Café Hunting Guide — Toronto
I like my coffee short — as in — not a lot of water.
I do not enjoy a pint of coffee or having it served in a mug that resembles a cereal bowl.
It can come from a shot of espresso that has hot water added to it (think Caffè Americano). Or it can be a long pull through the espresso machine with a coarser grind, providing more volume to drink (like a Caffè crema or Lungo).
Anyway — this isn’t about me…well in a way it is. It’s about what I like about coffee in Toronto and where to find the best versions of what I enjoy in this city. As for the crema or lungo, I am not sure I’ve had one here, in fairness, I have never asked. They live on for me in nostalgia from my time living in Switzerland and trips to Italy.
Anyway….to begin!
There are so many considerations for what makes a top coffee experience in this city.
Weather/Mood/Season/Neighbourhood/Topography/Vegetation/To stay or go?/Vibe/Ambiance/Service/Remember my name? My order?/Is it new? Old?
/Will I cross paths with an old friend or acquaintance? Meet someone new?/Do I get work done there?/People watching/Do I walk there? Cycle?
Does this sound like a lot? Yes, but for the café and experience hunter all of these considerations are processed in the journey. Clearly for me, it’s not just about the coffee, it’s everything!
Stay with me.
Americano & Long Black
Straight up — it’s the Americano to stay at Bar Buca. Straight forward Italian roast. Simplicity at its best.
A friend recently shared an article with me. The premise? Among several points, coffee doesn’t need to have the flavour profile of wine. I agree but will admit I enjoy the mystery and education around a roast and bean — the altitude, shade, soil and humidity of its growing conditions. I am also interested in whether those working in the supply chain are compensated appropriately and given safe working conditions along the way.
This said, it’s predominantly a post-Americano world out there and for me the best place to do this is at Early Bird. Super informed and variety - both in the beans and brewing methods. From a nice La Marzocco to drip, pour over, syphon, cold brew tonics and things I don’t even know how to describe, the team brings the best brewing methods from around the world to Queen West.
I love Early Bird’s long black. In fact, I love the long black in general. As an alternative to the Americano in 90% of coffee shops. Why? I hinted at it off the top, but 8oz plus of water is just too much to go with an espresso. I would rather pivot to brew, drip or filter at that point.
Americano’s in the city are too big. We need to scale them back.
Funny — the Americano originates in Italy, comes to North America and then gets super-sized!
Shit! Rewind. Proximity and geography to my apartment are playing bias, actually the best Americano in the city is at Fahrenheit Coffee.
Best Summer Coffee Experience
If it’s summer and you are up at 7am, meet me at Ella’s Uncle on Dundas West. Coffee is great and they also have the best scones in Toronto. Not outsourced, they are made in-house each day (usually not ready until 7:25am though). Sitting on their bench, with the sun coming up and the city starting to wake is a great way to start the day. Nice feeling.
Latte/Cappuccino/Specialty Drinks
When I started writing this, I was scratching my head thinking, “When was the last time I paid for a latte or cappuccino?”. Truth be told, the coffee maker at work (Jura Giga x7) does pretty decent in this department. Plus I find it hard to justify the cost at most coffee shops and I find myself increasingly enjoying my coffee without any milk at all.
All this said, Fika in Kensington is where one needs to go. Their cardamom spiced latte is as good as it gets for this realm. To be here on a snowy day in February, transported to Stockholm, sipping one of these, definitely an experience.
The Extras
Now. The shout outs to the places I thoroughly enjoy but because of their location, I don’t get to that often.
Tandem for its exceptional service and Japanese feel.
Contra for its off the beaten
path-ness.
And, Rooster on Broadview, for its view, service, community feel and the best Pain au Raisin this side of the Atlantic.
Rooster was the first place I connected with when I first moved in Toronto in 2010 and lived in the east end. I still try and get over there at least once a season. If you’ve not been, I encourage you to check it out.
Thanks for reading.
What makes your top coffee experience?
