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Cafes

Wild Thing

Rating: 3.9/5 (69 votes)

Posted by Tim / Reviewed on June 23, 2008

Wild ThingIt was the retro Pepsi sign that first drew me into Wild Thing, the Annex's newest cafe and the latest business to sprout up on Harbord Street west of Spadina. Formerly home to Manny's Coffee Shop which had been at this location for twenty or thirty years, Wild Thing is the lovechild of Daniel Cohen, an ex software engineer who traded in his twelve years of writing code for the chance to feed the caffeine-cravings of local residents.

Inside, the refurbished space features a long coffee bar anchored by an Elektra espresso machine and a handful of seating options where patrons can connect to the free WiFi and beat the heat with Daniels' homemade gelato.

Gelato

Worth checking our are Wild Thing's original flavours including Pineapple and Basil, Mayan Chocolate, Ruby Red Grapefruit with Vodka, Halva and Espresso. All are made with Harmony organic milk and organic sugar.

Also on the menu are three types of panini (all $6.50), salad, fresh lemonade, various iced drinks and the usual assortment of coffee options. The beans used here are not fair trade but are from 49th Parallel, considered by many to make the best espresso blend in North America.

But if you go here, and you're in the mood, the thing to get is their affogato, a scoop of gelato (raspberry, chocolate or vanilla is recommended) with a double shot of espresso. Daniel calls this a small piece of heaven.

More photos:

Wild Thing Outside

Wild Thing Menu

Wild Thing Menu 2

Discussion

15 Comments

Ryan L. / June 23, 2008 at 03:53 pm
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Beans not being fairtrade isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some companies are capable of treating their farmers with respect without having to shell out huge amounts of cash to the Fairtrade corporation.
paul / June 23, 2008 at 05:13 pm
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Wow, looks nice. Makes me wish I was still at U of T so I could visit without making a special trip.
chris / June 23, 2008 at 05:19 pm
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He's made a brave move opening at the intersection at Borden, which marks the dead end of the Harbord strip. I hope that he's successful and spurs further growth going west.
Danielle / June 23, 2008 at 05:32 pm
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I thought he made a brave move opening across from Central Tech. Maybe he'll find a niche amongst the artsy-fartsier young.
Gloria / June 23, 2008 at 05:44 pm
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That Mayan chocolate gelato looks delish. I'll have to drop by.
suzanne / June 23, 2008 at 06:15 pm
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I stopped by Wild Thing last weekend after shopping for a bit on Harbord and I was very impressed with their selection. I ordered the Brie, garlic and apple panini with a side of greens. The sandwich was crisp on the outside and very generous with the Brie with just the right amount of fresh garlic. The organic greens were a bit on the bland side; not enough vinegrette. But on the whole, I liked it alot, and will be going back again.
Josh / June 23, 2008 at 06:17 pm
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I'd say the brave move was opening up only a couple of blocks from Manic.
pat / June 23, 2008 at 06:34 pm
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I think it's great that he's opening up a couple blocks from Manic. The "third wave" coffee culture in Toronto is so young that the shops have to learn from each other, and it seems like the veterans have been helping the newbies out (take a look at Bisogno and Dark Horse similarities).

I'm glad to see more 49th Parallel in the city as well; no more Intelly monopoly!
Maryam / June 23, 2008 at 08:35 pm
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I stopped by a couple weeks ago and had a panini, which was delicious. Soo glad this opened up in the hood!
/ October 8, 2008 at 07:20 am
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Yes, this coffee shop is truly one of a handful of greats in this city.
Moi / November 14, 2008 at 09:30 pm
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Overpriced, bitter, and ridiculously short espresso. There are infinitely better places within a five minute walk. Ideal and Manic to name but two.
Sam / December 10, 2008 at 02:08 am
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Sadly this shop is no longer going, despite serving consistently some of the best coffee in the city.
One of the best places in the city for a short espresso, and a proper cappuccino.

Hope Daniel opens a cafe again.


Lawrence / December 11, 2008 at 10:58 pm
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one less reason for me to visit TO, now that Wild THing is gone !!
mike / December 13, 2008 at 04:24 pm
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Now i'm really sad...
what happened? why?
they did well. (it looked like)

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