588816 Sun Jan 18 09:12:20 -0800 2009 65 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 4336384 Recently there was a thread for "Small Lovely Winebar/ Cafe?" http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/586023. The 15 replies swiftly moved to recommendations for 'Crush' and 'Le Select', which are not really small or Cafes. It would be great to have a list of small independant cafes that are worth a special trip to visit, just because they are different or fun in some way. Two that come to mind are: Regal Heights Cafe; 145 Lauder Av. just south of St.Clair, West of Oakwood. A friendly and informal sort of place, very personal service, limited food, good coffee. Great for quietly reading a newspaper or sitting outside in Summer. Pan Perdu; North side of St. Clair at Christie. ( many comments in other posts here). Small, excellent, very French, patisserie/Cafe. Limited, high quality food. Slightly pricey. Good for a mind trip to Paris. Any others that should be added to the list?? Sun Jan 18 09:12:20 -0800 2009 244085 AzulH 1 4336512 Simple Cafe at Queen E & Leslie just east of the beer store is a cute new cafe that is independently owned by a lovely young woman. They have fair trade coffee and organic eats at good prices. $6 for a sandwich. Inside is all white with natural "tree" counters and tables. Free WiFi and a beautiful window to watch the leslieville crowd stroll by... Sun Jan 18 10:10:01 -0800 2009 4336384 16654 OnDaGo 2 4336686 There is a wonderful restaurant in Rosemont (Hwy 89), about 90 minutes north of Toronto called the The Globe Restaurant. I adore this place for both the local food and the wonderful atmosphere. It is like being in your grandmothers dining room. The food is truly outstanding. Following is the link for the restaurant. http://www.thehillsofheadwaters.com/theglobe/ Sun Jan 18 11:25:52 -0800 2009 4336512 240206 theresah 3 4336736 if you are heading out of town and into that hood, check out bistro riviere in erin, great food from a former toronto chef and a nice lifford wine supplied wine list...but there can great little finds in georgetown, erin, orangeville, guelph... Sun Jan 18 11:49:07 -0800 2009 4336686 111770 robgm 1 4336822 Sure, I'll add a lovely little cafe that opened last year in the Junction neighbourhood: Crema Coffee @ 3079 Dundas St W (corner of Quebec Ave). http://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2008/05/first_look_crema_coffee/ Sun Jan 18 12:23:32 -0800 2009 4336384 121400 sylvrgirl 2 4336940 crema is great! it's always packed. also in the junction is "the beet". (on dundas, east of pacific, right where the TD bank machine is, oddly.) they have wonderful homemade soup, and there is an emphasis on fair trade, organic and locally grown produce. they even sell a tiny amount of produce themselves! check it out. Sun Jan 18 13:09:40 -0800 2009 4336822 250245 Sarah Cat 3 4341713 went here early one morning and was extremely disappointed. i ordered a coffee and it tasted watered-down and flavourless. whenever i go to a new place that's the first thing i order, cause if they can't do that right... Tue Jan 20 10:49:33 -0800 2009 4336940 13092 jayseeca 4 4342234 that's horrible! i had a decaf there once and i was yummy. prepared fresh as an americano. it's true, though — bad coffee is unforgivable. Tue Jan 20 13:40:24 -0800 2009 4341713 250245 Sarah Cat 3 4586942 We went to The Beet a couple of weekends ago when every table at Crema was full. The Beet uses Merchant of Green fresh coffee beans. I had a latte and it was pretty good. Not Crema good, but pretty good. Sat Apr 11 08:07:26 -0700 2009 4336940 14906 Food Tourist 1 4337056 I really like Novacento, also on St. Clair West. Lovely room with a heavy wooden bar and casement displaying delicious gelato and pastries. Authentic cappuccino and espresso, licensed too (just in case). Old men drinking coffee, families out for the evening, couples on dates... and a charming patio space in the summer. A delightful neighbourhood spot. I've included this link from blogto because it has great photos: http://www.blogto.com/cafes/novecento Sun Jan 18 14:02:26 -0800 2009 4336384 60563 Rabbit 1 4338238 To add to the Junction - Cool Hand of A Girl on Dundas east of Keele is always worth visiting. Although it seems to have changed owners the food is still good with an organic/healthy slant. Nice room. Mon Jan 19 06:21:38 -0800 2009 4336384 233246 Shorttyred 2 4374620 I've got to agree with the Cool Hand of a Girl rec. They make a good espresso drinks and it's the best brunch I've had in recent memory. I've got to disagree with the Dip recommendations below. Great people watching, but poor food imho. Fri Jan 30 19:59:44 -0800 2009 4338238 181090 foxymoron 1 4338631 Cafe Latte on Yonge Street north of Eglinton (east side). Tiny, old world Italian atmosphere with breakfast and fresh foccacia sandwiches. Great coffees (Illy). Cafe Vert at Queen and Carlaw - organic cafe with lots of great salads, fruit juicees, etc. Very cute. Not small but Cafe Diplomatico on College Street is a Toronto classic for people-watching. Mon Jan 19 09:04:57 -0800 2009 4336384 14890 Cat123 2 4338785 There's a small place on Broadview, about four blocks north of the danforth (right hand side) in a building that used to be a porn shop. It's cozy, friendly, and the espresso is excellent. Mon Jan 19 10:03:29 -0800 2009 4338631 39226 arugula 3 4339064 http://www.blogto.com/cafes/broadviewespresso :) Mon Jan 19 11:40:11 -0800 2009 4338785 25087 sleepy 2 4339639 I love the Dip! And it's wonderful for cheap, yummy food and beer!! Mon Jan 19 14:34:24 -0800 2009 4338631 250245 Sarah Cat 1 4339082 http://www.torontolife.com/guide/home_and_garden/housewares/la-mercer/ This place is adorable Dunno about the quality of the coffee though Mon Jan 19 11:47:00 -0800 2009 4336384 225662 CoffeeAddict416 1 4339789 I like "The One In The Only" next to The Only Cafe on Danforth and Donlands. Mon Jan 19 15:20:20 -0800 2009 4336384 123543 Pincus 1 4339805 Bulldog Coffee on Granby has the best coffee, friendly staff and it's a cute little place to sit. www.bulldogtoronto.com Mon Jan 19 15:24:32 -0800 2009 4336384 208412 foodismyhobby 2 4340066 i forgot Jet Fuel on Parliament!!! That place has fantastic, cheap coffee. And the bike messenger vibe makes it pretty unique. Mon Jan 19 17:07:37 -0800 2009 4339805 250245 Sarah Cat 3 4341100 "Ezra's Pound" on Dupont (between Davenport & Spadina)...It's been in the neighbourhood for quite awhile but I've just really just discovered how nice and friendly it is. Tue Jan 20 06:38:57 -0800 2009 4340066 78717 pearlD 4 4346748 for sure "Ezra's Pound" - right out of NY or Europe - they roast their own coffee and have mainly organic stuff - Ezra is a great guy, very friendly and tall. nice views from the front window. Thu Jan 22 02:55:37 -0800 2009 4341100 158357 cafe123 5 4362425 Okay, I have to say, I can't think of a better thing to do if your name is Ezra than to open something called Ezra's Pound.... Tue Jan 27 11:15:16 -0800 2009 4346748 11544 mainja 2 4345029 I second the Bulldog rec -- it's wonderful and the owner is passionate about coffee!! Wed Jan 21 12:19:24 -0800 2009 4339805 254962 Arcadiaseeker 3 4887193 I've had a few Americanos at Bulldog now, and they have each been utterly tasteless. Don't know why, it's obviously popular. Fri Jul 24 09:19:30 -0700 2009 4345029 234959 Marumari 1 4341549 Tinto Coffee House on Roncesvalles just a few blocks north of Queen is owned by Columbians. Their coffee is organic and fair trade and roasted in Toronto. Baked goods are made on site. The ingredients for their food (salads, wraps, sandwiches, etc.) are all local and organic, too! Prices are reasonable, quality is outstanding, and the atmosphere is very cozy - exposed brick walls and brightly coloured tables and chairs. I'm pretty sure they offer free WiFi as I've seen many a laptop during my visits. Also, they display the works of local artists and have a variety of independent Canadian magazines for sale. Definitely worth the trip. Tue Jan 20 09:47:04 -0800 2009 4336384 199519 girlnamedandy 2 4345462 lit. on roncey. lame name, great coffee and service. Wed Jan 21 14:30:26 -0800 2009 4341549 210997 Sui_Mai 2 4362177 I'll second Tinto for great coffee although the hippie world music vibe is a little off-putting for me. Especially the sign on the fridge "No Pop and No, We're Not Sorry!" Ookaaay, settle down. Also in the area is Baluchon on Sorauren close to the dog park on the east side. Good coffee and a selection of prepared foods like beet salad, cous cous, mac and cheese, etc...really nice staff and they're always playing David Bowie, Roxy Music, Television or something like that and that's a plus for me. Belly on Queen just east of Sorauren is a cute, tiny spot with a nice looking menu of soups and sandwiches although I haven't tried any of them yet. Good Americano. And of course Cherry Bomb on Roncesavalles is awesome. Great pastries and muffins, the coffee is fantastic and the service is friendly and efficient. Always a line up on weekends but they move quickly. Good music too. Actually can't wait for spring to grab a coffee and sit on the ledge outside film buff. Tue Jan 27 10:20:57 -0800 2009 4341549 18477 jamesm 3 4374202 Oh! I can't believe we forgot Cherry Bomb! That place is SOOOOOOO good. Some of the best coffee in the city, I think. The Kona is amazing. And the almond croissants KILL me!! I only wish it were possible to properly sit down in there. Fri Jan 30 16:06:17 -0800 2009 4362177 250245 Sarah Cat 1 4342468 The Common at College West definitely comes to mind. I've only been a couple of times but the coffee is amazing, freshly baked muffins were oh so yummy and they even have a few slightly more hearty food options. Great place for chatting with a friend. Tue Jan 20 14:58:04 -0800 2009 4336384 239171 muito 1 4345449 Dark Horse on Queen East just one block west of Broadview is a great little shop owned by a fab local couple who CARE about their beans. Probably the best latte I've ever had. No joke. Hands down. Great place. Wed Jan 21 14:24:24 -0800 2009 4336384 13707 JennaBean 1 4346813 I can't remember the name of the place (sorry) but there's a great indy coffee shop right at the corner of Dundas and McCaul just south of St Patrick church. They make a great latte and their coffee is outstanding. Thu Jan 22 04:55:31 -0800 2009 4336384 259406 pcub 2 4347027 I think that's Orange Alert. Thu Jan 22 06:42:18 -0800 2009 4346813 60563 Rabbit 3 4362583 We were at AGO this week-end and I noticed Orange Alert on the corner. Do they have great espresso-based coffees? Anything decent in the way of pastries or snacks? This would be most excellent news. Add my vote for Ezra's and Dark Horse - my favourites by far. The food at Ezra's is overpriced and the service can be a bit spacey BUT great coffee and scones and the perfect vibe for hanging out. I haven't loved the pastries at Dark Horse but again, top marks for coffee and a chillin' vibe. Tue Jan 27 11:54:51 -0800 2009 4347027 10196 peppermint pate 1 4346964 I love Bonjour Brioche. Thu Jan 22 06:19:29 -0800 2009 4336384 259414 emptee 1 4348205 Sublime Espresso Bar on Augusta in Kensington Market -- just south of Baldwin I think. Nice narrow room, good coffee, good music. Thu Jan 22 11:59:25 -0800 2009 4336384 67452 dalton48 1 4348353 "Crepe a gogo" Yorkville at Yonge St Thu Jan 22 12:39:05 -0800 2009 4336384 244008 carissima 1 4353374 Wow! Thank you OnDaGo, theresah, sylvrgirl, Sarah Cat (X4!), jayseeca, Rabbit(X2), Shorttyred, Cat123, arugula, sleepy, CoffeeAddict416, foodismyhobby, pearlD, Arcadiaseeker, girlnamedandy, Sui_Mai, JennaBean, muito, emptee, carissima, dalton48... Thank you all for your great posts! This is turning out to be quite an interesting little list. (I can't wait for the weather to improve to get onto the bicycle to explore some of these). A couple more for the list: Bread & Roses: Bloor west village, 22?? Bloor West on the North side just West of Runnymeade. Awesome sandwiches, good soups and pastries, I'm less sure about the coffee though. Java Mama: 1075 Bathurst, East side Bathurst just South of Dupont. Tiny place with Oraganic/ Fair trade coffee, expensive and typically Annex left wing. Nothing much else except outstanding coffee and excentricity. Keep these original locations coming, thank you all again. Sat Jan 24 07:35:29 -0800 2009 4336384 244085 AzulH 1 4355343 I'd suggest The Cajun Bajan Cafe at 17 - 133 Manville. It's tucked away south east of Eglinton and Warden but worth the effort to get there. Great ribs, good specials, comfortable and very cool vibe. Sun Jan 25 04:32:01 -0800 2009 4336384 218983 gooditsall 2 4361589 This place sounds great....take a look at their menu. http://www.cajunbajancafe.com/ Tue Jan 27 07:52:04 -0800 2009 4355343 12977 Brain of J 3 4362274 Great food, friendly atmosphere, slow service might be an issue for some. Tue Jan 27 10:44:49 -0800 2009 4361589 12120 julesrules 1 4364537 I would recommend Bull Dog Coffee on Church. Nice latte art, good coffee, nice atmosphere...and interesting patrons. Tue Jan 27 23:42:03 -0800 2009 4336384 244658 stonedtoronto 2 4374427 I was actually going to post a thread on a similar topic... I need a place I can hunker down and study for hours on end (and order latte after latte) - that's open really realllllly late (say 1:00 am?) Wifi would be a great bonus (and a terrible distraction!) the 'bucks isn't doing it for me anymore. Fri Jan 30 18:09:09 -0800 2009 4364537 45008 rbc 3 4375929 Pretty sure they have free wifi at Coffee and All That Jazz at Roncy and Howard Park. It's a nice little spot. Not sure how late they're open, though. Sat Jan 31 13:48:03 -0800 2009 4374427 250245 Sarah Cat 3 4587178 Tequila Bookworm on Queen West is quite popular, and would probably be busy enough to merit staying open late. I'm not sure if they have WiFi, but it would be worth a try. Sat Apr 11 10:01:02 -0700 2009 4374427 195015 thora 3 4607854 Free Wifi and good, organic free-trade coffee at Urbana Coffee at Bay and St Joseph Sat Apr 18 18:16:36 -0700 2009 4374427 155466 canadianbeaver 1 4375577 My wife and I love Marvellous Edibles on Laird, south of Eglington. Their Sunday brunch is delish, eggs benny with real hollandaise and huge portions of waffles. Weekdays, they offer a multitude of sandwiches, soups are great and dinner entrees are tremendous value. www.marvellousedibles.ca Sat Jan 31 10:49:15 -0800 2009 4336384 16797 bogie 1 4588746 I was down in Kensington Market on Friday and had an AMAZING latte at the Moonbeam Cafe. Sun Apr 12 03:55:16 -0700 2009 4336384 45008 rbc 1 4607817 My favorite in the small and independent category is Three's Company on Danforth, south side, three doors east of Pape. It is owned by two fabulous women and the food is incredible. Weekend and holiday brunches are scrummy-yummy with several versions of eggs benny, as well as a full menu of other delights and there are always a few specials as well. The coffee is fair-trade, the prices are very reasonable. The are also open through the week for lunch. Dinner is Tuesday to Saturday, I think.... best to check the website. There is a patio int he summer. They are also superb caterers and you can rent the whole resto for functions.... all around an absolute GEM just east off the Danforth beaten path (the "other side" of Pape). Sat Apr 18 17:59:21 -0700 2009 4336384 283744 thenextbite 2 4617826 Three's Company is often touted on this board as a great family-friendly spot. I can't say we had that experience there when we went for week-end brunch a couple of months back. The food was quite good (coffee was crap) but it's a small, squishy space, service was moderately friendly at best and the worst part was the place was really dirty. We sat opposite the open kitchen and the floor and underside of the counter were in badly need of a mop/wipe. Wed Apr 22 07:59:57 -0700 2009 4607817 10196 peppermint pate 1 4882820 I have to report sadly that, Regal Heights Cafe; 145 Lauder Av. just south of St.Clair, West of Oakwood has closed. Probably another victim of the St. Clair construction disruption Wed Jul 22 20:16:51 -0700 2009 4336384 244085 AzulH 1 4883613 If you're looking for a nice little cafe with a good quality selection of coffees and terrific non-cafe food, then try Black Camel. It's a very small place on Yonge & Rosedale (ok, it may not be hidden away from the rush of traffic, but it sort of is). Certainly some of the best sandwiches in the city (brisket, pulled pork, chicken and veggie), great coleslaw, and high quality coffee beverages. They have a small seating area inside (maybe for 12-14 people) and a few tables outside on nice days. lunchboy http://nofreelunchonbayst.blogspot.com/ Thu Jul 23 07:23:15 -0700 2009 4336384 1095840 lunchboy 2 4887334 I had the chicken once there, and it was pretty tasteless except for the toppings. I think the pulled pork gets consistently good reviews here, though. Fri Jul 24 10:05:35 -0700 2009 4883613 123543 Pincus 3 4887791 That's too bad. I've heard quite the opposite about the chicken, although I haven't tried it myself. The pulled pork is delicious, but I'm a huge fan of the brisket. lunchboy http://nofreelunchonbayst.blogspot.com/ Fri Jul 24 12:17:13 -0700 2009 4887334 1095840 lunchboy 4 4887912 Maybe it's because I was there for dinner and the chicken had been sitting around for too long? Will try brisket next time I am in the neighbourhood. Fri Jul 24 12:53:28 -0700 2009 4887791 123543 Pincus 1 4885194 Yellow Cup Cafe in Etobicoke http://www.yellowcupcafe.com/ Lovely sweet and savoury crepes , waffles, desserts and ice cream great selection of tea and very comfortable atmosphere. They also do breakfast and lunch. The place is very cozy with a small outdoor patio as well . I also think its neat that they decorated the ceiling with the empty coffee burlap bags from different company's. Its one of those quaint places you can go to often without breaking the budget Thu Jul 23 15:19:51 -0700 2009 4336384 72065 volauvent 2 4887372 I will second the love for this place. Really cozy, good food, good coffee. Fri Jul 24 10:18:04 -0700 2009 4885194 123543 Pincus 1 4885380 Ezra's Pound on Dupont has a wonderful back patio that is a perfect place to enjoy their excellent coffee and read the paper or a book. I discovered it a few days ago. I know it was mentioned before. That patio is private and reminded me of a townhouse garden in New York. Thu Jul 23 16:19:10 -0700 2009 4336384 13850 rebus1805 2 4887686 Okay, I've been to Ezra's Pound 20+ times and I never knew there was a back patio. When you walk along the back left side, that dead ends at the washrooms. How do you access it? Fri Jul 24 11:47:14 -0700 2009 4885380 10196 peppermint pate 1 4887262 Simple Cafe in Leslieville was included on enRoute magazines top 25 places to go list in Toronto Fri Jul 24 09:41:19 -0700 2009 4336384 16654 OnDaGo 2 4887924 Their coffee is pretty bad though. Haven't tried their sandwiches yet. Fri Jul 24 12:56:53 -0700 2009 4887262 161682 currycue 1 4887936 I am a huge fan of Bisogno at Sherbourne and Adelaide. It is one of the few places in Toronto I will consume espresso. Von the owner is very friendly and remembers his customers names and drinks. Von pulls a great cup every time. He has three types espresso beans, including 49th Parallel, Intelligencia - Black Cat, and his special blend. The beans are ground freshly for each cup! He loves espresso and expresses it in his incredibly clean and regularly maintained espresso machine, grinders as well a paying attention to all the little details. Heated cup & spoon, freshly ground beans, correct amount of water in an Americano etc. Lucky for me I live in the building so I can pad down at 7am for my morning double. Another place in the area I like for espresso, but isn't really a cafe, is Carpe Diem. Its a small Italian pizza place specializing thick crust pizza and very well made espresso. The owner/cook/chief bottle washer is a recent Italian immigrant. He take pride in is many and varied espresso blends. He makes an incredible decaf espresso!!! Carpe Diem is located on King E, just east of Sherbourne. I feel quite lucky to have such incredible espresso options on my doorstep. Fri Jul 24 13:00:12 -0700 2009 4336384 216187 cometier 1 5126810 Small World Cafe on the Danforth (between Coxwell and Danforth) is worth a visit. Super nice people running the place. Great coffee of course. I enjoy the soup of the day. Very family friendly, with a kids play area. Also involved in the community. http://www.smallworldcafeinc.com Fri Oct 23 21:17:47 -0700 2009 4336384 98493 JamieK 1 5127295 For great coffee, the place I treat myself to is Sam James Coffee Bar on Harbord St (west of Bathurst). Amazing coffee! Delicious lattes, espressos, and what not. The pastries are made off site. They look yummy but I've never tried them. 297 Harbord Street. It's definately worth a trip. Sat Oct 24 08:01:25 -0700 2009 4336384 27348 Hondapendragon 1 5127343 nice , quiet atmosphere at the holy oak on bloor just east of lansdowne . i dont drink coffee but i hear its very good . limited food selection that i have yet to try . friendly service . Sat Oct 24 08:29:24 -0700 2009 4336384 1116681 witloof 2 5130186 ...you can't go wrong at Morning Glory Cafe on King at Gilead(near Parliament). it's small and has a great local vibe. they keep you moving if you're in a hurry and if you feel like lingering to read the paper while you eat, they don't push you out the door. I could eat the Jim Davison every day. it's simple enough that i could probably make it myself...bacon, green apple, cheddar cheese...but, there is just something about the way they put it together that stops me from even attempting to try. Sun Oct 25 17:31:35 -0700 2009 5127343 1112676 Eatertainer