The Best Cafes in Toronto (East Side)

Cafe culture on the east side of Toronto has historically been a bit more sleepy than its west side brethren. Aside from a handful of longtime stalwarts like Jet Fuel, Bulldog and Tango Palace, there's never been that much to buzz about. But in recent years, an army of cafes have opened their doors in burgeoning 'hoods from the Distillery to Leslieville, many equipping themselves with the trappings of modern cafe culture - fair trade beans, home baked treats and all you can eat WiFi.

Leading the charge is Riverside's Dark Horse Espresso Bar, a cafe that's become so synonymous with the neighbourhood that it's amazing to think it's been around for only two years. While co-owner Ed Lynds is an award winning barista (check out his latte art), the real draw here is the space itself - floor to ceiling windows, a 12-seat communal table and brick and beam finishings all over.

Under the bridge and a few blocks east Mercury Organic Espresso Bar (pictured above) comes in at number 4. Owned by the same team behind Corktown's Morning Glory, business has been going so well they plan to open a second location at Main and Gerrard this Spring.

It's almost ridiculous now to recall that the appearance of Starbucks across the street was feared to change things. If nothing else, the coffee shops along this stretch of Queen - Tango, F'COFFEE, Merchants and Red Rocket - seem not only to happily co-exist if not complement each other; but through some strange, un-planned for turn of events created Toronto's first cafe-hopping destination.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

Grab a seat at the big, communal table and chat up the cute guy/girl next to you sipping an organic hot chocolate. If things go well, consider offering him/her some of your monkey bun. More...

Balzac's Coffee

Balzac's wins style points for this beautifully restored two-level cafe in the Distillery District. In summer, order a fresh OJ and lounge on one of the picnic table outside. For west-enders, there's also a location in Liberty Village. More...

Jet Fuel Coffee

Nobody knows caffeine quite like Cabbagetown's Jet Fuel. Don't let the oft-derided attitude here dissuade you. Cozy up to the counter and order whatever the regulars are having. Soon you'll wonder why all cafes don't serve coffee this way. More...

Mercury Organic Espresso Bar

Direct trade and fair trade beans, organic milk and eco-friendly cups put the Starbucks across the street to shame. Pair the latte with a fresh baked muffin, cookie or biscotti. More...

Bulldog Coffee

Home of award winning barista Stuart Ross who's refined his latte art through hours of dedication and thousands of practiced lattes. Order the Bull Dog - a cappuccino latte hybrid. More...

Red Rocket Coffee

Red Rocket - named after the TTC streetcar yards within view - must have the most extensive drink list of any cafe in the city. They also serve fresh soups, sandwiches and free WiFi. More...

F'COFFEE

Go for the coffee but wait around for the seriously tasty, fresh out of the oven cookies. Ingredients here are sourced locally including bread from nearby social enterprise St. John's Bakery. More...

Merchants of Green Coffee

More than just a cafe, Merchants of Green stocks much of the east side with fresh, fair trade beans. Go back to school at one of their monthly coffee appreciation classes. More...

Tango Palace Coffee Company

This darkly lit, eclectic cafe was once THE cafe in Leslieville. It still has its charms and regulars keep coming back for the Hammer Head or endless jars of biscotti. A back patio is open in the summer. More...

Remarkable Bean

If there's anything remarkable at this cafe it's that there aren't constant line-ups out the door. A neighbourhood favourite for its fair trade coffee, wheat free treats and chocolate something-somethings. More...