The One In The Only
966 Danforth Ave
Phone: Not available
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The One In The Only is pretty much one of the only spots on the Danforth where a bean lover can find some espresso (the big guys holding down the fort: to the east is Niche, and to the west is Broadview Espresso). It's also directly connected to neighbourhood favourite bar The Only (peekaboo! through the entry in the back). How clever the name! I chuckle as I walk in on a sunny Saturday. How cozy the space! I nod approvingly as I fall into an armchair in direct sunlight.
The menu is small and straightforward - after all, this little getaway was opened to provide quality espresso to the area (Intelligentsia beans). The Only next door (same owner) already serves its food purpose - brunch, beer, lunch, beer - so TOITO focuses on what it hopes to do best. There are a few baked goods available, all made in house. I settle in with a cappuccino and banana kiwi muffin, although the Tea In The Sahara choices look very tasty.
The Only's little (but more sophisticated) brother has been open since about October and will soon be opening up a patio in the back. Bonus: they just got licensed so they can offer beer as well. I dare someone to go in one afternoon and drink a straight espresso followed by a beer and then repeat 3 times. No, I don't. What would happen if you did that?! I'm scared.
The One In the Only is a great addition to the Danforth, and will surely boom as it gets warmer and the patio opens. Where it really shines is in the welcoming atmosphere, which feels almost pub-like. Big armchairs, couches and tables; a little dark beyond the window and very conducive to spending a few hours surfing free wi-fi. Dig the decor, a lot of which was purchased in the Sam the Record Man auction (bar and mirror from the Classical department). AND, how many cafes are actually open til 10pm?! Brownie points, guys.
Hours:
6am-10pm, 7 Days/Week
Comments (17)
You say "to the east is Niche", but Niche changed hands and is owned by Three's Company and is called Three's Company Too. I can't blame you though, because they haven't changed the sign over yet.
Easily my favourite bar in the city, and now that The One is licensed, it just got a whole hell of a lot better.
hopefully it's improved......and changed some of the staff that drink on the job......also getting rid of some of the "east of donlands" Eton housey type crowd would be great.
Having a mix of Eaton Housey types is what makes the Only great. If you want to build a fence around you life, that's your choice - stay home and drink - the Only is theirs as well.
No.it makes it skidly, like the eaton house...the pseudo intellectuals of the 90's have been replaced with the woodbine white trash
It is skidly. You'd make it pontsy. But as long as we're being selective, I want the woman with the hyena laugh gone.
No, different person. I'm beginning to feel like w're traveling down a bad path here daniel.... I'm gonna stop. But keep your ears open you'll hear her one day and know exactly who I'm talking about.
fair enough dude...when you hear her laugh yell "daniel"....if im there or walking by i'll buy you a pint...cheers
Was super excited about a true indie coffee shop with free wifi on the Danforth -- especially one that's connected to one of my favourite bars in the city. It's cozy and fun inside (and already very busy; I went about a month ago). But the latte I had was pretty meh. I don't know if this was just an off-day, or just another of the many Toronto cafes that make not-good coffee. See also: Tango Palace, Green Beanery, Linux Cafe (which I forgive anything because of its inherent awesomeness). Can anyone confirm?
these comments are incredibly funny: even to an employee of the only!
p.s. i don't know any bartender at any bar or tavern who would dare drink on the job. we swear a solemn oath to uphold the sanctity of sobriety to the LCBO when we assume our roles.
Glad to hear the One really is licensed now; that'll help accommodate customers on busy Only nights.
Well....the gay fellow that works the bar , don't know if he's there anymore, has been tipsy on a number of occasions as he chats up the boys.......He also almost slammed the from garage door on a few patrons around last call, and that wasnt cuz he didnt see them
Went there today (sunday afternoon) on the strength of this review. We live a few blocks east so will be back.
Pros: the chantilly grey tea I had was really very tasty. Hubby liked his coffee and the chairs were comfy.
Cons: strollers taking up a LOT of space in what is quite a small room. The floor was seriously dusty - we started feeling itchy from watching dust bunnies running to and fro every time someone walking by us caused a bit of a breeze. And the guy behind the counter needs to learn the concept of serving (or at least acknowledging) more than one person at a time - will prevent line buildup and grumbling.
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