Mascot

Atmosphere: 4.5÷5 Very casual with some lovely 60’s and 70’s music surrounded by some interesting art/​antique pieces. Had some elementary school desks, a large blue couch, some antique tables, etc. Other reviews show what else they have. Even the washroom was kind of cool. I felt like I was having a coffee in an old movie or something. If I was filmed in black and white, that’d be even more awesome. Loses ½ star for spotty wifi.
Service: 4.5÷5 I asked if they take debit and they said «cash or IOU’s, please come back». I was wondering if he was serious, but after reading other reviews, I guess he was. They even brought out my heated scone to my table, which was great, so I didn’t have to wait at the counter.
Food/​price: 3.5÷5 — Paid $ 6 for a bacon and cheddar scone and a misto coffee with soy milk. $ 6 even, tax in. Simple, no fuss. Misto was okay, but I found the milk froth a bit too thick, almost kind of hard/​solid. Maybe 2.5÷5 for that. However, the bacon and cheddar scone was warmed up so nicely, it was «da bomb». Took one bite and I felt like I was in heaven. You could definitely taste the bacon, and a light hint of cheddar, so ⁴⁄₅ for that.
Verdict: if you are in the area and need to wind down and chill, instead of sitting in a busy Starbucks, definitely check this place out.

Cash only!
This is a great place to work or chat with a friend. Friendly staff and a great selection of fancy loose leaf teas. they also have baked snacks like cookies but I’ve yet to partake.
They have some really unique seating (old theatre seats, middle school desks etc.) but they also have some normal tables too.
Overall this place is pretty cool!

This is exactly the sort of coffee shop that you want in your neighbourhood. It was on our 10 minute walk to work, and we probably stopped in everyday for six months. They have delicious bacon cheddar scones that I ordered on far too many of those days. Their coffee is delicious.
Also, the people that work there are like. painfully cool. They’re really laid back and friendly, they play great music and they’re never stressed out.

Stars go to:
Their jr high salvage school desks, which make me feel earnest and artificially focused when I come here to work.
Big windows.
Good espresso.
The big table with the church pew when you can score it.
Stars that died like innocent children, never to see the sky again:
Something about the fancy-​eccentric décor sometimes attracts crappy wannabe venture capitalists who want to play pretend board room. Stop slapping each others’ backs, did you seriously just do that again?! What’s wrong with you? What world do you come from?!
Paying 2.50 for a tea and getting scowled at. Come on lady, I didn’t do nothin today but get cold and thirsty.
” This is actually 3 ½ stars. ”

These guys are great. Personable, professional, quick and funny. I wish they had more/​different pastry, but as for coffees, spot on!
Cheers!

Had a great cup of coffee here and really love the space. Very relaxing spot for an early morning brew and read, and a great creative space. Lovely business.

Excellent coffee shop. The Mascot Boys are a great group of fella’s with the most Iconic and Ironic running club t-​shirt (I’d rather be smoking). The boys do it well and the running club aint no front!
The art exhibits are smashing as well. I go nowhere else!

We came in for our first time this afternoon to kill some time. I ordered a cappuccino, and Bronwyn had a Chai latte. We asked the barista if he took debit. He said he took cash or IOU’s. Very cool!
After a moment or two he asked if we often go to The Beaconsfield. I said we do, he totally recognized us which was neat. I recognized him as the bartender when we initially walked in. When I went to pay for the drinks I already had a 5 on the counter and was digging for change. He took the 5 from me and said forget the rest, introducing himself as Eddie.
What a gent. Anyway, great espresso, great vibe and cool space. The place is massive and spacious. I’m currently sitting at the front window overlooking Queen writing this as Bronwyn reads a book.
We’ll be back to Mascot very soon!

Stumbled upon this place randomly trying to walk off a massive burger at Stampede. Peering through the windows of this place, you immediately get thrown off. This isn’t your regular run of the mill independent coffee shop. You can clearly see that half of it is a coffee shop, and the other half is a bonafide gallery.
When you walk in, you’re greeted with some of the funkiest (aka cool) furniture ever assembled in one coffee shop. The tip jar is an old TTC streetcar fare box! You’re also greeted with a coffee menu board that has all the basic coffee shop drinks covered along with accompanying pastries. I had an americano which had the perfect water-​espresso ratio and served with a smile. They also have sugar alternatives like cane sugar pump bottles which is always a plus vs. your standard packets.
I perused the gallery items on the wall (also for sale) and it was great to see local and Canadian artists’ works featured. There is also very funky art pieces mounted all around the gallery area.
I went a couple of days before Christmas so I was half-​expecting a Mariah Carey Christmas CD to be playing on infinite loop. I was pleasantly surprised to find 50’s-60’s oldies humming in the background. We’re talking Frankie Valli, The Beatles, The Four Tops, etc. I asked the baristas if this kind of music is the norm vs. the Christmas tunes, and they said YES!
After taking a couple of walks around the mini gallery, my party of 3 settled into our block of movie theatre seats and rested our drinks on an old clothes trunk. About par for the course at The Mascot.
I highly recommend this place for its atmosphere, classy tunes, solid artwork, and fantastic drinks. If I lived in Parkdale, it would definitely be a regular pit stop of mine.

3.5 stars
VIBE
ALL. OF. THAT. SPACE.
They probably decide to put in a rocking horse and odd chairs in one half of the café to ward of the laptop brigade but as a customer (and laptopper) this pains me. If you want to make it an art gallery, make it more of an art gallery or at least use it as an event space. Décor is cool though. I love the gorgeous antique chandelier, the antique roadshow happening in the bathroom and various tchtokes laying about. (i.e. lion’s head and the Gary Taxali toys on the beams).
As Vivek said, he’s taken an inventory of the space. If you want to internet, there are three tables and three outlets. Good luck! But at the same time, it’s good to unplug and chill out. The lovely blue velvet couch will assist in that process. Looks great for reading a newspaper. And the soundtrack in here is KICKIN’. Love the old school 60s funk.
I DRANK
Iced chai latte. It was kind of weak. Not as sweet as I’d like it but not bad.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Maybe I need to get offline more and stop counting all of the people standing in line at Grand Electric across the street (30 people half an hour before it opens on a Saturday night).

Sometimes I ride the 501 streetcar just for something to do. It’s a fun way to people watch, without really having to watch out for them, but it’s also a great way to spot new businesses, or old ones for that matter. The past couple of times I took this trip, I wondered what was in the chalkboard-​black building on the corner of Queen and Elm Grove. I assumed it was a gallery given it was such a big space, and I was half right. The Mascot is a coffee shop that showcases art… or an art gallery that serves coffee, depending on what you’re going for I guess. I myself was going for the coffee.
At first the place is a bit daunting. It’s quite large, with a lot of negative space, and very limited seating. There are two barstools at the counter, a few tables that can seat more than one, and a surprisingly comfy blue velvet couch in the front room, but patrons need to be ready to get creative if all of those are taken. The back room, which houses the artwork offers up a couple Victorian chairs for those who feel like working on their posture, an old elementary school chair/​desk combo, and a springy antique rocking horse (???). I’m not quite sure if that last option is for display only, or for those who like their coffee with a little bouncy nostalgia, but I for one wasn’t about to find out. I used to have one of those horses, and I remember getting pinched by the damn springs on a regular basis. Luckily for us, there was a free table.
My girlfriend ordered a latte while I went with just a basic drip to see what Reunion Island coffee is like in its most vulnerable state. I should’ve went with the latte. Not that the drip was bad, but the latte was fantastic. It was smooth and strong without being bitter. The Rosetta adorning the foam was a nice touch as well. (It should be noted that I went back a few days later for my very own).
As it was around the brunch hour, and breakfast had long worn off we decided to get a couple of treats to go with our coffee. The edible portion of the menu at The Mascot is provided by OMG Baked Goods, and like the seating, selection is limited. The cupcakes were tempting but we were in the mood for savoury, so we ordered a ham & cheese quiche along with a stuffed foccacia.
The quiche arrived looking a little bit sad and we faced off as to who would try it first. We both agreed that it was tastier than we would have guessed, but I’ve definitely had better quiche. The stuffed foccacia on the other hand was a nice surprise. It didn’t come to the table looking like much… really just a bun on a plate. But as with all things stuffed, it’s what’s inside that counts. Filled with roasted peppers, artichokes and Asiago cheese, it was not unlike a grown-​up Hot Pocket… one that got tired of all the negative attention so it moved out of its parents freezer, and adopted a healthier lifestyle. The quiche was pushed aside, but later finished — out of hunger alone.
Food however is an afterthought at The Mascot. From what I saw, the people of Parkdale go for the coffee, and rightly so. There was a steady stream of people coming and going, and judging by the interactions, quite a few regulars. With friendly laid-​back staff, good ambience and amazing lattes, I would make it my local too — if only I lived anywhere near it.
Footnote: Seating doubles in the warmer months, when it’s comfortable enough to sit on the driftwood looking bench that runs the length of their storefront. Another good place to do some people watching.

I dig this place.
DRINK: I had one of their new white teas (they have a laminated list of teas with descriptions of each) which was light and sweet ($ 2.50).
SERVICE: chill, friendly.
SEATING: I sat in the tiny wooden chair and desk in the corner by the window. Felt like a kid in elementary school again but it was just right for me since I was there with my laptop to get some work done. Sometimes I like the coziness of communal tables but sometimes I like to have my own little space too. Also, it was also a good spot to people-​watch or observe capuchin monks across the street at the St. Francis Centre where they do outreach, providing hot meals to those in need.
DECOR: Currently, they have a massive art installation along the back wall by graffiti artist Kwest (
). Pretty cool. Also, the bathroom is gorgeous with this antique-​looking sink.
READING MATERIAL: They also sell a bunch of magazines, mostly design and fashion stuff but also The Walrus.
MUSIC: The music was another entertaining distraction. They were playing a mashup of 90’s music including such hits as «Tom’s Diner» by Susanne Vega (anyone remember that movie «Untamed Heart»?), something by Color Me Bad and «Your Woman» by White Town.
WIFI: free and reliable (ask for the password at the counter).

I really enjoyed my visit to the Mascot, it was not crazy busy when I did pop in so the already discussed seating locations were not an issue for me.
It does not look like a coffee shop from the outside and once inside you really do need to take a moment to look around and see some of the stuff they have lying around. Right next to my chair was a tiger skin rug with the rest heading on the table next to my macchiato! It gave me one of the best pictures from my passport travels!
The guy making the coffee was very friendly and lamented the fact that Mascot was not my last stop (I had 2 more to go), the only reason it’s missing out on 5 stars is because I want there to be a good amount of food at these locations, and the options were seriously lacking here with a lot of tasty sounding options having been sold out.
My drink was my only attempt at a macchiato during my passport travels and while I can’t compare it to many places I did enjoy it more than I expected I would. Very flavorful.
The mascot is one of few places from the indie passport that I see myself realistically spending a long TTC ride to visit again.

I almost walked right by Mascot without realizing it! Just looking at the outside, it does not really look like a coffee shop. especially when I was checking out other side of the shop through the big windows on the west side.
Indie Passport got me a Cappuccino here which had a nice strong taste. and love the latte art done by the nice barista.
Since I was here on a weekend afternoon, there were plenty of seats. Of course if you do consider those elementary tables and chairs seats too. There are so odd armchairs, but there were not place to put my drinks…
The big communal table was full of magazines?!! No one is really reading them. they looks like something for sale instead for my leisure reading while I enjoy my coffee.
Music was a little loud this afternoon… or were I just sitting right underneath one of the speakers?

I had a terrible latte here. Bitter, weak foam, and unexciting. Maybe it was a bad day to go in, since I walked in on Boxing Day, and it was one of the only open cafes. I might give it a do over after I’m done with the rest of my Indie Coffee Passport stops, but I’m not in any rush.
I enjoyed the space itself though, that wide open emptiness. My table was covered in magazines (so if you don’t bring reading material, you’re more than covered), they have wifi and I read and finished a book without interruption (it’s quiet). I’d probably go back eventually, buy a coffee I might not even like, solely to hang around. Maybe that’s why there isn’t much seating, there is a certain dark homey comfort to this place I can’t quite put my finger on, but I like it.
While I’m happy they offer soy AND almond milk, I don’t like that they charge extra for it.

Adding to all those fabulously written reviews, I will add my view for your reference. If ALL the seats that Vivek S stated were filled, you would still have a 20 – 1 Magazine-​to-​Patron ratio. Where did they get all these Magazines from and who is going to read them when I notice most customers do one of the following: Novel, Laptop, Sip Coffee.
All the Décor and «Stuff» that make up the setting must be from a Garage Sale and renewed. Those things are actually interesting to observe and ponder upon but it’s hard to link one item to another unless the Designer is there to explain to the General Public? No worries, I’m A-​OK with what they have as atmosphere.
The Barista behind the counter made my Cappuccino on the Manual Press Victoria Arduino with Reunion Island brand Beans which I’m starting to get a taste for as it seems very consistent every Café that uses this brand. He signed my Indie Coffee Passport «MK Thx :) «which is a nice gesture as nice as the «Heart pattern» from Merchants of Green Coffee.

Just to set the record straight, an inventory of the Mascot’s seating situation shows: three wooden tables for two, two tall stools at the ornate antique bar, a low chesterfield (that I wouldn’t dare sit on), and a rocking horse (that I would). While it’s easy to disdain the lack of seating here (and fun too), it seems the Mascot is about straight-​up chililn’ with a fresh espresso in their sunbathed and airy exercise in negative space. The antique espresso machine is a beautiful artefact that presses coffee at its own deliberate pace (be warned), but the results are flavourful and solid. (And reasonably priced too.)
There is soy milk on the counter, lactards.
It’s actually refreshing to enjoy a space that emphasizes relaxation and decompression over work. As someone guilty of being a W/​O (wifi/​outlet) addict, I welcome the Mascot’s reminder to sloo o o o o w down, close your laptop, and relax.
(But they also have wifi here, so take from that what you will.)
Obligatory Title Pun: Kicks some serious MASS.
Menu Readability: Beautiful script lettering on a chalk board.
Need to mention: Their washroom is a must-​try. It’s beautiful. Also, keep an eye out for a well-​hidden Gary Taxali piece.
What this place teaches me about myself: To unplug once in a while.

C O F F E E P A S S P O R T S T O P (#22)
Drink: Latte
Atmosphere: v y t h n g s r l y s p c d o u t n d
l d — f s h n d.
(Tell me if you got that)
I swear I hallucinated Gatsby using the men’s washroom here. Feels like a cross between an art gallery and a home from the 1800s. The Mascot has definately got a unique charm to it. What I don’t get is why they do not have more seating! This –really– puzzled me because there are only 4 small tables, a large sofa, big treasure chest? a rocking horse? and another treasure chest with a chair???
There was no seating left except for the treasure chest and sofa. I was not about to sit alone and isolated with a knee-​level ”table” (I.hate.knee.level.) PASS. Nor was I going to sit on the sofa which was placed awkardly close to one of the tables. another pass. These guys NEED more seating. I think they spent all their money on the décor. Perhaps I’m the one not rendering the atmosphere enough, but how can I if I cant sit anywhere?!
The barista was welcoming and the menu is pretty much basic with your latte, mocha, drip coffee, espresso etc.
As for my drink, it was Capital S… trong and smoothe. Went down lovely. The foam wasn’t the best though. Not smoothe enough, and a bit ”crisp”. There were also few baked goods, but very limited.
Verdict: Please sell the rocking horse and use the money to buy more chairs and tables.

I popped into the Mascot to use up my stop there on my Indie Coffee Passport this past weekend. It’s a gorgeous little café, its style bordering somewhere between vintage and kitsch (I loved the TTC fare box tip jar). The staff were friendly and happy to see I was stopping by with the passport — a lovely welcome!
On offer: the coffee menu is nice and simple, one small board written out in lovely sign-​board calligraphy. I went for my usual, a soy latte — as it was being made, I noticed a little note at the bottom of the menu board saying soy *and* almond milk are on offer. Bonus points, Mascot!
I purchased a small chocolate vegan cupcake with delightfully colourful sprinkles and frosting and took a seat near the fierce tiger’s head cabinet to enjoy my latte. It was very smooth, no bitterness at all, and very well flavoured (no weakness here!). Couldn’t have asked for a nicer first coffee of the day.
Practicalities: not too much seating, washroom on premises, wifi available.
Overall: Very impressed, and would probably even deliberately make the trek out there for a coffee again despite never really being in that neighbourhood.

The Mascot is a new Parkdale café having opened just over a month ago. I came across this place upon an invite of a friend who was showing off his latest custom motorcycle creation at the café as a kind of art showing.
As you step into the establishment the first thing you’ll notice is it’s warm, spacious atmosphere. A well worn, old fashioned wood panel floor leads up to complimentary crème-​beige colored walls with further dark wood accents and a touch of exposed brick. At the time I went to the Mascot they only had three tables and a sofa for seating, leaving the bulk of the floor space for people to walk around in as they take in the various art pieces on display. The establishment certainly doesn’t lack for breathing room, which has it’s value in a city of claustrophobic cafes, but one has to wonder if perhaps The Mascot would fair better with at least a few more tables to accommodate customers wanting to sit and relax with their caffeinated beverage.
Coffee related drinks are made with Reunion Island coffee which is locally roasted, organic and Free Trade. Reunion Island makes for decent coffee, better than what you’ll get at most chain café’s, but I’ve experienced better local roasted coffee (then again I’m a coffee snob). The staff seem quite competent at pulling a decent espresso shot so I’m sure you’ll be pleased with any of the various espresso based drinks they offer. Additionally The Mascot carries loose leaf teas and a small selection of locally baked goodies both savory and sweet. Prices are on par with other indie café’s.
The Mascot makes a fine addition to Parkdale area independent café’s and if your in the area I suggest dropping in for a drink and a look at whatever art they have on display.