Future has long been the dependable setting for many a laptop cram session, patio hangout, catch-up over coffee and late night pitcher.

Once owned by Borys Wrzesnewskyj of the St. Lawrence Market Ukrainian bakery of the same name, it’s now gone through a couple sets of dedicated owners. Though scratch baking is no more at this location, it’s still reliable for a huge selection of some of the most decadent slices of cake in the city.

The space has a ton of room, so unless you’re here during a rush you’re pretty much always guaranteed a spot.

Garage-door-style windows open to the corner of the street on all sides, and food is served cafeteria style from a steam table.

Eggs benny ($9.99) makes for an affordable brunch, though they can be ordered all day, every day, grilled ham and poached eggs laden with hollandaise and served with their chunky but fluffy and heavily seasoned home fries. No upcharge for spinach or smoked salmon options.

Chicken schnitzel ($13) is a house favourite that pays homage to the European past of the place’s ownership and local community, nearby to such Annex mainstays as Country Style Hungarian, hand breaded and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. Pierogies ($11 for 8) are also in no short supply around here, with a weekly all-you-can-eat deal.

A slice of salty-sweet caramel fudge honey roasted peanut butter cake (yes, you read that right) comes from wholesaler Baker Street. Not only are there loyalty cards for coffee here, but for cake slices too.

Other cakes, cheesecakes, tortes and pies comes from reputable distributors of yumminess like Dufflet and Wanda’s.

They also use Sweets from the Earth to supply gluten-free treats like nanaimo bars so everyone can have a treat with their coffee.

Service on the patio starts at 4, and it’s a great place to wait for a show to start at the Tranzac since you can literally be there in seconds. There is a kind of odd $10 minimum order per person rule after 7 p.m., but in Toronto it’s best not to question these kinds of regulations.

Beer selection is relatively tight, but prices are competitive in the Annex with personal pitchers for $10.95 and 1L steins for $9.95, full pitchers starting at $16.95.

The space that used to be across from the legendary Brunny still shares a wall with Lab Lounge, whose thumping drone you can still sort of hear from inside Future late at night.

I’ll always remember those sounds, the intricate murals on the wall done in 1998, and all the other things that make Future a special neighbourhood spot, no matter what else continues to change about it.