA) with its specialty drinks so close to home I was desperate to find somewhere for a Pumpkin Spice Latte (no judgment they are amazing). I stumbled upon this place when walking from the STEPS garage and noticed a sign outside with all the fall flavors listed. I was immediately hooked!

Having only opened only a few months before my stay in Toronto this small business has made a lasting impact on my travels and I look forward to seeing how it grows in the future. (the carrot cake also deserves an honorable mention, the cream cheese frosting ratio was perfection).

Website: https://www.hellocoffee.ca/

Larry’s Folly @larrysfolly

Where do I even begin? For all the pastry lovers out there this is a spot you have to stop. The baking skills are incredible and every time I’ve gone there are new creative recipes being experimented with. This place holds a special soft spot in my heart because it was the first time Madison and I hung out together as she took me there on our way to a STEPS project in Hamilton.

This quirky cozy neighborhood joint is exactly the kinda place I love. With a calm atmosphere and a delicious snack, you can find a corner to sit in with a good book or sketch pad. It transfers over at night to a bar that also offers late-night music events throughout the year.

I appreciate the authenticity and originality of this cafe especially when I heard the owner rebuilt it from scratch, gutting the whole inside with a building that dates back to 1891.

Cafe23 @cafe23coffeebar

Located right on Queen Street West, Cafe23 features a Garden Patio in the back with heaters for the fall weather which made this place a special treat. Its selection of specialty beverages, delicious scones, croissants, and seating specifically reserved for no laptops or tablets. I loved that they had designated seating for those who wanted to disconnect from technology and have conversations. They have a large table in the back with outlets for those who wish to work on their computers or tablets with plenty of space. I found other situations like this throughout Toronto on my travels, many places after 6 pm laptops were no longer allowed out you had to put them away.

Towards the end of my time in Canada this was a spot I frequented quite regularly loving the atmosphere and being in close walking distance to my place of residence. The staff was welcoming and had great suggestions! The drink menus were constantly changing with the seasons and the selection of scones was to die for. I took my Aunt Anne and cousin Julie here when they came to visit, we even ended up going twice. With Aunt Anne's particular preferences for her coffee having high standards I would say it was a big success.

White Squirrel @whitesquirrelcoffeeshop

Located near Trinity Bellwoods Park this is a great grab-and-go location for a Flat White or Americano. Although I did not have the opportunity to indulge in it, I also hear that the ice cream is fantastic. With a quick check-out window, similar to an ice cream stand, this place offers delicious coffee at a quick place.

As I have been told from many sources the legend has it that Trinity Bellwoods Park has a white squirrel. Even though I am not a fan of these creatures, these ghostly critters are said to live throughout the park. Although I was not able to see and find proof for myself I love the name of this cafe and its conception from local stories.

Ellas Uncle @ellas.uncle

I have to give Madison credit on this one. When I moved into my fourth living situation I was lucky to have this gem right around the corner. I enjoyed the signature drink here especially as it is called “The Ella” and I think of a special English cream golden retriever at home who I miss dearly. This joint is best for a grab-and-go beverage with minimal seating inside. There is bar-style seating on two walls with a big window if you are interested in little people watching as pedestrians walk by.

Jimmys Coffee @jimmys_coffee

With multiple locations spread throughout Toronto; Kensington Market, Riverside, Queens Street, etc you can trust the skills of the baristas and the cozy atmosphere inside. The quintessential yellow coffee lid is recognizable on the street as the signature cap for this Cafe. (you see it a lot so you know the coffee is good)

When I was surveying with STEPS in Riverside this was my go-to spot between shifts and meetings. The convenience of it being all around Toronto is that you know there is a solid place you can rely upon if you're not in the mood to try something new.

Website: http://www.jimmyscoffee.ca/

Woolshed Coffee @woolshedcoffeeco

I found this spot on a walking adventure! I wanted to find someplace different and explore the new neighborhood I had moved into.

A newer coffee establishment located on Adelaide Street West it is great for sitting inside or enjoying the plentiful patio seating outside when the sun is shining. I personally enjoyed the vinyl record player and open concept aesthetic inside.

First and Last Coffee Shop @firstandlastcoffeenvintage

I recommend this location if you are further north of the city, especially if you decide to visit Casa Loma. This little shop has a unique creative aesthetic with some amazing merch by local artists if you're interested in adding more clothing to your wardrobe.

As a fan of tie dye and lots of colors if I had the space in my luggage I would have splurged.

Website: https://www.firstandlastcoffee.com/

Page One @pageone_cafe

This was the first place in Toronto that I felt was my spot, you know. I think out of all the places I went this ranks number one with the best space for remote working. The tables have fantastic room to spread out, fast free wifi, and are comfortable with outlets spread throughout to recharge your electronics. This establishment also rotates over as a bar where you can get local beers, ciders, or cocktails if you want to spice it up a bit or reward yourself after a hard day's work.

The staff is welcoming and warm with the most beautiful latte art I have seen. I personally also loved the slogan printed on each to-go cup saying *“I saw a guy at Page One today. No iPhone. No laptop. He just sat there drinking coffee. Like a psychopath.”* (I got a good chuckle out of that one each time)

The bathrooms are fully accessible and had some great quotes on the walls. I don’t want to spoil them but it makes you laugh when you wash your hands.

Personal Story: I had one of those quintessential coffee shop moments that you kinda read about in books. I had been living in the city I want to say for about 2 ½ weeks. I was painting in my favorite corner near the windows with its own outlet. When a woman (who would later become a friend of mine in the city) asked if I was an artist and if she could look through my sketchbook. We started talking about our lives, and what we did, just a great genuinely authentic conversation, and then I kid you not the whole side of the cafe started engaging with each other. Chairs turned, people started talking with each other and we spent the next 2 hours all just talking about what we had discovered in Toronto, the goals we wanted to accomplish. This is probably one of my first favorite moments in the city because it just reminded me how important it is to go into spaces with an open mentality. You never know who you will meet, and the connections you can make when you have the the willingness to let the moment take you forward.

Website: https://pageonecafe.com/

The Anarchist @theanarchistcafe

A completely different concept for a coffee shop and it was like taking a breath of fresh air in this establishment. It is an anti-capitalist, anti-colonial cafe, shop, and radical community space that acknowledges its location on the stolen and occupied territory of many indigenous nations and people. This space is a creative, messy, and experimental small business while trying to be informed by anarchist ideals.

A shop as well within the store features radical art, books, stickers, pins, buttons, clothing, and tote bags, and plans to expand in the future. The owner tries to work with small relatively ethical suppliers and creators.

The space is open and bright with large windows. Tables are conducive to a singular laptop with reliable internet. I recommend this space more for conversation, a good book, or expansive thinking. Engage with the space and those who enter it, you never know who you might meet!

Website: https://theanarchist.ca/

Antikka-Cafe & Records @antikkacafe

Recently transferred over to new ownership this cafe is going through a transition of maintaining its original charm and experimentation with new concepts as it moves forward. The first of its kind in Downtown Toronto bringing together a loving environment, constant film screenings, and a wall full of vinyl for sale. For those who know me my vinyl collection is a personal love of mine, combining it with the fantastic coffee selection in this cafe I am surprised I was able to ever leave.

Here is the juicy story behind this cafe. After 5 years the original ownership stepped back. They recently opened a second child after this coffee shop called The Odd and the Fuzz (@theoddandthefuzz) a fantastic performance bar that if you're interested in a place to go in Kensington Market with live music, covered patio, and no reservation necessary you should go here. But not to be sad because the new owner is someone who actually worked there! Antikka stays in the family and I can’t wait to see the twists the new owner, Sevag Aksu will be making. I would keep my eye on this place as I see it growing as a performance venue with a creative quirky funky future.

Coffee Pocket @torontocoffeepocket

This space is exactly how it sounds in the name, a tiny hidden pocket of delicious caffeinated beverages on Bloor Street in Koreatown, Toronto open seven days a week till 4:00 pm. Great neighborhood, with super friendly baristas and a wall full of polaroids featuring locals to the shop with a mural on the other side. This large deep closet as I would call it is a fun find. I have to give credit to Madison on this one as well, we went here on a few occasions in need of a quick caffeine fix.

Slanted Door @slanteddoor_art

Slanted Door is a cafe, lounge, and art gallery located in Toronto’s Downtown Annex Neighborhood. I first visited this location because I mean come on a cafe and art gallery that is right up my alley. Even before you enter this space you will notice a stunning mural by Nick Sweetman who I did not know at the time but I would later have the opportunity to meet and interview this incredible artist. The outside features a bee mural that is also reflected inside on the walls and incorporated into the aesthetic concept of the cafe. With a rotation of art on display both up and downstairs this space has comfy seating, free wifi, and plenty of outlets available. The coffee beans although not my favorite, the space is one I recommend checking out for sure!

Website: https://slanteddoor.ca/

Queen Garden Cafe @queengardencafe

Be prepared for the elements! As the name suggests this establishment is completely outside and exposed to the ever-changing weather in Toronto. What I ***loved loved loved*** about this place is that as it transitioned to the winter weather they placed fire pits with marshmallows so you could make your own smores. As someone who loves burning season back home, cooking hotdogs and marshmallows over the fire I thought I would miss this year when living in the city but this place gave me a taste of back home that I didn’t even realize I missed.

They also had a pretty fantastic pumpkin spice latte and white chocolate chai that you could get hot or cold. As a New Englander, I appreciated the cold option! The staff was so welcoming and sweet. If you are brave enough in every season no matter the weather, definitely check out this perfect spot for an outdoor beverage or a grab-and-go on your travels.

Sam James Coffee @samjamescoffeebar

This small cozy joint has 4 locations throughout the city. As the cafe is small there are no tables, wifi, or bathrooms but the space feels vibrant and lively as consumers are constantly flowing through. If you are wanting a place to disconnect, read a book, and relax with a chai latte, the side benches are the perfect spot. The coffee is reasonably priced and the baked goods do not disappoint!

Website: https://www.samjamescoffeebar.com/collections/beans

Almond Butterfly @almondbutterflycafe

I think this might fit under a bakery and bistro more than a cafe or coffee shop but it deserves to be mentioned no matter what. I am pretty sure my mom fell in love with this place and would have had us going there every day if she had it her way during their visit. First, everything here and I mean everything is gluten-free! For someone who has celiac, you can understand why she was so excited. I personally only visited the Bistro, @almondbutterflybistro but I recommend both locations. For those who are skeptical about how gluten-free tastes different, I promise you can not tell the difference. (I mean also 5 dollar mimosas during the day you can’t beat that deal, especially in the city)

Founded in 2011, the mission was to offer customers the best 100% gluten-free food they could, period. The origin and concept originated from a place of health and fitness, a balance between work and reward. The Bistro is perfect for brunch, business lunches, date nights, honestly whatever! I would recommend making a reservation before hand as it is a popular spot!

Honorable Mentions:

Sissaboo Cafe

When driving throughout Nova Scotia we stopped in Annapolis Royal to spread out our legs and see a lighthouse. I have had one of the best if not the best London Fog in my life from Sissaboo Cafe.

Also after months of not driving I finally got behind the wheel because my friend Sydney is amazing and let me drive. The inside was spacious and with giant windows from floor to ceiling letting in a ton of natural light. It offers a stunning view of the basin with staff that knows what they are doing.

Quebec City

Everywhere!! All I needed to know was how to order a coffee because my French for sure is a little rusty. They had honestly the best pastries ever. All that bread went straight to my hips but I am not going to worry about it. That's a future Maia worry.

Ottawa Street, Hamilton, Canada (Ottawa Market)

Pumpkin Spice Latte in Hamilton is the best one I have ever had and it will forever be ingrained into my memory. The name of the place is lost but the taste of that deliciousness will not be forgotten. I have spent considerable time trying to find it on google maps and I will continue my investigation. I am pretty sure it was from the Ottawa Market, an organic food store in Hamilton. I promise you it was incredible. This was also the first project where Madison and I worked alone together at STEPS during the day for the event and it was just a great memory I won’t ever forget.