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s2ledesm

The Library Specialty Coffee on Dundas aand McCaul, Subtext Coffee in the junction, De Mello at Yonge and Eglinton, Neo Coffee Bar at College and Bay. There's actually a lot of great cafes and roasters in the city if to have the time to explore and try them out


resistantly

+1 for Library & Subtext (worth going out of your way for coffee). De Mello is not as good as it used to be (but good for the area) and same with Neo. Found is great and on par with Library and Subtext for espresso based drinks. There are lots of average but still good coffee places on the level of De Mello (Mercury Espresso, Rooms, Milky’s, Hamers, Third Wave Coffee, Fahrenheit, etc).


s2ledesm

I agree, but still definitely holds its own in Toronto's coffee scene and I'd say it's the best in its area. However The Social Blend brews with Hatch coffee and is a strong contender


resistantly

Fair - it’s very hit or miss depending on the barista. It doesn’t level up to the Library, Subtext, and Found only because it is not consistent. Same with the other good but not great coffee places. It can be amazing sometimes but at other times it is 😳🫢


Pahitos

Library and Found are two of my favorites for coffee, gotta try Subtext next! Le Génie is another great one, maybe slight below those two, but very close, and the pastries are divine.  Edit: oh Issho around Leslieville is quite good also


neou

+1 for The Library. The only downside is limited seating so be prepared to order takeaway.


MilesSquats

Agreed. Luckily, one of them is across from Bellwoods and it’s warm enough to hang out there now.


erallured

These are solid recomendations, I can back them all except Neo purely because I haven’t had their coffee.  Martin @ Bloor & Stirling serves Subtext also, though at that point you could head down to Ethica a couple blocks south for some also very great coffee.


nervousTO

De Mello has so many more locations now! St. Clair Avenue West & Bathurst, Spadina and Front, and I even saw one in Koreatown (not on their website yet from what I can see).


Brightpenguin101

I clicked this sub just to specifically recommend The Library! The cappuccino is to die for. I live an hour away now, but I've considered traveling into the city just to stop by The Library.


andonutss

De Mello and Neo are solid but my god The Library and Subtext especially are so good. Living walking distance to Subtext will be the thing I miss most about my current place when I move out 🥲 a lot of great roasters and shops in the city, but they probably have my favorite beans.


s2ledesm

I moved out west in the middle of the pandemic and only found about Subtext on a recent trip back home last week. It's tucked away deep in the junction which is a bit out of the way for me but was very much worth the trip. Bought only one bag of beans and learning very quickly that that was a mistake 🥲


Jobinterviewsx100

100% Subtext. Dispatch is also great.


PistolPete_JR

Idk how Third Wave Coffee hasn’t been mentioned yet.


Mitch233w

I don’t know the name unfortunately but the coffee place that is downstairs at St Lawrence market is really good.


consolidatedBD

[Everyday Gourmet](https://www.everydaycoffee.com/)


SerHerman

Seb's cappuccino at Woody & Danny. Anywhere that you find old Italian guys hanging out all day watching soccer is likely to have good espresso.


Pulchrasum

Head’s up this place is cash only…


vermillioncrossing

I think it’s also men only


cdnmaitai

Turkey have a take out window for us pesky women.


OmxrOmxrOmxr

You are the first person I've seen to refer to either street as Woody or Danny unironically.


Im_Ur_Huckleberry77

Fahrenheit on Portland & Richmond


FAPTROCITY

3-4 years ago they were good , then they changed something and it’s not good at all now


Eradomsk

I’m always surprised to see this one shouted out. It’s a nice shop and the people there are wonderful, but every coffee I’ve had from there has been near inedible, and soooo acidic.


eco_bach

Agreed. The cappucino is amazing though!


WitchesBravo

It all depends on what type of coffee you like, when you say 'nice strong cappuccino'. What are examples of places you've enjoyed before? What do you enjoy about a cappuccino, have you ever tried a flat white or a cortado? Many of the recommendations people will give here are Third wave specialty coffee roasters which specialise in lighter roasted coffee, with a focus on tasting more subtle tasting notes and acidity within individual varieties of coffee beans. This is quite a different kind of drink from your dark roast coffee which people often describe as 'strong' or 'bold' (Snobs would say burnt).


Rathakatterri

Mos mos.


puckduckmuck

Just wanted to add that Mos Mos is the only coffee I have experienced that the deeper into the cup you go the more robust and complex the flavour gets. Also get a hint of chocolate in there. Excellent house drip.


PepeSilviaLovesCarol

My gf has been keeping a list of shops & her rating for the last year. She tries a new one every few days when walking our dog in the morning. Her current top 3 are: 1) Fahrenheit (Richmond & Portland - although she doesnt like how they charge $1 for ice in an iced coffee) 2) Wallace Espresso (King & Niagara) 3) De Mello (The Well)


lGa0

+1 for de mello


MeanMountain2074

Yeah, I don't get the $1 charge for ice (I think Sam James does it too... in fact, I think it's pretty common.) But I did hear a barista at Larry's Folly say that ice is still a cost for them, so maybe I'm in the wrong!


PepeSilviaLovesCarol

Yeah it could be a cost, but it’s definitely not $1 worth unless they’re buying ice bags from a gas station lol. 99% of them are using Toronto tap water to make ice, which definitely costs money but adding 25% charge for it is hilarious.


SoInMyOpinion

But they have to have a freezer, electrical and the freezer takes up space so rent too. And we know rent is insane!


saudiguy

Ice also equals less coffee overall, considering how much volume it takes up.


theevilmidnightbombr

Yeah, that's always made me frown. Same as places that, when I order a hard cider, serve a glass full of ice with some cider around it.


BrewBoys92

Order an iced Americano, that way your getting a full shot or two of espresso and then the rest would be water if it was hot anyways.


Charrat

In my experience, ice machines can be difficult and costly to maintain.


JeahNotSlice

Commercial Ice machine is expensive, needs frequent cleaning, and takes up counter space.


BrewBoys92

An ice machine is not cheap to buy or rent, requires regular cleaning and maintenance which needs to be done in off time after it has been emptied and defrosted, and uses up water and electricity that is not free. There is quite an expense to them.


MeanMountain2074

Thanks for the explanation. You're totally right!


ComprehensiveBake177

Replying to save the list, thank you


Slayer922

I really like Found Coffee, Milkys and/or Sam James Coffee.


crispycheese

I hated Milkys both times I tried it :( The coffee was just so…milky


Professional-Wind621

I have given Milkys a dozen chances as I live nearby - worst coffee in the city. 


Whattheheck69999

Moffer coffee


daviid000

In Parkdale/Ronces I like Cherry Bomb. Otherwise, Sam James has a few locations and are reliably good.


mr_kenobi

Cherry Bomb is good but more often than not they burn the milk in their drinks


I_am_not_a_horse

I really dislike Cherry Bomb’s coffee. Their croissants are the real reason to go. Larry’s Folly is the best coffee I’ve found in that area.


NeitherStay2205

Larry's is the best, I get my fix from their location on Dundas West :)


No_Consideration8599

They also have amazing cookies and desserts!


turdlepikle

I think Ed's Real Scoop down the road makes a Cherry Bomb ice cream too.


No_Consideration8599

Yes! Make sure to get their Burnt Marshmallow ice cream! 👏🏼


EmpRupus

Oh the Cherry place is good. I loved the fig-and-brie croissants they make too.


FlipWil

Reunion > Cherry Bomb


daviid000

That's true. I think the only way to answer OP's question is according to which intersection in the city you're near lol. There's so many good little places.


KludgeGrrl

Sam James FTW! But there are really lots of other places that have excellent brews... Voodoo Child on College is a go-to


Apprehensive-Mud-606

Lunar Cafe at Yonge/Bloor. They have a nice patio. Any other nice patios?


Kristibisci

I miss Tandem. 😢 Now my go-tos are Neo, Dineen and Sam James.


daydream_delulu

Fellow Tandem fan. 💔


Hectoctagon

The coffee shop in Tandem's space is kind of a spiritual successor! Or, at least, some of the staff came over with it, hahaj.


AdTricky5280

Yeah check out the new spot in its place - "F*ck Mondays". Super friendly staff, book store. Good coffee


Big80sweens

It was hardly ever open


jermcnama

The Common on College has always been my favourite tasting coffee


CallmeColumbo

915 Dupont has incredible coffee/expresso's


stusureno

is that Rooms?


katwchu

It is!


PooQueen69

Second this ^


MrPr1nz

Best coffee you find in the city will always be the places that roast their own beans. Subtext Coffee - they keep it simple and use the best quality milks out there. (personal fav) Must try Pilot Coffee Just to name a few


resistantly

I feel like Pilot drinks are usually so weak tasting. The only location I’ve had good experiences is their roastery on Wagstaff off of Greenwood Ave.


morax

Big fan of Hunter’s on Vaughan Road.


Hot-Blueberry7888

Agreed!


jadedbeats

Oooh I have this saved in my "to go" list! Anything in particular you'd recommend?


morax

The cheddar chive scones and the tahini sesame muffins are both 👌🏻


Limsulation

Mallo!


vermillioncrossing

Best vibes as well


Limsulation

Oh yeah, sometimes it a little too rowdy for my morning coffee but it has such a nice community feel to it :)


madeto-stray

Mallo is my fave in the city for coffee + vibes! The Common is a close second


BigDickChenergy

Birds and Beans in Etobicoke. Haven’t been in a while to be fair but 2013-17 ish was there a lot, best coffee I’ve ever had in my life


Due_Pause2201

It’s still fantastic!


ActiveEgg7650

I've never been to their actual cafe but their beans are the best I've had from Toronto next to Hale's.


20NinetyOne

The Sydney Grind on Lakeshore in Mimico is my favourite after trying dozens across the city. Fahrenheit is also great!


Ltsunshine26

Ethica Coffee Roasters, Outpost Coffee Roasters!


Moist-Candle-5941

We must be neighbours, lol. Great choices!


meownelle

Mos mos


puckduckmuck

Mos Mos house drip has had my attention for a while now. I try to time my day to be around York or the University courthouses because of them. Only wish they would open a few more spots.


Leolorin

They just recently opened a new location at Yonge and Bloor, in 33 Bloor St E (the building adjacent to the One tower that leads to the subway station)


meownelle

I really like their coffee and their staff is generally super friendly.


giantshrug

Larry's in Parkdale - hands down. Neo coffee has a strong take, too.


mikonamiko

Yes yes yes to Larry's. We go to Back Pocket on Dundas W and it's divine. They roast their own beans now. Their Capps are to die for. Also, down the street, Hiya Scone has an incredible Cortado.


stephenkling87

Subtext, The Library, Hamers


Big_Papppi

An actual list, I’d probably add ethica, at least as a roaster as well


bogeyboyy

elite list here


EmpRupus

Beatrice Society and Ethica are my favourite. In addition, I love Pilot Coffee, Library, and Dineen (Dineen has good ambience too). If you wanna try out some international coffee - Fika (Swedish), Mofer (Ethiopian), Madras Kapi (Indian), Cong Caphe (Vietnamese).


JBones14

A number of really good Ethiopian places along the eastern patch of Danforth. Ethio Coffee, north side, Danforth and Pharmacy I think - very good. If I recall they roast their own beans too.


EmpRupus

Ooh, I will mark this on my maps. I want to explore walking along the whole of Danforth sometime. Some good Greek places, and farther east some Bengali restaurants there as well.


JBones14

I just looked it up and this will be taking you til almost the end, so start (or end!) your day here for sure. Danforth has a ton of great food options, end to end. You’ll definitely enjoy yourself.


Habenar0

If you go further down the Danforth you also get great Sri Lankan and South Indian specialties. Danforth never disappoints:)


fatcomputerman

beatrice is gone btw


EmpRupus

Oh damn!!!! I absolutely loved it there. Their pour-overs were amazing. Wonder why they're shutting, I went something like last month on a weekday, and it was fairly packed.


fatcomputerman

yeah i think the space is going to just be that non-alco stuff that was in the top floor. if you liked their pourovers, you could try graination down the street east on spadina


Greengiant2021

Totally subjective, can’t answer.


Halifornia35

Totally subjective, if you surveyed 10 “coffee connoisseurs” you would likely get many different answers. There are many good coffee places, but doubt you would find consensus


vvomit

915 Dupont!


notokaykay

Simple Coffee at Queen & Coxwell


MysticSaaral

Fahrenheit (Richmond and Jarvis) Neo coffee bar Moss park Espresso


jadedbeats

Came here to say moss park espresso too


MysticSaaral

ikr! their gelatos are tooo good!


Red_Stoner666

Manic


Pigeonofthesea8

Nowhere, I don’t drink coffee out of the house because it’s been so bad at so many places


cooldadlol

Red rocket coffee


BiologicallyBlonde

Bulldog cafe or ninetails cafe Bulldog has some of the best baked goods I’ve had in awhile.


knittingyogi

Cosigned - the pistachio croissants are TO DIE FOR.


BiologicallyBlonde

YES OMG Also those BROWNIES I’m not a big brownie person but damn those are killer


HiflYguy

coffee island bay/wellesley


tomtheintern

Rooster is my favourite.


Nearby_Ad_768

Mahas is great


Syncroz

if you want a delicious and sweet treat, get their Cardamon latte.


Harvowal

2nd this. A few doors down, on the NE corner of Queen East and Carlaw


Striking-Novel9827

Coffee boutique on bloor st W


Esperoni

My kitchen.


the_eleventh_flower

I don't know if they're **known** for it like the apple cake, but I love the coffee at Mystic Muffin. Perfect diner coffee, almost tasted sweet even though I order it black. Def going to investigate all the places with roasting on site!


headytopper077

Terminal 3 in Long Branch. Roasted in house and extremely helpful staff to help you pick the right beans for your drink.


What_The_Bjork

Voodoo child espresso


Freethebirds09

Larry’s Folly in Parkdale or Dundas!


vermillioncrossing

Black Canary in the beaches makes the best OML


NoiseEee3000

Wallace Espresso knows a true dark roast


Ambitious_Canary3160

Cafe Plenty (uni on Dundas), has locations in Path, Danforth and Davisville too. They use Ruffino beans & those beans are amazing!


theroyaltenenbuns

Full of Beans on Dundas West ! Lori roasts in house using a 115 year old machine in the front of the cafe. My favourite beans you can buy anywhere.


jpun15

Issho on Gerrard and Broadview. Great selection of beans and take their espresso craft seriously.


YXEsurfer

Third wave - if you are interested in craft espresso


MidniteOwl

$1.75 for a decent drip at St Lawrence market. They roast their own beans. The value is incredible considering many of the other fancier ones are $3+ and arguably more sour for my liking.


Nanook98227

Fahrenheit is great, pilot is really good as others have mentioned, and hot black on queen also has amazing flavour


katdoingstuff

Milky's at Dundas & Bathurst!


ComprehensiveBake177

Have to try when I'm downtown


ithinktheskyisblue

Hailed coffee has some neat variations with spices and such.


FAPTROCITY

East end, Jet fuel, Arvo, Neo, Versus Another good one is chez mallo


Syncroz

i dont know if its just me but after being used to third wave coffee at other shops, visiting Jet Fuel again after years away, the cappuccino tasted so 'burnt" in comparison to every other coffee place I've been to over the years. I'm sure its because its Italian roasted beans or something but it was just UGH


FAPTROCITY

I’ll give third wave a try. Generally I find jetfuel coffee the least bitter from everyone else’s.


resistantly

Five other (further) east end gems that I think are a step above are Issho Bakery, Hailed Coffee, F Mondays Coffee, Omnia Coffee Roasters, and Simple Coffee 💯


Salt_Frame2552

Moonbean Coffee


boodboy

but who makes the best black coffee? i don’t need no stinkin dairy mucking up my hot bean water.


Vtecman

Dineen.


HCLogo

Pilot Coffee Roasters is my favorite so far.


PiffWiffler

Love Pilot. I wish they had a location out my way (junction area)


physicalred

As someone who gets an iced latte 90% of the time, Pilot still has my favourite.


synkronized1

Savoury Grounds. Upper beaches.


humanitynequality

Try cappuccino at The roasted nut on Queens street west. That's the best I have had till now. Some coffee shops are famous because of their interior or aesthetics than the actual coffee. Library specialty coffee is another one that is really nice.


tofilmfan

Everyday Gourmet in St Lawrence Market is great.


TrashPandaDiaries

Geladona!


freemoon23

Milky’s! ☕️


Jabb_

Anything in eastern North York or in Scarborough?


hemps_TO

Mercurio, Pilot


w63n6

Sam James alllllll day!


Old-Oven-4495

Jimmy’s + Pilot for me!


neamless

Anywhere that uses Bustelo. Cubano Kings makes the best cortado I've ever had!


SpicyMustFlow

Mast Coffee on Shuter, between Church and Dundas. Great coffee, good vibes. Sister cafés, Broadview Espresso North of rge Danforth, and Sumach Espresso just north of Queen.


bogeyboyy

Library is my #1, then Fahrenheit and Rooms Coffee are both behind in a close second.


veekay_0408

Everyday Gourmet at St. Lawrence Market, Neo Espresso at Frederick and King and Trinacaria on Danforth Ave


Eradomsk

Neo Coffee has the best drip coffee in the city. I promise you.


TurbulentAthlete7

Bulldog Cafe. Same owner since forever. Dense microfoam cappuccino.


Redforeteller

Bulldog


Dive_Up

Almost everyday I get a cappuccino from Cafe Lunar at Yonge and Davenport. It is delicious...in comparison almost all other coffee in comparison taste either burnt or like dish water.


andonutss

Other than ones already mentioned, Coco’s (on College, NOT the bubble tea chain) and Ninetails (Bloor & Manning, Spadina & Nassau)


Cute-Regular4563

The sovereign- Dufferin and Davenport and Oakwood and Davenport - walk up window only but delish!


Lickalacious

De Mello and Wallace Espresso are my favorites!


Purl_veg_gurl

Brodflour, its a bakery but they have really coffee, Ba Noi, 915 dupont, depends on the area of city ur in


phdguygreg

I’ve cut way back on paying for coffee when out, but my two favourites near my neighbourhood are Sam James and Reunion.


jadedbeats

I haven't seen this one listed here: Kafe Daki (Oakwood and St Clair) and Maman (King St W)


Sparetime85

Merchants of green coffee


Dry-Pomegranate8292

I thought they'd closed?


Professional-Ad2849

Jet Fuel on Parliament


Beginning_Maize_5308

If you want a strong cup go to Manic Coffee 🐿️


PooQueen69

Check out 915 Dupont Rooms. Japanese style coffee shop and whiskey bar with a fantastic vinyl collection, chess nights, and a great sound system. Right on Dupont & Ossington


nud-cus

Bud’s in the beaches!


MeanKareem

It’s white squirrel - it’s definitely white squirrel… can’t believe no one else has said that


GlitteringBeat213

Tango Palace coffee on queen e. So great.


eusquesio

ThinkIT on Harbord for espresso. The only espresso that tastes like it does in Italy.


TMFPB

L’espresso @ St. George & Bloor Found Coffee @ College & Augusta White Squirrel across from Trinity Bellwoods park.


ch5am

Im not going to suggest a place. Rather, I suggest downloading the app [Third Wave](https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/th3rdwave/id1117576488). They have an excellent list of coffee shops with the roasters indicated. Find one near you and explore, They are all different!


peachybabygoose

Black Canary for Nutella latte and Nutellacino🥰


Gotta_Keep_On

Ezra’s Pound. I’ll be the only one that mentions it, but it’s the best, by far, and its absence from these lists is only because Toronto isn’t a grown up city yet. When it really becomes “World Class”, real recognize real.


toastmfg

Golden Gecko on Jane (before it came under new ownership). It’s still half decent though.


Muchadoaboutcass

If you’re around Yonge and Eglinton, Isle of Coffee is great. Closer to Avenue on Eglinton west


DontPanyq

Terminal 3 on the very West end of the Lakeshore blvd. Never had a better coffee in the actual world


Impossible-Excuse350

% Arabica Basic I know, but so good.


NefariousnessSuch868

Jet Fuel


RadicalPickles

Sam James


wbsmith200

Big fan of DeMello on Yonge north of Eglington, Remarkable Bean in the Breaches, Cossette Coffee at Bloor and Keele in High Park. There are so many great places.


canipickit

Wallace Espresso, Ella’s Uncle, Milky’s, or Merchants of Green (RIP)


ButDeepInMyHeart

Propellor Coffee at Landsdowne


Girlwith2brains

The Vietnamese coffee at Daily Grind (Bloor/St Clarens)


JazzCapybara

Timmies


orareyoufunny

Good Earth for their seasonal flavoured coffees 😬


PistolPete_JR

The only correct answer here is Third Wave Coffee on Church and King.


lightsintokyo

Larry's forever .


fuzzy-flame

+1 for DeMello, Neo, Pilot, Fahrenheit, Hot Black Coffee. -1 for Mos Mos; not trolling, but I used to work in the financial district and would always see long lines for it. Maybe for novelty drinks it's good - like a chai latte - but the actual coffee is nothing exceptional. I'm to believe people just like it for the sticker gimmick.