Balzacs Coffee LTD., Toronto

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  • Balzacs Coffee LTD., Toronto

    Don Ellis | Last Updated: March 18,2010 3:39:33 pm
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    It's astounding that something this cute is hidden in the back of the Gooderham & Worts lot. Nestled surreptitiously in the Distillery District at Lakeshore and Parliament, lodged in the old Pump House (next to where grain ships used to unload) Balzac's was the first business to open in the new development. To get there, you enter the Distillery parking area marked as 55 Mill Street, and make your way behind the building to the pump house.

    Cute couples in Levis relax over latte and discuss their day. Gallery dealers sit at French tables discussing their lazy clients. Owner Diana Olsen - blonde, sweet, and straight out of a Raymond Carver story - takes your order.

    The dark-wood and raw-stone interior lends a Parisian cafe ambiance to this hidden gem. In fact, this eclectic spot is a product of its surroundings. Stylized posters, in the Lautrec and Cheret realm grace the walls. One huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling, filling most of the ceiling, offsetting the beautiful wood bar. (Note the stunning Gaggia Cappuccino Machine.)

    With soaring stone walls and French tables and chairs, Balzac has an atmosphere of in-the-know sweetness. It's strictly coffee here. If you get the munchies, snacks are scarce. There are a slight smattering of counter croissants, cakes, tarts, and muffins from Daniel et Daniel and Dufflet Pastries.

    Though Balzac's is semi-hidden, this spot has become a popular meeting hangout for art gallery folk who attend nearby Ainsley Gallery; its setting and coffee draw everyone from neighbourhood workers to young adults flocking here for their caffeine high. – D.E.

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    AT A GLANCE
    Balzacs Coffee LTD.
    55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON
    416-207-1709
    Coffee
    Distillery District
    Venue:
    Cafe
    Hours:
    Mon. to Sat.: 7:00am - 8:00pm
    Sun.: 8:00am - 7:00pm
    Price Range:
    $ (Budget)
    Payment:
    Cash Only
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    13 Reader Reviews

    VERY LONG wait for good coffee, but nothing I would recommend. Seriously - ten minutes in line, plus another 7-10 waiting for an iced coffee and a scone? Again, yummy, but NOT worth the wait or the vibe.

    1. Tina Hendricks's Review :: July 18, 2009
    Tina Hendricks's Rating: 2 Stars
    They were very nice here and I liked the coffee... it was a bit packed and there were no outlets for my laptop. Otherwise, good!!!

    2. Jan T.'s Review :: January 21, 2009
    Jan T.'s Rating: 3 Stars
    place has definitely gone downhill. i've had a bad service experiece at Balzac's too. I give them 0 stars.

    3. Annie L.'s Review :: December 13, 2008
    Annie L.'s Rating: Stars
    Didn't like it either.

    4. Tom's Review :: December 13, 2008
    Tom's Rating: 1 Stars
    The coffee, the service and the cleanliness of this place are terrible. Don't bother spending your money at Balzac's. The management and ownership don't care either -- as long as the $$ keeps rolling in. It's only the location of the place that's convenient.

    5. Whatever's Review :: December 13, 2008
    Whatever's Rating: Stars
    Balzac's is where I go to dive into a good book, but still have the luxury of being around other people. They don't really have food, and the coffee is pretty standard stuff, but the space is gorgeous and its nice and quiet. Its a little like sitting in a fancy living room with a bunch of strangers.

    Like any place, some of the staff are nice, and some are not as nice. I love how Balzac's and the other Distillery spots are all so close to each other. Where else can you find 3 cafe's that compliment each other so well?

    6. Tammy Bryce's Review :: November 29, 2008
    Tammy Bryce's Rating: 4 Stars
    Absolutely the best latte I have ever had. The espresso was so smooth, rich and well-bodied. Having become resigned to burnt-tasting or watered down coffee drinks, my faith has been restored that good coffee does exist.


    7. Jen Hyanna's Review :: October 07, 2008
    Jen Hyanna's Rating: 4 Stars
    Found this place randomly. Ambience is splendid, great place to impress someone.

    8. Anonymous's Review :: August 21, 2007
    Found this place randomly. Ambience is splendid, great place to impress someone.

    9. Amillo's Review :: August 19, 2007
    Amillo's Rating: 4 Stars
    Burnt coffee is right, yuck.

    10. Steven's Review :: February 21, 2006
    Steven's Rating: 2 Stars
    I love this coffee shop. The chandilier. The smell of burnt coffee. The fancy machines. The stairs leading to the upper gallery. The big door. The secret window. Took my wedding pics in here. Lovely...lovely...lovely. And the coffee is so good. Strong, but most importantly traded fairly. Makes you feel good.

    11. Sarai's Review :: July 19, 2005
    Sarai's Rating: 4 Stars
    Was very happy to read that there ws another Balzac's Cafe. (There's one in Stratford) It took us a while to find this location, but the cafe is surely one of the cutest in town!

    12. Samantha Y.'s Review :: October 11, 2004
    Samantha Y.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    Stumbled onto this place when at a movie shoot down there. Could definately see it being cool as a cafe... but it really should have more eats there. Finally ordered a plain latte and a tart thing. Coffee was supreme, but I want FOOD.


    13. Dan Groening's Review :: October 11, 2004
    Dan Groening's Rating: 2 Stars
    Click here to view all 12 reviews

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