The Library Specialty Coffee — Restaurant in Markham

The fact that the lowest ratings for this place is roughly 3-4 stars isn't actually that bad for criticism. It shows my judgment for trying out new places aren't too bad and I have high maintenance taste. It was a bit hard to find the place despite it being right in front of me in the open. It can be considered a hidden gem for those who don't know a new coffee shop opened near the area. It was my first trying out The Library and upon walking in, I really loved the way they designed the cafe. It's a minimalistic theme all splashed in blissful white colour (one of my fave colours!) which blends in today's modern age. Quite the simplistic aesthetic. I was greeted by the cashier and barista and she calmly and patiently explained to me all the different kinds of coffee and teas they offer plus telling me about the coffee beans they sell alongside with being a cafe. I was instantly hooked due to the simple, yet detailed explanation that I ended up going with one of their recommended drinks for the day and for hot drinks, it was well worth the price I paid. Everyone is different and has different standards of what they like and dislike, so I get it. However, for me, I really liked my spontaneous visit to The Library! I see potential for this cafe!~ It's close to where I live too. Not that long...

We went to The Library near First Markham Place on a weekend afternoon time. Their hours are more specific compared to their downtown locations, so make sure to check before you go. Right now it is Mon - Wed: closed, Thur - Sun: 10am - 5pm. They also just opened so they didn’t have big signage outside, it was just on the window and a bit hard to see.

We got the Hambela- Ethiopia drip coffee ($6.75) and the matcha latte ($5.95). The drip coffee was made very precisely as the temperature was measured while hot water was poured over the coffee. It was very fragrant, but more on the expensive side for coffee. We also got the matcha latte and it was made very beautifully. I could taste the matcha was higher quality. However, it was quite grainy when I initially drank it and I personally like my matcha sweet. I know that traditionally you’re not supposed to have sweetener, the barista also told me that they sweeten their matcha but it wasn’t enough for me.

Overall, the drinks were only okay for us, would definitely try other drinks next time. Our experience inside was very calming and they had a nice...

This is a cute local coffee roaster, but tbh I was a bit let down from the hype. I am by no means a coffee connoisseur, but even I was confused by the very non-existent coffee taste in their coffee.

I got a vanilla bean iced latte and it felt mostly of milk and a very light hint of the espresso. I think they had real vanilla beans in their syrup, as there were lots of what looked to be seeds at the bottom of the cup. However…it didn’t taste like vanilla…? So I can’t tell if what was actually at the bottom of my cup was espresso grounds somehow. Don’t get me wrong, it was very inoffensive as a cup of smooth milk, but I don’t know if I would ever pay $7.63 for an approx. 350mL cup of smooth milk.

I don’t want to give this place a very low rating because I like to support local, but this place really had me questioning my money spending. It’s not for me, but they sell their beans and matcha in-house if you are into that. They also have limited seating and a few small tables, would be luck of the draw for you to get a spot...