Best of Toronto
The Best Cafes for Free WiFi in Toronto
The best cafes in Toronto for free WiFi make studying, working, or playing on your laptop easy. In an ideal world, that means no fighting for electrical outlets, an abundance of comfortable seating, and the option of communal tables to spread out and share your screen. I also find lots of natural light helpful as well, just to keep the urge to sleep at bay when wrestling with a looming deadline. And good coffee is, of course, essential, along with a variety of snacks and treats to keep the energy level high.
It's rare that a Toronto cafe wins on all this criteria (especially the electrical outlets) but it's still tough to beat the places below when taking everything into consideration.
And what about late hours? Since we previously published a list highlighting the best late night cafes (all with free WiFi) we thought we'd focus this one on places you can only hit up when the sun is still shining.
See also:
The best late night cafes in Toronto
The top 5 spaces for working remotely in Toronto
A guide to WiFi in Toronto hotels
Note: This list was previously published on September 8, 2009. Comments below made up until October 8, 2010 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.
Top middle photo by Jen in the blogTO Flickr pool
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
With three locations in Toronto boasting lots of open air, communal tables, and dark, rich Americanos, Dark Horse Espresso Bar is an environment perfectly suited to productivity. The influx of natural light is a big help too. Of course, the dreamy scones and rich date squares might invoke a little procrastination. At its largest Chinatown location the WiFi is shared with the Centre for Social Innovation. More »
LIT Espresso Bar
Lit Espresso bar is for those who share my online mantra - one hand on the keyboard, the other on the sandwich. Or, in Lit's case, the panino. Lit's two locations--one in Roncesvalles and one on College--offer Stumptown coffee and freshly made baked goods, prepared on-site. More »
Cave Novo
Conveniently located right outside High Park station, Cafe Novo is spacious and breezy. Novo really has something for everyone, offering almond and soymilk along with regular milk, and many gluten free and vegan treats. There is plenty of seating including a large communal table as well as comfy chairs near a fireplace. Bonus - a large chalkboard allows sudden brainstorming urges to come to life. More »
The Green Grind
The high ceilings and bright white walls mean you'll never feel cramped while making use of the WiFi at The Green Grind. The large communal table ensures lots of space to spread out (when it's not busy) and the 1% of profits donated to environmental charities will make you feel like you're giving back as you're plugging in. More »
R Squared
R Squared on Queen West is an ideal WiFi spot, namely for its abundance of outlets and seating options. Its fresh sandwiches also offer a satisfying way to tide you over as you plow through work or study materials, as well as its delicious coffee. More »
The Tampered Press
The Tampered Press on Dundas West feels like home, which of course means you must resist the urge to Google things you would reserve only for home. With well prepared lattes and its own version of the whoopie pie called "Awesomes," Tampered Press is a great place to pull out your laptop and take a seat at the communal table. More »
Merchants of Green Coffee
The people at Merchants of Green really know their coffee, and you'll be sure to get a cup made from fairly sourced beans, and made with sustainability in mind. But don't let the seemingly hidden location fool you - Merchants of Green has been discovered, so be prepared to share. Plenty of tables and a relatively tranquil environment make this a prime WiFi hangout just steps from Queen and Broadview. More »
Te Aro and Crafted by Te Aro
While I usually go for cozy armchairs when surrendering to my laptop, the industrial-style seating at Te Aro in Leslieville and Crafted by Te Aro on Ossington make sure you don't fall asleep when trying to get work done. Seriously, that's a good thing. And to keep you going, you can get your coffee prepared in a variety of different ways, including French press and cold drip. More »
Discussion
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That was the huge drawback for me even though Dark Horse provides for a beautiful place to hangout and work.
I'm a transplant over at Te Aro here in Leslieville, until Dark Horse resolves that issue, I won't be headed back there anytime soon.
For a current list of free wireless branches: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/wireless.
That's okay, though. It's sometimes hard enough to get a table at the Annex location without the vote for "best". I wouldn't want an influx of BlogTO readers to leave me without a seat. :)
Scratch Cafe on Bathurst a few blocks south of St. Clair is also nice.
Also, the coffee is good there, maybe it's because my mac connects pretty easy to wifi connections. This could be a PC thing.
Because of this, however, I go there when I need to get in some quality time with my laptop.
Open, airy, hotel-quality service, free wi-fi, power outlets, a menu that evolves over the course of the day and either fair trade coffee or a range of local beers makes it the perfect spot.
Proximity to my office doesn't hurt I guess, but neither does a front desk that can occasionally dig up a left behind laptop cord when I'm out of juice.
B
Along with Linux, my go-to place in the my area is Better and Better (the ones with the banana bread). It's Reunion Coffee and no great whiz-bang ambiance, but it's clean and bright, the bakery is solid, the prices very cheap and the people could not be nicer.
One chain that has saved me more than a few times is Timothy's. There are at least a few locations that have very strong signals and only require a button-push on a simple TofC page (tip: Select Sandwich has the same, I've found). And when I use their wifi, I also tend to buy their coffee, and even more if I'm sticking around. We're helping each other.
Several weeks ago, a friend from England in town for a conference asked me for a nice place with free wifi where he could have a good lunch and get some work done in a relaxing environment on his downtown path that day. I told him about Greenavi Cafe, which fit the bill perfectly, as he told his friends around the world. Unfortunately, they won't be able to take advantage of it, since it's gone now. But it reminded me of the value of cafes and coffee houses as ambassadors for the city.
You know, I don't get this vibe about how the focus should be on either great coffee *or* free wifi. Beyond the coffee itself, a coffee house is about being welcoming, letting you do your thing (while being respectful of others) and be part of your community, and I happen to think that wifi can be a part of that idea. The community is around you, but also with whomever (friends, business) around the world, and it's great to have an atmosphere that encourages creativity and connection in all senses. That may sound kind of Kumbaya, and sure there are those weaselly wifi hogs out there, but it comes down to customer service - how you want to be perceived by customers and what you want them to think your place is about. You make your choice, and I'll make mine.
Who knew Toronto had become so liberal.
Sticking to coffee, in the downtown east area I second the recommendation for Bisogno on Sherbourne north of King. They recently got a new stronger wireless connection than they used to have. Hank's, Jamie Kennedy's cafe near the foot of Church, also has great coffee and free wireless. Finally there is the Lettieri on Front St. near the St. Lawrence Market, which uses Wireless Toronto (requires a quick free registration and then is pretty reliable). They have mediocre coffee but friendly staff.
that said the Wifi there is pretty good at most libraries.
====
I don't think it's fair to come down on a coffeeshop for not offering free wifi. That's not their business model. Especially if it really is a place for coffee connoisseurs. That's like listing areas you can get free ketchup packets and then complaining that the Apple Store doesn't make the list on account that they claim it is for 'enjoying the Apple Computer experience not consuming fries'.
I'm not your carbon copy,
but your first draft jalopy.
Peace!! I'm out!!!
Still, I'd rather sit outside at Nathan Phillips Square with my iPhone and ice cream surfing the net.
Instead, I have a low-end iTouch - small and portable, WIFI accessibility with no system charges. Considering that I don't need to obsessively update my FB status every minute, it's the perfect option for me.
: )
You'd think that a local coffee shop would be happy to have students come and work at their locations, loading up on coffee and snacks and meals. Not so at Zoots (1438 Dundas Street West). Despite having installed multiple outlets along each wall (now covered with duct tape) and hosting free wifi, the owner of Zoots cafe not so subtly informed me that they do not want students and writers to come in, buy a coffee and do some work, as this goes against the 'vibe' they are trying to create. This is unfortunate as all other staff and owners have been nothing but friendly. Well, after finishing up my (outrageously priced) $2.75 glass of iced tea, I packed up my computer and headed to Ideal Coffee (162 Ossington Ave), which has always been a welcoming, friendly and not to mention reasonably priced placed to sit and think and write. There is no wifi, but that can be a good thing! And I should know, I am in my 12th year of university... which might be pathetic, but I plan to be a Dr. (finally) by the end of the year!
ps. I should note that I am not and have never been an employee or owner of either coffee shop. I am just a lowly/lonely grad student looking for a place to break up the solitude once in a while...
Laptop ran out of juice, and we were informed that we weren't allowed to plug in because they don't want people to "camp out".
Moronic.
The place was practically empty.
The morning snacks hadn't arrived yet.
They lost 3 regular customers, got 2 (unrelated) bad reviews here (so far), and turned what would have otherwise been enthusastic support into bad PR.
Shame, thy're around the corner from us.
If you see that tables are filling up and you've been milking your americano for an hour - can you get out? Or camp at another table with someone else who's taking up three top with their laptop?
It's unfair to our tip jar when people camp out and we loose business because it takes you an hour to check facebook.
Great- a listing for free wifi. Great - more people ignoring the atmosphere around them... seems to defeat the point of going out into the world for a little adventure.
As a past barista and server/waitress, I always tip mightily (even when it's to go) and yes, if a place is busy, I free up my table as soon as I'm finished my drink or meal. And if a place is filling up before that happens, I often offer to share my table and happily do so if someone asks. This happens regularly at Ideal, and I think it's one of the nicest parts about the joint.
However. At the time I was informed that my presence was unwelcome at Zoots, there was only ONE other customer in the cafe who, I might add, was also doing some work on her computer.
To be honest, I think it is totally fair if that is what the cafe owners want to do. That's their business strategy and that's their prerogative.
But why not put up a sign? That way there will be no tension and everything will be out in the open. That's why I decided to post this here. So that other people looking for a nice place to get some work done and have some coffee, snacks, and the occasional meal, will know not to go to this location.
That's all.
peace.
Considering that I live in a small and airless apartment, I like to periodically take my laptop out to use at a cafe. I DO appreciate the atmosphere, as it gets me outside and around other people, and I enjoy listening to the background-chatter as I work. Working for hours alone at home (as I often do) can be incredibly isolating, so being in an outdoor environment can do wonders for my mind and overall sanity.
But since you apparently find this so offensive, I would suggest (as Jean mentioned) putting up a sign at your place of work to make your policy clear, as it's obvious that your cafe is sending mixed signals by offering WIFI but discouraging its use.
That said. I do not agree with all the cafes without plugs THAT is actively discouraging WIFI. Kicking out the bad customer when you don't have any other customers THAT is discouraging WIFI.
This list of WiFi spots should be (hopefully) be encouraging people to hang out and buy coffee(maybe not every visit i guess but sometimes).
You know what's not fair? Going to a cafe offering a free service, but having their employees silently judge me for having the gall to stay and USE their free service (and then anonymously griping about it on the internet.)
I don't have any issue with cafes choosing not to offer WIFI - I completely understand the reasoning for it. If you decide to offer it, but apply restrictions to the usage, you need to make that abundantly clear to the customers. Otherwise - why offer it at all, if the employees obviously feel so negatively about it?
disclosure: I have met Tim briefly before at a student mentor day at OCAD, he is a smart guy, this is a great topic, and ironically I have something to contribute.
This is all healthy and good..finally a discussion about this Toronto wifi situation that is actually getting somewhere. This timing could not have been any better.
I am a recent graduate, and I have been job hunting. In my spare time (I do work full-time) I have been waltzing 'round Toronto looking to find free WiFi. WiFI vistas, little micro-vacations from my everyday scrape through the same patterned route. I have posted my very recent findings online and have been itching to keep posting them, but they stack up faster than I can post. There is a world of them that I would never have found otherwise.
I also have some very good insight as to why businesses should offer free Wifi and I take no prisoners on that front. Businesses should understand the anecdotal pregnance of the word business. Busy cafes, bars and retails are built on the traffic of loyal and new customers. People notice this. This foundation creates a brand culture, which is why the idea of a brand experience or 'lifestyle' can continue to exist for people. Creating more traffic in any way that enhances the experience of your brand and provides the customer with some kind of odyssey or ownership of the brand within it, is the crux of hundreds of the most important brand cultures today. This may sound all far flung, but the 'third home syndrome' is not new for urban areas. Businesses should get on to this free WiFi tidal wave and ride it. If you are a customer and you have a coffee and camp-out, what will you do tomorrow..buy a coffee and camp out?..hmm, sounds like a well patterned customer if I own a business. They must enjoy my business, this is in fact encourageable. Exposing more wifi locations will limit laptop powwows at dark horse, and prevent wifi from feeling exclusive. Free WiFi should not be restrictive or expensive, it is what it is..
I recently began writing a blog called 'Free Wifi in Toronto', I began on the 4th of September, and I make a qualitative review of free WiFi locations in Toronto. I am going for volume, I ask business owners and operations managers before I post them, and outing free WiFi vistas in Toronto is actually quite fun. I've just begun, but tune in if you wish..I will hand curate any location suggestions, thank you
I'm not saying "Get the f*** out," I'm saying - Please, when you see a primarily full cafe and you've had your fair turn to enjoy your $2-$3 purchase, please be kind enough to look around you and realize others would like their hour to rent a table.
As an aside, we don't tell people we have wifi unless they ask.
I'm not being rude, I'm being truthful. Yes! Bring your laptop. Yes, get out of your airless apartment. When you notice that there are people waiting for your table, share and share alike.
Cafe 260
260 Richmond Street East
Toronto, OM
416 368-922
www.cafe260.com
I have a tendency to stay a LONG time because I actually get a lot done in a not-home environment. The bustling energy helps keep me focussed, strangely enough. Thing is I'm going to have to set up my home office soon because in return for their free WiFi access and available outlets, I spend a lot of money in each establishment. At least one meal (sometimes two), coffee, maybe a snack too. And if wait staff is involved, I tip well.
Thanks for this posting, Tim. It'll help me procrastinate re: the home office a little while longer.
I think wifi memberships across multiple cafes and arrangements of that nature all depend on how well wifi'ers mobilize towards that goal. Wireless Toronto is a neat idea. It would be nice if there were cafe's that bundled beverages/products with wifi services and joined forces to make sure there was a nice flow of steady customers to locations. I think a time-limit on wifi is courteous and sometimes necessary though. Maybe cafes could upgrade the cash machine like 'Aroma' and give out limited-time wifi passwords on purchase receipts. But for cafes that want to seem lo-fi, boutique, and super-hip with wifi cachet, you should expect that in that environment, super-cool services and excellent coffee, will get you busy with super-loitering or paying customers..
Im sure Darkhorse is going to miss you ordering a $3 beverage and planting yourself there for 6 hours on your laptop. Yeah, that would be great fro business.
http://www.artisanobakery.com
Artisano Bakery Café Ltd.
1020 Islington Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, M8Z 6A4
Besides, if I'm paying 4 bucks for a decent coffee, what's an hour of signal? Is a laptop any worse than a newspaper reader taking a seat for an hour or more? Or stroller moms?
I get some work done, or not, I get out of the house, I socialize - or at least see other humans. What's wrong with that?
Isn't a coffee shop supposed to be a local hangout? Or have we gotten too used to Grande Latte to go? Or double-double roll up to wins?
Mercury - I heart you.
p.s. always say thank you as you leave if you've been there surfing for awhile...and a nice tip doesn't hurt
I work from home, and I find that going out to a cafe to work for a few hours is a refreshing change. I like getting out, chatting with other people, but more importantly, getting necessary work done. It's really irritating to get set up at a cafe with a beverage only to find that their WiFi has been shut off because it's a "peak hour" - especially if I'm working under deadline. In all honesty, if you just want a revolving door line-up of customers, don't offer WiFi.
I've found my second home at The Mascot in Parkdale (Queen and Elm Grove). Not only are the the owners really great guys, but the coffee is superb and the WiFi is incredibly reliable. Seating is limited, but there are additional chairs and antique desks in the gallery section that can be converted into a working space if need be. I've spent many hours in there, buying many, many lattes, and they've never uttered a peep about it. It's a nice, low-key place to get work done.
this list is pretty worthless, imo.
Tim Hortons's has signs in all their locations that says they have a 20 minute (sometimes 30 minute) 'no loitering' policy.
I know Tim's is a million miles away from an urban, indy coffee shop, but I'm curios about the reaction people would have to a loitering time limit.
I think most people who would put down a laptop would easily surpass the 20 minute mark in any coffee shop.
Thanks,
Sadie
I avoid big boxes of any sort (indoor malls, huge restaurants etc.)and have decided to spend the dough locally -whenever possible- to counter the politicians that seem to be making it progressively harder for a small business to make any money and employ people (try St. Clair west).
If a shop can't handle the issues, then it shouldn't offer wifi at all. Clear and simple.
We operate a Computer Repair and Business Solutions Company. we also have an internet Cafe are in our retail store and would appreciate being listed in your directory.
PC Mechanix Inc. Toronto Computer Repair
www.pcmechanix.ca
1140 Davenport Road
Toronto, Ontario
M6G 2C3
647-297-7772
Thank you kindly,
Shafi
592 Queen St. W. (Bathurst)
A note to our regulars .... we have replaced our provider and the new system has been 99.9% reliable.
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