Ten Toronto coffee shops perfect for studying—and your Instagram

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Photo Editor Rosa Kumar is known for her successful blog and top-tier Instagram game. After getting several requests for coffee shop recommendations, she has put together this list of spots within walking distance of UofT.

Let’s be frank, Robarts is not the homiest building to study in, and what better way is there to be productive AND explore Toronto than finding different neighbourhood coffee shops to Instagram/write gripping essays on 16th century Florence in?

As Toronto’s self-declared coffee shop connoisseur, here are my top 10 (Wi-Fi only) picks for Toronto cafes! Along with the iPhone exclusive photos, I’m including a rating for study-worthy seating and tables, the snackage options, and Instagrammability. Click through each of the galleries below for a look into these noteworthy spots!

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Hale Coffee Company

(28 mins via the 26 W from St. George Station)

Seating: 5/5

Snackage: 3.5/5

Instagrammability: 4.5/5

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Propeller Coffee Co.

(9 mins via Line 2 from St. George Station)

Seating: 5/5

Snackage: 3.5/5

Instagrammability: 4/5

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Baddies

(8 mins via Line 2 from St. George Station)

Seating: 4/5

Snackage: 5/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

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Field Trip Café 

(9 mins via Line 2 from St. George Station)

Seating: 4.5/5

Snackage: 4.5/5

Instagrammability: 4.5/5

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Versus Coffee

(16 mins via Line 1 from St. George Station)

Seating: 4/5

Snackage: 4/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

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Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar

(22 mins via Line 1 & 501 W from St. George Station)

Seating: 4/5

Snackage: 4.5/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

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De Mello Palheta 

(24 mins via Line 2 & 1 from St. George Station)

Seating: 4/5

Snackage: 5/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

There is a permanent floating umbrella installation and newspaper coated walls, a big yes for Instagram, and an even bigger yes for available reading materials to stare at while you procrastinate your essay.

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Reunion Island

(19 mins via Line 2 from St. George Station)

Seating: 4.5/5

Snackage: 4/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

This coffee shop has the benefit of being in Roncesvalles, one of the best (and in my opinion, most underrated) neighbourhoods in Toronto.

Instagram needs will be met with natural lighting, “coffee” spelled out in tiles, hardwood tables, and a gorgeous espresso bar.

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Boxcar Social (Yonge Street)

(12 mins via Line 2 & 1 from St. George Station)

Seating: 5/5

Snackage: 4.5/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

If you’re ever going to write that book, it’ll be in this converted Victorian town-house. Two floors of adorably peculiar seating, Bake Shoppe TO goodies for sale, and talented baristas with great taste in music create a very, very great study-space.

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Rooster Coffee House (Riverside) 

(18 mins via Line 2 & 504 W from St. George Station)

Seating: 5/5

Snackage: 5/5

Instagrammability: 5/5

Yes, it’s a little out of way (especially for a West-Ender like me), but this place is absolutely magical. It looks across Riverdale park with breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline. Inside, there is quirky decor and the perfect flood of lighting to make every trip feel like a warm spring day. Throw in a killer patio, tiles, AND hardwood for all your Insta-grid needs, and a huge stash of warm baked goods, and I can guarantee this will be the most pleasure you’ve ever had writing a paper about 18th-century England.

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Honourable mentions:

  • The (perpetually crowded) Jimmy’s Coffee
  • The no-WiFi-and-cash-only Sam James’
  • Crafted by Te Aro
  • Sorry Coffee Co.
  • Odin
  • Voodoo Child
  • FIKA

These didn’t make the cut, but should definitely be included on your coffee shop journeys. The coffee ride in Toronto is never-ending and ever-growing, I myself have been to 125+ coffee shops in Toronto with dozens more on my hit-list.

Check out this interactive map I created for my blog followers for more recommendations in Toronto and even overseas:

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