Dark Horse Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Toronto

This is one of the rare times where I felt an independent coffee shop may have lost the focus of providing a great drink and atmosphere to enjoy it in. The actual location is gorgeous... honestly one of the nicest places in Toronto but with a slightly above average drink and a really uninviting atmosphere, I feel this spot missed the mark.

4 for location. 3 for drinks. 2 for atmosphere.

I've read the reviews before coming and saw there was a lukewarm or negative reviews about the experience. I've seen the same for Dark Horse's Canary location and my experience was actually good there. Unfortunately I have to agree with the negatives here. I dont think the lead supervisor or staff cares about what happens outside the barista area.

So the positives first, the space is just amazing. Probably one of the nicest coffee shops I've ever seen in Toronto and possibly Canada. Vaulted ceilings with exposed old brick walls and large timber beams that give a wonderful character and warmth to it. The massive windows just lets in a lot of beautiful sunlight. There's an upper alcove that has smaller tables and it's a more intimate space but the main areas have large communal tables that sit in the sun.

Annnnnnd then you have the goat music blaring. No... not Greatest Of All Time. But modern folk music that sounds like a bleating goat. I kid you not. Before 11 am, it was chill and cool but when a particular barista arrived, she flipped the music immediately and made it LOUD. I had a hard time talking to the person beside me. She was happily singing to it while everyone at the tables was wondering what happened. I've never seen a barista completely oblivious to the cafe space before. Suffice to say, we wanted to leave immediately.

Flat White - The beans they used gave the drink a higher acidic taste. It also had a stronger bitterness that drew away from the drink. It wasn't a bad drink but it wasn't a good one. It wasn't watery but the espresso flavour wasn't pleasant. 3/5

Honey Cardamom latte - I tried something new and though I tasted sweetness, it was sugary instead of honey and I didn't taste any cardamom. I feel that FIKA did the same drink much better and a better balance to the espresso. This one I would pass unless you like Starbucks style sweetness and lack of coffee flavour. 3/5

If the atmosphere would change, I would say this would be a decent spot but with the current atmosphere, I don't think I would...

Probably the worst customer service I've seen downtown in a while. In an almost empty coffee shop at 11ish AM on a Monday Sept 16th prior to placing an order I asked for the washroom and was scoffed at and spoken to in a demeaning way. Staff said there was a cue for the washroom, I politely asked what the cue was and they responded rudely, half turned away and a belittling tone tone. I tried placed an order prior to going to the washroom while staff waited around not doing anything, I had to ask puzzled, to be served after waiting a few minutes watching them gossip. I then went to the washroom to wait, after 10 minutes I came back and asked if there was a key returned, they told me that there was lots of customers and someone probably lost it... okay so why did you send me to wait if no one can access the washroom, they told me I don't know what to tell you.

So I sit down upstairs to have a coffee after returning 10 minutes from a washroom elsewhere. Upstairs 3 of the 6 tables have cups and debris all over them... I've been here for over 30 minutes, the cups and debris are still there, the staff are not serving anyone in this moment... the walk to the back room ignoring the mess multiple times

Am I wrong here...I shouldn't have to remind anyone through a review that the service industry requires service and that a professional and respectful interaction isn't a luxury item... it's a necessity. Being rude/disrespectful, not listening and refusing to upkeep the space that employs you is bad for business. Why would I ever tip under those...

I’ve visited this Dark Horse Espresso Bar twice, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite spots for a quiet break. It’s a great place to work or study, they have plenty of tables and even a cozy space at the back that feels a bit more private. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with beautiful chandeliers adding a nice touch of charm.

They also have a small market section where you can pick up chips, wine, and other goodies, plus some merchandise. The coffee is high quality, I really enjoy the flavor and consistency here.

One area for improvement would be the pastries. It would be nice if they could warm up or toast items like croissants, as that would make them even more enjoyable. That said, the overall food and drink experience is still very good.

The staff is kind and professional, some are a bit more serious, but they do make an effort to provide good service. The washroom requires a bit of a “mission” to get to (you’ll need a key and a short walk), but it’s not a big deal once you know the process.

Prices are standard for Toronto coffee shops. Cleanliness is generally fine, though sometimes tables take a while to get cleared, especially if people leave without tidying up.

Overall, I recommend visiting. I’m giving it 5 stars because the experience is good and consistent, and I hope the small areas for improvement will...