Dark Horse Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Newmarket

I have visited this newly opened coffee shop few times. I mainly like their pastries and the atmosphere, especially since it’s conveniently located next to Chapters.

Overall, my experiences have been average but satisfying, as I never expected too much ( I believe that it could be good for the cafe that the baristas would be more educated bout coffee itself but nothing concerning to me)! However, this Sunday, I had a very negative experience that has discouraged me from recommending this place to anyone—or even going back.

While I was waiting in line to order, a very kind elderly couple arrived just before i was going to speak. Despite the wait, I was happy to offer them my spot to prevent them from standing too long. However, the hostess (or barista) appeared to completely ignore my presence regardless (before even I would move a bit) She greeted the couple, took their order, and even prepared it all at once, skipping over me entirely.

Having been a barista myself in a busy setting, I understand that such situations can happen, and I wasn’t upset at first. I acknowledged the couple’s age and didn’t mind the delay. However, after serving them, I expected the hostess to acknowledge me and respect my time. Instead, she almost ignored me again, even though I was standing right in front of her. This time, I didn’t let it slide and simply stated my order directly.

I don’t expect too much from the service industry, but as someone who has been a part of it, I do expect mutual respect. Regardless of who is in line—family, friends, or strangers—every customer deserves to have their needs addressed accordingly. Or at least don’t feel so proud to apologize for ignoring me while looking at me in eyes.

It became clear that the hostess was a good friend of the noted couple, as she later went to sit with them. However, prioritizing or favoring a familiar face at the expense of insulting other customers is neither professional nor acceptable.

I strongly suggest that the manager of this lovely café reconsider how customer service is handled. And if she is the owner, I hope she becomes more mindful of respecting all her...

✌🏽GOODBYE STARBUCKS, HELLO DARK HORSE! 🐎☕️ // Came here while making a visit to Chapters and was pleasantly surprised to see that a new coffee shop had opened. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Starbs (and we need an actual store-front location somewhere between Davis St in Newmarket and Wellington St in Aurora), but happy to see a new coffee shop/espresso bar pop-up in the area.

Ordered a cappuccino to-go and tried one of their sandwiches heated up (I got the mushroom pesto🍄🌱) Both the coffee and the sandwich were really good, however I paid $19.83 total… which means that the sandwich must have been like… $14… 🫣😳 To be fair, I should have asked how much the sandwich was and I probably would have ordered it anyways since I was starving, but I feel like the prices are pretty steep.

I’ll definitely be back when I go for my next Chapters visit, but will probably opt out of getting a sandwich and get a tasty treat instead 🤷🏽‍♀️

Staff were super nice and welcoming and the cafe was clean. Really love the sleek looking coffee machines and the red accents 👌🏽❤️ Appreciate the cinnamon and cocoa powder too.

Until...

If I could rate less than 1, I would. The only thing positive about this place was the environment. What they tried to pass off as coffee was merely a stale burnt substance they should be ashamed to call coffee. I ordered a black coffee 2 sugar and a short espresso. I should have just gone to McDonald's or Tim Hortons. At least the coffee might have tasted fresh and is closer to being passable as coffee. The staff seemed confused when I asked for a short espresso and had to educate them that it means less water and a single shot.... I watched as they pathetically bumbled this by pouring a long shot. When I explained to them, they made it wrong, and at least they tried to correct the mistake. After 20 plus minutes, I managed to get a basic coffee and espresso in a relatively slow...