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| - First, you need to know that I stumbled upon this place while miserably slumping towards Dundas West station, and I had a handful of quarters so all I ordered was a drip coffee. I know this is an "espresso boutique" but my review will not be useful to you if you are in search of the next beautiful bean.
So the 3 star rating is subject to change should I find myself back there trying out something from the actual espresso machine.
That said, I stumbled into Hula Girl because it looked so inviting (on a strip of Dundas where it gets spotty between the happening Junction and the station) and because it was moody that day, like me. The Smashing Pumpkins got me through the door. Radiohead came on next. I parked my journal on one of the two pizza-sized tables and looked around.
None of the visuals will surprise you: brick, reclaimed-looking wood, decorative tin ceiling, vintage pepsi sign, tall stools, magazines, flyers for local artists and personal trainers, a sign that says their cups are compostable, lightbulbs shaped like test tubes that casually dangle from the ceiling on black wire. Handsome and stylish man behind the counter with strong eyeglass frames who knew just about everyone who came in (other than myself). And all this in a space about the size of a Toronto living room.
I see across the street is a building that reads Dundas West Arts Building and I know, this place was clearly the answer to many prayers. If I lived or worked close by I could imagine how gleeful I would have been to find Hula Girl. That made me happy.
Oh, they also have a gum ball machine by the door. I like that. But my favourite detail would have to be the sign behind the cash that read: MAKE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. I think Hula Girl did.
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