Part of the gentrification of Parkdale, this cute "country kitchen" cafe is at 99 Spencer is just south of King and a few blocks west of Dufferin. Three years old and owned by same three amigos that brought you the Great Hall and Lakeview Lunch.
It is charming and quaint... set up like a ye-olde general store. Tiny tins and well-worn books are lined up in perfect rows... tiny tables are thick unfinished wood and the back wall is rustic exposed brick. Funny flavours of tea and coffee lip balm are the impulse buy item by the cash-only cash, and snacks are fruit, nuts, chips and cereal.
The demeanor of the staff is good old fashioned friendly (I almost want him to be wearing a bow tie... no wait I *do* want him to be wearing a bow tie...) but the lighting is cool and crisp halogen which reminds us we are part of the new generation of west King West.
A larger study table for groups or multiple laptops and mismatched chairs add to the charm. Textures are everywhere from a stucco ceiling to mosaic-tiled floor that might reveal a 3D image if you unfocus your eyes. A perfect place to shoot an indie movie scene.
I threw some ground clove on top of my yummy mild and smooth latte just cuz it was there, and the scent adds to the clean-cut vintage decor. The only non-sequitor here is the not-old-not-new all-Beatles soundtrack:
"My baby don't care!"
99 Spencer.... condoloftstoronto.com/blog