Best Toronto Coffee Shops Near Yonge & Bloor

Yonge & Bloor is busy and often crowded. I don’t know about you, but those conditions usually make me craze a coffee to quell the headache from rush hour commuting. These are the top spots I run to when that need sets in!

1. Thank U Coffee

You’ll be saying “thank you” to Thank U Coffee after you get the chance to enjoy one of their custom creations in the boldly painted spot.

Thank U Coffee does not perhaps make the best coffee compared to some of the roastery-cum-cafés in Toronto, but they serve a number of interesting speciality drinks - and beer!

The baristas

Location:
3 Isabella Street

Photo courtesy of Thank U Coffee’s official Facebook page.

Noteworthy Feature:
There are lot’s of sweet drinks.

2. Goldstruck

Yorkville’s trendiest café is without a doubt Goldstruck.

This somewhat underground café is dimly lit and filled with art. It’s a cozy and comfortable café, that has seating that’s good for personal conversations and dates. There is also a communal table at the back that is good for students or workers alike.

For a trendy café with great vibes, Goldstruck is a good pick.

Location:
130 Cumberland Street

Noteworthy Feature:
Goldstruck has excellent lighting for first dates - it’s dimly lit and sexy.

3. Sorry Coffee Co

You won’t be Sorry after trying this coffee!

Sorry Coffee Co is a posh coffee shop attached to Kit & Ace, a fashionable clothing store on Bay & Bloor.

The drinks are well-made, and use De Mello Palheta beans. The marble, gold, and black accents make this small coffee shop a very aesthetically pleasing place in which to sip a drink.

Location:
102 Bloor Street West

Photo courtesy of Sorry Coffee Co’s official Instagram page.

Noteworthy Feature:
Sorry is connected to a very trendy clothing store in swanky Yorkville.

4. Rooster (Jarvis)

Cock-a-doodle-do yourself a favour, and head over to this lovely coffee shop with multiple locations in Toronto.

Nice roasts and cozy spaces await you at each of their Toronto locations (there’s a brilliant loft at the one on Jarvis). This café is a perfect abode in which to read, do some studying, or relax after a long day.

I also really appreciate the variety of alternative milk they provide (note: view the photo with the wiener dog below!), the vegetarian and vegan options, and the delicious gluten-free treats they have. My absolute favourite treat to order is the pecan butter tart (pictured below) with a cappuccino.

Locations:
568 Jarvis Street
(479 Broadview Avenue)
(343 King Street East)

Noteworthy Feature:
Rooster’s location on Jarvis has a magnificent loft that is a very agreeable spot in which to sip your coffee.

5. Project Glyph

From the people who brought you Onki Donburi comes Project Glyph!

Located directly underneath the donburi restaurant, Project Glyph serves up coffees, teas, and Korean-Style macarons - talk about a well-rounded business!

There are numerous unique macaron flavours such as red. velvet, ritz cheese, and Oreo. The interior is minimalist, but you can watch the staff making the food which is interesting.

Fun place!

Location:
40 Hayden Street Lower Level

Noteworthy Feature:
You can head upstairs to Onki Donburi if you need a more substantial meal.

6. Balzac’s reference library

If you’re popping by St. Lawrence Market and are in need of a large open space nearby to plop you (and your purchases) down after a busy day of stocking up on food, the Balzac’s directly across the street is a great place to do it. The restored heritage building café serves typical Balzac coffee roasts, and this particular location is one of my favourites as I really like the interior design (look at those snazzy coffee mills-cum-succulent pots)!

There are a number of snacks catered to a variety of diets such as vegan/ vegetarian/ gluten free. Personally, their gluten-free snacks aren’t the best that I’ve tried in Toronto, but I still pop by for the Balzac’s Blend (based on Honoré de Balzac’s own blend).

The large open window that faces the street makes for some excellent people watching. Considering Balzac himself, writer of La Comédie humaine, was an avid observer of human behaviour, I’m sure he’d approve!

Location:
789 Yonge Street