GET WIRED with COFFEE and FREE WI-FI in KING WEST

Essential to any neighbourhood, but especially the busy King West Village, is caffeine and a wireless connection.

There are plenty of spots for coffee and free wi-fi in the neighbourhood and they range from chains like Starbucks, Second Cup and Timothy’s World Coffee, to smaller, more charming joints like Jimmy’s Coffee, Dark Horse Espresso Bar,  La Merceria and Atelier Café Lounge.

Second Cup and Timothy’s World Coffee

For those who avoid Starbucks at all costs, but still like the wide variety of blends and beverages offered by a well-known chain, King West boasts a Second Cup and a Timothy’s World Coffee. Each location provides a warm atmosphere and free wi-fi devoid of the Starbucks coffee lingo.

Second Cup shops in the King West neighbourhood include 700 King Street West and 287-289 King Street West, while Timothy’s sits at 420 King Street West next door to Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Starbucks

As with most neighbourhoods in Toronto, there is the standard plethora of Starbucks locations. I counted at least nine locations within a few blocks of King Blue condominiums, including one at 370 King Street West (in the Hyatt Regency Hotel) and another at 373 King Street West. Chapters at 142 John Street comes with its very own Starbucks, and there are a couple more close to University and Wellington, as well a a location at 438 Richmond Street West (at Spadina). Starbucks provides free-wifi courtesy of Allstream and there is no password required for access.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar

For your more cozy, hip or stylish caffeine needs, King West has quite the variety for sipping a latte and surfing the web. Yes, it’s still a chain, but a small one, so Dark Horse Espresso Bar counts here. The newest of four locations is tucked away at 125 John Street. Blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s the perfect coffee hideaway.

Outside, a mini patio with four tables, plus a nook with four stools tucked under the awning invite you to enjoy the gorgeous weather, while inside there is counter-style seating for about ten patrons and a small table for two in a corner by the window. A barrista will prepare your beans while playing the latest indie tunes at a reasonable volume that still allows for some work to get done.

Atelier Cafe Lounge

Atelier Café Lounge takes the most stylish coffee shop award. This ‘boutique bakery lounge’ at 510 King Street West is bright and roomy with black and cream décor and a glamorous retro vibe without the feeling of pretension.

Large windows and comfortable couch-like bench seating with plenty of cushions invite the caffeine-lover to stay awhile. The wi-fi information is posted on the counter. An added bonus – Atelier is also a licensed bar so feel free to indulge in an alcoholic beverage or two.

La Merceria

Slightly removed from the busy King West strip is La Merceria at 506 Adelaide Street West. Owned by Sandra Rojas-Chinni and Marcelo Chinni, this beautiful, charming Argentinian café doubles as a home accessories shop. Amazing fresh and light citrus smells greets customers and the coffee counter is just behind a couple of small tables by the entrance.

White and subdued earth tones provide a calming atmosphere away from the King Blue bustle and a cozy seating area with light wood tables is almost hidden away towards the back, providing a semi-private space for intimate conversations. Just ask for the wi-fi password then sit back and relax with your laptop or tablet and a caffeinated beverage.

Jimmy’s Coffee

A stone’s throw away at 107 Portland Street is perhaps the perfect neighbourhood coffee shop, Jimmy’s Coffee. Their website proclaims “Yes, we give a darn about your coffee and your time at Jimmy’s Coffee!” The narrow space may not be big but this joint oozes with character – local art on the walls, seating for a few in the front, plus a small room towards the rear, the silver embossed tin ceiling and coffee beans filling the panels under the counter all contribute to the personality of the café.

Jimmy’s is a great spot to stay awhile and catch up with friends or to grab a quick cup of joe on your way to work or play. Whether in the mood for a popular chain cuppa or looking for a more intimate caffeine experience, coffee lovers are guaranteed a friendly face, great service, and free wi-fi in King West, wherever they may go.