Where I have coffee chats around Toronto

My work revolves around caffeine. My office are the coffee / tea shops around the city. People often ask what are my preferred locations to meet around the city to have a coffee chat. Here’s my go-to list. There are the typical big brands like Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Hortons, etc. This list focuses on the smaller locations that I’ve found have made for good conversation spaces.

Uptown

Beiruti Grand Cafe (by the 404 / 401 )

• beiruti.ca
• Address: 155 Consumers Rd #101, North York, ON M2J 0A3
• Why I go there: Close to both the 404 and 401. My preferred location when I need to be close to a high way.
  • Ample seating though it can get busy during prime meal times
  • Friendly and awesome staff
  • Great food, drinks and desserts (the gelato is tasty!)
  • Good for lunch as well.
• Considerations: Traffic can be pretty bad during rush hours

Downtown

Infuse Cafe (close to Eaton center)

• infusecafe.ca
• Address: 354 Yonge Street, Toronto, M5B 1S5
  • Second location: Gerrard Square Mall – 1000 Gerrard St E, Toronto, M4M 3G6 
• Why I go there: They have technologically advanced brewers of tea / coffee that produce tasty beverages and become a great conversational piece
  • Beverages are great (yes I said that already, but worth repeating)
  • Friendly and awesome staff
  • Quaint setting
• Considerations: Can get loud and busy with students

Coffee Bar (Front and Spadina)

• thecoffeebarinc.com
• Address: 346 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3A4
• Why I go there: One of the places I go to when in the Spadina area when introduced by a friend
  • Friendly staff with a great space up stairs
  • Fresh juices are tasty
• Considerations: Had an “interesting” event happening one time I was there

Le Gourmand (Richmond and Spadina)

• legourmand.com
• Address: 152 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5V 3S6
• Why I go there: One of the places I go to when in the Spadina area when introduced by my cousin
  • They have phenomenal cookies
  • Good space
  • Good for lunch
• Considerations: lots of options in the area

Quantum Coffee

• quantumcoffee.io
• Address: 460 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7
• Why I go there: A frequented place when visiting with Deloitte colleagues or those in the start-up scene
  • Not much space
  • Has a nice outdoor area in the warm weather
  • Can use Brainstation’s space when not in use
• Considerations:  lots of options in the area