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Richard Trapunski | Last Updated: March 02,2009 1:45:38 pm
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Mike Cullen, owner of Broadview Espresso, was hoping for a quiet opening. Tough luck, Mike. In the very short time that his shop has been open, it has already received a ton of attention from both mainstream and alternative media sources (including, it seems, us) that have suggested his modesty will have to be put on hold. As I sat back on one of the comfortable art deco club chairs in the little shop, I heard the same sentiment echoed over and over: "Thank God you're open. I had nowhere to get my coffee."
 Located on Broadview slightly north of the Danforth, the early success of Broadview Espresso says as much about the rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood as it does about the shop itself. Cullen is an indigenous Broadviewian, having resided there for three years before opening the shop. Formerly a waiter at Canoe and Globe Bistro, he's always had aspirations to open up his own restaurant, but until recently he had his sights set on a pizza place. All that changed when one day on the Danforth someone asked him where to get a good cup of coffee and Cullen's best answer was Dark Horse Espresso bar all the way at Queen Street East. "That's when the lightbulb went off in my head," says Cullen. "When I finally saw the 'for lease' sign I jumped at the opportunity".
Formerly a destitute old porn shop, the building that now houses Broadview Espresso has undergone a full renovation. Only the ceilings remain. Where the fluorescent lights once hung, 1930s art deco schoolhouse lights from the former Caf้ Brussels now sit in their place. The place only has a few small tables, but includes chairs that look out onto Broadview street and a long coffee bar that houses a stainless steel espresso machine. The entire design was performed by David Rodriguez, a former coworker of Cullen's at Canoe and a man he refers to as "an amateur genius". According to Cullen, Rodriguez snapped up the job when Cullen jokingly told him "it's yours if you want it".
This looseness spreads to Cullen's managerial style. He has constantly been observing the art of making the proper Americano during sojourns in Italy and in his native Victoria where espresso culture rules. When people ask him for a soy milk substitution or a non-fat non-dairy macchiato, he's more than happy to oblige. "It's like when I worked at Canoe and someone would ask for his steak well done," he tells me. "I'd want to refuse, but ultimately he's the one who will have to eat it." The fact that people are so fussy about their gourmet brew speaks volumes about the area that once was a hotbed of lunch counters, porn shops, and gritty urbanity, and to some extent still is.
The only thing Cullen has yet to budge on is wi-fi internet, worrying that people will just set up with their laptops and zone out. "I want this to be a social place, a place where people can chill out, listen to some good music, and chat with each other". The tunes are cranked out from his personal iPod, a mix of blues, folk, and indie rock that seems perfectly crafted for a laid-back coffee haunt.
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AT A GLANCE
Broadview Espresso
817 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON
416-553-3833
Coffee
Danforth
Venue:
Cafe
Hours:
Open Mon-Thu 7am-7pm Fri 7am-10pm Sat 8am-6pm Sun 9am-5pm
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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15 Reader Reviews | great nighborhood spot...................cute, naturally beautiful barista girls
1. Romulus's Review :: December 15, 2009 Romulus's Rating: 4 Stars |
This place was a great idea! Initially I really enjoyed going in, back when it first opened but I have found that since then, the service and quality of staff has gone down. I feel as if I am a nuisance the second I walk in the door. Itâs quite clear the baristaâs get on great with the people they like or know, however seeing as I prefer conversation over giggly immature high school chatter, I have never received as much as a smile from anyone in there. Unless the owner is in there the music is too loud and obnoxious, the latte will suck and the staff will act snobby. Itâs really a shame as Iâm not sure what theyâre trying to prove with the attitude. It truly ruins the atmosphere.
2. Ethan's Review :: November 23, 2009 Ethan's Rating: 2 Stars |
I liked everything about Broadview Espresso. I think Mike Cullen scammed himself a great little spot here. I like that it's a few doors down from both the subway and Magic Oven Pizza. That makes it a bit of a destination. Good move. I didn't mind the espresso I had. It was a single short. I was impressed at how busy this new joint got. I can't fairly rate the coffee though, on just one espresso. And I don't think it will ever happen and I'll tell you why. The barista had the music cranked and it was some kind of rap, which is like being mugged. Whether others agree with me or not, that's my view. That is such a show stopper. And even if the tunes on tap were to my liking, I wouldn't want them to be foreground. I'm most often by myself in coffee shops and I like to read a paper. I don't know how folks can read or work on a laptop (without headphones) when the music is loud, but they seem to do okay. As I said, This is 'my' view of matters. But I do wish Mike well on his venture. I just wish I could have come along for the ride.
3. Arby's Review :: May 14, 2009 Arby's Rating: 1 Stars |
Great coffee, wonderful staff, excellent tunes and atmosphere. Yummy pastries. Keep up the good work!
4. Beverly Greer's Review :: April 24, 2009 Beverly Greer's Rating: 4 Stars |
Well...I can say that I go to Broaview Espresso almost everyday on my way to work and can assure that the staff are not only friendly but clearly enjoy their job. If you read the other reviews, people agree on the atmosphere and the cheerfullness of the staff.
So, I WILL go back, and only go back there. Where it is a nice coffee shop, the only in the area with happy and friendly staff that care about their customers.
5. Jane's Review :: March 16, 2009 Jane's Rating: 4 Stars |
Finally!! A place that serves quality coffee, unlike SecondCup & Starbucks with their discount-price quality beans. If you're not an uncultured coffee boob you'll relish in the real java being served here! The owner's cool, the decor is dead-on and the staff is caliente!)
6. Yo's Review :: March 11, 2009 Yo's Rating: 4 Stars |
I love to support local independant establishments instead of the giant corporate monsters.
Living in the broadview/Danforth area I was very happy to see a local coffee shop.
Coffee is great but the staff never seem to smile and are not very friendly people !
Won't be back !!!
There are much nicer coffee shops in the area with happy and friendly staff that care about their customers.
7. Danforth Girl's Review :: February 26, 2009 Danforth Girl's Rating: 2 Stars |
The coffee was DAMN GOOD! and the sun coming through the front window was glorious the day I visited. smiles:)
8. Michelle's Review :: February 15, 2009 Michelle's Rating: 4 Stars |
I love this place.........great coffee, service, and extremely warm atmosphere. For the area, this cafe definitely has a cute decor and the non-stop conversations (with the owner). The staff are very friendly and they always have you coming back for more.
9. Tract V.'s Review :: January 18, 2009 Tract V.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
Best coffee ever!!! Great spot, cool people and hot owner.
10. Mel's Review :: December 14, 2008 Mel's Rating: 4 Stars |
I frequent this joint a lot...probably because I'm right in the area, but I like it. It's not the BEST coffee place I've been at (my fav:dark horse in leslieville), but it's definitely one of the better places in the area.
11. Josie Vogel's Review :: November 01, 2008 Josie Vogel's Rating: Stars |
love what they did with the vibe. The people behind the bar are particularly cool. coffee drinks were perfect, but I found the snacks to be very so so.
12. Gregg Team's Review :: October 08, 2008 Gregg Team's Rating: 3 Stars |
Seriously the best cafe I have found in the area, perfect for those days I work at home. When entertaining calls, the folks at Broadview Espresso counter are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Why only 4 stars? Bring in some croissants and I'll add one more!
13. Denise Lynne's Review :: September 12, 2008 Denise Lynne's Rating: 4 Stars |
It's like kickin' it ol'skool coffee shop style. This place is fun, a bit hard to find, but it's worth the hunt.
14. Randy Ellison's Review :: September 12, 2008 Randy Ellison's Rating: 4 Stars |
I was one of those people saying 'FINALLY, a place I can get my coffee'. The atmosphere is warm and the americanos are spectacular. The article is a little off because the spot is actually NORTH of the Danforth, on the east side of the street.
15. Christine's Review :: September 08, 2008 Christine's Rating: 3 Stars |
| Click here to view all 15 reviews |
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817 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON
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