Posted by Teresa Cheng in beverages, coffee on August 31, 2008 at 4:40 pm

I had thought that moving to the big city of Toronto would allow me access to a plethora of independent, local cafés. Having now lived in the city for four months, I have come to realize that Toronto is actually dominated by corporate coffee-selling chains. I’m talking about those ever-present coffee stops that do just one thing – sell poor quality caffeine. But my friends and I, all of whom are students, are looking for more than just that. We’re looking for an environment that nurtures our academic sides, while at the same time, provides us with top-quality coffee.

With most university and college classes starting in a week, it’s time to start marking our studying and writing territory at the small number of local cafés in the city. The standards students have for cafés that are conducive for studying and writing is high. This includes excellent coffee (to help stay awake without the nasty after-taste of poor quality coffee), wireless internet (for research purposes and procrastination), bright lighting (the amount of reading that piles up week after week is mind-boggling) and atmosphere (one which encourages effective writing and studying).

Kahawa Coffee House (388 College Street) is a pleasant café for those seeking somewhere intimate and quiet to do their work. The relatively new café is small (a total of eight two-seat tables) and provides wireless internet. The coffee at Kahawa is at the higher end of the price scale, with Americanos starting at $2.50 and cappuccinos starting at $3. The extra quarter or two is worth it though; the coffees are aromatic and smooth. The sensitive and responsive customer service is reflected through a plate of free muffin and pastry samples that customers were encouraged to try. The servers keep a tally of each customer’s favourite baked good as a reference for choosing which ones to sell at the café. The service here is wonderful – friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. Kahawa, including the washroom, is wheelchair accessible, which is still something hard to find at most cafés and restaurants in the city.

Ideal Coffee (162 Ossington Avenue) - not to be mistaken with its more popular location in Kensington Market - is one of two cafés in this round-up that seems to attract a younger and hipper crowd. The space is naturally lit with the large windows, and has an off-beat feel, with sporadic, non-matching chairs and sofas throughout. There is no wireless internet at Ideal, which is probably good for anyone who has a hard time resisting cyberspace. Those looking for a strong cup of coffee have come to the right place - Ideal can definitely provide that. I was a little taken back by how strong my cappuccino was, but it is exactly the strong and mighty coffee that patrons here swear by.

Tequila Bookworm (512 Queen Street West) is the other café in this round-up that the young and hip flock to. The coffee here is affordable, but average-tasting. Drip coffee ranges from $1.59 to $2.03, depending on size ($0.75 refills). Cappuccinos and lattes are $2.76 and a single shot of espresso is $1.76. The coffee wasn’t anything worth raving about, but sufficient enough for a long day’s worth of work. Something to note about Tequila Bookworm is the rather sloth-like service. The servers were unresponsive and slow to act, which made the experience here a bit frustrating. However, the atmosphere of the space impressed me. Both the first and second floor of the café are modelled to feel like an old study, complete with dark, wooden bookcases filled with second-hand books. They also provide wireless internet.

The Green Beanery (565 Bloor Street West) is my top pick for a combination of good coffee and good atmosphere. The large windows let in enough sunlight so that artificial lighting isn’t needed at all. The extra-high ceilings open up the space and keep students who have been studying and writing all day from feel suffocated. There are enough tables at The Green Beanery that there are always at least a couple free, and the spacious café allows for students to feel anonymous while they do their work. Cappucinos cost $3 for a regular cup and $4 for a large. Regular coffee is $1.50. A single shot of espresso is $2 and an Americano is $2.50. I suggest the iced latte on a warm, late summer day; it’s strong, yet smooth and refreshing. Unfortunately, this café does not have wireless, which means it’s probably more suitable for those studying from textbooks or who have already completed their internet research.

The Roastery Coffee House (401 Richmond Street West), draws a mostly artsy and creative clientèle. The space is intimate and comfortable with exposed brick and warm lighting. On the café’s website, it proudly lauds its accessible and consistent wireless Internet service, which a number of the customers were utilizing during my visit. The cappuccino I ordered tasted very nice, but the ratio of espresso, milk and foam was off, with too little foam. Cappucinos, lattes, mochas and chai lattes all range from $2.62 (medium) to extra large ($3.80). Drip coffee costs $1.31 for medium and $1.89 for an extra large. This was my favourite overall café.

There doesn’t seem to be one café in particular that meets all of the requirements students need for a conducive studying and writing environment. For me, it’s a tie between The Green Beanery and The Roastery Coffee House. Students should take the time to shop around for the café that best suits their needs because, heaven knows, studying for exams and writing essays are, at their best, hellish to push through.

[Editor's Note - Dear readers, comments remain open on this post, but any further comments criticizing Teresa for not offering a "comprehensive" list will be deleted. This is not one of those "Best Coffeeshops in the City" posts, but a list of her personal suggestions and an explanation of why, based on her own time in the city, which as she notes, hasn't been for very long. You are certainly welcome to politely add suggestions of coffeehouses you like for the benefit of other readers, but criticisms regarding the extent of what she has chosen to include will be deleted.]