Daily Grind is a cutely minimalist coffee pocket serving a compact menu of baked goods and caffeinated hot beverages.

The undistracting, stripped-down design of the space is the main attraction, with WiFi available and relatively long hours.

A La Marzocco espresso machine takes centre stage on a bar tiled with the word COFFEE. White brick walls are set off by wooden bench seating, tables and chairs. Apparently though it was intended for use as a store front, this space was used as an apartment for a while before this.

They’re using beans from nearby roaster Hale to brew their coffee, preferring their espresso and Honduras Las Quebraditas.

A cappuccino ($3.50) is simple but smooth, the brightness of the beans incorporating well into the espresso drink topped with foam.

A latte is also $3.50: this place has fair prices, the most expensive drink a hot chocolate at $3.90.

Hale also trained the Daily Grind staff at their roastery and educational space not far from the cafe.

Teas come from Genuine Teas, a creamy matcha latte going for $4.

There are around ten other tea options on offer from the same company at any given time.

Funky mugs add nearly the sole touch of colour to the blank canvas of a cafe, and make time hanging out here feel a little more homey.

Thick and chewy cookies and cream cookies ($2.25) supplied by Saving Mondays are perfect for picking away at while catching up over coffee. What’s better than a cookie with other cookies in it?

A chocolate toffee muffin ($3) is spongy with a crispy lacquered exterior, and has just enough sweetness without being too similar to a cupcake.

Though this spot may be basic as can be, this area could always use more transformations like this. Safe and clean but independently owned public space with any seating to speak of can sometimes be hard to come by in this area, and that can be a cafe’s best asset.

Though the neighbourhood is also home to gems such as Home and Through Being Cool, high turnover around here and competition for a seat at a table means Bloordale could always use another sweet little hangout like this.