“Coffee is a great power in my life; I have observed its effects on an epic scale.”
Honore De Balzac’s quote in the essay “The Pleasure and Pains of Coffee” epitomizes this daily ritual for many East Yorkers. For some, the day does not start until that first sip of morning brew. It can be a moment of self-reflection. It acts as a truly unique cathartic moment before the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.
East York residents are starting to appreciate the complexity of high-end quality coffee blends. Typically, Canadians are known for their reputation of consuming cup after cup of Tim Hortons brew. It’s been marketed as the true start to a Canadian morning.
However, the quick convenience of the daily double double is being pushed to the side with the emergence of many artisan cafes throughout the East York community. These cafes provide a quality cup of joe, meticulously brewed specific to the customer’s preferences.
Cafes such as Marvel Coffee House or Goat Cafe provides customers with the ability to relax and reflect, as opposed to trying to navigate the perils of Pape station to get a jolt of caffeine.
Suffice to say that coffee drinkers are looking for more options beyond simplicity of dark or non-dark roasts.
Here is Toronto Observer’s list of our favourite cafes in Toronto’s Danforth community.
Goat Cafe
Goat Coffee has a relaxing and friendly atmosphere that has become familiar to a wide variety of patrons from the Danforth area. They are well rounded with an assortment of drinks and snacks. It is a great spot to grab a bite to eat at any time of day.
Location: 893 Pape Ave. (Pape Ave./Mortimer Ave.)
Demographic: A large variety of thirsty people, from ollege students to retirees
Year Founded: 2014
What to Try: Avocado Toast
Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Rooster Coffee House
The Rooster Coffee House has a beautiful patio with an incredible view of Riverdale Park. Enjoy the company of your neighbours in this comfortable setting. It’s the closest thing to sitting in your friends’ living room, except you will be enjoying a latte and a view.
Location: 479 Broadview Ave. (Broadview Ave./Gerrard St. E.)
Demographic: Members of the Danforth community. Working creative professionals, such as architects, writers, graphic designers
Year Founded: 2009
What to Try: Known for their incredible latte art.
Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Marvel Coffee Company
The newest café in town, Marvel Coffee Company, is winning over the hearts of local students and families alike. Its espressos and lattes are making waves in the Danforth region and are worth heading over to get your caffeine fix.
Location: 92 Carlaw Ave. (Carlaw Ave./Danforth Ave.)
Demographic: Lots of college students frequent this café, as do commuters grabbing takeaway en route to work
Year Founded: Aug. 2015
What to Try: Espresso-based beverages and lattes
Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Crema Coffee
Crema Coffee continues to improve on its glowing reputation since it opened three years ago. The coffee and cappuccinos are hot items in the Danforth area. It has become the stomping grounds for students all the way through to retirees.
Location: 508 Danforth Ave. (Danforth Ave./Logan Ave.)
Demographic: A range from students to retirees.
Year Founded: 2012
What to Try: Cappuccino and hot apple cider
Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Broadview Espresso
This Broadview café has a tremendous seasonal vibe that screams the fall season. Its enjoyable pastries go hand in hand with their signature cappuccino. You will often find meetings, dates, and students filling up the seats in this espresso bar.
Location: 817 Broadview Ave. (Broadview Ave./Danforth Ave.)
Demographic: Older crowd and lots of couples in a diverse neighbourhood
Year Founded: 2008
What to Try: Cappuccino
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 7 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wifi: No
Pilot Coffee Roasters
This Pilot Coffee Roasters headquarters building has it all. It’s a warehouse, an espresso testing facility, and a great place to learn how to brew some of the best coffee around. Try the Elevens Espresso and get hit with a citrus flavour blast and a kick in the behind to get you moving.
Location: 50 Wagstaff Dr. (Greenwood Ave./Gerrard St. E)
Demographic: Wide variety of people.
Year Founded: 2014
What to Try: Espresso
Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wifi: No
Mocha Mocha
If you enjoy having a tasty bite to eat along with your hot beverage then Mocha Mocha has you covered. Its menu is full of mouth-watering meals and has been treating the Danforth community for more than twenty years.
Location: 489 Danforth Ave. (Danforth Ave./Logan Ave.)
Demographic: A wide variety of hungry people.
Year Founded: 1991
What to Try: Brown rice salad, African chicken stew
Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Si Espresso Bar
A small, cozy café that is known for its delicious cappuccinos and family-friendly atmosphere. If you need a quiet place to study or catch up on your daily news, this is the place for you.
Location: 748 Broadview Ave (Broadview Ave./Danforth Ave.)
Demographic: 18-84, all over the map.
Year Founded: 2011
What to Try: Cappuccino
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Sun. 9 a.m. -3 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Macchiato Espresso Bar
Macchiato has found a home along with its neighbour Tzatziki in the heart of Toronto’s Greek community. The frappes are refreshing and if you need a bite to eat, its partner is only a couple of steps away.
Location: 873 Pape Ave. (Pape Ave./Mortimer Ave.)
Demographic: Greek community of the Danforth
Year Founded: 2014
What to Try: Frappe (Greek style foam-covered ice coffee drink)
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. – Fri.-Sun. 7 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Wifi: Yes