I'm going to go right ahead and give this Rooster Coffee location a full 5 stars. It's my favourite, the original and the best of all the Rooster locations. It's not that the layout is the best (King St has that one). It isn't the convenient to home location that is the best (Jarvis St has that one). But of the Rooster trio its coffee is by far the best. I might even dare to say that in my three years here in Toronto the best latte I have had was right here. And it was magic.
I've really grown to appreciate this Rooster location since I began participating in a regular Saturday morning group workout in Riverdale Park, which is directly opposite. After we sweat our ritual reward is to traipse over to Rooster for coffee (and perhaps treats - mmmm butter tarts) and chillax on the outdoor seats or over the road in the park.
This location is always pretty busy, but fortunately the team are experts at whipping out quality drinks fast. The cashiers and baristas are always upbeat and friendly. Oh, the barristas. What pros. I think the key to success is that they seem to be the same few people every week. They know what they are doing and this place has managed to hold onto them for the long haul. Making great coffee is one thing. But making great coffee over and over is quite another. Consistency is key - and they have this down.
Even though this location doesn't have the best/most spacious layout of all the Roosters it does have the most character. Probably because it was converted from an old house (I think?). The mismatched furniture adds a certain charm and the large wooden share table up the back is a beauty. It also gives of the most neighbourhoody vibe. Everyone from Riverdale/Broadview/Danforth comes in here and people know each other. There are millenials, young folks, older folks, families, fitness fiends and people with dogs. It kind of feels like a comfy old sweater.
Keep up the great work Rooster, already looking forward to my next latte!