Metropolis Mercantile + Café — Restaurant in Newmarket

This is a cool hybrid of cafe and curated shop that has a very cozy atmosphere, which explains the pricing of their products. It carries some local brands you would normally see downtown Toronto, and seems to emulate the same downtown cafe vibe.

The lattes are good, but it’s not the kind that the price matches fhe quality. I would note that the service here is really poor, and would echo the lack of warmth from the cafe servers and the overall vibe of you’re about to rob them. We initially came to the cafe for lattes and brushed off the cold cafe service as typical for trendy cafes.

When finished, we explored the next door store and realized there was a downstairs shop connected to it. Always excited to explore small local shops outside Toronto, and thought they carried a good variety of items and brands we personally resonate with. Ended up purchasing some items such as clothing and a lunch bag. A lady (maybe the manager) was informative about the brands they carry that helped with the purchasing decisions. Although she did seem to be watching our every move, but I tried to understand, given the setup of their shop, they may have had issues with theft so I tried to ignore the hovering. My young daughter needed to use the washroom by the end of it, and took a really long time as public washrooms are a cause for anxiety. Had a couple of workers go in after a while, maybe to check as we were in there for a while which was understandble. The last one that checked was acting and moving so angrily, banging the stall doors. I was confused but smiled when she looked my way and she just gave this cold dirty look. I am not sure why they are like this but just wish they just asked kindly, I would’ve explained my daughter was taking time and if there were any suspicions of theft, I would have let them check us. This is especially frustrating when this was already after making a purchase, including a pair of pants that’s over $100. This left me feeling like I want to return the items we had just paid for as these were items you can purchase online or downtown anyway. We often try to support local and don’t mind paying a bit more to help local businesses, but it’s also disheartening when you are treated this way.

It seems like they created a setup that does not lend well to their worries about theft. Although the shop looks like it’s meant for open browsing and shopping, it’s far from the experience. Hopefully this feedback can bring better experiences for...

Parking/location I came initially through the top entrance. Plenty of street parking for a quick in and out - 30 min limit on weekdays till 5, I believe it was.

Inquired about the parking lot. Plenty of parking space, entrance leads to the downstairs cafe.

Inside Plenty of seats. Enjoy the no laptops signs on the tables.

Staff were cleaning the salt off the floor and the tables which I appreciate. Large cobwebs above which was kinda gross tbh.

Staff Girl who served me was pleasant.

Owned by two women :)

Staff behind the counter either look bored or on their phone. I’m not against this, but I wish they looked happier to be here! Maybe strike a convo? Pretty crowded behind the bar too. Totally wouldn’t be opposed to staff being able to read during downtime :)

Saw a woman ask for some hot water and the person behind the bar just seems so unhappy? :( I understand we all have off days, but it really impacts the vibe. Haven’t really seen any smiles from staff minus a couple rare instances, particularly when talking to colleagues or a quick, disappearing, seemingly-forced? smile. Real time update: either a regular or co-worker came in bc I saw some smiles & chatting!

They pay just above minimum wage - hopefully it’ll be living wage soon!

Food/pricing Plenty of food options, something for everyone I’d say. Pretty pricey though.

Oatmeal cranberry cookie has the perfect crunch and is delicious.

Wanted to get the smashed chickpea sandwich w light dill but couldn’t bc it comes premixed - something to keep in mind

Had to ask for a side plate, not a biggie but usually you’re given one with your order/bevy at other locations.

Tea is good, didn’t see their loose leaf on the menu. I may have missed it? Also, medium & large are the same price for tea!

They also have decaf espresso!! :)

They have a rewards program which is nice!

Overall

Easy to get to, plenty of parking, lots to see and eat. Hope to see some more smiles and convos struck next time, or maybe some more chill downtime for staff? Not sure...

I never write reviews, but I had such a bad experience at your cafe, for you, I'll make an exception. I'm an author, podcaster and consultant so I love to work from cafes 2-3 times per week. This place has a nice curated collection of books so I often come here to work, eat, browse, buy books and bring friends. I always have a meal when I come, I tip well, I buy stuff, and I bring family, friends, and business contacts here (the mayor, local business owners, etc). Despite the watery coffee and astronomical prices ($6.50 for a can of soda water, $12-16 for a palm-sized sandwich), this was my favourite place to come. I make a point to be on a first-name basis with most of your staff (despite the fact that half of them can't make eye contact).

But I guess that's not good enough. I came in today to find the only high table had a new "no laptop" sign on it. So i found a lower table that had no sign on it, bought my food and coffee, and proceeded to work, only to be told that this, too is a new "laptop free zone". Apparently other customers have trouble finding seating during busy times, and that's MY problem to solve.

I can't describe how betrayed I felt. I shop local to support business during this shaky economy - even when it would be cheaper to stay home and NOT spend $15 dollars on a muffin and coffee with a 25% tip. You ought to know better. To make a customer feel like they can't sit where they want...what on earth are you thinking.

I won't be back. There are tons of choices in a 10-mile radius. My friends, family and colleagues who I introduced you to will get an earful as well. Enjoy the money you get from your favourite type of customer, whoever that is. You should be ashamed of yourselves, treating...