Espresso Mi Vida

Seemingly it’s closed now :(what a shame it’s a sad loss for the junction neighbourhood. Here’s hoping something great replaces it.

We find ourselves here for a no-​fuss brunch practically every weekend. The baked goods are irresistible-​especially the black bean brownies-​the burritos are healthy (faves are Green Egg and Veggie Lunch) and the fresh juices are well priced. Also really like the coffee!

I love the espresso! The dark chocolate ice cream is divine.
This coffee is a gem in the junction, there are also tasty empanadas you can eat aswell.

Even though I live next door, I avoided this place like the plague for two years after a so-​so breakfast burrito and grumpy service. However, I have since returned.
The coffee is lovely, and the new counter girls are friendly. The chimi churri chicken burrito is amazing! That’s what I tend to order now (it’s $ 8 and very filling), although they should make sure they’re heated all the way through and the beans are not cold. I also grabbed a tamarind pulled pork empanada to go the other day and it was gone in 10 seconds. Absolutely delicious!
The space/​layout is awkward, the window area is nice, but sometimes I get stuck by the wall which is less warm. C’est la vie.

I come here three times a week to enjoy their Paleo Breakfast plate which includes fried plantains, eggs, and a kale salad. I also really enjoy their black bean brownies.
Another big menu section that’s delicious is their burrito menu, each one tastes fantastic. They also do a nice huevos rancheros.
The atmosphere is nice though it can get a bit smoky some days because of their kitchen. And though they’ve just started to put one table outside, it would be really nice if they could fill up their front area with a full patio like the two restaurants on either side of them.

Espresso Mi Vida occupies a small space between Dundas and the No Frills in The Junction. The place serves good coffee, along with burritos, quesadillas, and sandwiches that follow a Central American theme.
Here are the main points…
1. The food is good. It is largely breakfast (served all day), along with coffee, smoothies, and a few salad/​sandwich options.
2. It is not cheap. A breakfast sandwich (which is more involved than something from Tim Horton’s) and coffee runs 10 $
3. There is no service. Order at the counter and return to the counter if you want anything. Even if you are the only person in there, you will not be offered any service.
4. They only take debit cards. Again, for the price, credit cards would be nice.
5. All seating is indoor. While restaurant neighbors on both sides have outdoor seating, Espresso Mi Vida does not.
final verdict… Another good place that either lacks the skills or interest in being great.

I only gave Mi Vida 3 stars because only tried the alfajores (not the best I had, but good) and coffee (again, nothing woooww, but good taste).
Prices seem to be ok, although some are items are on the high side.
Loved the background latin music, and the variety of the menu: many latin-​inspired dishes and the obvious northamerican foods.
They also sell empanadas. I will try them on my next visit to Espresso Mi Vida.

I recently moved into this neighborhood almost a week ago, and this was the first place we went to, as we were exploring the area. We stopped in for a quick lunch, and it was better than we expected it to be. The ladies working that day were very friendly and accommodating, and the food was delicious. We will definitely be regulars here.

This place is right next to Phở Houng, where I have phở pretty much any chance I get. I had been passing by this place a few times and wondered how good they really were, the store front is fairly small so I assumed it was a tidy cramped place.
At 11am after I had warmed up to my phở I needed an espresso to be able to carry on with the rest of my day. I went in and there were a few tables occupied already, most looked like they were having a full meal breakfast.
I had with me the biggest of coffee critics, my mom. Strong coffee is what she is all about, and we both approved that this place fit the bill.
The staff was friendly but definitely shy, the photos up on the wall are gorg! popping with colors and contrast.
The best seat in the house has to be next to the window, perfect for morning coffee.
They had me at Huevos Rancheros (yet to try), and the whole coffee for life deal.

The food and drink at Espresso Mi Vida is what carries it. The empanadas are delicious and the vegetarian quiche I had a few months ago was better than any other quiche I’ve had in my life. I agree with the previous reviewer about the unremarkable décor and aloof staff, although I think with the owner it’s just shyness (as a fellow shy person I can understand counter service not being her forte, though she’s certainly not rude).

Simple decoration, so-​so service, but really, really great food and coffee hides beneath the Pacific and Dundas W corner. They offer equatorianish cuisine, some vegan/​vegetarian and gluten-​free treats and awesome coffee — beware if you’re not used to latin coffee, strong and evil!
It’s kind of expensive, but I have been there before and I will come back. I only think the staff could be more friendly, this is a must in coffee shops like these. Not that they are exactly unfriendly, but they seem, I don’t know, shy. If you’re dealing with people, you can’t be shy or afraid of talking with your customers.
Well, anyway, this is my pitstop when I do groceries at nofrills.