When it comes to coffee shops, Toronto does not mess around. The same is certainly true of Bloor-Yorkville, which is home to a number of unique caffeinated hotspots. From beetroot lattes to oat milk and even cayenne-based coffee, there’s no shortage of high-quality options. In true Bloor-Yorkville fashion, the locations are as unique as the drinks served; one shop might actually be a truck parked inside the entrance to Yorkville Village, while another might be tucked inside a clothing retailer. You never know what you might find, but to help you plan your caffeine stops, we’ve rounded up a few unique options throughout the neighbourhood.
A-OK Café
50 Bloor St West
The newest kid on the caffeine block is part of Aritzia’s new Bloor Street Flagship. No longer will you have to peruse this stretch of Bloor Street (home to Zara, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom Rack, and more) without a coffee and snack in hand. The cozy space is perfect for a quick shopping-reboot with fresh baked goods and specialty tea-based drinks also available.
Cafe Moi
1200 Bay Street
A great option for busy mornings. Situated just south of the Bay Street station, Cafe Moi has all the essentials (oat milk and Beetroot lattes included), as well as a wide variety of Village Juicery elixirs, kombucha, and healthy breakfast items available to go. Plus, they offer a daily $2.00 any size coffee special!
Coco Espresso Bar
29 Bellair Street
A traditional Southern Italian coffee shop at its finest! Coco is a family-run business “rich in coffee tradition” offering the highest-quality beverages and a variety of traditional baked goods from a secret family recipe! With a large indoor space and outdoor tables, Coco inspires one to indulge in a relaxed time-out from the usual daily activities.
Sorry Coffee Co
102 Bloor Street West
Tucked in Critchley Lane (and connected to the Bloor Street entrance) is Canada’s first Sorry coffee and a cult favourite for those in the know. The cozy space mirrors its fashionable Kit & Ace counterpart with copper espresso machines, marble counters, and chevron patterned tiles. But aside from all that, you can count on expertly crafted espresso-based beverages as well as the always popular pour-over.
Goldstruck
130 Cumberland Street
Not only does Goldstruck provide space for those looking to get some work done, but there’s always a rotation of fresh-baked cookies and croissants coming out of the oven. If that’s not enough, the organic espresso beans are selected from small farms and cooperatives with no coffee bean left in store for more than 72 hours. Try the signature Cayenne Latte for an extra mid-day kick!
Jacked Up
136 Yorkville Ave
The bright blue Jacked Up coffee truck has fast become an iconic fixture in the Bloor-Yorkville area. Parked in the Lane at Yorkville Village, Jacked Up offers a daily $3.00 Flat White special and all the milk alternatives you could ever want. Plus the upbeat staff makes for an always-enjoyable visit. But remember: a trip to the Jacked Up truck is strictly for caffeinated business as there are no snack items.
Nespresso Boutique-Bar
159 Cumberland Street
This one of a kind Nespresso boutique is a bit of a Cumberland Street wonderland. The half retail concept, half sit-down lunch spot features incredibly high ceilings and a vast assortment of seating options for social gatherings or work sessions. The retail portion of the store features a floor-to-ceiling coffee display, along with incredibly knowledgable staff to help you select your coffee (tastings and complimentary espresso drinks included!). There’s also the entire line-up of machines and accessories in store. The cafe side includes all-day breakfasts, lunches, and decadent desserts.
The retail boutique also provides complimentary recycling bags with a drop-off location for customers to recycle their used Nespresso capsules.
Coming Soon:
ZaZa Coffee is opening two new locations on 162 Cumberland Street and Yorkville Village. The current Bellair location will soon become licensed so you can enjoy an aperitif with your desserts, while Cumberland will serve Gelato and the Yorkville Village location will serve the lunchtime crew with a wide variety of meal options. Over in the Manulife Centre at 55 Bloor Street West, Pilot Coffee Roasters is set to open soon!
images c/o Kit & Ace & Toronto Life