Cafes
The Rooster Coffee House
The Rooster Coffee House opened in December on a sleepy stretch of Broadview across from Riverdale Park. Co-owned by Shawn Andrews and her partner Dave, they were surprised at how quickly their dream turned into a reality.
Packed to the high ceilings on the Saturday afternoon of my visit, it's full of people who treat it more like their living room than a cafe.
Comfy leather chairs are rearranged at will into more suitable positions for chatting, surfing, or playing the board games casually strewn about on the vintage luggage that serves as coffee tables.
Want to have an afternoon work meeting with some friends or colleagues? Pull up a chair at the huge rectangular table in the back. Stopping in for a quick cup on the way? Slide up to the bar seats at the window and gaze out over the park.
The Rooster Coffee House sells it's own specialty roasts, done to order by the artists at Te Aro. Here you can get anything from a standard Americano or make choice from their selection of custom blends like Atomic Rooster or Bold Beaver ($2.75-$4.00).
Not one to leave cautious neighborhood moms without options, Rooster offers an array of Tealish and kid friendly drinks -- including a surprising take on a hot chocolate, called a Toastee Almond Latte -- containing no sugar and steeped in milk. This, however, is not to be outdone by the killer hot chocolate, which certainly hits the spot.
The modern-meets-vintage design gives Rooster an elegant but comfortable vibe. Cut glass chandeliers hang over the modern counter, and old serving silverware provide places for dirty spoons.
The staff are incredibly friendly, taking special care to make each cup right, while chatting up the regulars who came in droves.
Shawn tries to emphasize locally made products, and it shows. She does live next door, after all. The treats on the counter come from a neighbor down the street, muffins, butter tarts and homemade marshmallows ($1.75-$2.50), while local artist Matt Durant graces the walls with his unique work.
It's clear Shawn cares in a way that's characteristic of a small town upbringing, attending to each and every detail -- right down to the dog mat and bowls out front, which are there because she feels bad they can't all come inside.
Rooster doesn't share the street with much, and that makes it the perfect neighborhood gathering spot. The view from its windows offers a spectacular vista of the city and front row seats to some wonderful sunsets.
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Te Aro's coffee is used here. And I'm truly impressed. It's air roasted, which I understand can make for brighter (weaker) coffee. Well, Not only is there no problem with Rooster's espressos, it's memorable. That's my way of saying that it's not just okay. It's excellent. Considering all the other plusses here, namely those I just mentioned and the fact that it's in an awesome location (summer's going to look gorgeous here), I'd be visiting regularly whether or not the coffee was great. So the coffee here is the cherry on top for me. It doesn't hurt that a friend of mine works here as well.
Well done Sean (spelling?)! Look out Sam James! ;-)
Can't wait for summer and the patio! One of the best cafes in Toronto.
Be sure to check this place out when you are out in the East end!
The coffee is as excellent as the place! Come for the coffee, the people, and the atmosphere, it's a win win!
and look at that hot chocolate, they are certainly not stingy with the marshmallows. mmm...
i love the cafe reviews on this site. i wonder though if future reviews can make note of the availability of fair-trade certified options? this is a priority for many, but we don't always want to confront staff about the issue at point of purchase...
WELL DONE.
Love this place.
Paulie.
Their espresso was made very well - I really love the big bro blend, it's nice and sweet but also chocolaty.
If you like the cafes I mentioned above, you will definitely like the rooster cafe.
The location couldn't be better either. Overlooking the Riverdale Park (East) you see great sunsets and tobogganers when it snows.
Thanks Shawn for opening up a great coffeehouse. Keep up the great work!
Epic broad-view of park & skyline.
Yummy Americano's - the right balance of creamy texture & caffeine.
Cozy and eclectic.
Wifi & power receptacles.
Free street parking.
Looking forward to stopping by after a bike ride and
enjoying the patio!
I am coming back!
The Roaster is Andy at Te Aro.
http://te-aro.myshopify.com/pages/contact
Check them out
The atmosphere is relaxed sophistication, decor is unpretentiously stylish and service is graceful.
Choice of books is delightful, art on the walls, originally designed furniture, all just a sheer delight for the eyes.
But the best thing is Shawn's way with patrons. Always willing to explain the qualities of a particular tea, always genuinely friendly.
I'm recommending the Rooster to all my friends...
Te Aro really is the best local roaster in the city - glad I can get such a great coffee so close to my new house. I'll be spreading the word to the younger folk.
The coffee is superb (comparable to the best I've had in Italy).
The selection of sweets may be limited, but they rival anything you'd get in the patisseries of Paris (especially the almond croissant from Jules....a little bit of heaven in Riverdale).
The atmosphere is inviting and the furniture is COMFORTABLE (thank you for that).
But all these things are secondary to the incredble staff. Their warmth and hospitality are the real thing. In my opinion, Jay is the best barrista in the city!
Thank you Shawn for bringing this wonderful place to Riverdale.
i ordered my drink and was glared at by the cashier while the guy on bar pouted like it was a huge inconvenience to pour an espresso over ice.
i poured some cream in and started to walk to a table when the female staff member with long black hair shoved past me on the side where i was carrying my drink without saying excuse me. half my drink spilled on the floor. she didnt stop, apologize or even seem to notice. i will not be back nor will i recommend this place to others.
- can't wait to visit -
Kitty
:)
The Miami haze is perfection!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyVyi38q2rk
Check out the details of the project at www.globalauthority.ca
We would love to hear from you!
This has become a gathering for locals, we have actually met people from our neighbourhood, which without this place would have never spoken to.
My major qualm is the flood of kiddies and nannies between 3 and 4 weekdays. Chaos!
In the summer borrow a blanket and sit in the park across the street. Worth the ride or walk over
Yves