The Stockyards Grind — Restaurant in Toronto

Ordering my drink was like pulling teeth. I wanted a vanilla oat milk latte but didn't see it on the menu so when I asked about non dairy milk options, he said there weren't any. He also said there wasn't any vanilla syrup. He said they only did filtered coffee. This was such a bizarre interaction as his responses were monotone, short, and weirdly unfriendly. In the end, he did make me the vanilla oat milk latte I wanted that he claimed not to have any of the ingredients for. Very cold service, but I figured that means the drinks must be good because everyone in the neighborhood is talking about this shop. I had such high hopes for a well crafted cup of coffee. Except the coffee was somehow equally bland and burnt/sour?/bitter? at the same time and I don't think I even tasted vanilla. It was difficult to drink. It's disappointing to see all the 5 star reviews with drinks and options I wasn't made aware of even when I tried to ask. Not sure what the problem was, but I've been telling people to avoid it here because I felt extremely unwelcome.

UPDATED RESPONSE: yup, I triple checked the location before posting. Like I said, very bizarre experience. Also, like I said, I did get served a vanilla oat latte in the end. I was hoping the coffee would speak for itself like it's been stated, but it truly,...

I’m a tea drinker and will have an occasional espresso, but not today. So I stopped in at The Stockyards Grind Espresso Bar for a decaf tea and ended up with a delicious Harney & Sons Cinnamon served in an antique cup and spoon like I have at home from my Grandmother’s Antique Store in Kingston - Allie’s Antiques. Good vibes were playing from the Marshall sound box. No laptops allowed ie. “No Camping”. It’s about connection - connecting with the space, the antiques, the music and the coffee bean. Everything is high quality down to the 7 different types of beans you can choose from medium-light to medium and dark from Brazil, Nicaragua, Honduras, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Colombia. Sean is the owner and host aka barista but he’s way more than that. His knowledge is unbelievable and will help you choose your bean. After we started talking I changed my mind and couldn’t pass up an espresso. I had a Brazilian Sucuri Bean and learned how to take the right number of sips and what to do with it in my mouth. You’ll need to visit to learn yourself 😀 from Sean. We sat and chilled on the patio beside his garden. There is a small food menu but it’s really about connecting as mentioned above. Sean takes cash and debit. Nice place to unplug, relax and unwind. I’ll definitely b...

I literally never write reviews but had to make an exception here. I came here today just as the owner was closing up - the door was locked when I tried it, so I asked him whether he was closed and offered to come back another time. He opened the door and said "don't worry, I got you" and welcomed me in. Then I proceeded to ask whether visa was OK as it was all I had on me (I didn't realize the shop is just cash and debit). Again, I told him not to worry, that I lived nearby and would pop back another day. He insisted that he still make me my iced coffee FOR FREE and said "just get me next time". Despite my protests, the owner insisted it was okay and made me my drink. He was SO kind and so generous and he deserves your hard-earned money far more than any large corporate chain. It's a true "mom and pop" shop and I couldn't help but feel like I was back home on the east coast where everyone is so friendly and kind. Literally made my day. And the coffee is delicious. Amazing spot and amazing owner! Sending all the good...