Best T.O. java joints

NOW surveys the best coffee spots in town by neighbourhood

Queen West

Black Dog Video

986 Queen W, at Ossington, 416-530-0006. This Vancouver-based movie rental shop also sports a small I Deal Coffee café complete with window seating watched over by paintings of the Rolling Stones in Godard’s Sympathy For The Devil. Open daily noon to 10 pm, store till 11 pm. WiFi. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

Brown Sugar

1374 Queen W, at Cowan, 416-516-7771. Don’t let the cool old sign fool you. This is a simple, straightforward coffee, pastry and sandwich stop for regular folks. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 7 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Closed holidays. Access: barrier free, washrooms in basement.

Cinnamon Girls

1170 Queen W, at Northcote, 416-531-7080. Joanne Landry’s cheerful low-rent café can’t help but draw a crowd for its casual card of economical noshes, house-baked pastries and freshly roasted organic Mountain View fair trade coffee. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Le Gourmand

438 Richmond W, at Spadina, 416-504-4494. Regulars fight their way into this extremely well-liked cafe cum gourmet specialist, especially for its spectacilar cookies and Reunion Island organic fair trade roasts. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Greenavi

490 Queen W, at Portland, 416-504-6284. Having taken over the impressive space vacated by Tequila Bookworm when it moved a few doors down, this chic spot features all-Canadian fair trade roasts as well as a selection of organic sandwiches and salads. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 8 pm, Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Knit Cafe

1050 Queen W, at Brookfield, 416-533-5648. It’s a non-stop purl jam at this intimate retail shop dedicated to fashioning ponchos with needles out of wool. Tuesday evenings, grab a cappuccino at the in-store café for Knit’s regular Stitch ‘n’ Bitch soiree. Open Friday to Monday 10 am to 7 pm, Tuesday 10 am to 10 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10 am to 9 pm. Closed some holidays. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Luna

181 Dovercourt, at Argyle, 416-588-3374. Lovely old storefront draws from ever- growing Ossingtown. Street-side patio is hard to beat, but giant front windows also encourage languorous fall and winter sipping of coffees supplied by Caffe Brasiliano. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Closed holidays. Access: three steps at front door, washroom not wheelchair accessible.

Niche

626 Queen W, at Markham, 416-203-0458. The old Queen Street crowd may grouse that the room was nicer when it was Vienna Home Bakery, but this self-described “espresso bar and tea room” has found its own, er, niche. Here’s why: custom Dark City roasts, some of them organic fair trade, and house-made mac ‘n’ cheese. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

The Roastery

401 Richmond W, at Spadina, 416-597-8822. Just off the lobby of the Ziegler arts building, this always jumping spot carries a wide selection of fresh organic fair trade and regular roasted coffees. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Rustic Cosmo

1278 Queen W, at Noble, 416-531-4924. Relaxed neighbourhood boho scene centred around the antique Elektra espresso machine pouring forth earthy brews accompanied by extensive hot menu. Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Closed most holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Salvador Darling

1237 Queen W, at Gwynne, 416-534-0488. Its decor is as surreal as its name – stuffed animals, anyone? – so this über-chic space feels more like a cocktail lounge than a coffee spot. Come for the decor but stay for straightforward salad-and-sandwich combos. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday. Access: barrier-free.

T.A.N. Coffee

992 Queen W, at Ossington, 416-532-9949. Not only is the Alternative Network’s coffee fair trade and traceable, but so are the vegan antioxidental brownies. Owner Marilyn Eng also screens movies that deal with socail justice every second Thursday evening. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 9 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Dundas West

Art Square

334 Dundas W, at McCaul, 416-595-5222. Over the road from the Frank Gehry reno of the AGO, this Euro café-cum-art-gallery is an official Illy outlet featuring a short card of crepes and house-made truffles. Bonus: one of the prettiest secret courtyard patios in the city. Open daily 10 am to 10 pm. Licensed. Access: four steps at door, washrooms in basement.

Caffe Brasiliano

849 Dundas W, at Euclid, 416-603-6607. Open since the 60s, this low-key cafeteria attracts a multi-culti mix of grumpy old men, moms pushing strollers and early-morning club kids still up from the night before, all starting the day with strong cups of house-imported Colombian sided with slices of espresso pie. Open Monday to Saturday 6 am to 11 pm. Closed Sunday, some holidays. Licensed. Access: barrier-free.

Ella’s Uncle

916 Dundas W, at Bellwoods, 416-703-8881. This charming addition to the booming Dundas strip offers fair trade certified organic roasts as well as an exceptionally executed card of house-baked scones like dilly chèvre and blueberry-raspberry. Don’t miss Ella’s Red Eye: double espresso and hot chocolate dusted with cayenne. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

I Deal Coffee

162 Ossington, at Foxley, 416-534-7700. Sibling of the Kensington Market café and wholesaler but unlike that spot, the Oz outpost encourages its caffeinated clientale to hang around in a long, brightly lit room on cast-off furniture and listen to Keely Smith and Louis Prima on the stereo. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday and holidays 10 am to 6 pm. WiFi. Access: four steps at door, washrooms in basement.

Messa

913 Dundas W, at Bellwoods, 416-485-5832. Once found on tony Mt Pleasant, this home of the custom-made cookie has relocated to downtown’s hottest nabe. Counters wrapped around the corner store’s front windows make the perfect perch for tucking into espresso and chewy house-made chocolate almond bars. Free samples, too! Open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

Orange Alert

298 Dundas W, at McCaul, 416-591-8965. Down by the AGO’s Henry Moore and OCAD, this cozy ‘n’ casual café serves up a pricier-than-most lineup of 100 per cent fair trade blends as well as sandwiches ‘n’ quiche. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 9 pm. Closed some holidays. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

Liberty Village

Balzac’s

43 Hanna, East Liberty, 416-534-7372. Though it’s not as dramatic as its Distillery District digs – what is? – the snazzy west-side outlet of the Stratford-based roastery in the old Irwin Toy factory can still be booked for cocktail parties. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 8 am to 7 pm, Sunday 9 am to 7 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: four steps at door, washrooms on same floor.

The Roastery

8 Pardee, at Liberty, 416-531-7744. This sprawling soup ‘n’ sandwich shop located in a converted warehouse – go figure – features an all-day lineup of both fair trade and regular roasts. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Roncesvalles

Alternative Grounds

333 Roncesvalles, at Grenadier, 416-534-5543. Proprietory daily roasting yields up delicious, full, earthy flavour. Mismatched cups, lived-in furniture and friendly staff all contribute to AG’s depth of charm. Be sure to check out the sweet little patio when the weather’s right. Open Monday to Thursday 7 am to 8 pm, Friday 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday 8 am to 9 pm, Sunday 8 am to 7 pm. Closed holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Baluchon

221 Sorauren, at Wright, 416-516-8980. They roast their own fair trade organic coffees. The barista is both charming and adept. If you’re lucky, your espresso is served in a vintage stainless steel thermal Brazilian demitasse with matching salver. Salads and savouries are made under the auspices of Gamelle’s Jean-Pierre Centeno, who along with Andrea Kristof co-owns Bulachon. Sweets are made by Pain Perdue. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 8:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 8:30 am to 3 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Cherry Bomb

79 Roncesvalles, at Marion, 416-516-8212. This stylish, modern space has form and function to facilitate barista-brewed coffees and fresh-cooked pastries for on-the-go west-enders. Blends like Shogun Viennese roast offer assertive top notes and East-meets-West nomenclature Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9 am to 6 pm. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Coffee and All That Jazz

72 Howard Pk, at Roncesvalles, 416-531-7622. No big style statements going on here, just an easy-going neighbourhood spot serving up fair trade coffees. Check out the antique German coffee bins. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 8 pm, Saturday 8 am to 8 pm, Sunday 9 am to 8 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Lit Espresso Bar

221 Roncesvalles, at Wright, 416-538-9700. Newest arrival on the avenue serves powerful cups of Intelligentsia Direct fair trade coffees. Rustic modern style, pastries and panini round out the modish package. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Tinto

89 Roncesvalles, at Marion, 416-530-5885. It’s Democracy Now with Latin American accents in the coffee, kitchen and decor. Elvie Sáenz and Ricardo Rozenthal have created a thriving environment from the community events room to the menu that functions as a primer in South American food and geography. When the fair trade organic coffee’s from Colombia, why waste your time with Juan Valdez? Open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed most holidays. Licensed. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

College

Bar Italia

582 College, at Clinton, 416-535-3621. Back when Little Italy was Italian, Eugene Barone’s former soccer supporters’ club became the nabe’s first hipster hang. Now under new management, this luxe lounge retains its loyalty to la vita cappuccino. Open Monday to Thursday 11 am to 1 am, Friday 11 am to 2 am, Saturday 10 am to 2 am, Sunday 10 am to 1 am. Licensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Cafe Diplomatico

594 College, at Clinton, 416-534-4637. This iconic Italian trat has literally been at the heart of local café society since the early 60s. Sure, the grub’s no great shakes and servers are run off their feet, but the people-watching is unparalleled and the espresso invigorating. Open Sunday to Thursday 8 am to 1 am, Friday and Saturday 8 am to 2 am bar till close. Licensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

The Common

1071 College, at Gladstone, 416-546-7789. Beyond the vintage minimalist interior, Daniel Clowes constituency and old toy collection, the emphasis here is on the consumption of strong, hot, brown liquid. Powerful Dark City blends are efficiently pumped out by experienced hands behind the counter. Open Monday to Saturday 7 am to 6 pm, Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Il Gatto Nero

720 College, at Crawford, 416-536-3132. Once a soccer supporters’ club, the Cat still has the feel of a sports bar, only a slightly upmarket one. Regulation espresso kicks off pedestrian pizza ‘n’ panini. Open Sunday to Thursday 8 am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 8 am to 2 am. Licensed. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Kahawa

388 College, at Bellevue, 416-964-9900. Taking its name from the Swahili word for coffee, this airy, gallery-like space specializes in African roasts and a selection of just-like-Mom’s baked goods. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday, Sunday and some holidays 10 am to 7 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Manic Coffee

426 College, at Bathurst, 416-966-3888. When Matthew Lee opened a year ago in the former Cobalt cocktail lounge, much was made of his cafe being the first in Hogtown to use a state-of-the-art Clover coffee machine. Now that Starbucks has since bought Clover, it’s not such a big deal. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 8 am to 8 pm. WiFi. Access: short bump at door, washrooms on same floor.

Ukula

492 College, at Palmerston, 416-619-9282. Part hipster clothing boutique, part smart cappuccino bar, the former Airport Lounge is now the trendiest thing on this over-cafeinated strip. I Deal Coffee, an in-house magazine and designer duds – does it get any better? Open daily noon to 7 pm. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Kensington Market

I Deal Coffee

84 Nassau, at Denison, 416-364-7700. A fair trade wholesaler as well as a retail outlet, this laid-back Market cantina has become so popular, owner Jamie Fournier has had to post rules of conduct for his customers. Our favourites: “Don’t bongo, strum or shake. Just didgeridont, OK? Nobody wants to hear you make music. And for old time sake, no staring, pacing or talking to yourself.” Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday and holidays 10 am to 6 pm. Access: three steps at door, no washrooms.

Louie’s Cafe

235 Augusta, at Baldwin, 416-593-9717. Smack dab in the heart of Kensington, this low-key coffee shack provides excellent optics and no-nonsense java. Bulk beans, too. Bonus: autographed photos of visiting celebs Molly Johnson and Brenda Vaccaro. Open Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Friday 8:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Closed Sundays, holidays. Access: very small but barrier-free, no washrooms.

Moonbean Cafe

30 St Andrew, at Kensington, 416-595-0327. It might not be the smartest room in town, but this friendly hippy-dippy throwback has one of the broadest lineups of certified organic fair trade coffee around. Bonus: for a minimum 5-pound order, the Bean’ll custom-roast any mix you like. Open daily 7 am to 9 pm. Access: three steps at door, two steps to washroom.

Sublime

219 Augusta, at Baldwin, 416-732-0431. For a coffeehouse that insists it’s not a record store, this new kid to the Market stocks an awful lot of vintage 60s and 70s jazz vinyl. Fancy a little Mongo Santamaria with that latte, then? Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 7 pm. Closed Mondays, holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Harbord

Linuxcaffe

326 Harbord, at Grace, 415-534-2116. Overlooking Bickford Park through huge windows crowded with plants, this cyber café popular with computer geeks – sorry, “open source enthusiasts” – features fair trade roasts from I Deal Coffee as well as computer workshops. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 11 pm, Saturday 10 am to 11 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor down narrow corridor.

Wild Thing

169 Harbord, at Borden, 416-833-8379. Despite being across the street from Central Tech, this pricey java pit doesn’t attract many students. Seems they all prefer to hang up on Bloor at Aroma. Instead, the Thang attracts an older crowd who’d rather sip an espresso while reading a good book than gawp at YouTube. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Bloor West

Coffee Tree Roastery

2412 Bloor W, at Jane, 416-767-1077. When asked what goes into their espresso, the counter person replies, “Two parts Mexican, 1 part Ethiopian, 1 part Guatemalan with three levels of roast” and points to the three little roaster pots churning steaming coffee beans. Given this level of commitment, it’s no surprise that the brew is excellent. Plus, lunch and breakfasts, Jumbo empanadas, Dufflets and coffee by the cup or pound. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 9 pm, Saturday 7 am to 7 pm, Sunday 10 am to 7 pm, holidays 10 am to 5 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Faema

672 Dupont, at Christie, 416-535-1555. The flagship of the Italian espresso machine makers – the name’s an acronym for Fabbrica Apparecchiature Elettromeccaniche e Affini, doncha know – is a cavernous room decorated in 80s wrought-iron and faux finishes. While the coffee’s okay in an old-school way, aficionados won’t want to miss the company’s showroom upstairs. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to midnight, Sunday and holidays 8 am to 11 pm. Licensed. Access: barrier-free.

Saving Gigi

859 Bloor W, at Roxton, 416-531-1538. The spinoff of insanely popular Dundas West brunch spot Saving Grace and a distant cousin of the late, lamented 163 Café on St Clair, this recent addition to Bloordale brings a touch of downtown hipster to this quickly gentrifying zone. And while owner Gigi Ziani’s grub doesn’t quite match the stellar heights of Grace’s, he pulls a better than expected espresso. Open Monday and Wednesday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Tuesdays, some holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

The Junction

Agora

3015 Dundas W, at High Park, 416-761-9991. Like stopping in at your vegan friend’s house, only without all the cats. Competent espressos, lattes and organic fair trade drip-style. Nice book nook and vegetarian home baking. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Closed Sunday, most holidays. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

The Beet

2945 Dundas W, at Pacific, 416-916-2368. A vegetarian resto and grocer in a converted bank (remember them?), the Beet brews organic fair trade Arabica beans roasted by Merchants of Green Coffee. Lots of vegan vittles, too. Open Tuesday to Friday 7 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Monday, holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Crema

3079 Dundas W, at Quebec, 416-767-3131. Owner Geoff Polci studied at Vancouver’s Artigiano, so be prepared for a whole latte love. Contrasting with the Junction’s jumble of retail relics, Crema goes for a deluxe, clean, cool atmosphere. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier free, washrooms in basement.

Espresso Mi Vida

392 Pacific, at Dundas W, 416-761-0000. The coffee action here doesn’t veer far from Italian espresso traditions, and Junctioners seem to favour the fair trade drip-style. Come for the coffee but stay for Mi Vida’s tasty hybrid of South American cooking styles. Open Open Monday to Wednesday 7:30 am to 6 pm, Thursday and Friday 7:30 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. Closed holidays. Access: barrier-free.

Rebas

3289 Dundas W, at Runnymede, 416-626-7372. Rebas recalls a time when coffee was more hippy than yuppie. Obsessive coffiends might feel slightly under-baristaed, but the fair trade organic joe is entirely decent. Along with the leafy patio and folk-club-like back room, your gracious host, Arlene Levine, is obviously well-schooled in the procurement of good vibes. Open Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Closed holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier free, small ramp at door.

St. Clair West

A Bica Cafe

1089 St Clair W, at Northcliffe, 416-656-0836. If you want to see what Little Italy was like before there was no little Italy left there, go north to this den for some decent Nova Dia espresso. Expect big-screen footie and Mediterranean masculinity. Open daily 10 am to 10 pm. Closed some holidays. Licensed. Access: barrier free, washrooms in basement.

Tricolore

1238 St Clair W, at Via Italia, 416-654-4228. With Marcello Mastroianni on the walls and the creme de la crema of Via Italia sipping Ionia espressos on the front patio, Tricolore is the heart of St. Clair West’s café society. Better still, Black Camel sandwiches has set up a satellite location at Tricolore, so mangia-cakes have no excuse not to pay a visit. If you can’t afford Rome, try Tricolore. Open Monday to Friday 5 am to 11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 6 am to 11 pm. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Annex/U of T

Ezra’s Pound

238 Dupont, at Spadina, 416-929-4400. Decked out with vintage memorabilia, Ezra Braves’s handsome haus in the long-gone Hey Good Cookin’ features fair trade dripped-to-order organic brews alongside a short card of planet-friendly sandwiches ‘n’ salads. Open Monday to Saturday 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Green Beanery

565 Bloor W, at Bathurst, 416-588-7700 ext 248. Lit at night by the psychedelic neon of Honest Ed’s across the way, this retail café in a former bank is much more than a typical java joint. A Canadian non-profit company created and staffed by environmentalists, it claims to offer more varieties of green coffee beans than any other retailer in the world. And they sell coffee-makers, too! Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday 11 am to 7 pm. Closed holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Havana Cafe

233 Davenport, at Avenue Rd, 416-968-1097. Located in the heart of Avenport Village (who knew?), this tiny and remarkably

inexpensive java joint doubles as a news vendor and a greeting card shop. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 8 am to 3 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays, and long weekends. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

Java Mama

1075 Bathurst, at Dupont, 416-588-5282. Not a coffee shop in the Timmy’s sense, this fair trade bulk roaster and chocolatier serves up exclusive Cup of Excellence Colombian brews alongside a slew of collectable knick-knacks. Open Open Wednesday to Monday 1 am to 7 pm. Closed Tuesday, holidays. Access: one step at door, no washrooms.

Kindred Café

7 Breadalbane, at Yonge, 416-920-0404. This self-described “green bean” coffee shop supports “socially conscious stimulant

consumption.” Also according to its website, those seeking a “higher level of café enjoyment” can buy a day pass to its members-only “smoker-friendly” rooftop patio (wink, wink). Open Monday 8:30 am to 9 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 am to 11 pm, Thursday 8:30 am to midnight, Friday 8:30 am to 2 am, Saturday 11 am to 2 am, Sunday 11 am to 9 pm. WiFi. Access: steep ramp at door, men’s washroom on same floor, women’s on second.

Urbana

1033 Bay, at St Joseph, 416-960-1033. Given its proximity to St. Michael’s College, it’s a no-brainer that this vast but rather bland wannabe chain gets packed to the gills with students working on school projects. Fair trade beans or no, pity they have to pay to use the in-house Wi-Fi. Open daily 7 am to 11 pm. Access: barrier-free.

Church Street

Bull Dog

89 Granby, at Church, no phone Known for being one of the first to introduce latte art to Toronto, head dog Stuart Ross also won the Central Region Canadian Barrista Championship back in 05. Recently overhauled by Restaurant Makeover, his always jumping joint easily serves the best coffee in the gay village. Open daily 8 am to 7 pm. Access: two steps at door, small washroom on same floor.

Java Jive

585 Church, at Charles, 416-923-7267. This highly individual haunt sticks out like a sore thumb on the increasingly commercial Church Street strip. Proudly, we might add. The Jive’s shots are always piping hot and generous, and the long list of snacks includes all-day breakfasts and pumpkin pie. Open daily 7 am to 11 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Downtown

B Espresso

111 Queen E, at Mutual, 416-866-2111. Evocative of Fashion Week in Milan, this stylish Cecconi Simone-designed café dishes up la dolce vita at long marble-topped tables and one reservable booth. Why? Illy coffee, reputable panini, and the only music that of a singing barrista and animated conversation. Open Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 3 pm. Closed most holidays. Licensed. Access: four steps at door, washrooms on same floor.

Bisogno Espresso

61 Sherbourne, at Adelaide E, 416-NOP-HONE. Tucked away on the first floor of an anonymous condo tower, this recent addition to the core takes its caffeinated beverages seriously, stocking Intelligentsia’s Black Cat as one of its key blends. Grab it to go, or linger at a large Italian provincial dining room set and overstuffed couches. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Satyrday and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Closed holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Luba’s

93 Front E, at Jarvis, 416-865-1793. Tucked just inside the St. Lawrence Market’s front doors, this tiny takeaway has been the first stop for marketing java junkies since 62. Open Tuesday to Thursday 8 am to 6 pm, Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 5 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Savoury Grounds

481 Queen E, at Sumach, 416-915-8427. This breezy budget-minded Corktown café specializes in fresh-roasted beans as well as retro fudge brownies and tuna melts. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 5 pm, Saturday 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

Distillery District

Balzac’s

55 Mill, at Trinity, 416-207-1709. Despite its digs in one of downtown’s most touristy nabes, this two-storey converted pump house complete with Phantom Of The Opera chandelier, micro-roasted fair trade organic beans and Daniel et Daniel sandwiches is worthy of locals as well. Open Monday to Saturday 7 am to 8 pm, Sunday and holidays 8 am to 7 pm. Access: barrier-free.

Cabbagetown

Jet Fuel

519 Parliament, at Winchester, 416-968-9982. John Englar’s long-running cycle-savvy java joint has a reputation for serving attitude alongside its joltin’ cups of joe. But who cares, when an expertly executed espresso goes for a buck? Bonus: since it sponsors a road racing team, it also sells Jet Fuel cycling jerseys. Warning: middle-aged men in Spandex. Open daily 7 am to 8 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free, no washrooms.

Riverdale/Leslieville

Dark Horse Espresso

682 Queen E, at Hamilton, 647-436-3460. If Queen East is the new Queen West, no other beanery proves the theory as well. Exposed brick, large communal table and chandeliers overhead only intensify the manic boho vibe. Open daily 7 am to 7 pm. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor.

F’Coffee

641 Queen E, at Carroll, 416-463-0500. The sign in the front window of Rob Poizner’s funky Victorian explains it all: “There’s always time f’coffee.” Fair trade organic blends, grilled sandwiches and a hidden patio out back as well. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday, holidays. Licensed. WiFi. Access: short step at door, washrooms on same floor.

I Deal Coffee

1560 Queen E, at Ashdale, 416-405-9600. The ever-expanding wholesale beanery takes to the east side in digs that were once home to Caribbean Dutchpot. Good-bye, jerk chicken hello, funky couches, laptops and potent espresso. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: One step at door, washrooms in basement.

Mercury Espresso

915 Queen E, at Morse, 647-435-4779. This east-side palais du percolation is so hip it has it’s own blog: mercuryorganic.blogspot.com. Dedicated to the bean, in-yer-face Mercury makes the not exactly warm and fuzzy Jet Fuel seem as hospitable as the local Coffee Time. Bonus: cassette deck. Open Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 9 pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 7 am to 9 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Red Rocket

1402B Queen E, at Vancouver, 416-406-0880. Kitty-korner from the streetcar yard, the Rocket boasts an extensive lineup of Reunion roasts as well as a substantial card of veggie-friendly wraps and retro baked goods, served to a soundtrack of chansonniers. Bonus: 100-Mile cider and pumpkin lattes. Open daily 7 am to 7 pm. WiFi. Access: four steps at door, washrooms on same floor.

Tango Palace

1156 Queen E, at Jones, 416-465-8085. With its terrific backyard patio overlooking Leslie Grove Park and prized Muskoka chairs on the sidewalk out front, this dog-friendly and very darkly lit emporium has been serving local cafeine fiends for 15 years. The reasons for its longevity? Kicking Horse roasts, Miss Cora of Kensington’s pizza slices and exceptionally friendly staff. Open Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 11 pm, holidays 8 am to 11 pm. Closed Christmas. WiFi. Access: one step at door,

Danforth

Broadview Espresso

817 Broadview, at Pretoria, 416-553-3833. Ex-Globe and Canoe server Mike Cullen has taken a neighbourhood eyesore – the local porn shop – and transformed it into a vibrant community hub. And all it took was Classic Gourmet of Concord roasts, art deco decor and jazz crooners on the stereo. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Closed some holidays. Access: one step at door, washrooms in basement.

Illiada

550 Danforth, at Carlaw, 416-462-0334. Terrazzo on the floor? Grumpy Greeks chain-smoking on the patio? Shots of espresso that could strip paint? Nana Mouskouri excepted, they’re all accounted for at one of the last non-gentrified watering holes on the Avenue. Open Sunday to Thursday 8 am to 1 am, Friday and Saturday 8 am to 3 am. Closed some holidays. Licensed. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Riverdale Perk

633 Logan, at Withrow, 416-462-3538. Off the beaten track at the south end of Withrow Park, this popular neighbourhood noshery offers house roasts from Globe as well as a short lineup of house-baked treats like peanut butter Nanaimo tarts and old-school date squares. Open Monday and Friday 7 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 6 pm. Closed some holidays. Access: barrier-free.

Small World

1755B Danforth, at Bastedo, 416-698-4436. This sprog-friendly getaway is so popular with area moms, it has designated stroller parking. Rug rats can horse around in the play area at the café’s rear while their parents knock back organic fair trade brews and nibble Altitude Bakery carrot cake to the lazy sounds of Jazz-FM upfront. Open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday and some holidays 9 am to 5 pm. WiFi. Access: one step at door, washrooms on same floor. washrooms on same floor.

The Beach

Café Florentin

2010 Queen E, at Wheeler, 647-341-2936. Housed in what used to be Just Us, the Nova Scotia-based fair trade co-op that recently attempted to infiltrate the Hogtown coffee market and flopped, this now-upscale trat offers a standard lineup of organic roasts alongside daily specials like shakshuka – Israeli eggs in tomato sauce. Open daily 8 am to 8 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: barrier-free.

Remarkable Bean

2242 Queen E, at Beech, 416-690-2420. Hard by the Fox Theatre, this venerable Beach institution roasts its fair trade organic beans – Rocket Fuel, decaf Colombian – on site in a cozy split-level room equipped with overstuffed chairs and chessboards. Open daily 7 am to 10 pm. WiFi. Access: barrier-free, washrooms in basement.

Savoury Grounds

971B Kingston Rd, at Scarborough, 416-690-9467. Like its Queen East cousin, this offbeat upper Beach café roasts its own reasonably priced beans in-house alongside a short card of panini melts and grilled cheese sandwiches. Open Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7:30 am to 7 pm, Sunday 8 am to 5 pm. Closed some holidays. WiFi. Access: four steps at door, washrooms in basement.