Cafes
The Communal Mule
There is a feeling of optimism inside The Communal Mule, and it's contagious. Peter Primiani, new owner and staff of one, has just finished telling us that business at his new dundas west espresso bar had been "pretty good - I can't complain" when scores of people begin to pour in and out. Pretty good indeed. The recession's got nothing on new endeavors in this town (especially on Dundas, it would seem).
Alyssa, Johnnie (whose stomach can't handle coffee) and I hit up Peter's new establishment on Wednesday after a sandwich and poutine. (It was Caplansky's one-year anniversary; they were selling three-buck pints!) The Communal Mule is a sunny place with vintage movie posters on the walls and a killer beat. Before taking up in the espresso business, Peter was one half of the DJ duo Peter and Tyrone, evidence of which can be found in the turntable set-up and steady tunes coming from his laptop in the corner.
The main deal at the CM is the coffee. Peter's wants to know if I've tried Intelligentsia or 49th parallel coffee before. I tell him I've not, and the look on his face tells me I'm about to be enlightened. He crafts a couple of Americanos ($2.50) for Alyssa and I, and they're beautiful. Even Johnnie is impressed. "Those look rich," he says. "How are they so glossy?" The crema is thick (and glossy) and it all goes down dark and intense with a smooth aftertaste. Johnnie's chai latte ($3.75) is sweet and refreshing and sits well in his stomach. The chai is organic, as is the milk. Harmony comes to our table in a glass bottle (the one with the affectionate cows on it) for the coffee and my companions eye it, greedily. I know they want to chug the whole thing but Alyssa makes do with an appropriate splash.
The cookies, muffins and scones come courtesy of Circles and Squares, the elusive baking entity supplying (what seems like) all the new cafes these days. I had a (raisin-free) butter tart, so rich and sweet with amazing crust. Alyssa chose a pumpkin muffin. It was light and fresh and she keeps talking about it. "Mmm remember that pumpkin muffin?" Peter is considering expanding the menu to include more pastries or lunch items, but cautiously. He doesn't want to take attention away from the coffee.
We sat around one of the huge wooden tables for some time, flipping though Peter's collection of art magazines ("you gotta take a look at Monocle") and listening to Alyssa talk about her latest career move. Caffeinated, she talks fast and loud. "It's this coffee," she says. "With this music, I'm getting all euphoric." I look at Peter in his successful new espresso joint and feel pretty optimistic myself. 
Photos by Alyssa Bistonath
Discussion
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He grabbed a nice spot for his shop. The store is old enough to have charm. He's done the interior up tastefully without it being boring. I'm not a big fan of glossy magazines that don't educate. On the other hand, I loved the different archictural styles and designs featured in one I was purusing. "Man, If only my coffee shop - the one I dream of opening - could look like that!," I thought when I saw a few of the pictures.
The first time I was into Communal Mule (I had it pointed out to me by a stranger who overheard me talking about coffee to another stranger who I met at the TTC stop!), Peter was having problems with his shots and was sort of frantic about it. Together with another customer (a Starbucks barista it just happens) who joined us to 'talk shop', we had a pretty good time and hopefully our moral support and encouragement imparted some consolation for poor Peter that day. When I returned yesterday for a visit, I was delighted to find that Peter had fixed whatever the problem was. My espresso was up to snuff.
This is a great spot to grab a coffee on a sunny summer day and walk through the park which is a stone's throw away.
Folks will like Peter's tuneage. I didn't mind it, but I'm in a minority who don't like foreground music. I like my coffee shop music to be background, even if I like it. But it was by no means out of control loud.
Communal Mule will do fine - because it already is. And Peter doesn't even have his sign out front yet! I never had a chance to ask him why.
And I like the idea of supporting local businesses. It still depends on the business, but that's my preference.
peace out dudes
The photos and the cafe itself are lovely.
I haven't been back since because I didn't like the coffee. My cappuccino had that slightly bitter, acrid taste that is not uncommon enough in my experience in Toronto and the foam was far too thin for a cappuccino. I had a similar experience at nearby Ideal coffee on Ossington and the waitress at the Lakeview couldn't remember how to make a cappuccino, which I took as a bad sign & ordered a latte instead (also bitter tasting).
My best cap experience in the neighbourhood so far has been at the old school Nova Era bakery, a bit further west on Dundas. Creamy, smooth, tasty, cheap cappuccino in a god-awful atmosphere.
I'd go back to the Communal Mule if I weren't so cappuccino addicted. It really was a very relaxing break from work.
Its very interesting to read a list of diverse comments and then go and take a visit for yourself
I wont dwell on negative stupidity of some comments you will read among a review list ,it only leads to believe that some people have nothing good going on in there lives and some people enjoy and recognize when something is a little hidden treasure that you just happen upon in your little area (that may not have a tacky sandwich board out side) where the owner is pleasant and attracts the same in a clientele . A great looking cafe,the coffee is great, the treats are tasty and a visit will be relaxed and enjoyable, just like your coffee should be...
How did I hear about "The Communal Mule" walking on the street one morning I over hear a group of walkers say "Lets go to the Common Mule ,I like their coffee better" TO EACH'S OWN
This is like saying a great coffee place is trying to be a great coffee place. On the one hand, the comment makes no sense, on the other hand, duh.
I believe The Common uses Classic Gourmet and The Communal Mule uses Counter Culture and, despite one being from Ontario and the other from North Carolina, so far my favorite is still Counter Culture. That's not my final decision, but, after a few tastings, the direction I'm heading in.
Now that there is no more ice cream I see no reason to go back. The cappuccino I have had there was extremely disappointing (somehow both too big and milky and bitter at the same time), on top of being incredibly overpriced ($1 more than my regular spot). Also, it seems very excessive to charge more than $5 for a soy latte.
The place looks very pretty, though.
it's the best coffee shop in the city.. The coffee, the sweet delights and now panni..
It's a fantastic place.. Great atmosphere... I love it .. there is no other cafe that can compare its stand alone fantastic gem..
<sniff>
Living on Trinity Bellwoods Park, and on bike or car, I have a lot of choice,and Ive obsessed about the best Cappucino all over the city.
I saw it gone the day Jack Layton died. I miss the coffee more.
Theres a place in Parkdale no serving Counter Culture and nice muffins on the South Side west of the Mascot.