Boxcar Social

Bar · Yonge-St.Clair

Boxcar Social

Bar · Yonge-St.Clair

2

1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada

Photos

Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by Lindsay Lauckner
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null
Boxcar Social by null

Highlights

Espresso, craft brews, charcuterie, and a rustic-chic vibe.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada Get directions

boxcarsocial.ca

CA$1–10

Information

Static Map

1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada Get directions

+1 844 726 9227
boxcarsocial.ca

CA$1–10

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
wifi

Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@onthegrid

On the Grid : Boxcar Social

"This is pretty much as close to perfection as it gets. Outstanding, perfectly brewed third-wave coffee in the daytime, and beautifully curated wine and whiskey lists at night. The space is absolutely stunning, with custom-build salvaged wood and exposed copper piping throughout. These guys Get coffee, with a heavy rotation of beans from roasters like The Barn, 49th Parallel, George Howell, etc. Ask any of their baristas and they will give you a thorough rundown of everything they're brewing, with zero pretension. Sweets are often care/of Bakeshop in the west end (pop tarts and blow-torched marshmellows, anyone?). Respec' for the establishment that designs the bathroom with the same attention to detail as every other part of their establishment." - Medina Abdelkader

https://onthegrid.city/toronto/riverside/boxcar-social
View Postcard for Boxcar Social
@cntraveler

10 Best Coffee Shops in Toronto | Condé Nast Traveler

"The cafe has “social” in its name, and that’s the best word to describe its regulars. You’ll mostly find groups of friends chatting away, here. We wouldn’t say the patrons are the most hardcore coffee fans (you probably won’t hear many guests asking about the origins of beans), but they flock to Boxcar Social for the quaint atmosphere—and the opportunity to drink whiskey, wine, and beer, too." - Stefanie Waldek

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-coffee-shops-in-toronto
View Postcard for Boxcar Social

Michelle H

Google
Came here on a long weekend - staff are really friendly and helpful! The London fog and breakfast sandwiches were really good. First floor is laptop friendly before 4PM (Tues-Sat). There's also a pet friendly patio space outside and a second floor, but it seems less well ventilated than the first. The music is a little on the loud side but the playlist was great for getting work done.

Wandering Words Society

Google
If you're looking for a warm and inviting spot with exceptional coffee and service, Boxcar Social - Summerhill is a true gem. We recently hosted a Romance Book Discussion here and our guests had a wonderful experience. Special thanks to Calem and Kay, who made us feel very welcome and at home. They were friendly and attentive, offering quick service. The upstairs area was perfect for our gathering with a cozy and relaxed vibe. The rustic decor, comfy seating and touches of green from the various plants created an ideal atmosphere to come tougher and have a great discussion on all things romance. We can’t recommend it enough and are already looking forward to returning for future gatherings!

Marwan Ibrahim

Google
Great caffe with their own twists on Coffee and tea. I got the London fog. Which is a pre prepared earl gray tea batch with fresh milk and vanilla added at the time of order. Very interesting and original indeed 😃. They also had strawberry matcha 🍵 which looked amazing 😍🤩. They had drawn pictures of dogs that come in every day on their coffee machines. Super sweet of them 🥰.

Jin Sunwoo

Google
I spent several hours at this cafe last Sunday and absolutely loved it. The second floor was particularly quiet, with everyone reading or working on something, creating the perfect ambiance and vibe for focusing. The coffee and beverages were great, the food was okay, and the space was very nice and cozy. It's a great spot to get some work done with a cup of coffee!

Helia Hashemi

Google
We come here often, coffee is fantastic, staff are extremely polite with the best memory, they never mess up the orders which happens often at most coffee shops. We had breakfast sandwich here for the first time, the egg felt it was premade but it was still pretty good. Definitely recommend!

Tulsi Barot

Google
I love this coffee shop. I live close by so it's an excellent place to get some work done and I love that that they have a second floor. It does fill up fast so try to get here before noon. The only issue I have is their music, it is often really loud. I have avoided meeting up with friends here because I knew the music would make it hard to talk and catch up. Overall, I think they serve great coffee and snacks and it is a good place to get some work done.

Naqeebul Islam

Google
Grabbed their Iced Lavender Matcha Latte while I was in the area. At about $8.48 after tax this is what I would consider expensive but at the same time despite by this being expensive it’s definitely a much better drink than the lavender matcha sold at Starbucks.

Kristina Iskandar

Google
Cute spot for casual drinks with friends and family; nice happy hour options.
google avatar

Jelena P.

Yelp
This place is my absolute favourite. So coffee costs 6$ but isnt it the same at starbucks? They make the coffeeeee SO good here, and until recently and now when you ask they will do shaken iced coffees and therefore you dont have chunks of ice taking over the whole cup. Its divine. This almond crossiant cost like 7$ which was especially expensive, was it worth it? Absolutely not. But not everything can be a 5/5. However the service is good, they also have a bar to spicd things up. They have cookies and other treats. Theres a cute patio, and many sitting areas upstairs and downstairs and lots of privacy. I think its worth checking out!
google avatar

Reyaz H.

Yelp
Awesome chain with great ambience, friendly service and quality drinks. Highly impressed by their drink selections and great coffee drinks
google avatar

Marysa M.

Yelp
Love boxcar social! They're really friendly and the service is always quick. I had one of their power cookies that was vegan. I honestly did not expect it to be as good as it was but it was amazing. So filling and flavorful!
google avatar

Libby H.

Yelp
Good selection of food items and very nice coffee. When there, if I'm able to sit in the window that's my favourite spot to people watch out on Yonge Street.
google avatar

Akila P.

Yelp
I LOVE this place . I truly wish I could give it 5 stars but 3 is the best I can do for now . Let's start off with the PRO's . The Staff are some the MOST Friendly people I've encountered at any cafe . Wow these people really go out of their way to make sure they are of great assistance to you. You can't find that easily these days since most service staff are either brand new and inexperienced or are very seasoned and "quiet quitting". The SPACE itself is quite beautiful. An older brownstone building with great bones and amazing natural light. You'll almost always find a spot to sit and work as there are two levels indoors as well as an outdoor patio. If you're looking for a place to study, work , read or just get out the house I'd highly recommend this location at summer hill. The clientele that frequent this venue are either UNI students, remote workers or middle aged folks who are quite respectful of the space and usually very quiet. The coffee is excellent, most of their roasts are sourced from unique locations. Where they could stand to IMPROVE here is the cleanliness,especially the upstairs study rooms. The chairs are quite filthy as you can see by the photos and I don't think anyone is trying their best to clean them . These chairs either need to be deep cleaned, replaced or covered with plastic after all, this is a space where food and drink is being consumed. It's should be cleaned. Secondly the wifi isn't the strongest, especially downstairs. So it can be quite frustrating as this cafe is marketed as more of a workspace than just a cafe . Two simple fixes and this place would be five star. The problem is the folks in this upscale neighbourhood are super easygoing so I don't think they're going out of their way to complain. Either way , I'll come back . I just avoid the dirty chairs and expect spotty wifi.
google avatar

Tania E.

Yelp
During the holidays, I really want to find a place to spend the day quietly The editor is located in Riverside. Although the location is remote, it is better than the quiet environment. It is very suitable for everyone's holiday. Americano has a good coffee taste. Drinking Gandhi is not bad There are surprises in place, isolation is in the corner, bottle shop, and there is not much wine to sell I think about drinking a cup of coffee, even if I can't help myself, I can't help drinking a cup of White. As for the grapes, it is mainly Vermentino 80%, and then there are familiar ones that are both Chardonnay 10% and Pinot Gris 10%. I don't usually drink a lot of Australian wine, I can see the clear land when I look at it, and smell it. It's a clear fragrance. It's easy to drink and it has a fruity aroma, but the acidity is too high. The boss will sell his own brand of craft beer from time to time. I have a chance to try it again
google avatar

Jennifer K.

Yelp
Wine, Cocktails or Coffee?! I love the choice and selection that Boxcar Social offers. I can see myself as the "designated" driver enjoying a well crafted coffee along with my friends that are downing/sipping some crafted beers or cocktails! The seating options here are quite interesting. You can watch the barista/bartender in action if you stay in the front of the cafe. At the back, you will find tables and patio seating. On the 2nd floor, they have a room with some cozy armchairs. Coffee was good. And love how it opens late.

Peter B.

Yelp
COFFEE HOT; INTERACTION'S COLD The people who staff coffee houses make all the difference. And once that was the difference that made their Summerhill location popular with me. But the warm, friendly ones left, it seems, and another type of employee was recruited: cool, remote, indifferent even arrogant. Too bad. It's a charming venue, lovely patio, but you have to deal with people who seem troubled to serve coffee. So, my ranking is more a reflection of that energetic experience rather than the coffee, which is good (iof you don't get sour milk. Why they don't serve cream is also a mystery). I write this after repeated experiences. Finally, this is a reflection of the ownership, not necessarily the employees, because this change in hiring took place some years back which must reflect some sort of hiring criteria. Coffee is hot, interactions are cold.
google avatar

Siobhan G.

Yelp
Gotta love Boxcar for its versatility. There's a hip cafe vibe in the earlier part of the day but they also have some cool beer and cider choices, and some nights they're open later and become a wine bar type spot. Their espresso based drinks and snacks are great. There are ample seating options on two floors and a cute back patio. Definitely a gem of a cafe in the neighbourhood and worth checking out.
google avatar

Nicole D.

Yelp
A midtown gem, my uptown self discovered this spot from many frequent google searches for 'cute cafes to study in' and 'cafes with wifi' in Toronto. You'll find plenty of outlets here, as well as quiet for free-thought and creativity to blossom as you work remotely or spend some quality catch-up time with a friend. Don't let the small entryway fool you - there's plenty of room with a fully furnished spacious upstairs area - complete with rustic armchairs, groupwork tables and windows that let in plenty of natural light in. (The plants seem to like it here too!) I would love to give this place a higher rating, but the good pastries go so quickly with not much variety closer to closing time (which is 6pm). Another bummer is that their regular menu is a bit on the pricier side - so stick to their coffee and just go elsewhere if you want a full blown meal. Speaking of which, they do have an amazing selection of Ethiopian and Colombian beans, so don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation!

Molly T.

Yelp
Great building and nice staff, but the wifi is hit or miss which is always disappointing to learn after spending $8 for a black drip coffee. Please update your wifi I love your space!
google avatar

Amaryllis J.

Yelp
Really quaint & hip cafe for a quick meet up or to meet up with friends! My friend was in town from Ottawa and suggested Boxcar Social to beat the downtown crowds and an alternative to other coffee shops in the core. Really cool vibes and tasty treats. We had the match latte, a coconut square & rhubarb danish. A latte and snack was ~$8-10 but what you'd expect from a coffee shop in Toronto. There is seating on two levels + a patio. A bit rustic on the interior but it was booming on a Monday afternoon at 2pm so it says a lot about their food, vibes and location. Tons of street parking in the surrounding area too but close to transit. Photo taken by @CheatEatsTO
google avatar

Kristian U.

Yelp
Needed to put finger to keys in a bad way so was looking for a coffee shop with wifi in the vicinity of my appointment and came across the Boxcar Social in Summerhill. I'd heard the name, read the reviews, but never found my way here. WOW! Coffee, baked good, easy access to pizza slices, AND cocktails? #Heaven? Pretty much. I ordered an Americano (two in fact) and was so amazed by how naturally sweet the espresso was straight up - not needing milk or sugar at all. Smooth, slightly sweet flavours created by their Ethiopian beans. I mentioned Pizza and while they don't make it, they do have an arrangement with Yeah Yeah's Pizza next door and the pep and cheese was a 1/4 pie and delightfully delicious and thin crusted! I was seated at the bar, you know "working on my screenplay" as people do at hip coffee spots. It's basically a metaphor for people feeling the need to be in public doing their work so they can talk about what they're doing, but thankfully this didn't appear to be an issue here. Aside from a few other fellow keyboard warriors the majority of the patrons were there to have coffee and actually talk with friends. Unreal! .... oh and my spot at the bar was RIGHT NEXT TO the dessert display counter.... I managed to avoid any purchases for about 2 hours, but then caved hard and bought two - so much for diets I guess. Maybe I'll have a cheeky cocktail before I leave... maybe. Oh hell, who am I kidding, I totally will. Eatcrest OUT!
google avatar

Jeff I.

Yelp
Aesthetic shop with thought given to every little detail. Coffee selection: Nice selection of roasted coffee from both Canada and the US. Surprised to find that they were offering prices which were competitive with the roaster's own pricing. They had various coffees from Luna, Seth Taylor CBD, and SEY in stock. Pour-over: Conducted on a GINA as immersion. Had an Ecuadorian one from SEY and then an Ethiopian one from Luna. Served in a cute carafe from Hario and pretty handmade mugs. Espresso: I think I had the Ecuadorian coffee from SEY. Was surprised to see them serving quality sparkling water with the espresso. Andrew made my drinks and I got the impression from my brief conversation with him that he's quite knowledgable about coffee. He was well acquainted with roasters from both the US and Canada; and was even familiar with a small roaster in Toronto that I really like. It was funny to see that he brought several of his own bags of coffee to work.

Masumi K.

Yelp
Dropped into the Summerhill location on a Sunday morning. There was no queue and we were promptly welcomed by the barista, which I appreciated. I was looking forward to enjoying an Americano over a catch up with a friend, and although that aspect of the visit was lovely, I did not enjoy the overall experience of the café. Though not an issue for purists I'm sure, I take my coffee with cream. Cream is not on offer here. The barista explained that they provide high quality, farm sourced, whole milk only. And though I do not doubt the pedigree of the milk I did not enjoy it in my coffee, hence, I did not enjoy my coffee. We sat in the back of the café and it was cold, both literally and figuratively. The seating was difficult to navigate because of the design and one had to almost climb into it. The table was dirty and full of crumbs. I did not visit the upstairs space or loo. Being only mid-April, the patio area was open but perfunctory. I did not feel charmed by my experience at Boxcar Social. The aesthetic, apart from the front bar area, was not for me and the lack of cream was also a dealbreaker. A large, decaf Americano and a small flat white came to under $12, with tip, and were served in paper cups, even to drink on premises. That being said, the midtown location is good, just across from Summerhill LCBO, and I am sure there is a demographic that thoroughly enjoys what is on offer at this coffee shop/ bar hybrid. Like much of the city itself this café does not appeal to my sensibilities. It's not you, it's me.
google avatar

Faiza K.

Yelp
What a cute and quaint place this it! Ok yes it's narrow and small, but there is a fairly large outdoor patio in the back you can take advantage of in the warmer months. t's got that upscale vibe without feeling pretentious at all. Stop in for a coffee/espresso on the way to work and then for a glass of wine or some beer after work. Their selection is pretty impressive and their prices are decent. I can only imagine how busy this place must get Friday nights and weekends so try to hit it on an off time or a weekday. It's located right outside the Summerhill station and you can get some street parking. This is my only pet peeve - parking around this area is annoying at the best of times, can only imagine on the weekends if you are driving here. All the staff are extremely friendly, but in such a genuine way. The tables in the back (looks like they are made from reclaimed wood) adds a nice touch to this place.
google avatar

Cynthia W.

Yelp
Boxcar Social has a tiny storefront, but it's so cozy once you step in. The barista was very cheery, and seemed to be quite nifty at latte art. We ordered a macchiato and iced tea. I would pass on the macchiato next time, but they had a wide variety of tea flavours. The peach blossom iced tea was very refreshing. Keep in mind that it takes around 5 minutes to brew. In terms of food, they only had a small tray of pastries to the side, so be sure not to come here on an empty stomach. The seats downstairs were pretty much filled, so we headed upstairs. There's a skylight and plenty of natural lighting, which was great for working. However, the walls were covered with random paint splotches and hooks where paintings should've been. Not sure if things were taken down or if they mean to fix up the place in the future. The background music changed genres frequently, but it wasn't too loud, so earphones would easily cancel out unwanted noise. I would definitely come back to try some of their coffees. Overall a great little cafe.
google avatar

Mariko M.

Yelp
Bored of the nearby Starbucks, my pal and I decided to check out Boxcar Social this afternoon. Conveniently located right by Summerhill Station, it's a great place to meet up with friends. Very unassuming, I almost walked past BS. The menu is primarily coffee (and coffee based drinks), but they also have teas and alcohol. Staff here know their stuff and are willingly to answer any questions that you might have. I didn't see a food menu, but patrons were eating a sandwich. Not sure if this is a Sunday feature? Anyway, my pal and I sat on the patio in the back as we enjoyed our drinks. In spite of being right on Yonge, the cozy patio is so quite and relaxing. You feel as if you're just relaxing in your backyard. Can't wait to come back ! Good for: coffee, tea, drinks
google avatar

Owen R.

Yelp
I went at night, more bar than coffee shop, fortunately coffee still available. Excellent flat white, excellent. Bartender on staff was personable, really friendly. I don't usually go north of Bloor, boxcar and yeah yeahs pizza create a good reason to walk 10 minutes from Bloor and Yonge.
google avatar

Vicky W.

Yelp
Great patio here, but watch out for falling leaves! lol Many uniques types of coffee here. Boxcar Social strives to be different among the indie coffee shops here in the Six. I appreciate their effort to stand out. I like their matcha latte, since I'm not exactly a coffee person. Cool place too study and chill too.
google avatar

Steve S.

Yelp
Very hip bar on yonge street. It was a Friday night when I went and they had hip hop music at full blast - kind of had to strain to chat with my friend because of the sheer volume but it worked with the overall feel of the place. A party had reserved the back of the bar so there were only seats at the bar when I first stepped in. The space is pretty narrow though and is like the size of a corridor when you're trying to walk down the bar. They only have 4 cocktails but a large wine and coffee list. The only food they have is pizza by the place next door, called Yeah yeahs pizzas. I had a slice of "the white"and it was lukewarm and mediocre at best. There was no crisp to the crust and just tasted soggy and sad. Also it was $5.25 for a slice, basically $6 after tax + tip. For a slice of mediocrity, i think that's a bit steep. Bottom line is I would come back for the music and for a quick drink with buddies, but would definitely have food beforehand.
google avatar

Jared R.

Yelp
Nice coffee from a pour tap, nice vibe, nice music. Much less busy than the closest Starbucks and similar prices . I'm going to check out the patio now.
google avatar

Lilian L.

Yelp
Boxcar Social is inside a retro-fitted house and serves as a coffee shop in the morning and a bar at night. I believe the switch happens at around 6 pm. I came at a Tuesday afternoon to do some studying and sat in the second floor room. The coffee was amazing and so was the environment. The only thing was the fact that there didn't seem to be a lot of plugs in the room. When I arrived, there was only croissants left and not much to eat which was a bummer. They only thing that was missing at Boxcar Social was definitely more munchies.
google avatar

Rach N.

Yelp
We went on the patio and there was a group of 10 of us that increased to 13-14. In brief, don't come here for a meal as options are very limited and all include gluten. Not good for vegans. Good: - allow you to make a reservation on patio for a large group - beautiful and shaded patio with trees (at night they have cute lights) & minimal street noise - clean washroom - can do separate tabs/ bills (watch out for gratuity for large groups) - no pressure to leave or order more drinks as the staff don't come around that often - clearer the empty bottles every hour or so - variety of beer Bad: - they were not ready for our 5 pm reservation on patio (had to arrange tables) and move people around which took ~10 minutes - no beer menus (only for wine) - had to ask the waiter - no draft beer (only cans or bottles) - were out of certain beer - limited food menu and kitchen does not open until 6 pm - poor service (2nd round of drinks took more than 30 mins to arrive or waiter needed to be reminded) / staff were not attentive - * did not tell us about the large group gratuity (& the % gratuity is not apparent on the receipt thus some people paid gratuity twice unknowingly) - some bench seating which is hard on people's back if sitting for a long time Would I recommend to a friend? No, because the bad outweigh the good other than patio
google avatar

Tiffany O.

Yelp
Went here in September and was able to sit in the patio. We ordered London Fog and hot chocolate. Both were yummy. The atmosphere is very hipster like. The patio has decent amount of seating and even has twinkling lights strung around. Good place to hang out or do some work.
google avatar

Yoonsun S.

Yelp
Coffee is good! Lunch menu is reall nice Patio is awesome!! You can all of thing in here Study, takling with friends, everything! Also there is free wifi. There is good coffee, wine. You can use a card.
google avatar

Kin K.

Yelp
I have been here more than 5 times. The quality of Latte is consistent and supreme. Better than many other coffee shops (Quantum, Te Aro, Good Neighbour, Sorry, etc.)
google avatar

Whitney M.

Yelp
By far my favourite cafe in the city. Best atmosphere around. It's as if the barista's are inviting you into their home, ensuring you get the very best treatment. They're so knowledgeable and have prime offerings from everything from coffee, to tea, wine, beer and scotch. Perfect place to work out of, for a meet up with a friend or a drinks date. You seriously can't go wrong. Plus all the baristas are CAUUTE! So there's that!
google avatar

Mehrad M.

Yelp
One of the best coffee shops/bars in the city. Essentially the only place that is open at midnight during a week day outside of the downtown core with amazing interior and a solid menu with reasonable prices. Also a great patio.
google avatar

Cri C.

Yelp
Boxcar Social has got a whole lotta stuff going on and I like it. Ever since they opened with their (originally) small coffee shop on Yonge Street across from Summerhill Station they have continued to grow and improve. Great coffee? Check Patio? Check Liquor licence? Check New upstairs floor? Check Even bigger patio? Check New location on Queen East? Check (and need to check this out) It's like boom boom boom - these guys are going great guns. And it is nice to see a business run by young people. The coffee - it's always good. I'm not a every day visitor and thus not familiar with all the baristas they have now. The owners have been there less and I would assume it is because they were busy opening up the new storefront. The liquor - a nice selection of premium whiskeys and bottled beers. Extra points for the basil hayden and the dieu du ciel rosee d'hibiscus. The food - a selection of pastries and cookies similar to what you would find in other independent cafes around the city. And also charcuterie and cheese boards to go with your scotch. The patio - it is a lovely and peaceful place to sit under the trees and newly expanded to fit a hell of a lot more people. And the wifi works well out there if you are closer to the door. One comment I will make is that the staff are not particularly chatty. They are pleasant enough if you engage them or go to the counter to order something but that's the extent of it - they'll just plonk your coffee down on the counter and go back to speaking amongst themselves or whatever else they were doing.
google avatar

Denise S.

Yelp
I love the vibe here. I have only been here during the day, but they do have a liquor license and drinks menu at night. I find this to be a great spot to get some reading or work done. There is ample seating between the two floors, it's not too noisy or crowded, and they have reliable wifi and great espresso drinks. Bonus points for a decent selection of food offerings in case you get hungry. I like their croissants (available in regular, chocolate, chocolate hazelnut, and cheese varieties). Add friendly service, stylish decor, and a convenient location just across from the subway station and you have a pretty perfect spot!
google avatar

Ra S.

Yelp
Great coffee and treats! I fell in love with the back patio. The whole space is quite large and there is extra seating upstairs. Great place to catch up with friends or study! But if you decide to study outside be prepared to let someone share your table as tables are a hot commodity.
google avatar

IS Palette S.

Yelp
"The area is actually quite lovely for a weekend stroll. Boxcar Social was filled with a humming crowd on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Their unique, illustrated logo did not grab too much attention but rather blend in with the neighbourhood. Boxcar's lot was narrow, perhaps maybe to resemble an actual boxcar." "It took a while to get to order. The two baristas were not in a particular rush. They were very committed to the task, definitely not about servicing quantity but showing quality in their craft. " "I enjoyed my Mocha at the "shoe display" area facing Yonge, I strongly considered the patio, but I was not brave enough as it was still brisk outside. The Mocha was lovely - with slightly sweet dark chocolate and the perfect amount of froth." Just a few bites of our full review.
google avatar

Holly S.

Yelp
Boxcar social is a great little coffee shop across from Summerhill station. The inside is minimally decorated, but cozy and welcoming. There is an upstairs, and a back patio. It's a place to come whether you are solo and working on a laptop, or with friends catching up. The coffee here is better than any other cafes in Toronto. They have a bean menu so you can select the bean you want your coffee prepared with. And like a wine menu, there are tasting notes for their beans. If you appreciate coffee but are in no way an expert, their baristas are super friendly and will give you recommendations. They also do fresh iced tea, though you will need to wait around 5-7 mins for it to brew. Nothing but good things to say about this cafe.
google avatar

Justin T.

Yelp
Boxcar Social is a hidden gem located near Summerhill Subway. I don't know how I never spotted this place before as I am always in the area, but I'm glad I eventually did! This quaint coffee shop serves great coffees and teas (iced and hot) and the baristas have a great knowledge of the product they serve. Although I didn't get to try their baked goods, they looked great. The best part of Boxcar Social for me was the patio out back. Quiet and peaceful, it's a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle, even if only for a few minutes. My latte was great, and the espresso had a nice kick but without the aftertaste. I can't wait to return!
google avatar

Nick B.

Yelp
Independent coffee shop, in an old house/ business, lots of quirky seating.. Coffee is decent enough, place is slightly pretentious but not over bearing.. A decent change from Starbucks .. No comfy sofa chairs though, guess they don't want people staying too long, even though the laptop brigade, will sit on a hard chair regardless....
google avatar

Mike D.

Yelp
A nice laid-back cafe that doubles as a bar at night. The space is cozy and there is a wide variety of beers and wines. The cheese and meat plate is great too! Bonus: It's right across the street from the subway!
google avatar

Nora T.

Yelp
This is a lovely little coffee shop that isn't limited to just coffee. It's very cozy and welcoming, and great place any time of the day. I only had their cappuccino, and it was really good. I would have to drop in again next time I am in the area.
google avatar

Abigail S.

Yelp
I love the idea of a bar where you can also get coffee.This place is cute and cozy. We came here after work and there was a small crowd, but we could still find a table and have a conversation without shouting. The bartender/barista was very nice, but when my friend asked if there was anything with coffee & alcohol together he acted like that was a strange request...maybe it's an old-man thing to order, but we thought it made sense for a place that specialized in both things? Anyway he ended up making something tasty that did combine the two but I forget if it had a name. I'd go back here if I was in the area...either for drinks or espresso or both!
google avatar

Oren T.

Yelp
The atmosphere and decor of this coffee shop is great. Really nice patio out back too. This is a total laid back hipster coffee place. And the staff is right out of central casting, and friendly. Now for the product. The lattes are pretty good and the baked goods (brought in) are delicious. Unfortunately, the only thing that's not good, actually, downright awful, is their regular coffee. It's really acidic. Undrinkable really. I've tried it a couple of times thinking maybe it was just off one day, or possibly me. But no, it's the coffee. I've also heard the same comment from others. And funny, it came up in a group discussion recently and once someone said something about the, "hip coffee place with terrible coffee" everyone chimed in with similar thoughts. It's was almost like no one wanted to be the first to mention it for fear of criticizing a hip place and seeming uncool.
google avatar

Deb C.

Yelp
Great that my cappuccino could be made with lactose-free milk. Bit pricey for small cup ($4.20 but that includes tax) and seats uncomfortable. Lots of flies because of open door and windows. Bathroom was clean but toilet doesn't flush nicely. Not the greatest hangout spot but seems to be filled with students taking up large tables to themselves for studying/study groups. Also, a cobweb from the ceiling fell on my shoulder as I was chatting to my friend.
google avatar

Decim ..

Yelp
Walked in thinking this will be fantastic! Walked out facepalm-ing myself. Ordered a "pour-over" which was marked "MP" on the board (meant market price). Thinking it was probably standard as everywhere else, decided to take a leap of faith...but ended up a leap off a cliff. The price came up to be $5.85 and around 275(ish) mL!!!! Really wanted to ask "Come again?" Fair enough, for something so expensive it must taste heavenly or at least demi-godly, right? Nope! What was worse was that the beans were under-extracted and coffee quite sour; can taste the unpleasant sourness coat my whole tongue and perpetuate down my throat (chewed 2 pieces of gum after). Coffee was disappointing, BUT the flaming hot chocolate looked interesting...hopefully it will erase all the facepalms from this experience.
google avatar

Karys J.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere in this cafe. It's a great place to hang out casually with friends with good music playing in the background. There's also ample space upstairs, where it's pretty quiet if you're looking for a place to study or work. Had the Americano this time and loved it! They seem to be using quality beans. Coffee tasted great. Also a huge plus that it's so close to the subway station.
google avatar

Shoshana W.

Yelp
One of my favorite places to grab a drink. It is unusually dark though, and has loud people. Make sure not to come hungry, because there aren't a lot of options of food.
google avatar

Mida C.

Yelp
This place have the cutest patio, hands down. And that is why I can literally say, I am in love with this place. The service was super warm and friendly. My friend and I was deciding on what we want and they were like, "ok, we got your order and repeated it to us." Talk about being ahead, right? Really superb service! My iced latte was the prettiest and my friend's americano, he said, was just right. I need to come more often. It's nice to see a nice coffee shop in this area after Patachou left. I kinda wish I can keep this place a secret forever and ever so I can keep their patio to myself. Haha... Note to the owners: Please serve food soon! Anything! Something small even. Although, I still love you guys just as much without it. But it would be a nice added bonus. ;)
google avatar

Victoria C.

Yelp
Oh my gosh this place is a serene haven on a busy street. The coffee is really really good (cortado at least), the staff are lovely & the fit out is excellent. It's amazingly quiet since it's on such a busy street. There's free wifi and a little sunny courtyard out back which is heaven. There's a selection of pastries as well.
google avatar

Sarah S.

Yelp
Came here to get drinks. Very nice, casual ambiance, perfect for small groups and for catching up. There is an upstairs section as well if you need more privacy. Would come here again to see how the experience is like during the day.

Evan S.

Yelp
quality coffee beans here. Pleasant places to sit inside and a spacious outdoor patio . Also had a butter croissant which was good.
google avatar

Tia B.

Yelp
Cute place! I sat at the bar and was given a very friendly greeting & wine menu... I don't think they "take orders" in the conventional sense: Basically, I sat there while very long line of patrons ordered their coffee & wine- I just assumed that once they got caught up, someone would check on me or ask if I'd made a choice (still sitting at the bar mind you). That never happened, despite all of the deliberate eye contact I made with the bartender/baristas...so, new people came in got their orders taken & I left. Didn't consume a thing despite having high hopes for Boxcar Social :( After I left, it occured to me that they probably expected me to join the queue to order my drink- not something I'm accustomed to once seated at a bar with a wine list- BUT would it have killed someone to fill me in on the protocol there?! They def knew I was sitting and waiting... Oh well. 2 Stars for the cute/ quaint ambiance. Greeting was pleasant.