Tea Dot Coffee

This place looks better in photos than in real life. Little ambiance… unless you like big screen TVs. It also didn’t seem particularly clean. There was no pastry at 3pm, they «sold out in the morning». I was told that a new pastry chef was starting the next day, so you may have better luck.
My latte was only so-​so. I was so underwhelmed by the whole experience, I failed to ask from where they source their beans.
Won’t be back.

Someone on campus that knows coffee!
I was previously limited to Second Cup or the Cube in Koffler, or Starbucks across the street. I love that there’s an independent shop close by that makes great coffee and is always super friendly.
Nailed it!

Toronto has a great variety of independent coffee shops so it’s very difficult for one to stand out.
However Tea Dot Coffee is notable for being possibly the best caffeine spot near UofT. The staff is friendly and helpful. It seems to be a group of friends for the most part and they really care about this business and the customer.
One of the interesting and unique things I’ve found here is that they make they’re own flavour syrups. They don’t outsource to a big company where I might have to call a major headquarters to discover ingredients (I don’t consume non-​halal ingredients which can sometimes arise in vanilla flavourings). This also means they’re more flavourful and less sugary than major brands of syrup from my experience.
— I recommend the lavender latte.
— their salted cookies are pretty good.
— become a regular and they’re likely to remember you.
— they have actual conversations with me every time, not just the small talk. I was once chatting with the owner about the importance for finding time to refresh the soul outside of the city.
— go support a local, fledgling business.
I pray you find them as favourable as I have!

A new coffee spot open right across the street from UofT! What I would have given to have something like that back when I was a student here and not be stuck with either Starbucks or Second Cup on this side of campus. If you’re walking in from the East you’re greeted by a long painted mural that’s by the same artist who did a very colourful mural on the interior wall as well that I found to be pretty nifty.
They’ve only been open a week and a half and signs of being new were visible, such as it being cash only for a few more days until they get the debit machine all hooked up, and having a TV that was yet to start playing stuff (there were fiddling around with connecting it to Netflix so perhaps coming in here next time I might be greet by random episodes of Sherlock? Arrested Development? Breaking Bad? that would be certainly be cool) and there was a lack of wifi.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the lack of wifi is there to stay since it’s not the greatest place to sit and sip for along time, there were only 2 seats (although both did have power outlets) and a corner bench by the window and a massive empty space occupying the majority of the café, perhaps they are waiting on more furniture or just expect there to be long line ups once word gets around that they are able to serve you a mean cup of coffee or tea (they had a few jars of loose leaf by the counter).
I had myself a latte, drip coffee and a salted chocolate chip cookie, everything was to my satisfaction, and the service was quick and the lady (who struck me as a manager/​owner) and the other couple of people behind the counter were really friendly! They appear to have a proper kitchen set in the back, and when I was there they had a small selection of salads in take out containers, good for a small lunch, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more items make their way though.
I know I will most definitely be back here whenever I’m in the area! Looking forward to see what they have planned for the future.