Favourite Coffee Spots in Toronto to Get Work Done

I am no coffee connoisseur, trust me. On days where I cannot be bothered, I make instant coffee, so that just gives you a glimpse of my coffee standards. I do however fancy a nice cup of joe when I am feeling particularly bougie, or when I try and get some work done. I also like to soak up the ambience of a hipster café, at the expense of paying $5 for a shot of espresso and some steamed milk.

Here are my personal favourite coffee spots in Toronto. The criteria for whether or not it makes the list is based on: a) I genuinely like the taste of their coffee; b) I am a fan of the working environment and get good vibes to bring my laptop and get work done and c) It may fall into an instagram-worthy shot, so I end up justifying it even if the coffee is not the absolute greatest.

1. Jimmy's Coffee at Bay and Gerrard

High quality stuff- they make a mean Americano. They also also sell these yummy vegan cookies called "cowgirl cookies" -the best pairing. I really like the working environment at the Bay and Gerrard location as there are multiple levels and its really cozy. There is a mix of communal working tables along with individual seats if thats your thing. There is also a location within Kensington market along with one at Dundas and McCaul near Baldwin Street, but those locations are pretty tiny.

2. Pilot Coffee Roasters at King and Bay

Pilot coffee has blown up and for good reason. Out of all the coffee spots on this list, I would say this ranks highest in terms of quality. They have various locations within Toronto, and Freshii also serves Pilot Coffee too. I have just tried out the new location in the path near King and Bay and there is also one at Union Station which is my favourite part about traveling from union station. My go to: an Americano with a dash of almond milk.

3. Second Cup at Yonge and Charles

If I am being honest, I am not the biggest fan of Second Cup's coffee. However their Yonge St and Charles location is the coziest spot to get work done. Whenever I go there, I just get into the zone and am able to be so productive. I feel like it has become a Pavlovian response, as I am conditioned to get work done there. The best thing I have tried at second cup is their flat white (substitute with almond milk).

4. Balzac's Coffee at the Toronto Reference Library

I like the location in the Toronto Reference Library, because if there are no spots in the café I can just find a table in the library itself. I love their café Canadien, which is basically a latte that is sweetened with 100% pure maple syrup. Their drip coffee is really good too.

5. Starbucks at Queen and Victoria

I am not the biggest fan of Starbucks coffee, however the location at Queen and Victoria is tiny but if you manage to get a booth, is a great working environment. It has great lighting, the booths are comfy and there is an outlet at every table which is super useful. My go to order is an Americano or if I am feeling festive I will splurge on a holiday drink. Also I do not encourage trespassing or loitering by any means, however if you are unable to get a spot at the Starbucks, there is a really cool lounge area at Queen and Victoria that you need a passcode to get into. If you somehow time it correctly and manage to sneak in with some people that work there, it is DOPE- great view, great lighting and comfy seats. Just no outlets.