Hannah's Cafe and Bakery — Restaurant in Toronto

I live in the building and go to Hannah's out of sheer convenience, but I wish I could say it was because I liked it. We've been really disappointed with this place for a number of reasons. I'm hoping my review serves as a piece of constructive criticism for the owners because I'd love to love this place and am genuinely hoping it improves. The potential is there.

Let's start with the staff. Staff is terribly unapproachable, unhelpful, and very short with customers. If I go there for a coffee, would it kill you to smile? Despite being in the service industry, a smile goes a REALLY long way! You guys might be a customer's very first point of contact in the morning. Don't you want to leave them with a lasting impression? Something to get them going in the morning? "Thanks for stopping by!" "Have a great day!" It's not rocket science. You'd be surprised how many people recognize these little things. The young woman who's seemingly always at cash looks like she hates her life. The energy at this cafe is not welcoming and I know i'm not the only one who thinks this way. It's decorated so beautifully but it lacks vivacity. You're right across from the ever-beautiful High Park and have the potential to draw large crowds. What a shame.

While the food is usually good and fresh, the dishes are always inconsistent in size and ingredients, which is unsettling considering the cost (I find it overpriced for what you're getting). The baked goods are quite good, but the drinks are very run-of-the-mill. Nothing fancy there. Perhaps creating a signature drink or seasonal drinks would enhance your menu offerings. Look at what your competitors are doing and see how you can measure up. What are you offering that no one else is? Right now, it's nothing but dreadful, slow service and a mediocre cup of Joe.

The hours are a little stingy. Closing at 7:00 pm is a little early for the 9-5 crowd. Folks might enjoy grabbing a warm drink on a weekday evening once in a while, but in the two-ish years Hannah's has been there, I've yet to see it open when I get home. Total bummer and a little confusing since they have an LLBO. Wouldn't people rather have a glass of wine closer to 9pm after they have dinner? Just a thought.

The biggest issue I have is the WIFI situation. It's absolutely terrible. Terrible is an understatement. It feels like this place is stuck in 2005. When I work from home, I'd love to be able to sit in a cafe close to home... and living just upstairs, this place is ideal. Unfortunately, Hannah's WIFI is limited to 10 users at a time. What a joke. This is a no-brainer, guys. Invest in a better internet plan because this a non-negotiable. It's almost 2020. This alone puts you in the bottom of the barrel for me. I'd rather sit among junkies at the Bloor and Keele Tim's if it means I can have a solid connection and get my work done. There's no good enough excuse to offer as an explanation. If retail stores, office lobbies, subway stations, planes, bathrooms, and all restaurants (including fast-food) have WIFI, you should too.

I wish Hannah's stepped up its game and took itself a little more seriously. There's nothing SO good here that anyone would want to keep coming back, other than its location being convenient. All i'm saying is there is so much potential to be one of the best spots in High Park, but nothing is really being done to propel the cafe towards that position... and people can kind of tell. I have taken time out of my day to write to you on here because I genuinely wish you guys success and hope for some improvements in the future. I fear you won't last past the...

This is my second review as it seems my original post has been deleted: I visited Hannah’s to grab a coffee with my friend. While she entered the establishment to pick up our items, I took a seat on the patio with my small therapy dog (clearly wearing a banner on her leash). My friend confirmed with the server inside that it was okay for my dog to be there, to which she was told it was as long as I had documentation (which I do).

Whilst I was waiting at the table on the patio, another server approached and told me that "pets are not allowed on the patio". I explained that she was a prescribed support dog, but this server was adamant that "emotional support dogs were not allowed, as directed by Public Health". My friend came outside with our drinks and explained that the server inside had said my dog was allowed. This server was very rude and abrupt as she continued to repeat that this was a Public Health direction, and she had no interest in reviewing the documentation I carry that states my dog is prescribed.

I was forced to leave the patio in what a very embarrassing and insulting situation.

While I understand that not all establishments recognize the designation of Emotional Support Animals, I would like to point out that according to the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act ONTARIO REGULATION 493/17 Food Premises document (Section 14), ANY dog is allowed on a restaurant patio whether they are a service dog or not, as long as food is not being prepared in the area. This is not a Public Health ruling at all! It is incorrect if this establishment to justify their individual “no pet policy” by saying it's the ruling of Public Health, as it has nothing to do with Public Health!! Furthermore, a prescribed support animal should not be questioned on a patio!!

My friend had already paid for our items so we sat on the bench on the sidewalk, I was so disturbed by this experience that I ended up throwing my food away after a few bites, The coffee was cold anyway and the muffins are mediocre.

I contacted the cafe by email to express my disappointment and to inform them if the Ontario Health regulation regarding dogs on patios, but of course I received no response. I will not return to this establishment and would caution anyone that has an ESA that they employ discriminatory practices against people with invisible disabilities. Shameful behaviour in this...

I recently had a very disappointing experience at Hannah's Cafe on Bloor. I had my dog with me and noticed the “No Pets Allowed” sign, so I respectfully tied my dog outside by the patio area before going inside to order. I ordered a coffee and a sandwich, planning to enjoy them on the patio.

When I was about to settle outside, the same staff member who took my order approached me and said the patio area was closed — even though there were still people sitting there. It felt like she was really pointing out my dog rather than the patio being closed, and she communicated this very rudely. I stayed calm and politely asked if I could wait there standing (not sitting) until my order was ready, but she abruptly told me I had to leave and that she would call me when it was ready.

I moved away and waited on a nearby bench, quite upset but not wanting to cause a scene. After a long wait, I went back to check, and she handed me my sandwich — but no coffee. When I asked about it, she seemed confused and said she would prepare it. Finally, when she called my order, it was for a “latte with almond milk.” I had specifically ordered oat milk. When I questioned her, she insisted it was oat milk, but when I got to my car, I realized it was definitely almond milk. This could have been dangerous if someone had a serious allergy!

I understand and respect businesses having rules about pets, but it’s basic courtesy to communicate them kindly. On top of that, getting orders wrong and being careless about allergy-related requests is unacceptable. I used to enjoy coming to this cafe, but this experience left me very frustrated and disappointed. I’m writing this review hoping the management can address these issues so other customers don’t have the same...