Get a buzz at these indie coffee shops in Leslieville

Leslieville is a great little neighbourhood with a history dating back to the 1850s. Look for clues to the past while sampling the area’s best cafés and coffee shops. Chances are, one of your favourites is already on this list, along with others that might have evaded your sight.

By The Coffee Snob

Te Aro Coffee Inc

1

983 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K2

• Phone Number
  • 416-465-2006Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Leslieville locals flock to this East End auto garage turned coffeehouse to sip on hand-crafted espresso-based drinks made with locally-roasted beans from Toronto’s Pilot Coffee Roasters. The in-house Big Bro espresso blend features notes of toffee, milk chocolate, figs and brown sugar — giving all of the drinks a distinct sweetness. Try the Aussie-inspired flat white topped with intricate swirling designs. The airy café has a cool industrial vibe that’ll tempt you to stay a while. Luckily there are also toasted sandwiches, soups, fresh-baked muffins, scones and cookies to keep customers satiated throughout the day.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Cool cafés to find a flat white in Toronto
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Mercury Espresso Bar

2

915 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J4

• Phone Number
  • 647-435-4779Primary
• Directions

The coffee here would convince the Roman God himself to hang around on the mortal plain for a while. With consistently great Americanos and lattes made from organic and fair trade coffee, this stylish café will become a primary fuel stop for your Leslieville escapades. Open since 2006, Mercury stands by their desire to make great coffee that is also socially responsible.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Coffee shops with a cult following in Toronto's east end

Tango Palace Coffee Co

3

1156 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L2

• Phone Number
  • 416-465-8085Primary
• Directions

The fudge and coffee combo at this establishment is all the rage of online reviewers. Apparently, it’s a match made in ampersand heaven, but you will have to visit to find out for yourself! This café may look dark from the outside, but that’s just the ambience created by the cosy décor with upholstered chairs and stained glass lamps. You’ll have your choice of six different kinds of coffee and vegan and gluten-free options from the delicious baked goods section

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Great spots to satisfy your hunger in Toronto’s Leslieville
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• Happening late night spots in Toronto for non-drinkers

Sweet Bliss Baking Company

4

1304 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C4

• Phone Number
  • 416-916-7895Primary
• Directions

The tastiest bakery in Leslieville teases your taste buds with fresh-baked cupcakes, cookies and pies to go with your coffee. This quaint little shop offers standing room and a few tables for snacking while you watch the traffic and strollers outside. The shop owners strive for delicate simplicity with the best of ingredients. The Red Velvet and Double Chocolate cupcake is a classic but the Banana Marshmallow Cupcake adds a little something special to your afternoon coffee break.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Best butter tarts in Toronto
• Toronto’s best bakeries east of the DVP

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