Toronto has a variety of coffee shops, roasters, and cafes that are more than worth a visit. Grab a quick cup to go before starting your Toronto adventure for the day, or sit down, relax, and enjoy the culture and atmosphere while you delight in your favourite beverage. We’ve put together a list of our favourite shops and roasters in town so you can get a taste of all that Toronto coffee culture has to offer!
Scarlet Door
Nestled squarely between Constantine and The Crows Nest Barbershop, Scarlet Door serves the local morning, noon and afternoon walk-in crowd.
The café name pays homage to the area’s charmingly checkered past and acts as a beacon for those searching for an entryway into a unique coffee and pastry counter. It’s Italian influence is a reference to the local café bars that locals love to visit day after day.
An approachable but rebellious aesthetic, represented by a blindfolded, Fender-wielding courtesan, and supported by distressed type, references the seminal punk and new wave scenes that defined the area in the 1970s and 80s.
Goldstruck Coffee
Goldstruck Coffee was made by coffee lovers, for coffee lovers. They have two convenient locations in downtown Toronto, which are both about a 10-minute walk from Anndore House. Goldstruck takes tremendous pride in sourcing the best beans and preparing them specifically for your beverage of choice. Enjoy their handcrafted caffeinated beverages, and fall in love with their freshly baked pastries and treats!
Photo credit: @goldstruckcoffee on Instagram
Detour Coffee
Originally started in 2009, Detour Coffee has grown to be one of the most popular roasters in Ontario! We proudly provide their coffee as part of our in-room amenities, and we know you’ll love the rich, well-balanced flavours that they are famous for. While they don’t have a cafe nearby, we stock their beans in our lobby shop, and their beans are also online – many of our guests go on to order from them because it’s just so darn good!
Photo credit: @detourcoffee on Instagram
☆ Staff Pick ☆ – Coffee Lunar
Coffee Lunar is one of our staff’s picks for the best coffee shop in downtown Toronto! Located a 10-minute walk from Anndore House, they serve hot and cold caffeinated beverages, make many of their flavourings in-house from fresh ingredients (vanilla beans, anyone?), and have a signature drink menu that you absolutely have to try. The cafe itself is chic and modern, with a welcoming vibe that is well-loved by locals.
Photo credit: @coffeelunar on Instagram
Dark Horse (inside Chapters Indigo 55 Bloor St West)
Dark Horse Espresso Bar has been a staple in Toronto for more than 15 years. They’ve rapidly expanded from a single specialty coffee shop to multiple locations, the closest being just a 6-minute walk from Anndore House. They also sell their beans via Detour Coffee, so if you find your perfect blend you can order it from anywhere in Canada!
Photo credit: @darkhorsecafe on Instagram
Humble Donkey
Fittingly named Humble Donkey, the understated setting serves as a canvas to highlight the best of the local community from seasonal menus to local coffee roasters, and small-batch producers. The ambience is relaxed, friendly, and refreshing, making it the perfect spot for a morning espresso or espresso martinis. Day-to-evening, Humble Donkey is the effortless choice for where to eat, drink, and gather.
Piedmont Coffee Bar
Serving up coffee, teas, pastries, specialty toasts and delicious sandwiches, Piedmont Coffee Bar should definitely be on your list of places to try! Located just a 5-minute stroll from Anndore House, their menu is extensive, and they’re one of the only places in town where you can find authentic Japanese shokupan (a traditional milk bread). They also have house-blend and single-origin beans, so you can choose the perfect bean(s) for your favourite beverage.
Balzac’s (Reference Library)
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters have humble beginnings. In 1993 they started with a simple coffee cart, opening their first cafe later on in 1996. Inspired by the Grand Cafes of Paris, they’ve quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Each of their locations is styled to match the surrounding area and culture, creating a welcoming atmosphere with outstanding service. Their closest cafe is conveniently located a 6-minute walk from Anndore House in Toronto’s newest reference library!
Photo credit: @balzacscoffee on Instagram