Toronto’s best baristas

Coffee is never just coffee in a city like Toronto where how it’s poured matters just as much as what is poured. We’re a city that prides itself on its somewhat underground coffee scene, especially compared to other locales. And when it comes to baristas, we’re second to none.

Toronto’s best baristas
The Coffee Snob By

Sam James Coffee Bar

1
297 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1G7

Sam James. True artist will often repeat something again and again to achieve a different result each time. And you reallyknow you’re dealing with someone who takes the craft seriously when he or she makes art with an idea conceived while doing household chores. Sam was washing dishes one day when he saw the soapy water form a tulip, a design he crafts daily in an effort to get it absolutely right.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Bulldog Coffee

2
86 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2J1

Stuart Ross. The area of Church and Gerrard has been reborn since the start of the new millennium. What was once a cluster of townhouses and high-rises has seen an influx of community shops and stores, and one has strong reason to believe Stuart has played a role. This cozy little coffee shop – and by cozy, we mean sit-inside-if-you-must-but-take-your-coffee-outside-to-people-watch – is known for his otherworldly brews. Stuart’s best? Triple Chocolate Maple Passion

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

3
682 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Momji Kishi. When you’ve got a barista who showed impressively at the Central Region Barista Championships, you know your coffee is in good hands. Momji has a playful streak in her coffee-making, combining her many years of experience with a curiosity to explore. Case in point: she calls what she thinks is her shop’s best roast Intelligentsia’s Kid O’s.” Tip: ask her about her coffee trip to Australia for a truly expert view.

Manic Coffee

4
426 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T3

Patrick Chilvers. When you truly understand that a cup of coffee is never that simple, it’s because you’ve visited Patrick at Manic. Possessing a deep intellect and inquisitive mind, this barista will free-pour a swan onto your latte while debating why Nietzsche made better points than Rousseau. Chat him up for a second, and you’ll learn he’s one of the masterminds behind the eclectic music selection at this wifi-free coffee shop designed to foster a talkative community atmosphere

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
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You’ll never catch The Coffee Snob sipping a cup of joe from the corner store. No, sir. He’ll have his barista create the perfect espresso for him every time. After all, coffee is an art.
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