Rockabilly Rock
Rockabilly Rock is a Lou (Luigi) Gigi Xaini's latest venture. You may remember him from his first foray into the Toronto cafe scene, Cafe 163 or his second hot spot Saving Gigi. While considerably smaller (and I mean smaller!), Lou's newest offering at the corner of Davenport and Oakwood packs a huge punch.
Step inside this 200 sq. ft. cafe and you immediately get a sense of Lou's personality: bold, conversational, and friendly. Every inch of the space is dotted with nostalgia, from the antique cash register to the gyrating Elvis hanging from the ceiling. With only two tables and a few chairs, the space should feel cramped, but instead it has the vibe of a cool apartment.
Lou's 30 years in the coffee business means that you can expect a good brew. Beans direct from Italy and a grind that's entirely determined by the weather, everything here is made with the slow deliberation a good cup deserves. If you're curious about how to make one, he's is only too happy to let you peek behind the counter as he provides an impromptu lesson on the fine art of tamping.
Open for only two months, he's excited about the location. You almost don't expect to see a cafe here, let alone one with so much personality. But it's a busy corner with lots of traffic whizzing by, so it might just be a good fit.
Once inside, time moves a bit more slowly. While cardboard takeout cups line the shelves, you can't help but want to sit, stay for a bit.
If an Americano and a cupcake (both $2) don't hit the spot, you can choose between one of a handful of sandwiches made to order, like a Daddy O's Ham, or a Jerry Lee Bacon (most are around $6). Vegetarian options are also available, along with pastries, shakes, floats and smoothies -- all of which grace the chalkboard menu above the counter.
Rockabilly Rock is open 6 days a week, Monday to Friday 7:30-6 and Saturday 10-5.
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Looks like an awesome place - looking forward to checking it out!
oh goodness, I DO hope this lasts. Seeing that he has an established reputation makes me feel better about the location.
Sounds like just what the hood needs!
this is a true neighbourhood spot.
yay! just down the street from me! i've been wondering about this place, but never actually gotten myself over there.
will definitely be making a point of stopping in this weekend.
finally had a chance to check this place out today. can't even express how happy i am to have decent espresso not only in my neighbourhood, but right on my street! love it love it love it.
Rockabilly Rock Rocks!
Great coffee, sandwich and music.
Gigi is the best!
I'm Italian and i've been following this guy around for years.His espresso packs a punch and it's the best first coffee of the day if you need a wake-up call.
we jam at the cafe every tuesday between 1pm and 3pm.hope to see u all there bring guitars.
Am I invited,i don't have a guitar but I've been a supporter of your coffee and your state of mind for awhile now,even introduced new girlfriends to your presence and not just your coffee.I'm all in.Got any room......
hey come out .everyone is welcomed for support.that would be great.
discovered this place today in my new neighbourhood. so thankful to have a great coffee spot just around the corner. deadly americano.
best espresso in town. Classic and italian. Thats the way Gigi does it ! Thanks for keeping the coffee world a better place !
I definitely need to check this place out. Wish it was a little closer to downtown/where I live, but I'm willing to go there for something like this. What Toronto needs is a place like this downtown that stays open late (the way Tequila Bookworm stays open relatively late for a cafe).