Balzac's Liberty Village — Restaurant in Toronto

I appreciate the ambiance here for studying and find the treats and coffee satisfactory fot a chain establishment (nothing special but similar to Starbucks). However I feel disappointed with the customer service I encountered. Having worked in the service industry myself for three years, I understand the importance of accommodating guest requests, particularly when it concerns their satisfaction with their order. In my opinion, unless circumstances such as busyness or complexity of the request dictate otherwise, providing proper service should be a priority. During my visit, I ordered a flat white intending to enjoy it in a mug, but it was served in a to-go cup without me specifying so. After a few sips, I realized the drink didn't meet my expectations in terms of taste and presentation as it tasted similar to a latte. I politely requested a replacement in a mug with less volume, as my flat white did not align with the quality I anticipated for the price paid. I encountered resistance from the bartender when I asked for a replacement. Despite returning the majority of the original drink and expressing my dissatisfaction, I was informed that I would need to pay for a new one. This response left me feeling disheartened, as I perceived the refusal to be based more on his principles rather than on the actual circumstances surrounding my request.While I understand that accommodating customer requests can sometimes be challenging or annoying, especially during busy periods, I believe there was ample reason for my request to be fulfilled. I hope customer service can be improved...

Balzac's Coffee in Liberty Village is a fantastic spot to enjoy a great cup of coffee in a cozy and local atmosphere. The coffee is exceptional, and it is clear that the baristas take pride in the quality of their drinks. The menu offers a wide variety of coffee options, including cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos, and the quality of the coffee is consistently high.

The vibe at Balzac's is great, with a warm and welcoming ambiance that feels like a true reflection of the local community. The video view seating is a great feature, offering a unique perspective on the bustling streets outside. However, it's worth noting that seating can be limited for larger groups, with only a handful of tables accommodating four people.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, with street parking and a local paid parking lot being the only options. However, once you arrive, the space is clean and welcoming, with comfortable seating and clean washrooms.

Balzac's is also a great spot to do remote work, with a quiet atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. The only downside is that the food options are somewhat limited, with a focus on baked goods and a few light bites.

Overall, Balzac's Coffee in Liberty Village is a must-visit for coffee lovers looking for a cozy and local spot to enjoy a...

Drink Quality: 3.0/5 Drink Selection: 4.1/5 Pastry Quality: N/A Pastry Selection: 4.0/5 Price: 3.3/5 Ambiance: 3.3/5 Service: 3.0/5 Cleanliness: 3.5/5 Location: 4.0/5

A 16oz iced caramel latte costs $7.40 (tax included, no tip), which is on the pricier side. Drink quality at this location is inconsistent and seems to depend heavily on the barista's skill. I've tried the iced vanilla latte four times here--two were excellent, and two were disappointing.

The inconsistency appears to stem from differences in drink preparation. One barista mixed the vanilla syrup with the espresso before adding it to the iced milk, resulting in a well-balanced drink. The other added syrup directly to the iced milk, which prevented it from fully dissolving and led to a weak, unsweetened taste.

Unfortunately, this location doesn't offer a patio, despite the outdoor space being well-suited for one. The interior is narrow, dimly lit, and awkwardly arranged. Seating consists of stools lined up against high-set windows, limiting both natural light and any real view outside.

Service tends to be quick but impersonal--more of a transactional experience than a...