Brave the winter months at these cozy cafés in Toronto

Thing about Toronto weather? With the majority of our months spent in blistery autumn or frozen winter, tis usually the season to curl up with a good book and a perfectly rendered, piping hot latte. Check out our list of Toronto’s cutest and coziest cafes to swing by this winter season.

Brave the winter months at these cozy cafés in Toronto
Sarah Botelho By

Holy Oak

1
1241 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N6

Hip music bar by night and cute coffee shop by day, Holy Oak Café has a great selection of espresso-based drinks that are bound to keep you coming back for more. Be sure to bring cash to this homey haven – they don’t accept debit.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Moonbean Coffee Company

2
30 St Andrew St, Scarborough, ON M1M 3H2

With an abundance of vegan-friendly pastries and their signature caramel chai latte, this coffee shop is a great place to chill out if you find yourself near Kensington Market. You can also purchase coffee beans here to make your own brews at home.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Fahrenheit Coffee

3
120 Lombard St, Toronto, ON M5C 3H5

Perhaps one of the best espresso bars in the 6, Fahrenheit coffee is the perfect shop to enjoy some wacky music – and experience some stellar latte art. With superb croissants, next-level coffee, and charming owners, this place has a uniqueness that you won’t find at the chain cafés.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

CSI Coffee Pub

4
720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4

This place is a little more spacious than most, but its décor makes it feel cozy all the same. It features big tables for group work as well as small armchairs to relax on, and being houses in the Centre for Social Innovation fosters a sense of community.

Sam James Coffee Bar

5
297 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1G7

Chances are, you've walked passed this amber-lit coffee bar on Harbord Avenue, the original in the locally born Sam James empire. Yes, there's limited seating, but if you can grab one it's the perfect place to duck off the chilly street and get some serious people-watching in. There's always a buzz about this shop and when it's packed, you're likely to sit down beside a stranger and have a great conversation. They also have a great selection of pastries from local Toronto bakers and one of the best Americanos around.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Tequila Bookworm

6
512 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B3

If you want to kick back, mooch some free WiFi, listen to cool music, and enjoy some delicious coffee, this is the place for you. Even if you don’t have anything to read, Tequila Bookworm will provide – there’s a whole wall with a massive shelf of books to choose from.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

White Squirrel Coffee Shop

7
907 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5

Want to read some Jack Kerouac and feel like you’re right in his world? Stop by this little gem in the hipster village of Queen West. Try their famous Greg’s roasted marshmallows and espresso and then take a stroll through Trinity Bellwoods.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Ella's Uncle

8
899 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L2

Perfect for the caffeine connoisseur, Ella’s Uncle promises a relaxing experience with its white walls and dim lighting. Enjoy a classic Red Mocha with two shots of espresso, hot chocolate, and cayenne pepper while you people watch.

More from Sarah Botelho Sarah Botelho
Sarah is currently in her last year of an English & Creative Writing degree. She is a big supporter of floral prints and could probably identify any "Friends" quote in under 5 seconds.  
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