There’s just a different feeling that working from a coffee shop can give that an office or library just cannot compare. Like the coffee for one, and the liveliness of the people around you. Here are some of the top cafés in Toronto, equipped with free Wi-Fi, where students, freelancers and just about anyone can get some work done. [Photo at Balzac’s Coffee by Parisima Baha]
Housed in a three-storey historical building at Bay and Gerrard, this is a charming Jimmy’s Coffee location. Decked with Persian rugs, bookshelves and rustic communal tables, this coffee shop feels like a private library, making it a prime study spot. It’s also a popular summer spot with a front and back patio. On the side of the building, you’ll find a massive mural of all the famous Jimmies, where you can stand with your yellow lid coffee cup for a photo op. You’ll find all the basic espresso-based drinks here, from Americano to cappuccino, plus creative lattes in flavours like s’mores and red velvet.
This coffee shop feels kind of like a classroom with its wooden tables and chairs and chalkboard menu. There’s an ample amount of seating and that gets lots of laptop-working peeps in the door. The strong coffee will keep you up, and baked goods and sandwiches will keep you full during your work sesh. There’s also signature drinks, if you’re looking for something different, like the Matt Taylor, an espresso-based drink with steamed milk, black pepper and honey. If you’re up for a caffeinated dessert, try the Chocolate Espresso Shake.
Located inside Toronto Reference Library, this Balzac’s location is popular with students and freelancers looking to get some work done. Note: you’ll have to ask the staff for the Wi-Fi password. There’s plenty of seats here with both a communal and long bar table by the window, as well as few small circular tables, but this place does get packed quickly, so get there early to secure a seat. Balzac’s uses Fair Trade organic coffee and locally sourced organic milk. The drinks are super creamy as a result. Don’t forget to try the IG famous coffee in a cone.
Upon first arrival here, you may think there’s nowhere to sit. But head to the back and you’ll see there’s a whole space dedicated to you, your laptop and a nice cup of joe, just the way you like it. There’s also a bar by the window, so you can sit and watch passersby on King West. The coffee is great, and the service is great, thanks to the system of ordering from one side and picking up from the other. Quantum also offers baked goods like Glory Hole doughnuts and healthy options like Village Juicery cold-pressed juices and chia seed yogurt parfait.
This Yorkville café has a long row of seats, with a communal table in a more isolated area in the back. There’s also a small bar by the window. Plus, during the summer there’s a few table seats in the front patio. The signature drinks – Valilla Raf, Halva Coffee and Cayenne Latte – are a must-try. Pastry options: cookies, biscotti and croissants. P.S. this spot takes pride in using only organic ingredients in its drinks.
There’s plenty of seats here and more on the side patio – it’s no wonder so many people hang out here with their laptops in tow. Krave Coffee uses coffee beans from Toronto’s Propeller and Vancouver’s 49th Parallel. There’s also a juice bar here with a slew of healthy options to keep you energized and fuelled for working. Think: cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, smoothie bowls and chia breakfast cups.
Need a chic place to get your work done? This is the café to hit. Located in a historic building, its interior decor is just as stunning as its exterior. Hello tile floors, marble tables and red leather banquettes! Located in the Financial District, many people come here for meetings. It gets packed quickly, so definitely arrive early to secure your seat and enjoy the ambience while you work.
Bars by the window, a communal table, single tables, a few comfy chairs and a patio to boot, this is a great Wi-Fi equipped café to check off that to-do list. Important to note: the coffee and matcha lattes are great. There are lots of pastries to choose from, including vegan and gluten-free options, too. For something epic, try the hot chocolate with roasted marshmallow and whip – sure to bring the child out in anyone. And, you can grab cold-pressed juices by a Montreal brand called Loop.
This bright café is such a sweet place to get some work done. There’s a big communal table and few more single tables. The menu is small but the coffee is stellar. They get their beans from local roasters de Mello Palheta, and the loose leaf teas also come from a local brand: Pluck. The lattes are made with organic milk, but there’s also almond milk if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Grab some pastries or chia pudding if you’re hungry. Nervous for an exam? Stay relaxed with a Lavender Chamomile Tea Latte. There’s lots more soothing options where that came from.
This bright café is such a sweet place to get some work done. There’s a big communal table and few more single tables. The menu is small but the coffee is stellar. They get their beans from local roasters de Mello Palheta, and the loose leaf teas also come from a local brand: Pluck. The lattes are made with organic milk, but there’s also almond milk if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Grab some pastries or chia pudding if you’re hungry. Nervous for an exam? Stay relaxed with a Lavender Chamomile Tea Latte. There’s lots more soothing options where that came from.