School Bakery & Cafe gets an "A" in brunching....

[Yum2MyTum]

A group of friends and I went for Saturday brunch this weekend at School Cafe and Bakery in Liberty Village (60 Fraser Ave, just west of Dufferin, south of King).

Wait time: I'd called ahead trying to make a reservation: no such luck. We were told to arrive before noon when apparently it starts to get crazy. The first of our party arrived at 11 -- and the wait was 48 minutes for a group of 5. We each got a shot of a (watery) berry smoothie during the wait.

The space: what a great concept! Thanks to huge windows, the place is flooded with natural light. The 'school' concept really works, and those with an appreciation for detail won't be disappointed (blackboards, clocks all set just before 3:30, bills delivered in report card envelopes). It's small enough to be cosy.

Coffee: Illy! Delicious, of course, and with quick refills. Milk and cream came served in sweet looking mini-milk bottles.

The food: I had blueberry pancakes on the recommendation of our server. They were perfect: fluffy but still with enough substance, tangy blueberrys in the pancakes, and a nice tart blueberry confit on the side, a cute shotglass of maple syrup and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top. Friends had cheesy french toast, well reviewed on this board, and well reviewed at brunch as well! Tastes exactly as it sounds -- crispy on the outside, and super cheesy. Both mains served in cute mini cast iron pans. Banana muffin to close, which I felt was the weakest part of the meal, but still yum.

The service: quick, super friendly and professional. They won't split between more than two credit cards, so bring cash if you can.

In all: We all really enjoyed the food, the service, the place. I would highly recommend checking this place out but show up early and in small groups. : )

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Author's note: I thought there was a thread on this place specifically but I can't seem to find it. If anyone can link me, it'd be appreciated!

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School
70 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON M6K, CA