Black Goat — Restaurant in Toronto

As a coffee enthusiast living in the West End I really like to explore what this area of the city can offer when it comes to a good cuppa. I was excited to visit the Black Goat since it looked an inviting space on Google and BlogTo. However, as soon as me and my husband stepped in the store the barista kinda "attacked us" with a question: "What can I get for you?" We barely arrived, and that was our first visit there. I think as a small business' staff it is crucial to acknowledge new customers. Anyway, we ordered a latte and flat white, in the latter case the barista asked me what size of flat white I wanted. As a barista myself I learnt there's only one size exists when it comes to a flat white in the third wave approach. So I said the small - I guess -, with two shots of ristrettos. The ristretto is the reason why I'm going with a flat white since it contains less caffeine. It did not matter to her; she prepared my drink with espresso shots. Oh, and she asked me: like a cortado, right? I did not even want to start that conversation since clearly we have completely different ideas about a cortado. My complaint isn't about acting snobby, it's about them calling themselves a specialty coffee shop.The latte was served in a messy cup, you could guess that the espresso shots were not pulling right into the paper cup. We needed to wipe the cup off. (Again, not the end of the world, but does matter in the whole experience.) A few comments about the design of the espresso bar: I love how the Rocket espresso machine is placed in the middle of counter, it is truly the gem of the store. However, I do not find it really practical and hygienic to place the box for the used coffee grounds right on the same area where you serve the drinks. I really liked the interior style of the cafe, however, I could notice that not everything has been finished (pencil written signs on the ceiling for example.) In overall, the attitude of the barista, the possible medium-dark roasted espresso beans and taste did not convince us to visit this...

Yet another review!

Another GREAT staff choice. Virginia is just a pleasure to be around!.. good natured helpful and eager to please....

The neighbourhood now has a variety of coffee choices...staff like Virginia are key to success!

My earlier reviews appear below.

So....another staff change and I haven't seen the less friendly manager.

Basically good coffee and eats are good too....but 4 bucks for a bit of chicken on a salad is a bit much...other food items likewise a tad above what I consider a good value.....but maybe if I wasn't poor I'd think differently 😕

After multiple reviews I guess the takeaway is...it depends whose shift you experience. Consistently good coffee...consistently good quality food if not a great value.......but wait time. .. efficient or ....pleasant service ....luck of the draw.

Sadly Helen left some time ago and current manager is not nearly as "user friendly" My salad order was messed up (wrong ingredients....and a LOT less of the right ingredients) and she shows little signs of having heard you...or caring. I was in today and mentioned the previous salad....to which she replied "I'm the manager...that's what I give everyone"

Suffice it to say a visit to the black goat stands a very good chance of not being the pleasant experience it once was.

OK...for now at least that's not what you will be giving me!

This time of year a head of lettuce is 1.99....if you can't manage to put an extra leaf of it in a salad (maintain historic portion size) to keep a regular customer...there is a consequence.

Helen where are you working now....is it a long drive?

Although prices are a bit high especially baked goods.....and seating limited...still a 5...id even give it six! Why? Helen!! Getting better service than Helen gives is flat out impossible! Makes going...

I’ve been to this café a few times, and I love the place and the food, especially the chicken club sandwich. Initially, I was treated very well and felt welcomed. But in the last 3-4 visits, I’ve felt like I’m bothering the staff whenever I order or ask for service, which is really frustrating. The lady at the counter seems unhappy when I ask for extra services, like adding sugar or filling for my sandwich. I even had to ask her myself to warm up my sandwich. When I asked for extra filling, my coffee overflowed after she added the sugar syrup, and she didn’t even bother to clean the cup before handing it to me. If this had happened just once, I wouldn’t mind, but it’s occurred multiple times now. I understand if it’s close to closing time or during a busy rush, but poor treatment isn’t acceptable. On my last visit, the sandwich I ordered was thrown together in less than 2 minutes, with cold chicken and no sauce or filling. It was really...