What many don’t know is that Dark Horse Espresso space is part of a recently developed condo building at the foot of the Queen Street Bridge. It’s got a sun- filled bright setting with towering ceilings, impressive concrete columns and the use of warm wood features to really bring the space together and create the perfect ambience.

LOCATION: 630 Queen Street E | WEBSITE

Dineen holds a noteworthy spot in our relationship and hearts, since it was meant to be our first date spot, but due to a snow storm we had to reschedule our first date. How Canadian is that? Dineen Outpost; located in the east end of Toronto, this is for anyone who loves darling pastels and unique  hues of pink with an elegant vintage vibe. My favourite spot is in the front room with the enormous windows that face Gerrard. The openness of the room, combined with the towering ceiling,  feels a bit Parisian in the springtime. As for its coffee – Dineen offers a wide range from lattes to cortados they have every espresso covered.  Not to mention their fine selection of sweet and savoury baked goods, [perfect as a side treat!]  We’re looking forward to restrictions being lifted and the weather getting warmer  so we can sit on the patio, and perhaps relive that first date. Dineen also has two other locations in the Financial District downtown , but the Leslieville and the Young & Bloor spot is definitely our favourite, and perhaps yours too.

LOCATION: 1042 Gerrard St E| WEBSITE

The first thing you notice as soon as you stroll up to the Hailed Coffee is the breathtaking Bird of Paradise and enchanting Monstera plants that are in front of the window. walking into this plant paradise, truly takes your breath away as the ambience brings this quaint space together while it bathes in the natural sunlight. Hailed Coffee offers Turkish coffee which is a refreshing take on a traditional latte as well as tasty treats. Truly an experience for all the senses!

LOCATION: 801 Gerrard St E| WEBSITE

Located right on the corner of Queen Street,  Mercury Espresso is a staple in Leslieville. It’s a buzzing hub for locals who enjoy a constant change in the T dot crowd, buzzing walking traffic while offering delectable coffee. Mercury Espresso Bar offers a seating area outside, a much welcome structural change to the traditional format,  so we’re looking forward to sitting out when the weather gets warmer and enjoying a cold brew, alongside some famous Toronto people watching.

LOCATION: 915 Queen St. E | WEBSITE

If there is one spot for  an ‘Instagramworthy’ Toronto Coffee shop it has to be Nutbar. If you’re looking for an Instagrammable place check out the Summerhill location, every corner of Nutbar has an aesthetic spot, ideal to fit in with your feed. Besides their interior decorating skills, this coffee spot also has a colourful and healthy superfood based menu.The savoury toast is definitely one of the best toasts I’ve ever had, and you’ve guessed it, also ideal for the gram. I also highly recommend their turmeric latte, besides it’s numerous health benefits,  it was absolutely delicious.  

LOCATION: 899 Queen St. E | WEBSITE

Petite Thuet has brought a reminiscent of a French boulangerie and patisserie right in the  heart of Leslieville, c’est bon, no? Petite Thuet recently opened up its second location right near us. If we want to talk about supporting lLocal then this is a spot.It serves fresh croissants, mouth-watering pastries and not to mention their aroma filled  bread that’s made right across the street from the wholesale facility. You read that right, fresh bread! You can never go wrong with a slice of perfectly risen bread covered in avocado, crumbling feta cheese and ripe cherry tomatoes. If you’re looking for an Instagrammable wall, Petite Thuet offers just that, called the “Selfie Wall”, painted by Torontonia artist Jacqueline Poirier.  A little bit of Paris in our own city, who can argue with that? Ça vous dit?

LOCATION: 284 Carlaw Ave. | WEBSITE

Te Aro has got their cup of coffee down to a science from the art of roasting and blending their own beans. Not only is Pilot local but they also take pride inhow sustainable and ethical they can be by showcasing  transparency about the process of sourcing beans – from farm to cup. All beans are carefully ethically sourced and Direct Trade. Knowing this process you can feel proud knowing that your particular cup of coffee was hand selected with care. For those really into knowing their coffee and wanting to talk to some of the experts, they also have a tasting room on Wagstaff or as they like to call it “Drinks Alley”. The distinguishable paper airplane-logo on their cup started off it’s primary location at Te Aro right here in Leslieville, to where it’s boomed to a chain of cafes around the city carrying their signature beans and merch. With summer a few short months away the garage doors are opened with a coffee bar in place and made for a perfect spot for people watching along Queen East. For those who like turmeric I highly recommend the Tumeric Latte with oat milk. All Pilot locations have a combo of healthy tasty treats which never disappoints.

 LOCATION: 983 Queen St. E. | WEBSITE

Riverdale Perk is truly a neighbourhood staple that is nestled amongst a sea of beautiful houses in Leslieville. While the cafe is paying a bit of an homage to the famously known Central Perk (you know the one!), this didn’t take away from an  extensive menu and the use of seasonal items Riverdale Perk offers. It’s hard to have self-control and not indulge in all the amazing foods they offer. This is why Riverdale Perk makes weekend coffee runs that much more tastier. With a variety of sandwiches to choose from, our go to is “Grown Up” Grilled Cheese sandwich with honey & thyme roasted pears, avocado and brie.  Our Sunday routine is to go for a walk early in the morning and grab a coffee from Riverdale Perk and make our way to the park and sit on the bench and enjoy our latte and matcha latte. 

LOCATION: 633 Logan Ave. | WEBSITE

Cock-a-doodle-do yourself a favour, and make sure to head over to Roosters Coffee House. Rooster is another one of the cutest cafés in Toronto, and they’ve actually got three locations, each with its own unique decor. The Jarvis location has a blend of cool vintage-inspired decor inside a uniquely modern space.  Whereas the Broadview location overlooks Riverdale Park and with the weather getting warmer Rooster Coffee House offers an amazing unobstructed view of the city and surrounding skyline while you take a sip of your cup of coffee. The vibe of the cafe makes it a popular location for locals to kick back or get some work done while gazing over at the city. A great addition to city tours or to take friends for a new spot!

LOCATION: 479 Broadview Ave. | WEBSITE

If you’re taking a drive down Queen East, Sweet Bliss Bakery must be a spot to check out; you can’t miss it since there is always a line. Needless to say, it’s a line worth waiting in. The shop’s decor has a cozy and inviting country kitchen vibe. During the weekends it’s hard not to stop by and pick up a latte for $2.00 but also indulging in a sweet treat. It’s hard to walk by and resist the wafting scent of sweet treats like their cinnamon buns. If you’re a cupcake connoisseur then you’d be intrigued by their flavours as they change them up regularly. You can never go wrong with one of their signature chocolate cupcakes or blueberry scones. Let us know which flavour is your favourite!

LOCATION: 1304 A Queen St. E | WEBSITE