Plug in at these laptop-friendly cafés in Toronto's east end
Hoping to mix a little business with pleasure? If you find yourself on the east side of the Don River with your laptop in tow, set up camp at these cafés where free Wi-Fi is always on the menu.
Rooster Coffee House
479 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 2N4You’ll come for the stunning view of the Toronto skyline and stay for cozy vibe at this country-style café on Broadview Avenue. Inside might have plenty of antique touches — decorative chandeliers, vintage knick knacks — but the modern day hangout offers a dependable Wi-Fi signal and strong brews for those who need to plug in for a productive day.
Te Aro Coffee Inc
983 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K2This former auto garage turned hip indie café is a popular hangout for Leslieville locals thanks to the smooth espresso-based offerings made with beans from Pilot Coffee Roasters. The spacious interior is a haven for freelancers, but just make sure to juice up your battery ahead of time as the competition for outlets can get a bit fierce. Work through lunch and curb your hunger with a toasted panini or a seasonally inspired bowl of soup.
The Only Cafe
972 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L9This Danforth Avenue hybrid hangout offers coffee beans by day and craft brews by night. You might not expect to order an almond milk latte made with organic Intelligentsia espresso beans at your neighbourhood bar, but this local institution is full of surprises. The licensed café is open until 2 a.m. daily so you can switch from a cup of Joe to a pint of draft beer once the sun goes down.
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
630 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G3Tables fill up quickly at this notorious Riverdale espresso bar that has earned a cult following among the locals and numerous spin-off locations west of the Don River. The bold caffeinated beverages (made with 49th Parallel beans) are strong and reliable, just like the in-house Wi-Fi signal. The café’s oversized communal table is a popular destination so be prepared to share elbow room and electrical outlets with your neighbours.
Merchants Of Green Coffee
2 Matilda St, Toronto, ON M4M 1L9Toronto coffee connoisseurs love this hidden neighbourhood gem. The Matilda Street location means it doesn’t get the heavy street traffic of nearby Queen Street East, but in-the-know locals are in on the secret. Here you’ll find premium organic Arabica beans roasted on site and ground for each individual cup. The bright and airy interior offers plenty of tables and chairs and a relatively quiet environment for hardworking east end residents.
Tango Palace Coffee Co
1156 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1L2With its eclectic light fixtures and plush armchairs, this funky Leslieville coffeehouse feels a bit like your great aunt’s living room, in a good way. The boho interior might be a bit distracting at first, but you can get some serious work done at this eastside spot thanks to the solid Wi-Fi signal and relaxed musical selections on the soundtrack. The café is open until 11 p.m. most nights so feel free to settle in for a late-night laptop session.
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