The Space

 

Tucked in a library out of sight, close to UofT’s St. George campus lies this humble, but great Café. The name truly gives you a clue the feel of the coffee shop is. It’s a lab. What are labs meant for? They are meant for research and creation and that is exactly what is happening at The Coffee Lab.

 

I had the pleasure to speak and converse with Josh the owner. He told me about his story and what made him take the big leap into the coffee industry. If you’ve ever been intimidated by 3rd wave coffee culture being able to speak to the baristas are always my first tip of gaining more appreciation for coffee.

 

The Offering

 

They have 2 signature drinks of which I didn’t try as I am a pour over/espresso kind of guy. The first one is the 6ix, which contains 2 oz of espresso 2 oz drip coffee and 2 oz steamed milk. The other is called the drop, which contains espresso, over cold milk (like an iced latte).

 

I ordered their pour over, which was a Nicaraguan Las Sabanas from Glitch Coffee in Japan. It had tasting notes of red wine, dried fig and black currant. Most prominent for me was the black currant. I think what’s important about learning to taste coffee is distinguishing the flavor notes, but seeing if the overall cup of coffee provided a good experience. It did not disappoint. What I love the most is that the coffee is served with a beaker of San Pellegrino. This small attention to detail is what makes the coffee experience that much better.

 

The Verdict

 

It’s not your typical sit down place, but that’s its beauty. Order a cup, sit down in the concrete sitting areas, which appropriately are spray painted “Have a Seat”, and enjoy your choice of caffeine. There was nothing like walking around downtown Toronto with a camera in one hand a cup of coffee on the other. If you’re in the area definitely check this place out! Where will coffee take me next? #CwC

​

Location: 333 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.coffee.lab/