Here are my picks for the top neighbourhoods for coffee in Toronto.
Financial District
Bankers and brokers are spoiled with two Sam James locations - one in the PATH and a newer outpost on Toronto Street. For pour-over, it's tough to beat the offerings at Clockwork while those looking for a spot to linger will do well at M Square, Artigiano or Dineen where free WiFi and ample eats makes for a good meeting spot.
The original location of Crema Coffee still draws a crowd among the stiff competition in this neighbourhood. At Kaffebar you'll find the owner baking the treats as well as pulling decadent espresso. Full Stop is popular for its huge seating area, bright patio and cheap Americanos. On Annette, the Good Neighbour woos regulars with fresh baked treats and cortados.
Kensington Market
The best place to people watch is still Casa Acoreana. For house roasted beans there's Moonbean while Cafe Novo and Cafe Pamenar are good spots to linger and or catch up with friends. Jimmy's makes good mochas. I Deal Coffee on Nassau still exudes classic Kensington vibes. At Fika you can have something Scandinavian while Sublime pairs vinyl record shopping with cappuccinos.
The always bustling Rooster does Pilot coffee with a line-up of tasty baked goods while down the street you can get a pour over at Tandem Coffee. Neo Coffee Bar is home to ever changing roasts and Japanese pastry. The Mocha Nutellacino at The Black Canary is a compulsory mid-week treat. In Corktown, Odin will start your morning right with a juice and a latte.
King West
Looking for a quiet space to escape King West? Do what the locals do and grab an expertly brewed cup at Jimmy's or a creamy, airy latté at La Merceria. The takeout counter at Bar Buca will let you put buffalo milk in your latte. It's impossible not to buy a baked treat with your coffee at Portland Variety and Colette. The cortados at Atlas or Thor are worth the break from work.
At Te Aro their Pilot beans are now served by coffee shops city-wide. Not a fan of drip? Try the killer cappuccino at Mercury or an espresso at Grinder. For more robust food options with your coffee there's Ashdale while Remarkable Bean and Tango Palace are perfect late night spots with WiFi, comfy seating and lots of baked treats. At The Sidekick you can grab a comic to go with your coffee.
Little Italy
Grab a seat at the communal table at Green Grind or stop by Manic for their croissants, gelato and cold brew. At Voodoo Child you can sip a cappuccino and trade up for a cocktail later on. The Common doesn't have a menu but the barista will make you pretty much anything. Empire Espresso is where to go to ogle at their custom silkscreened La Marzocco. Hula Girl does decadent butter coffee.
Crafted by Te Aro is the Leslieville coffee shop's smaller reincarnation on the west side; grab a cup and sip it on the back patio. For something quick - this space won't allow you to dally - hit up Sam James. I Deal Coffee's Ossington outpost has cheaper prices and more seating while Lost and Found pairs men's clothing with espresso made from Chicago based Metropolis beans.
Riverside
The communal tables at Dark Horse Espresso are the perfect place to camp out with your laptop to get some work done. If instead you want to get comfortable with a book and a good coffee, head over to quirky, eccentrically furnished Merchants of Green. Boxcar Social does everything a good hybrid cafe/bar should with excellent espresso drinks, pastries, craft beer and wine.
Cherry Bomb, Extra Butter, Local Hero and Fantail Bakery will have you splurging on their baked goods but do good coffee too. Lit Espresso is good for a light lunch and latte made from their Pig Iron beans. At soothing white-tiled Reunion Island they have all the latest gadgets including a Modbar espresso system. On Dundas, Belljar Cafe does poetry readings, film screenings and live music.
What your favourite neighbourhood for coffee? Let us know in the comments.
by Maria Vanta via blogTO
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