Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin'- Capital Espresso - (Parkdale)

Capital Espresso 

1348 Queen Street West

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/capital-espresso-toronto

Parkdale! Who doesn't like Parkdale?! Alright, many Torontonians don't like Parkdale, but it's not that terrible... at least during the day. For those who aren't from Toronto, let me explain. Parkdale is kind of the ugly brother of the Queen Street neighbourhoods. Now, I've been trying to find the proper names of all the neighbourhoods along Queen Street (which stretches from Roncesvalles to The Beaches). However, if you were to go from about Yonge Street to Corktown, you'll see that Parkdale has an even uglier twin sister. Anyway, Parkdale has this reputation for not being the nicest part of Toronto. But, it does have a lot of character. The personalities you'll meet down there are pretty awesome. There are lots of little coffee shops, fabric stores, unique places to eat, etc. Lots of artist types and immigrants live down there. Rent is cheaper, but the area isn't the most up and coming. 

Alright, now onto the topic at hand, Capital Espresso. I wasn't sure what to think of this place when I walked inside. Menu was standard. People stared as you walked in... it was interesting. I did notice that there was a girl whipping up fresh batches of muffins, so this made me pretty excited! I guess they bake their own baked goods on site! Nice! I ordered a coffee and chocolate muffin, which also happened to be a banana muffin. It was fresh and fluffy. Just perfect. The coffee was alright, nothing to write home about.

I enjoyed watching the unique people walk in and out of the shop. I wouldn't say it's the most comfortable place to come and do work in. It felt more like a place that you get your coffee, read your morning paper and then go about your day. Not a "study" friendly place. However, maybe I'm wrong. To each his own!

Anyway, it was a nice place, though I don't think I would visit it again. Maybe? Maybe if I found myself in the Parkdale area and in need of a muffin? 

3.5/5 Smiles [the half smile is for the fact that they bake their own muffins!]

Good For: Some studying, reading the paper, people watching

Indie Coffee Shop Hoppin - Red Rocket Coffee (Leslieville)

Red Rocket Coffee [Leslieville]

1402 Queen Street E 

http://www.redrocketcoffee.com/

This place is INTENSE! Or at least... that's how I remember it! 

This is the original Red Rocket Coffee location located in Leslieville on Queen Street East. Really awesome atmosphere in this place. They were playing The New Pornographers! You know a place is good when... 

Now, I had no idea what to order, so I asked for their suggestion. Bad choice (or good?).

The barista recommended their "Red Rocket", which is a double espresso with a dark roast coffee and some chocolate syrup. Now, when he was first explaining this to me, I wasn't really paying attention. I really should have been. I was HIGH off that drink from 2pm to 10pm. I worked that evening, and even my co-workers were asking me if I was "alright". Apparently I was very very happy to be there... 

I also had a lovely cheese scone. It was delicious!!! 

I absolutely loved this place. People working there were great, customers were pretty cool (some Canadian actors came in and seemed to be regulars!), and the feeling in the room was just very relaxed. 

I'd totally recommend Red Rocket in Leslieville for studying, meeting with friends, and enjoying a very strong cup of Joe! Also, I think it would be cute for dates :) 

5/5 Smiles! 

- Monica