The Library Specialty Coffee image

The Library Specialty Coffee

Cafe Coffee shop

Espresso drinks & baked good in a snug, airy space with plants hanging from white subway tiles. People often mention coffee, shop, matcha, taste, milk, latte, good, beans, great, iced,


Address

281 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G1, Canada

Website

www.thelibraryspecialtycoffee.com

Contact

+1 647-350-8839

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (711 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (71) shop (17) matcha (14) taste (13) milk (10) latte (10) good (9) beans (9) great (9) iced (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cirrus S. 1 year ago on Google • 835 reviews
    What a good coffee place! I like their coffee, it’s good, they know how to prepare it, staff is friendly, interior minimalistic and still cozy. I like it. You can choose from 2 types of coffee beans. They offer some sweets too. I added this cafe to my The Good Espresso Map list, check out my profile ;-)
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Veselina S. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I visited this coffee shop and we really liked it. The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed. They take their time to prepare your drink. Also, they do sell coffee beans. We have tried San Pedro Necta and the flavor was great.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serena 2 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    Large cappuccino pictured was 6.75$ and was phenomenal with rich chocolatey notes. If you want a stronger coffee, get the Regular sizes. Service is also quick and attentive. This place deserves 5 stars all around!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Son R. 1 year ago on Google • 202 reviews
    I am very picky when i drink coffee in a strange place. We stopped by quickly go grab our coffee. My friend wanted to have Hot Chocolate and I ordered mine Mocha Cafe. The size of the cup is very decent. At first time i thought it was pretty too small for what i imagined but after seeing the art they made observed the way they make my Mocha Cafe and Hot Chocolate. I am totally sold by the quality. And plus, their drink was a top not. My Mocha Coffee reflect clearly three layers of flavor. The top on started with the coffee scent and taste, the when you drank to the middle layer, your tongue sensed the Mocha then. And the last layer was the blended with after you finished you cup, the taste was still there. Very good quality of coffee
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ads 9 months ago on Google • 860 reviews
    Wow, the smell when you walk in this joint is phenomenal and literally transports you to the brown golden gates of heaven. Simple, minimalistic coffee done to perfection and precision is the best way I can describe this awesome coffee house. I hauled a macadamia cortado, a solid flawless experience and super yummy. They also have oat milk for dairy free options. Charging for non dairy milk for a cortado, serious? This would be a 4/5 for me but that and tip I feel understandably hard done by here. This humble grass roots joint is awesome, super yummy flawless coffee. Trust me, this joint smells as good as it tastes, the hype is real for sure. I really dig the quirky vibe and university style feel here which takes me back to early years in the city and a real sense of community, arts and culture. A solid experience and approved recommendation, I'm stoked to return Support local businesses!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack W. 3 years ago on Google
    Indisputably, delightful "white flat" is absolutely the best coffee I've ever poured into my mouth. Plesiosaurs treasure for the senses. Harmonious minimalistic settings, incredible brewers, Library for connoisseur or adventurer in matters of taste. Worth the effort. Yours to discover.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali B. 1 year ago on Google
    The coffee here is fantastic and very flavorful. The cookies are also chewy and taste amazing. I would say its on par with the best coffee locations in the city. Although this location does lack washroom ammenities
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie H. 1 year ago on Google • 133 reviews
    I love this coffee shop! The coffee is very smooth and the barista is great at their craft. The flat white I ordered was perfect. Not too milky or foamy like some other cafes make it .
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karolina S. 1 year ago on Google • 133 reviews
    I got a flat white and a cappuccino along with a butter croissant and a chocolate croissant. Both the flat white and cappuccino tasted so good. You could really taste the high quality beans they use. Very smooth. The butter croissant was okay but the chocolate croissant was better. This place is definitely a go to spot for good coffee. I’d probably skip the pastries next time. They also have cookies.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lori F. 4 months ago on Google • 348 reviews
    Best pour overs in Toronto, espresso is always pulled perfectly and milk is steamed smoothly and great temperature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diane M. 7 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    This was by far the creamiest, most velvety, and smoothest cappuccino I’ve ever had in Toronto! Wish there was more seating inside but will definitely be back! ☕️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Samantha F. 1 year ago on Google
    As a newcomer from Hong Kong, I found that not a random coffee shop can meet my coffee standard. I felt tired to try new coffee shop as most of the time was disappointed. This coffee shop was recommended by another coffee lover from Instagram. She highly recommended this to me. And I went to tried. It’s up to my standard. It’s already very good in Toronto.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amanda T. 1 year ago on Google
    We went to The Library Coffee shop on Dundas on a weekend late afternoon time and it was busy inside. We got our drinks quite quickly and just had enough room to grab a seat on one of their benches. We got the Iced Matcha latte ($5.95) and there was a strong matcha flavour. I know that coffee shops don’t normally sweeten their drinks since they want to focus the flavour on the matcha or coffee, so I asked for some syrup sweetener in mine. I just prefer a sweeter drink, I wish it was a bit sweeter actually. My friends also got the iced Chai latte ($5.75) and unfortunately, they weren’t a big fan of it. Overall, they had a lot of options, the drink had a strong matcha flavour, and the staff was knowledgeable. The also had cookies and coffee bags for sale.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony Karl S. 10 months ago on Google
    I love the minimalist theme of the shop. Their coffee is a must when you visit Ontario and is just a few minutes to Nathan Philipps Square.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shahlaa A. 1 year ago on Google
    I think this is the best Toronto coffee I've had so far. Ordered a latte and it was so smooth my tongue almost slipped. The acidity and bitterness of the coffee were balanced, it's really how coffee should be made not too bitter and not too acidic. The aftertaste was quite delightful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adrian L. 1 year ago on Google
    The whole coffee stylish shop filled with strong and attractive coffee aroma. I cannot stop myself to order Flat White with Seasonal Blend bean! The Chocolate and low acid taste is so appealing to me and I actually want to order the second cup from them. The barista is doing an excellent job. I think this may be the best coffee in Toronto.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Arti M. 9 months ago on Google
    The coffee shop is small but cute. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable about their coffee. The coffee was hot and delicious
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra K. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious flat white! Pretty smooth and fresh tasting, perfect for a cold winter day. 👍😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali R. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing cappuccino was one of the best I've had and their matcha was very flavourful and authentic. Service was great. I would love to come here again and try their other milk coffee and iced options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yvonne D. 2 years ago on Google
    Iced latte was amazing - macadamia nut milk is a game changer. Birthday cake cookie warm from the oven was a treat! Barista was delightful and super friendly. I mentioned I was trying a new coffee shop each day and he recommended some more in the area. So sweet! 11/10 highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moseh C. 2 years ago on Google
    Coffee is delicious. The baristas are pros and the owner of the store goes to competitions. This is a specialty shop and expect top shelf coffee beverages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Aryan M. 8 months ago on Google • 148 reviews
    Good place to pick up a quick coffee, the coffee was tasty and barista was knowledgeable about the coffee and which beans to recommend for our drinks. The coffee shop is a bit too simplistic for my taste and I didn’t like how I could see their back room that using for storage and messy, kinda not fitting a cozy coffee shop vibe. Also only a two benches to sit on, also because the whole shop is white, it feels cold, you need some accent colors to decorate it. They sell their beans and coffee brewing equipment.

  • 3/5 Linh D. 3 months ago on Google • 24 reviews New
    Go for the iced matcha latte, my go-to, based on recommendations. Disappointed to find this small cup nearly costs $8, and it doesn't live up to the hype – nothing particularly special that justifies the price.

  • 1/5 Anh B. 1 month ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Must have been the worst mocha and matcha we ever had. There was no chocolate taste to the mocha, just a super weird sour taste. The iced matcha was so watered down and had no matcha flavour to it, literally tasted like water. Both drinks were made with oat milk but also, couldn’t taste the oat either. Couldn’t toss them out as we paid $18 so I had to chuck both drinks because my bf gave up. Would not come back

  • 5/5 Kelly 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot for quality drinks. You can see that each drink is prepared with care 🤤 price is okay. There’s a bench to sit on enough for waiting area but other than that, no other seats/tables.

  • 5/5 Christopher W. 2 years ago on Google
    This has to be the best cafe I've been to in Toronto. Every weekend I like to try a new cafe and I've been to a lot, but these guys still remain on the top of my list. I really enjoy the pour over coffee since they have it mastered at this location. They roast their own beans and have been able to develop some interesting flavour profiles, which are best highlighted in their pour over coffee. Additionally, I had a cortado here and it was the best I've ever had! The staff are great too. They're very knowledgeable about the topic and more than willing to share their experience with me. I've started making it a routine to go to "The Library" just to learn about the trade. I highly recommend anyone to try the place out!

  • 5/5 Irene Z. 2 years ago on Google
    I like their coffee. The iced tea feels a lot like David’s tea. The latte is superb. Recommend! I used whole milk in my latte.

  • 5/5 YM L. 2 years ago on Google
    Their coffees are truly extraordinary. Really. Didn’t expect to find coffee that could taste delicate and rich at the same time. If you love specialty coffee, and are looking to try new flavours, this is your place. Loved their pour over coffee!

  • 5/5 Ellen L. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent coffee and cookies. For non-dairy drinkers, try their macadamia milk!

  • 5/5 T. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing quality coffee and a really clean and bright location. They have a simple menu and take great care in serving you the perfect cup of coffee.

  • 5/5 Nicole R. 2 years ago on Google
    A fave stop for coffee and treats close to Trinity Bellwoods. Without the lines of the place almost next door and better coffee

  • 4/5 Jack H. 2 years ago on Google
    Am I looking forward to coming back? Not really. The coffee was good though.

  • 5/5 Naomi D. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience, clean, open and minimal decor. The barista has skills!!!! Excellent cappuccino made with love and intricate design. My new favorite spot for Cafe!

  • 5/5 a m i. 1 year ago on Google
    So grateful that my regular coffee shop opens at 11 am or I would never have tried The Library. Grabbed an iced latte with macadamia milk. I indicated to the barista that I wanted little sugar and he made it perfectly. He also suggested the kit kat cookie. Enjoyed both iced latte and cookie since it wasn't overly sweet.. will definitely drop-by again..

  • 5/5 Anita M. 9 months ago on Google
    Super friendly staff. The drinks are so yummy! Definitely will go back.

  • 5/5 Anna P. 2 years ago on Google
    My friend recommended to try the coffee here but I ordered the London fog and grabbed a matcha white choco instead. The London Fog tasted great, it wasn’t too sweet but I felt like it balanced out the sweetness from the matcha cookie! The matcha cookie was so delicious and it was soft, most likely made fresh that morning. Definitely coming back to try the coffee! Also, friendly staff! All the guys there greeted me.

  • 5/5 Diana Basto F. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best lattes I’ve had in my life (had it with macadamia milk). Perfect taste and mouthfeel. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Daphne R. 9 months ago on Google
    My review might not be helpful to coffee snobs as I don’t drink coffee myself BUT I am surrounded by coffee snobs in my friend circle and they all vouch for this place saying things like “best coffee shop downtown Toronto” or “might be the best I’ve had… ever” (that was specifically about the single origin pour over) so take what you want from that. I do however enjoy a great matcha and I loved their iced matcha latte. It was proper. Oh and the cookies were decadent. Docked a star for atmosphere only because the walls are naked and uninspiring.

  • 5/5 Daryl A. 2 years ago on Google
    Super knowledgeable staff. Great, consistent quality. Been going here for 4 years.

  • 5/5 Steve K. 2 years ago on Google
    Just went in to grab an americano and the barista was very nice. I asked him about the coffee and he gave me some tasting notes. I will happily return the next time I’m in the area

  • 5/5 hanna e. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfect cappuccino and knowledgeable staff!!

  • 4/5 S L. 2 years ago on Google
    Unique flavours and strong coffee taste. Got iced Americano and pour over with Brazil beans. Appreciated the walk-through of the beans available. Nice to try but not sure I would return due to value.

  • 4/5 Lina Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Followed xhs recommendation to checkout this place. I heard that the place is famous for their coffee beans. Ordered cappuccino flat white, was good, but not super impressive.

  • 4/5 Priyanka K. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Small coffee shop with great coffee and coffee art. You can also get an assortment of cookies - KitKat, matcha, chocolate etc. My favorite has been mat ha so far!


Call +1 647-350-8839 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Coffee shops nearby

Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie image
1
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Bistro
Huge modern French bistro with updated classic fare & Gallic feel, from marble bar to tiled floors.
$$$ $
4.30 (4.5K reviews)
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - York Street image
2
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - York Street
Restaurant
Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.
$$$ $
4.50 (3.9K reviews)
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery image
3
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
Ice cream shop
Ice cream sandwiches on housemade cookies, cups, cones & to-go tubs in a white & pale-wood space.
$$ $$
4.60 (3.8K reviews)
Cafe Landwer image
4
Cafe Landwer
Restaurant
👍👍 Visited here a few years ago. And recently back to have breakfast again! It is a lovely space filled with nostalgia of old-school deli and restaurants. They have a large indoor dining room, and outdoor patio. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, they are situated on the very busy University Ave...
$$ $$
4.40 (3.8K reviews)
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Esplanade image
5
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Esplanade
Restaurant
Classic steak & seafood dishes are the mainstays at this stylish yet casual chain restaurant.
$$$ $
4.40 (3.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()