Take it from me, bad coffee bars in Toronto are a dime dozen, so it’s so refreshing (literally) to find one that really cares about the coffee it’s putting out. I should curb that comment by saying that so often, a great coffee comes down to the barista that’s making it. But what’s great about Boxcar Social is that they take every step to ensure you get the perfect cup every time.

Brought to Toronto via Halifax, Boxcar Social made a home in Summerhill (right across the street from the Summerhill TTC station) about 5 years ago and has done gangbusters since then. But they don’t stop at great coffee. They also serve a fantastic array of wines, beer and spirits, cocktails, snacks and foods all curated with as much care and expertise as the coffee.

So go get social today!

Have you got a favourite drink or food, barista or spot to chill at Boxcar Social? Please let us know!

Enjoy Toronto!

Imagine stepping off the King St. car on your way to catch the Yonge line north to your meeting/job/appointment. You’ve got a few extra minutes to grab a coffee and snack before you get on the Yonge line. This is the situation that led me to wonderful Dineen Coffee Co. in Commerce Court at Bay St. and King.

The otherwise austere facade of the financial district might lead one to feel this cafe’s location would be stuffy or cramped but quite the opposite is true. It’s set just so beyond the King entrance in a beautiful lobby with lots of comfortable seating around and at the bar and is run by some really great cashiers and baristas!

For this experience, I tried one of my favourite coffees for the morning; a brevé cappuccino (all cream/no milk). It’s kind of like my test coffee to see how good the baristas are; if done wrong, it’s usually very foamy or overly hot and makes for a kind of weak coffee with too much hot cream. But when done correctly (as it was here), it’s a beautifully rich and less sweet alternative to a regular cappuccino. I paired mine with a nicely buttery jalapeño and cheddar scone; delicious!

Next time you’re close to King and Yonge, do yourself a favour and check out this great coffee spot. You won’t be disappointed!

There are currently 3 locations for Dineen. See the map below for the one closest to you!

Here's where Dineen Coffee Co. is in Toronto

This week’s Toronto Hot Spot continues to focus on the Ossington strip, in the Queen West area

I love all locations of i deal coffee and must be honest that I'm particularly biased as I worked there for sometime. BUT, they in fact do have some of the best coffee in the city, lovingly made by baristas who are expertly trained.

One of the reasons the coffee is so good is that it’s roasted locally at The Merchants of Green Coffee in Toronto’s East End so any coffee served or packaged to go is perfectly fresh.

BONUS the Ossington i deal coffee location now also serves wine along with delicious food! The Ossington strip has so much to offer these days but for coffee, this is my go to.

PRO SNACK TIP! The chocolate dipped coconut macaroons are TO DIE FOR

Have you been to i deal before? What was your favourite drink choice?

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