Java in the hood

Coffee shops in St Lawrence / Olde Town Toronto


I have been compiling a list of places to eat/drink within reasonable walking distance of our Toronto King George Square home (roughly a 1km radius comprising the rectangle bounded by Yonge St (to the west), The Esplanade (to the South), Parliament (to the East) and Richmond St. (to the North)).

I have deliberately excluded any eatery within the St. Lawrence Market (that lacks a separate entrance to the street) and within area hotels (such as the Meridien King Edward, Holiday Inn Express and The Cosmopolitan)

I have grouped the list by broad categories. So far I have 110 places to eat/drink on my master list. I m going to roll these out in a series. The first list I present today features the coffee shop category.

Overall, there a great number of coffee shops (including 5 Tim Hortons and 5 Starbucks (with a 6th about to open (@ the NE corner of Adelaide & Church)) in the hood.

I can't claim to have patronized all of these places during our 3 plus years in the area. But I have been to most! I have added some capsule reviews below.


Coffee Shops


Tim Hortons

Having grown up in Hamilton near the first Tim Hortons, I am very partial to this brand. Its simple no nonsense coffee at a moderate price. There coffee isn't the best you'll ever taste but it is consistent, hot and always fresh. They have down-sized their muffins and donuts in recent years. But their Spring "roll up the rim" prize tab promotion is still alot of fun.

5 loactions:

73A Front St E : This is a large location where Timmys is twinned with a Wendys. Its located just West of Church street on the south side of front. Seating is ample and service is usually prompt. There is however a shortage of natural light. There is a separate soup / sandwich / toasted bagel pick up area.

200 King St E (inside George Brown) : This location inside George Brown college is actually the closest to my home. However, it keeps very restricted hours and it doesn't offer any toasted bagels, sandwiches or soup... just beverages, donuts, muffins and cookies

323 Richmond St E : Another large location that can get busy at peak times. It attracts a very blue collar crowd. There is a separate soup / sandwich / toasted bagel pick-up area.

18 King St. E: This small location is just East of Yonge and adjoins an office building lobby. There are two service lineups that usually move swiftly.

33 Yonge Street: this location is at the rear of a large office building and can be very busy in peak morning hours. there are two service lineups that can move slowly at times.


Starbucks

5 locations:

185 King St: This location is in a historic block. Its a little small but quite cozy and with good natural light

81 Front St E: This location is near the St. Lawrence Market and has outdoor patio seating

132 Front Street E: This is a newer location on the ground floor of a condo building that is underutilized. There is ample seating.

1 Adelaide St E: This is a smallish location in the ground floor lobby of the Dundee Place office tower.

4 King Street W.: This is a large bustling location located at the NW corner of King and Yonge located on the ground floor of an office building above a subway entrance


Second Cup Coffee 163 King St E: A medium sized location on the SE corner of the King / Jarvis intersection that features a good selection of pastries


Lettieri Espresso Bar & Café

Two locations:

79 Front St E
25 Adelaide St E


Coffee Time 222 The Esplanade -- The appearance is spartan and the clientele is decidely working class but the donuts and muffins are huge

Timothys 30 Adelaide St E. -- located inside the State Street Financial Centre, this location has restricted hours.

Tea Masters 20 Adelaide St E -- excellent selection of lunch sandwiches and very reasonable prices.

Treats 60 Adelaide St E -- very interesting muffin assortment

Bisogno Espresso Bar 61 Sherbourne -- reasonably priced Italian style hot beverages in a comfortable atmosphere

Cafe 260 260 Richmond St E


Balzac's Coffee 55 Mill St, Building #60 Excellent value and assortment of beverages and pastries in and a very upscale ambiance


Mystic Muffin 113 Jarvis St Toronto This place scares me. It is located just up the street from a Salvation Army mission.