Broadview Espresso, Toronto

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  • Broadview Espresso

    Richard Trapunski Last Updated: September 16,2008 09:18:41 am
    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 Café 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
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    5 Reader Reviews

    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.

    1. 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.

    2. 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!

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. Christine's Review :: September 08, 2008
    Christine's Rating: 3 Stars

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