I don't come here often but it's a café that I do enjoy visiting from time to time.
It's a lovely café, decorated with salvaged materials and sturdy wood tables. The term "cozy" can be used to describe it. When it's quiet, it's laid back, but when it's busy, it's hard to concentrate on your work or book. I find it a little unsettling when you're not trying to listen to someone else's conversation at the next table.
If you're looking for a place to do work, the Communal Mule is a good spot to do it. A lot of freelancers work there, and the owner and staff are friendly to accommodate this. It might be a little too loud if you just want to read a book in peace.
I like the coffee they serve. I usually order their Americano or latte, which are done to my liking. They also have a great selection of herbal teas. If you're planning on staying there a while, your tea will come in an individual sized French press which I like. Very often you're given a small mug and not enough water to fully enjoy the tea for a second time.
I don't know how often I'll be visiting the café with the cooler weather settling in because this was a summertime spot for me. There's outdoor seating, near the main steps that give it an atmosphere of being in a relaxed spot. It was like you were going to a neighbour's house and sitting on their front stoop and just let time drift by.
With the close proximity to Trinity Bellwood and Dundas Street, sitting outside, reading my book or watch the people go by, was one of my favourite weekend past times.
3.5 stars