Cafes
Broadview Espresso
So long, porno shop... hello Broadview Espresso! Wait, what? You heard me - Broadview Espresso is a 17-year-old porn store turned toasty cafe. And although it's barely four months old, the place already sees a steady stream of caffeine-craving customers come through the door (that alliteration was not intentional but it stays, dammit).
Owner Mike once had visions of fine coffee, positive ambience and a community vibe that he has since brought to life at Broadview and Pretoria (just north of Danforth). Customers walk through the door and he knows their orders, local art hangs on the walls and good music serves as a backdrop.
Living in the area, Mike felt the gaping lack of coffee shops and decided to do something about it. He chose locally roasted, always fresh beans as his centre piece and rounded it out with homemade baked goods (care of Boy Oh Boy). He stresses the importance of a good sense of community, which includes allowing his staff and customers to hook up their own iPods. Mike remarks that customers often comment on the "positive vibe" in the room as he carefully prepares their lattes and americanos.
For $5, I demolished a fresh piece of zucchini loaf and a foamy hot chocolate - perfect comfort for a torturously brisk day. And now that local Broadview dwellers can stick to their area instead of venturing further east, it looks like things are comin' up Broadview Espresso.
Bonus: you can call Broadview Espresso at 416-553-DUDE (a little Victorian flavour from the west coast native!)
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A wonderful development on 2 counts. First that the seedy porn shop is no more. But even better is that it is replaced with a shop like Broadview Expresso, something the locals hopefully will appreciate and support.
New art on the walls as well from local artist Bailey Bedard (who used to run the "R galle y" a couple blocks south.
common guys... Cappuccino 6oz maybe 8oz... but whats with the milk jar?!
I'm thrilled this little place has opened up so close. I'd go there and support it over the big chain coffee shops further east any day.
They know our names when we come in and are always friendly. never, ever have I seen rude service.