My Top Five Coffee Shops

In the last few years, like many other cities, Toronto has taken back the coffee market for the independent coffee shops. The margins created by "TimHo" and "Sevenbucks" has been erased and the better coffee is actually thriving. I love coffee, therefor, I have been to every neighbourhood in Toronto to experience their claim as the "best coffee place in town". Here are my top ten and my top five are in there somewhere. There are some criteria that some meet that others don't. The variables to judging this, as I found are too many, let me know what you think.

10. iDeal Coffee - on Ossington Ave. The coffee is that same as the other iDeal locations, Ithink there is five. I like the area. I like the idea of mismatched furnishings.

9. Jet Fuel - on Parliament The haunt for many a bike courier, me included, back in the late '80s - early '90s. The coffee packs a punch. Literally and figuratively! It's good, it will wake you up but it will give you a case of gut rot like you would not believe. I just have fond memories, so I still go back there. I do believe it gave birth to other cool places like the old "Tripple X".

8. Mercury Espresso Bar - Queen St. E. Good Espresso, I always feel rushed when I'm there.

7. Meh... You decide!

6. Cherry Bomb - on Roncesvalles Ave. The coffee is good, I always feel too "Tree Huggie" ... and I don't even own Birkenstocks!

5. Manic - on College I use to rave about Manic then .... meh! The coffee is still good, not great. The claim that they had the best brewed coffee in town fell short with me and their beloved "Clover" always seems not to be working. The staff has gotten a little too much "Baristatude"! Yes, I know they've won 'Barista Competitions'. Some days the sweat on the front window gives the place that disgusting Turkish bath feel without the bath! It's a good place to run into people I know.





4. iDeal Coffee - on Agusta Ave
Their lattes are great. They let me take the glass across the street to KOS to enjoy with my b-fast! They actually get the right grind for my home espresso machine. The new owner is great. The additional seating is great.

3. Dark Horse - on Spadina Ave.
Great coffee, good location, communal table is awesome! I wish they had a window seat. It's great place to go people watch.

2. Dark Horse - on Queen St. E.
Great coffee, good location, communal table is awesome! One can actually get work done there.

1. Ezra's Pound - on Dundas St. W. This coffee joint got my top marks. I love the coffee. The atmosphere is great, specially in the summer, when you can see all the Toronto fashionistas ride by on their bikes. The baking is fantastic, they could also win for the best Croissant in Toronto! Also the best "Ecuadorian Chocolate" chip cookies ever! Their window seats are great. The staff is great, the owner Ezra cleans his own windows!

There are always more places to try and list. Maybe Ezra's Pound on Dupont Ave.... well they need better seating. Anyway, give me suggestions on what to try next! Or tell me if you agree or dis...!