Cafes
Bulldog Coffee
Bulldog Coffee is not without an extra shot of bad customer service (if the anonymous internet commentator brigade is to be believed), but on my weekday visit I found no evidence to support the horror stories.
It's 8 a.m. and it's raining, and one by one customers file in - quiet and wet. Stuart Ross is behind the counter explaining to me exactly what makes Bulldog unique. It starts with a seven bean private blend from three different locations in Central and South America and Africa, and ends in an expertly pulled double shot espresso in sizes "Cappuccino," "Bulldog," and "Latte" depending on how much milk you prefer. As they walk through the door, customers light up at the smell of fresh baked croissants and Stuart's friendly greeting.
Six years ago, while out walking dogs, Stuart came across the former beauty salon/convenience store space for lease at the corner of Church and Granby, just a block south of Maple Leaf Gardens. Boatloads of training from Canadian National Barista Champ Sammy Piccolo and a few Barista Championship titles later, he considers himself to be the godfather of the third generation indie coffee scene in Toronto and has turned out baristas that have gone on to start other well known cafes around the city, like Mercury and Dark Horse. Curious though, that Bulldog is not a member of the newly formed Toronto Coffee Conspiracy of which Mercury is a member.
For $3 you can fill yourself up on any of the treats in the fridge case, but the showstoppers are the fresh baked croissants and pain au chocolate, that fill the air with that distinct smell of "I really shouldn't eat this for breakfast but I'm going to anyway" yum.
Also at the $3 price point are hot drink offerings typical of what you'd expect in a coffeehouse (espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, etc.), and if you ask, Stuart will draw you a bulldog in your cup using the thick and rich crema that tops up your hot beverage. There is a fair trade espresso option, as well as an assortment of basic teas. For more adventurous types, try the specialty "Chocolate Chai" or the "Blanco Bulldog" - a white hot chocolate with a shot of espresso for $4.50.
Perfection and a commitment to the coffee experience, from the moment you smell it to the way it coats your mouth "like velvety smooth pajamas wrapped around your tongue" is what makes Bulldog stand out from pack. Bulldog is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There's a patio on the sidewalk, and extended hours in the summer. 
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loveee bulldog.... loved the darker interior better before the renos tho.
And sytrofoam cups are ghetto. Are they going for the muffler repair shop vibe?
Poor customer service shouldn't be tolerated. People in this city need to stop taking it.
I did identify myself as writing for blogto, as I always do (it's hard to look inconspicuous with a DLSR and notepad!)
Given the negative comments and reviews I had read before visiting, I felt that a fair way to approach this profile was to acknowledge that Bulldog has a lousy rep for customer service, in addition to providing commentary on what I experienced while I was there. I cannot possibly comment on other people's experiences but it didn't go without mention in the lead, and in the first paragraph.
If people aren't happy with service, they should absolutely stop taking it, I couldn't agree with you more.
Jack, I don't make any claims on authenticity (not entirely sure what that means in this context but...) I don't even drink coffee.
The Staff are great and often very busy!
Sometimes when you're bitched at you bitch back no?
How about giving the guys who work very hard here a break and not be that bitchy customer that no one likes! If you wanna grump bucks is up the street about 2 blocks!
I for one love a little grump with my coffee keeps it real!
Oh ya and those Carmel crunchy treats with the apricots on top are to die for! And if your an early bird you might be lucky enough to get one of the fresh baked Choco croissants!
Too much attitude. It's not like this place is Sam James or Dark Horse. They need to check their ego.
Thanks a good one! Got another?!
"Read my review of Bulldog Coffee in the cafe section"
"Posted by Elizabeth / Reviewed on April 9, 2010"
Though going from cafe to cafe sure has given me a better appreciation for the stuff! Bulldog is definitely up in my top 3.
If you don't like it, don't read it.
If you want better service go in the afternoon or on weekends, that's what I do haha
This website is intended to provide a service for people about shops and services in TO, not about the writing skills or politics behind the story. Get over it and write positive or negative things about the shop/restaurant/service/event they have reviewed.
By the way - bulldog - best coffee in TO and even better no free WiFi so the tables don't get jammed with one coffee an afternoon customers.
The beans are not single sourced, and not fair trade (as mentioned in the "profile") and it's not actually an exclusive blend. I didn't get the name of the roaster, but was told there are other coffee shops with the same beans.
Stuart is often a little terse, and I hate to say it, but they are nice to their regulars.
The styrofoam cups are off-putting to drink out of, but they do have the advantage of keeping your drink hot for longer than paper. I also heard once that styrofoam is actually better for the environment because of the manufacturing process. Never bothered to look it up though.
Is there a difference between a "price" and a "price point"? ("$3 price point" huh?)
It would be nice to hear from some people who actually like the coffee here!
I kinda feel like I'm the only one?
If your such a greeny then why not sit and have your cup in a glass and let them keep the styro cup...
Or even better bring your own reusable?
Out of all the Coffee shops in TO Bulldog and Red Rocket are tops in my book! Everything else is just reg old joe...
I was (and actually am) absolutely in love with their coffee - I used to take a "bulldog" every time. However - for some time they have a new young guy barista, that probably either doesn't love/accept what he's doing or it's just plain attitude. I have to walk some 15 min from my work during afternoon break for my "fix". I had no problem as long as I was treated respectfully...which was great with the other two guys (the owner and another barista)...but since the third one came...that's it. I used to be a regular - but now even though I love the coffee...but there are other options (Jet Fuel being actually a very good one). The last time I checked - the barista should serve me a drink...he's not doing me a "favor" of doing this.
It's a shame because their americano is one of the best I've ever had, but just because you know your way around an espresso machine doesn't mean you can treat people like shit.
I worked for him and I was verbally abused and degraded on a daily basis. Aside from being abused, I never got a pay cheque or the tips I worked hard for. Not only is this man crazy and delusional he is also criminal. Why people have not boycotted his business is beyond me.
I worked for him and I was verbally abused and degraded on a daily basis. Aside from being abused, I never got a pay cheque or the tips I worked hard for. Not only is this man crazy and delusional he is also criminal. Why people have not boycotted his business is beyond me.
Go to Gene in Vancouver, it takes you 20 minutes to get a bloody coffee and the barrista is practically autistic when it comes to customer service, but the coffee's good. Not all experiences in life can be padded.
As to staff mistreatment and styrofoam that's pretty inexcusable.
p.s. Take reviews from ex-employees with a grain of salt. You have no idea why they are "ex"-employees.
There are 42 commends posted here and majority of us mentioned about the problem of this cafe -the owner is such a rude person. My friends used to work for him also and they told me horrible stories every week. I also had bad experience there as well and never wanted to go back since then.
I would not pay to have their espresso no matter how good they are if I knew that my day would be ruined by the stuck up owner.
Farewell Bulldog, you just keep hanging on to that idea that it's cool to be nasty...your attitude sours the taste of your coffee just a bit too much.
In other words, get real.
Blend : Super Bar (available for retail, not exclusive to
anyone location)
Whenever my schedule allows, i always go there to get a coffee and one of their delicious brownies. Great coffees, very consistent!! Never had a problem with service...Service is actually pretty good compared to a lot of Toronto's independent coffee shops.
Would definitively recommend it.
But the drinks are made with care, they taste great, and they're cheaper than starbucks, and that's why I keep coming back.
Where did this coffee-superiority complex come from? Coffee is a commodity; a cafe is a full product service environment. These guys might have a good commodity, but if they're lacking on the service part, vote with your dollars! Go to Manic!!!
Styrofoam is inexcusable for the environmental impact alone.
Shouldn't it matter more that the coffee is amazing and so are the baked goods?
coffee and taking a seat outside - i think had to go back inside about 10min later to get my own coffee that had been sitting on the counter the whole time
I was outside! not only did they not provide good service and bring me what I paid for, but they did not even think to let me know it was ready and waiting to be picked up from
the counter! all the while im sitting outside patiently waiting for my coffee and it's sitting on the counter inside getting cold. I don't know about anyone else, but the coffee wasn't great. definitely will NEVER go back there.
Also, they don't take Debit? Which takes that hipster-indie-cafe pretention to Lvl. 95.
HORRIBLE SERVICE.
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Bless you
Have to admit, I'm really surprised by all these negative comments re: attitude.... I'd never heard of this reputation before, and in light of my experience it's a little confusing. I've been served by the owner a number of times, and each time he was extremely friendly and sweet. Like, sweeter than I would expect from any old cafe employee, let alone one with such a reputation.
Though I suppose it could have something to do with the fact that I always leave a tip... (That, or maybe I've just spent so much time staring at the sour, sad faces at the Green Beanery that this is a relief by comparison!?)
Anyway, I've always had pleasant visits here... I hope time doesn't contradict me.