White Squirrel Coffee Shop located along Queen St. W. near Strachan Ave in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood is a popular cafe with many local regulars. I've been to White Squirrel several times but recently they decided to renovate and I came back to check out the new space on their reopening day! Where you order your coffee is accessible, however, if you want to enjoy seating in the new space you have to go up a flight of small stairs. Menu wise, the cafe has drip coffee, cold brew, as well as your usual espresso based drinks (americano, cortado, flat white, latte, mocha, cappuccino, and lattes). They also have teas and other drinks like hot chocolate, hot lemon, cider, London Fog, matcha latte, as well as a sparkling ginger lemonade. There are also pastries on display if you'd like to grab something to eat. The newly renovated store also has a selection of snacks (think chocolate bars, coffee beans, teas, popcorn, chips, etc.). I stopped by on their reopening day to check out the new space. The new space is beautiful! The sitting area upstairs is cozy and warm for about 16-18 customers. There are some mirrors carefully placed in the space to make it look bigger than it actually is. The new interior is gorgeous and makes me want to stay there for a long time! I decided to order a cortado and a cheese biscuit. The barista was really friendly and super efficient as she kept chatting with old regulars and people who were first timers to the cafe. She made sure to get everyone's orders correct despite it being somewhat busy at times. I enjoyed my coffee and pastry there to soak in the great vibes of the new space. Overall, a beautifully renovated space! The coffee and baked goods are delicious and there is no doubt that once everyone realizes that they reopened...it will get busy in no time (especially since they face Trinity Bellwoods Park!). read more

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Such a cute little coffee shop! It felt like a vintage school and it was so fun to sit in the balcony and look out onto the street! I got a lavender lemonade and it was so good! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Cute little local spot to stop in for coffee. The interior is super cool where the seating overlooks the coffee bar. The whole space has a classic nostalgic school feel which I loved! The have a great variety of pastries and serve ice cream too. We got the lavender lemonade which was so refreshing in the afternoon! Good service and overall local feel. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Lemonade - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Quick window stop along the park tried a vanilla latte and cinnamon latte. Personally the cinnamon had way more flavor. Many of the pastries looked delicious so we may have to stop there again soon. Not a large space to sit inside but just across the street from the park. Coffee was prepared quickly and staff were so friendly making small talk while waiting. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - a hand holding a coffee cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Long line up on a Saturday afternoon. I got the iced Americano and honey crueller. The honey crueller is tasty read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Honey crueller - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

You don't go to the White Squirrel to work on your novel, or even to catch up with friends. The seating is extremely limited, and that's on purpose. You go to the White Squirrel because you're going to Trinity Bellwoods Park literally across the street, and you go because they have the best marshmallow ice cream this side of the Mississippi. Their coffee is great too, but that Greg's roasted marshmallow ice cream is a revelation. Yes, I know you can get Greg's elsewhere. But you can't get Greg's ice cream, a rich, deeply flavourful shot of espresso, and a walk through one of Toronto's most vibrant and sprawling urban parks all in one place anywhere else in the city. Trinity Bellwoods Park and the White Squirrel's relationship is the best evidence of symbiosis I can think of right now. In part, that's because I love coffee more than science, but also because the White Squirrel makes Trinity Bellwoods an even more lovely experience, and because the White Squirrel wouldn't be what it is without that park across the street. The proof is in the name - the White Squirrel refers to a handful of albino squirrels that have been spotted scampering up and down the trees. I've seen them with my own eyes. They're cool. Like Greg's ice cream. Get a hot drink from the White Squirrel during the winter months to warm up during a cold escapade through Toronto's favourite snow-covered park, or get a scoop of ice cream to keep the heat at bay on a hot July picnic with friends. Either way, the Squirrel's there for you. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - A view from the park. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Coffee taste amazing! And their Croissants are the freshet ever. Staff are really polite and nice. read more

A convenient stop this morning for coffee and pastries! Service was quick and the barista was very friendly. Vanilla latte with oat was smooth and delicious. The croissants were extra flakey and buttery, perfection! It's not a sit down place, which was perfect since we were out site-seeing. read more

Friendly service and great coffee. Take a stroll through the park across the street. A perfect morning routine for those in the neighbourhood. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Storefront - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This little coffee shop is directly across the road from Trinity Bellwoods Park. It's quite small and they only had one man working, but I soon realised why I was waiting. The barista was taking time to talk to every customer individually and call them by names if they were regulars! I think that's how these indie shops survive vs chain stores. I noticed that there was a hatch window onto the Main Street for customers who had bikes or dogs, cool! There was a very varied menu including ice cream and affogatos but I went for a flat white with lactaid milk. The barista then chatted to me about how he was surprised the milk foamed as well as it did. His whole manner was polite and made you feel involved instead of talked-down to. The decor was great, simplistic but clean and had murals of the squirrel and the map of Toronto on the walls. The music was oldies, which I LOVE, and the shop was filled with happy conversation and smiling faces. Brilliant. Would recommend if you're anywhere near the area! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Flat white - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Cute little place! Stopped in for a coffee on a chill spring evening and enjoyed my Americano. Coffee was smooth and had a nice finish - YAY! White Squirrel offers a small selection of baked goods and sandwiches which looked tasty. They also have communal seating on the upper level, would be a nice place to come and do some work/hang out for a bit :) read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Cute little Shop! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Delicious organic coffee. Tasty pastries. And a few random (useful) things like bone broth or face masks. One of the best coffee shops in the West end, perfectly located across Trinity Bellwoods. read more

This place was on the radar for a bit as they sell Greg's ice cream so one need not venture out to the other outposts to get if you live in this area. My friend did order it while there and went for an affagato for flavor that's named after this place. Ice Cream was good espresso was not (too bitter) I stuck to the Cappuccino so here is the verdict Espresso: Bitter Crema': Average Milk: Frothed OK Latte Art: average 2.5 Stars all said and done. Also of note is that the place is not quite clean. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Love white squirrel! Go-to coffee spot around Trinity Bellwoods, they have a really versatile menu and the staff is always friendly. The ginger lemonade is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. read more

Great coffee shop on Queen Street. Love the interior and very good coffee. Typical 3rd wave coffee. Funky atmosphere. read more

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Pros: Tuna sandwiches, Price, Variety, Unique design, Community feel, atmosphere, Wifi, plugs for computers, Wonderful staff, COFFEE, lattes Cons: Music a bit loud, Very hot inside during summer, Not wheelchair accessible Summary: Great little spot, makes you feel at home. One staff member did make me feel guilty about celebrating Canada day 150, I understand where they were coming from but it's not good customer service. Been twice so far and would go again if I'm passing. It's great for studying read more

My husband and I were in the neighbourhood and decided to grab a coffee from here based on the amazing reviews. First off, I would like to admit that I am not an avid coffee drinker, nor is my husband. We both tried their regular coffee (mine was decaf). We both agreed that the coffee was wayyyy too weak and actually tasted like flavored water. I actually opened the cap to see if there was only water in my cup, maybe they had made a mistake! Regardless, I would never go back here again. read more

Right in front of the Trinity Bellwoods park, you have two choices of coffee that isn't your normal commercialized coffee. You have Sam James and White Squirrel within 2 doors. I wondered how good White Squirrel would be compared to Crafted on Ossington which is quickly becoming my favourite for West Toronto. For those who are tldr, good flat white but I still prefer Crafted and Jimmy's on Ossington for Toronto west coffee. The cafe is quaint and tiny ... it honestly feels like someone's old tiny living room (and probably was). There was one barista working on the Saturday afternoon and he has a chill attitude... even the aggressive guy in front of us who couldnt wait patiently for his cappuccino. The barista made real no attempts to interact but thats ok as we were still defrosting from the bitter cold. He did brighten up when a clear regular hopped into the store. He made our flat whites with a bit of a wait but we didnt mind. The cafe has a single medium sized communal table on the upper area. It may sit 7 people at most and everyone will hear your conversation but a seat is a seat. It's clean and not overly crowded. I wouldn't recommend to work here necessarily. The flat white we had was pretty good but we noticed the barista spilling the espresso while pouring the milk into the cup. From appearances, there was less care compared to Crafted and Jimmy's on Ossington. As for the flavour... definitely good. Medium acidity and minimal bitterness. Good balance between the espresso and milk. I would say it's a decently good cup. Is it my favourite to break into the top 2. No... not really. Crafted had a better flavour and just a better overall service. Bonus points though to White Squirrel... they carry Greg's ice cream. I can see this being incredibly popular in the summer! read more

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Great little cafe! Conveniently located right across Trinity Bellwoods park. They have great coffee and several delicious ice cream flavours. If you're not sure whether you need a wake up jolt or a treat, get the affogato - it's a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it! Amazing! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Super friendly staff and an absolutely delicious iced mocha! Hope I get to visit them again.

I placed my order for a flat white, hot chocolate, espresso macchiato, and a hot water. As I was placing my order with the barista (male), he responded in a snarky tone, "You know they won't stay hot right? But I'll make it anyways." I was like "WTF?" in my head. Did you just give me attitude? No shit that it won't stay steaming hot, the weekend was the coldest weekend this entire winter. You don't think I know that? And no i'm not walking around downtown carrying this take out order. I'm jumping back into my car. I smiled and just said "OK". When I got to pay, the barista/cashier (female), was SUPER nice. She added up all the drinks in her head, pretty quickly I was impressed. She told me also that for the hot water, it would be 50 cents for the cup. Makes sense. But I ended up with only 3 of my 4 drinks. The barista (male) that was making my drink forgot the espresso macchiato. And he was standing around playing on his phone. Professional eh? While reading this, you would probably picture someone that's a punk/hipster in his 20's. But NO! He looked like 30's, early 40s. You would think he would know better than to play on his phone in front of customers right? Anyways, coffee wise, was quite weak in my opinion. But I guess it's because I prefer stronger coffee. I did like that they used Harmony milk. Curious to know if the Rosedale location is the same or better. read more

Awesome coffee, cute barista, and good location (right in front of the park). Space is kinda tiny and it's all upstairs. They have this coffee pick up window, and for some reason it brings a lot of flies in, which is kinda annoying. I wish their space set up is better! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place was more awesome when I thought it was called Coffee Shop and not White Squirrel Coffee Shop. Seriously though, I dropped in for a coffee and they ran out of coffee beans so gave me an Americano instead. I had a not so good Americano earlier in the day and was hesitant but accepted. It was actually damn good and didn't taste like burnt ass. The place looks small and cramped with limited seating and I opted for my Americano to go. They probably have some awesome people watching in the summer though as it's across from Trinity Bellwoods. I'll be back though as I did like my coffee more than the chains to go on the Queen strip from the WQW all the way down to Spadina. Thanks for the wake me up barista lady! read more

I was in Toronto for a vacation/conference and I needed to do some laundry. So I went to a local laundromat, but seeing that it was breakfast and I hadn't eaten anything I decided to get a coffee and maybe something to eat at a coffee shop. Enter the White Squirrel Coffee Shop, or more to the point I entered the White Squirrel Coffee Shop. It feels bigger than it is - probably due to the high ceilings. Not a ton of seating, but it wasn't very busy when I was there (I was also getting breakfast at like 10am so that might have something to do with that). I digress. I decided to get a regular Americano. I don't drink a lot of coffee, but I do like a good cup of coffee and this reminded me of the good coffee I occasionally have at my favourite coffee shop back home in Edmonton called Transcend. For breakfast I got the Sabich - which was described as an Iraqi sandwich with hard boiled egg, eggplant, and a cucumber salad in a pita. It was delicious. Kind of reminded me of the egg and avocado sandwiches I've had before. The spices were different too - I have no idea what was used, it was a bit pungent but good. I quite enjoyed it, but I have no idea if any restaurant close to home will serve up something like this. Luckily there's google, and hopefully I'll be able to find a good recipe. The price was decent for the amount of food and drink I got. I honestly don't know when I'll be back in Toronto, but if I am and I'm around Queen Street I'll try to remember to stop in here for a drink and a bite to eat. read more

Here's another review about coffee from someone who doesn't know much about coffee! Overall the cafe experience was pretty adorable; the flat white I had was decent. They had almond and soy milk, as well as lactose-free. The affogato was not a great idea... Looked a little gross in a take out cup. You can choose between one or two scoops of Greg's ice cream for this. Unfortunately no vegan flavours at this time, though in the summer they have more flavours. Food options were so so and limited. The seating area required stair climbing, so not very accessible. And there weren't a lot of seats -- a giant table in the middle, and lots of people doing work quietly. If you want a library-like spot to be productive, this might be it. Otherwise take your coffee to go. Washrooms are upstairs too and gender neutral. Convenient spot to stop and refuel if in the trinity bellwoods park area. Though a Sam James Coffee Shop is two doors down, though there's even more limited seating there. read more

Queen Street West has a pretty decent smattering of cafes, but i'm going to go on and tell you that you should just head for the White Squirrel. Not elusive at all like its namesake, it's smack bang across from Trinity Bellwoods Park and easy to get to on foot/streetcar. My usual bet is for a soy latte - and I love getting it to have in the cafe because you get a wee denim cup sleeve for your glass! I've also had the flat white, which is a killer. I can't speak to the range of snacks/ice cream as I don't think i've seen a vegan option there. But i'm always about the coffee when I drop in. During the warmer months, I love grabbing my latte to go and heading over into the park to grab a spot on a bench and enjoy the sunshine while caffeinating. (There's even a little to-go window to order if you fancy - although it's not exactly much further to step into the cafe and make your request.) In the colder months it's tricky to find a spot in the cafe, but a latte to go can still warm the hands and heart. Clean surroundings and lovely decor in the cafe (lots of exposed wood), it's quite nice when you *can* get a seat. Washroom facilities are available, and are clean. A very high 4 stars, only a couple of things holding me back from 5 - lack of seating & the quality of the latte can sometimes waver depending on who's making it. I've never had a BAD latte here though. White Squirrel! C'mere and let me cuddle you. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Denim cup sleeve! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

The counter is confusing n there is no much space to accommodate a line of people. Nevertheless the staff manage it pretty well. I got a cappuccino n the caffeine in it was very good. The milk foam wasn't perfect but the caffeine kick sufficed. Not much space to sit, it's kind of cozy. I prefer to hav some space as I intend to work n study while having my coffee. Otherwise, it's a fine little place to grab a coffee on the go! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Cappuccino: Like I said the milk foam wasn't great but the caffeine in it was good. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Flat White was very good. Woman working was easy going, nice (always appreciated). Interior has 2 levels, good spot right across from the park. Open till 8 pm would be great, sometimes the hours are finicky, leave before closing, etc. read more

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With so many places to get coffee, the only giant pull to go here again is the ice cream I`ve heard so much about. The espresso was ok. Something I might have again if I wanted a coffee and had no other place to go along that strip. True enough it is inexpensive as far as cups o `joe`s go. The problem is the layout, too. There were two people ahead of me and that was enough for me to think, `Ì`m going to get whacked by the door everytime someone walks in.`` read more

People are willing to wait at this lil' coffee shop. With good reason, it's decent. What makes it great, though, is it's ice cream in the warmer months. The toasted marshmallow is the tops. read more

Love that it is open much later than other coffee shops in the city, because sometimes you're just craving at coffee at 8pm! Really cool atmosphere inside, and lots of space to sit and catch up with friends. Since they directly across Trinity Bellwoods Park it is nice to sit on the bench upfront and watch the people walk by. Or take your coffee to go and stroll through Trinty Bellwoods- a perfect summer activity. And I recommend getting a flat white, it is perfect! read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Location: I don't really know what neighborhood this is considered to be, but there are hipsters, if that helps. Street parking available (checking zoning) and I think you may be able to park on side streets but I'm not 100% sure so check those signs. The place: It's very small but I quite liked it. First of all, they have a take-out window and that's just awesome in a super efficient kind of way. They have a few tables on their upper level but I didn't go up so can't confirm how many - like I said, the place is small so seating is likely to be prime real estate. They do have a bench outside, and there's also a spot to the left of the place where you can sit. If I were you though, I'd head across the street to the beautiful park that awaits you. Now, as for its name - apparently there's an elusive white (i.e. albino) squirrel who allegedly lives nearby and very few people have seen him. So this place is named after that squirrel. The more you know. The goods: I ordered a flat white and it was awesome. It was SO creamy and delicious - I forgot to ask which beans they use but really, who cares if my coffee is good? I also ordered something that looked like a scone but wasn't.... It had the same texture and look but was egg based. It was pretty darn good for someone who woke up famished, the morning after the U2 show. It was a little heavy so definitely filled me up. My friend came by later and had an Americano and liked it. Service: Good. Price point: I think the flat white was $3.50 and the non-scone egg thing was about $3. This place is a great spot to get some decent coffee - check it! read more

Convenient for a take out coffee but thee place was too noisy to stay to work...which is a shame because the open and high celinged room is inviting. The wifi wasn't working... but what got me was how many flies were buzzing around the sitting area. read more

White Squirrel Coffee Shop - Coffee across from the park - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Have you seen the white squirrel? This Queen West coffeeshop is named for the albino rodent celebrity of Trinity Bellwoods park. Like a rodent, the café is pretty small and feisty, but unlike a rodent the staff won't gnaw on your belongings or infect you with the plague. I don't think. They do a mean espresso here (I recommend the flat white), and as an added bonus they serve many flavours of Greg's Ice Cream. And unlike Greg's they aren't cash only, so you can CHARGE that toasted marshmallow! Even though they have free Wifi, it's not an ideal spot for settling down with your coffee as seating is limited to a short (and oddly-shaped) communal table and a three-seat bar. But with the park right across the street, you might as well take your latte to go. Obligatory Title Pun: "If it ain't WHITE it ain't right." (As my pappy used to say.) Menu Readability: Crazy cool magnets on a whiteboard. Need to mention: This cafe is open "late"! Closes at 8pm. (Also, my pappy is not a white supremacist. I don't even have a pappy.) What this place teaches me about myself: Did you know that squirrels in captivity can live up to 20 years? read more

Everytime I visit my barber (Garrison's) located just above, a stop at White Squirrel is essential. I've yet to stop and stay in to work, but when I'm jonesin' for a strong-ass Americano to perk me up - there is no better place. Free wifi, lots of seating available in a cool little loft space a few step above, And the music is always on point and trendy. The Americano is super strong. Like put hair on your chest strong - I think I've still got heart palpitations today after having one yesterday, score! But I love the staff here the most, friendly and conversational each time I've been, far more effort is put in than the standard small talk, without being intrusive. OH oh!! and simple syrup available so you can sweeten you coffee without measuring spoonfuls of sugar. Bonus! Was gonna give it 4 but screw it... Writing this reminded me how awesome my experiences have been. High- 5 for you little squirrel. Eatcrest out! read more

White Squirrel has two good things going for it: greg's ice cream and a killer homemade iced tea. Greg's ice cream needs no explanation, it was rather genius of them to serve this wonderful stuff across from Trinity Bellwoods. However, on the couple of times I've had the roasted marshmellow it has been rather soft...any softer and I would have had a milkshake! The iced tea made in-house is a delight compared to other places that simply take a tea bag and dunk in ice and hot water. It's an orange peakoe base steeped with bengali spices and a wee bit of honey. Very refreshing! Seating area is minimal and sparse. And what's up with promoting hand held breakfasts-what does this mean exactly? Enquiring minds want to know. read more

What's up with the name White Squirrel? I don't know, but my girlfriend spotted a little brown mouse there yesterday. Maybe they should re-name it the "Brown Mouse". Anyways....good coffee, wonderful ice cream sandwiches, rodent friendly environment. If you take away the mouse, I think I could really enjoy this cozy little cafe. read more

Super sweet staff, good coffee and convenient set up. They even had treats for the dogs which was an amazing added bonus! Highly recommend.

Its a cute place. Fast service with decent music. I got a lemonade - it was lemony :) and the fizz caught me off guard. But still very good. It was really warm by seating area. Possibly warmer than outside -.-. read more

It's located in a nice area, I came here in search of hot chocolate (the original intention was to head for Morocco's, but since it's tucked away in Yorkville and we were by Trinity Bellwoods, we decided to try something new). Squirrel offers a selection of coffees, hot/cold drinks, and ice cream (they carry Greg's ice cream). Overall ambiance is quaint, casual & simple - west queen street ish - with a small sitting area on the ground & upper floor balcony. I only ordered hot chocolate, so I can't say much about its coffees, but I was shocked that a small cup of average tasting hot chocolate cost $3! You don't really get what you pay for - I would definitely rather head for Starbucks for a vente hot chocolate that costs less than $3 and tastes the same, if not better. read more