The One in the Only Toronto
Coffee coffee coffee
Jeffrey from Toronto
In Toronto’s East End, there is one building with two doors, side by side. This morning, I choose the Espresso Bar entrance.
Consider this, “The Yang.”
Consistent with the Yin and Yang principle in Chinese philosophy, this coffee shop has a brightness that comes from a garage door window that opens up onto its Danforth patio (in warmer months).
It also exudes positivity, projected from the friendly baristas and the gallery of icons adorning the walls. Beside me is a portrait of a slightly greying Fidel Castro, while behind me the Mona Lisa smiles enigmatically. It feels like Fidel and Lisa represent the contradictory opposites of old and young, female and male, which characterize the Yin and Yang of this third-century religious concept.
Everything else in the shop is a random mix of old photography and fine art prints. Of course, the furniture is mismatched. Even the mugs come in many varieties. Along one wall is a church pew, and atop the bar hangs a disco ball. The mix of patrons chatting, reading and working on laptops covers the spectrum. The soundtrack today features show tunes. If you don’t call all that “eclectic,” then what is?
Truly, this is The One place one on "The Danny" worth a visit for your caffeine hit.
What’s Spot On:
• In addition to various specialty coffees and teas, you can feed your yen to munch, with pastries, cookies and sandwiches.
• Offers quick access to Greenwood Subway Station through a large second patio at back.
Toronto Spotter Jeffrey
About this spot
Our Toronto City Guide
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto
La Salumeria
The perfect midtown deli
"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!
by
Anita
Kim
Aloette
Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister
"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!
by
Anita
Kim
Gift Shop
A not-so-secret secret speakeasy
"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read
by
Anita
Kim
Swatow
My go-to for hole-in-the-wall Chinese food
"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.
by
Anita
Kim
Parallel
My fave Israeli spot for brunch
"Parallel" in Toronto makes their own tahini with a huge stone grinder and they use it in just about every dish in the menu, including the amazing hummus.
by
Anita
Kim
The Only Cafe
Beer beer beer
"The Only Cafe" offers one of the widest selections of domestic and international beer in Toronto. After 30 years in business, it's quite iconic...
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Spacing Store
Real Toronto souvenirs
"Spacing Store" is the perfect place to pick up truly authentic Toronto souvenirs. Though I really think that it's more geared towards local fans...
by
Kasia
Kmiec
Envelōp
Toronto fashion designer
"Envelōp" in Toronto is a small independent store who designs smart men's and women's shirts right here in the city! Jim Smith is a true artisan...
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Lahore Tikka House
North Indian cuisine
"Lahore Tikka House" is my favorite North Indian and Pakistani restaurant in this part of Toronto. Definitely try the tikkas & Lahori Kulfi ice cream.
by
Jeffrey
Wood
The Real Jerk Restaurant
Caribbean bar & eatery
"The Real Jerk Restaurant" in Toronto has been a Caribbean and Jamaican mainstay since 1984. Try their namesake cocktail and the curried goat and rice...
by
Jeffrey
Wood
Gooderham Building
Toronto's own Flat-Iron
"Gooderham Building" is Toronto's very own Flat-Iron, only built earlier than the one in New York, in the early 1890s. I really like it for many...
by
Kasia
Kmiec
The Aviary Brewpub
Birds and the Bee-rs
"The Aviary Brewpub" in Toronto is one of my favorite places to go for a good beer and an even better chicken sandwich!
by
Astoria
Luzzi
Heading to Toronto?
145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Toronto?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 145 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea
Our team loves Toronto
Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto
As featured on:
