The Common Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Toronto

this is a great coffee shop, i come from Dundas and Grace to buy Americano here, only $2., unchanged for the past few years. I gladly pay another 50 cents as tip. They have a choice of dark roast or medium roast, which most coffee shops i have not seen. Giving you a choice of how much hot water you want in your Americano is also unique. Being vegan i love that they have organic soy milk and almond milk right there in front of you without asking for it. I like the rustic ambiance and the choice of music staff plays (most of the time).

If you are lucky and you get Ed to make your coffee you will have a very pleasant experience in addition to great coffee. He is super nice, knows you after a few times you have been there, takes your order with 4-5 people still ahead of you and is fast and efficient.

Speaking of the staff, there are some female staff there who have forgotten to smile and don't seem to be enjoying their work. If i were culture-savvy I would have said they perform their existential angst, you know, kind of like the Soup Nazi on downer but with the added hipster disdain for even the great coffee they are serving. As i sip my coffee watching them work to their depressive choice of music i ask myself: is this what the post-Fordism assembly...

So, prior to the big coffee boom (indie coffee shops promising better brew, wifi, and non-commercial surroundings) .. Ed Lau (owner) was way ahead of the curve. He created a community space around a simple theme.. offer a superior coffee, keep it cash, and remember your customers names and preferences. This location to my knowledge was the first.. and as a regular I still see some who still go (i believe its over 8 yrs now).. just because the coffee is that good, and so is Ed. The locations have grown, as has the ownership (Anna) but together they maintain the best of the independent coffee shops in the city, imho. (well clearly imho, its my review aint...

Great coffee, great service. First time trying this coffee shop and I’ve got to say, the coffee is amazing. Beautiful dark roast, love the fresh taste and richness. I’d recommend this place for their coffee to anyone. Also the pastry selection is great too, they have a selection of sweet and savoury pastry. I will definitely be back. Glad to see an establishment keeping the quality during a hard...