This is an odd one where I suspect most people I know would scratch their heads and either go “that place? really?” or “where’s that?” But you know what? Next time you’re in the area of St. Patrick subway station (by OCAD University and the AGO gallery) and are in dire need of a coffee on a weekday (alas, they’re closed on weekends), try Coffee Exchange instead of Starbucks or Second Cup.

Coffee Exchange is a cute little coffee shop in Village by the Grange, the most eclectic food court I know in the City. I personally love this place because they have a huge selection of brewed coffee, and you get to pour it yourself from glass carafes. Somehow, the interactive element makes it that much more appealing. I always seem to fully buy into the novelty and take it to the next level with a flavoured brew (I like Raspberry Chocolate and Chocolate Almond). The coffee is also very decently priced.

While you’re at Village by the Grange, walk around and have a bite to eat. There are plenty of options, ranging from Korean to Thai to Chinese to Italian to Greek to…