Dark Horse Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Toronto

I had one of the most unpleasant café experiences ever at Dark Horse, and I need to warn other parents and dog owners.

I came in with my 14-month-old son and my teacup dog (he’s so tiny he can fit in my palm). I was holding BOTH my baby and my dog the entire time while trying to order. The cashier was polite and took my order, but another staff member — a big white woman — stood right there the whole time, hovering over me and watching everything.

My son even said hi to her, and she said nothing. Then, after my order was placed and while I briefly set my dog down for two seconds just to grab my phone and pay, she suddenly snapped, “We don’t allow dogs in here.”

So let me get this straight: you watch me walk in holding a baby and a tiny dog, you let the cashier ring me up, you engage with my child — and only at the very end you decide to rudely announce the “no dogs” rule? That’s not enforcing policy, that’s targeting and humiliating customers for no reason.

The way she handled it was hostile, unprofessional, and completely unnecessary. She clearly woke up in a bad mood and chose to take it out on me and my family.

If this is how Dark Horse treats parents trying to juggle a baby and a coffee, or dog owners with tiny, harmless pets, then it’s not a welcoming space at all. My family and I will never return, and I strongly advise others — especially fellow parents and dog owners — to skip Dark Horse entirely. There are plenty of cafés in Toronto that actually know how to treat customers...

I am standing behind someone in line; they served the person in front of me then both turned their backs leaving me there for a few minutes then I have to get their attention. After I poured the cream into my coffee, it curdled. I asked if the cream had been sitting there all day because it was now 4:45 p.m. I was told they switch around noon daily.

The attitude I received was uncalled for as the two servers drink their beer or wine out of cups and act like I am an inconvenience. Then I was asked to give them the bad cream😂 I was then told to have the curdled coffee. I explained I dont want it. She poured another hastily. I sat down and they continue to stare me down and no doubt they are talking about me. Then the entire time they talked about their personal life where I could hear them as they sip away on their alcohol. Touching mouth and hair then serving people. I have pics if you need to see. For $4 plus for a coffee and to be served bad cream and then treated as though I am unwanted is unacceptable. Terrible customer service. Why are the baked goods sitting at the cash where people are...

Went to get a coffee and a bite to eat while waiting for an appointment and found Dark Horse Espresso Bar. The staff was friendly and helpful when I walked in to when I ordered.

The Flat White coffee I ordered was simply amazing and was what I needed to pick me up that morning. The accompanying Ube cookie that the servers behind the counter recommended was delicious, not too sweet or heavy and went well with the coffee.

Grabbing the coffee and cookie, I sat at the counter at the front window and watched the people pass by on St. Clair as classic songs like 'At Last' by Etta James and 'The Way You Look Tonight' sung by Tony Bennett came through the cafe sound system.

Suffice it to say, I hope I get to have several more morning appointments in the area because I will schedule some additional time to go to the Dark Horse Espresso Bar and simply enjoy the morning with great coffee, a tasty treat and a soothing...