Top 5

Caffeinated Wake-up Calls

Toronto (Apr.09.07)

Ever since we were one of the judges for the Krups Kup Of Excellence Awards, presented to the independent café with the best espresso in Toronto, we’ve become obsessed with knowing where to find a fantastic caffeine fix. So here’s this week’s Best Of caffeinated wake-up calls list to get your engines revving…

Best for the in/out: Jet Fuel
519 Parliament St. (just north of Carlton); 416-968-9982; www.jetfuelcoffee.com
This is a neighbourhood joint where everybody knows your name (except ours, we drive from our ‘hood to get java this good). But here’s how to fake your way into the coffee club: Walk up to the bar (that has no menu), ask for an Americano (they don’t serve drip), put a toonie on the counter and wait patiently by the machine for your rich and delicious caffeine. Tip: Cream and sugar are on the bar, but you have to ask for milk. ($2 for a double espresso)

Best for fancy drink: Bulldog Café
89 Granby St.; 416-606-2275; www.bulldogtoronto.com
You may have no other reason to go to Granby (it’s just south of Carlton, off of Church), but you don’t need one; Bulldog is a charming café that makes drinks worthy of a pilgrimage. They do the basics superbly, but we love them for their latte art, hot chocolate and chocolate-coffee blends. ($3 for an artsy latte)

Best for fair trade: I Deal Coffee
84 Nassau St.; 416-364-7700; www.idealcoffees.com
Befitting its Kensington Market location, this coffee shop is as passionate about social and environmental issues as it is about pouring the perfect cup. Roasting its own beans daily, you can taste every oodle of coffee knowledge in the ideal double shot espresso. ($2 for a double espresso)

Best for the view, inside and out: Balzac’s
55 Mill St. (Distillery District); 416-207-1709; www.balzacscoffee.com
With cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial architecture outside, and raw brick and soaring ceilings inside, the ambience of Balzac’s is tough to beat. Enjoy the in-house roasted bean while you read (or write) a novel and save the rest of the afternoon for exploring the shops. ($1.78 for a medium coffee)

Best for the extras: B Espresso
111 Queen St. E; 416-866-2111; www.bespressobar.com
Every café on the list makes a killer espresso, but this Illy bar offers two extra things: Baristas that are so boisterous, they wake you up as much as the coffee and food offerings that will keep you in your seat for longer than a few sips. Try the fresh baked muffins, croissants and frittatas for breakfast or the panini, pizza and salad for lunch. ($2.57 for a double espresso)

by Stephania Varalli

Tags: top 5, city living

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