As scores of young professionals ditch the office-bound 9-to-5 for the freelance anywhere-everywhere lifestyle, many new Toronto cafes are taking note.
So if you get your best work done when surrounded by some finely ground coffee culture, here are 9 new Toronto coffee shops every freelancer should check out.
Page One
- Why: Plenty of table space, a wish-this-was-my-living-room armchair nook at the back, and when you can’t drink any more Propeller coffee you can switch to cocktails (one comes on fire) later on. Oh, and there are typewriters. Everywhere.
- Suggestion: Pretty much everything. Start with your favourite coffee or organic tea, then move on to a Catching Fire or Ejido Road Trip cocktail.
Address: 108 Mutual Street
Phone Number: 416-663-4920
Twitter: @pageone_cafe
Quantum Coffee
I’m in productivity heaven! #coffeeshop #downtown #toronto #brainstation
A photo posted by Stacey Yerofeyeva (@staceyymusic) on
- Why: Here’s where you’ll find Toronto’s could-be Zuckerbergs fuelling up for marathon brainstorming sessions. The startup-style collab-friendly space (complete with exposed brick, high ceilings and huge windows) is bound to inspire your next multi-million dollar idea.
- Suggestion: Pour-over coffees.
Address: 460 King Street West
Phone Number: 647-494-4429
Twitter: @quantum
Cafe de Melbourne
- Why: This eclectic under-the-radar coffee shop – run by an Aussie ex-pat who missed his perfect cup of joe so much he opened his own cafe – is ideal for a kick of inspiration. Especially when you start diving into the diverse assortment of reading materials on offer.
- Suggestion: A latte and an Aussie meat pie.
Address: 193 Church Street
Phone Number: 647-352-9119
Constantinople Bakery
A photo posted by Constantinople Bakery & Coffee (@constantinoplebakery) on
- Why: The Turkish coffee-drinking ethos is all about taking life slowly, and this cafe is the perfect place to do it. Order a Turkish coffee and stay a while; laptops and extended stays are welcome here. Make sure to get a fortune-teller friend to read your coffee grounds when you’re done sipping.
- Suggestion: Turkish coffee, of course, and a simit from the bakery (the Turkish ancestor of a bagel).
Address: 536 Queen Street West
Phone Number: 416-301-2859
Sumach Espresso
- Why: With a glass garage door that opens up to a pretty parkette, ample seating and outlets, Sumach Espresso is a perfect summertime perch for freelancers. There’s talk of staple groceries like eggs, milk and cheese being stocked in future, so you needn’t make an extra stop on your way home!
- Suggestion: Espresso and house-made brownies.
Address: 118 Sumach Street
Phone Number: 647-351-3833
Field Trip Cafe
A photo posted by Field Trip Cafe (@fieldtripcafe) on
- Why: This bright and airy spot has a retro classroom feel with blue-green chalkboards to get you in the mood for productivity, while touches of greenery make the space feel naturally comfortable.
- Suggestion: Organic ginger green tea lemonade or a cold-pressed juice.
Address: 3 Westmoreland Avenue
Phone Number: 416-623-7752
Reunion Island
- Why: Roncy’s newest fuelling spot is bright, white, and free of distractions (aside from all the lab-like coffee brewing contraptions). They’re big on light roast single-origin coffee (which, if you’ve ever been to Colombia’s coffee triangle, is the only type of coffee you should drink). If you believe there’s as much to tasting coffee as there is to tasting wine, this is the spot for you.
- Suggestion: Cold brew & tonic.
Address: 385 Roncesvalles Avenue
Phone Number: 905-829-8520
Twitter: @RICoffeeCo
Krave Coffee
A photo posted by Krave Coffee (@kravecoffee) on
- Why: Krave Coffee takes its upcycled, antique and rustic décor seriously – just observe its chicken feeder lights and apple crate shelving. Tall red brick archways divide the open space, which has plenty of seating, even when the laptop hoards pour in. Plus the elevated patio is ideal for summer.
- Suggestion: A Rufino or Cut Coffee flat white, and a butter tart.
Address: 781 St. Clair Avenue West
Phone Number: 416-652-9929
Twitter: @KraveCoffee
5 Elements Espresso
- Why: You just can’t beat three levels of seating, from the long communal table to the benches with cushions and the cozy armchairs. Whatever your preferred working environment, they’ve got it. Plus a Yorkville-calibre health-focused menu.
- Suggestion: Matcha latte with matching matcha almond cookie (!).
Address: 131 Avenue Road
Phone Number: 647-352-5330
Follow Channels and Categories