The best cafés around Trinity Bellwoods Park
Trinity Bellwoods is one of Toronto’s top spots to soak in the sun all summer long, not to mention one of best beaten paths for dog owners during winter, spring and fall. Whether catching a match of tennis or lounging in the dog bowl, activities always go better with a good cup of joe. The following is a list of the best close-by cafés and coffee shops to keep you peppy all day long. [Featured image: The Tampered Press]
White Squirrel Coffee Shop
907 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5Named after the mystical mascot of Trinity Bellwoods Park – the illusive white squirrel—this hipster haven has limited seating and an ice cream take-out window, which serves Greg’s ice cream (we recommend the malt ball flavour). You can sit inside or on their outdoor bench whilst sipping on a fair trade, organic coffee, or grab a cup on your way into the park.
The Tampered Press
256 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6J 2V8Located across the street from the north entrance to the park (and conveniently, where the Trinity Bellwoods Famer’s Market takes place), The Tampered Press is a cozy, exposed brick hangout popular among local artists and writers. In the summer they offer a wide array of frozen drinks (iced coconut latte is a must-try) as well as scrumptious ice pops, grilled cheese and samosas. With plenty of communal tables and individual counter spaces, this is the place to go to escape the sun, and get some work done.
I Deal Coffee
162 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7Perched on Ossington Avenue, just a hop-skip from the west entrance to Bellwoods, I Deal Coffee serves up some of Toronto’s best beans. More of a coffee supplier with a café intact, the old-school spot boasts an eclectic décor, but important to note that the seating inside is somewhat limited, making it a good spot to spot into on your way to the park. While they offer innumerable roasted bean varietals, the Read Sea coffee, with dried cherry notes, is a crowd favourite. Grab a cup or take home a pound.
Luna Café
181 Dovercourt Rd Main, Toronto, ON M6J 3C6Luna Café is a rustic, wood-clad shop in the largely residential Beaconsfield Village (it’s located on the stretch of Dovercourt between Dundas West and Queen Street). In addition to their coffee and tea menu, Luna also serves up a delicious and modestly priced lunch menu; try their arugula salad with sautéed organic wild mushrooms and red onion in a shallot vinaigrette with goat's cheese crostini. It makes a mean pre-park nosh!
NADÈGE
855 Oxford St, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1L6Located across from the southeast corner of Trinity Bellwoods, Nadege is one of Toronto’s most famous cafés and bakeries – oh, and did we mention it’s the place the place to go for some of the best croissants in Toronto? With a minimalist, clean design interior and plenty of outdoor patio seating, you can grab a cappuccino and watch the bustle of Queen Street West blow by. For those with a sweet tooth, try their colourful selection of macaroons, which are not to be missed!
Found Coffee
189 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W7Located across from Artscape Youngplace, this cozy corner store and café offers drinks, lunch fare, and a small market with local and organic produce. This is the perfect place to grab a to-go lunch on your way into Trinity Bellwoods. Or, stop in on your way home for a refreshing and healthy drink from the fridge or some market must-haves (and by must-have we of course mean maple syrup, hand-made soap and body lotion, dog treats and more).
Ella's Uncle
916 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1W1An easy-going bakery and coffee shop, Ella’s Uncle is a Dundas West staple. Sip on an iced latte while sitting on their window-facing barstools or outdoor benches. Ella’s pastries are always baked fresh and famous for their mouthwatering flavours. Try the berry or cheddar bacon scones or their popular Crack Cookie (toffee, chocolate chip and oatmeal).
