In a long-delayed but much researched sequel to part one, now might be a good time to share an updated roundup of my favourite coffee shops in Toronto. Since it seems like we’re about to reenter the ‘walk and coffee’ socializing era, I hope to at least point you in an enjoyable direction for your cuppa. To be frank, most of these are west end shops given I am just wandering around in my neighbourhood during this slow stay-at-home time. An east-end list will have to round out the trilogy in another 3 years… I’m slower than George R.R. Martin but at least I’m thorough!

In the meantime, please enjoy this caffeine-fueled list…

Sonndr

Sonder is the word for the realization that every person you encounter, even fleetingly, has a life as complex and full as your own. I’m not sure there’s a better name for a coffee shop, where you encounter all sorts of people in a passing moment. Sonndr is tucked away just north of Bloor and Dovercourt in what was once a church. The stained glass and beautiful architecture remain, now just filled with great design magazines and plenty of mod furniture for you to enjoy your beverage and people watching.

Miss Pippa’s

Although Miss Pippa’s is a coffee shop, I love it first and foremost for their collection of curiosities. If you want to find a unique gift for housewarmings or birthdays, it’s the kind of spot where you’ll be able to stumble on something unique and special. I also love that it stays open later in the evening - especially these days when I want to pop out of my house for a change of scenery in the evening, to read or just to browse the internet in a different environment (which, hopefully we can safely do again soon).

Ezra’s Pound

Hopefully by the time summer rolls around, this Dupont Street shop’s patio will be back open - tucked away down a small alley beside the shop, it feels like a secret little hideaway in the city, perfect for a quiet reading nook and a morning espresso.

Ella’s Uncle

As much as I love this cozy, retro Dundas West coffee shop for the coffee, I think what brings me even more joy are the baked goods that sit in the window sill and tempt me each time I walk by. Even though life is slower than usual these days, on a sunny morning it is a treat to grab a scone, pull up a seat on the little bench in front of the shop and enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation.

Milky’s

Service with a smile - seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever met a friendlier coffee shop staff. They will happily chat with you about your day and then send you on your merry way with a yummy latte to go. The shop’s incredible wood paneling design is so gorgeous it’s worth going by just to get a peak.

Voodoo Child

The coffee is fab but what sealed the deal for me was Voodoo Child’s breakfast sandwiches. Their housemade hot sauce is wicked good. If you eat-in, the energy is really comfortable - lived-in almost. I love a dark, somewhat dingy locale. Bring a book or a friend and saddle up here on a snowy morning for a tea, or a different kind of libation for the afternoon when they open the bar.

Milou

If you’re missing travel the way that I am, try Milou for your next coffee run. With its exposed cement walls, black and white tiled floor and leather burgundy booths, it truly feels like a Parisian café at home in Toronto. To be frank… the service does as well (a little bit snooty but that just adds to the atmosphere, non?). The food menu is simple and fabulous (led by chef Mikey Kim of Uncle Mikey’s) - I had the coq au vin sandwich… parfait, truly.

Cafe 23

Cafe 23 is wonderful in the summer with its sunshiney, secret garden back patio but don’t sleep on it this winter either. They serve up the unmatched Montreal-style bagels straight from St-Viateur and have tons of other awesome goodies of the sweet variety as well. If you forget your book, no worries - they have plenty of options sourced from Type - a little bookshop just a few doors down. I love small businesses that support other small businesses!

Moonbean

I don’t have much to say about the atmosphere of this spot since I had never been prior to COVID to enjoy any sort of café energy but I will say that Moonbean makes the best matcha latté that I’ve had yet in the city!

Happy walking friends and stay healthy!