Wallace Espresso

This is a small, intimate neighbourhood coffee shop where the baristas are highly trained and the drinks perfectly executed. By nature of the small space seating is limited. In the summer there are one or two tables outside but this is more of a get your coffee and go location. When I was there, I had a cortado which was perfectly rich and creamy. On other visits, I have other expresso based drinks and everyone has been wonderful. For a real neighbourhood experience and an excellent cup of coffee this is a must try in the Toronto coffee scene

Lovely and knowledgeable staff—especially Christian. Great coffee and pastries too! Highly recommend.

This is my little happy place. They’re proper baristas using proper coffee beans. A must-try if you’re in the area. Lovely.

Lovely little corner cafe that has everything you need for a break! Great coffee! Absolutely lovely treats! Took some home 💕

Had time to kill before an appointment in the area. Cute little cafe with sandwiches, cookies, loaves, and pastries. Great selection of alternative milk options as well as vegan eats. Definitely a great place to stop by and grab yourself a small treat!

Delicious iced latte from friendly staff. Cute vibes. Not much seating inside and just a few benches outside; so more of a takeaway place.

They were open early on the weekend so I stopped by for coffee. The cappuccino was perfect—almost sweet. There was a nice variety of baked goods. I had an apple fritter which was delicious. The barista was very friendly and and chatted with me a bit about Toronto as it was my first visit. I will go back before I leave town.

Simply the best. Better than all the rest. Each cup is perfect. Each order is consistent. When I’m out of town, I crave Wallace Espresso coffee - and also the delicious chocolate croissants they serve.

I love this spot for picking up blackbird pastries!!! They have great coffees and lattes to go as well. It's a small shop so sometimes there is a wait.

Wallace Espresso on Dupont Street is one of three locations in the city and quickly established a name for itself for its epic espresso-based beverages in very cute cups. There are no frills at this location, but the coffee is delicious as are the small selection of nibbles. There are only a few seats indoors, but during warmer months customers can sit at sidewalk tables. The baristas are super friendly, making it a great spot to return to.

They're so nice. I wish they had a drink menu but you kind of have to know what you want. Same with the food, for the most part. I really like the vibe and the mocha is delicious

HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Great treats, great coffee, and really great service. Fun place to hang and chat.

My favourite coffee shop. I love the taste of that good coffee. The staff is always welcoming Get there early for good pastry.

Love this neighbourhood always and lots of great coffee shops around, including Wallace Espresso! Quiet and chill. Their coffee is nice but not as smooth and velvety as I had expected. They have options of dark roast and medium roast for your espresso. I like their vibe and if I'm in the neighborhood, will probably revisit. The cafe also has baked goodies (croissant, danish, etc.) from Blackbird Bakery shock we didn't get to try but hey, it's Blackbird so you get my drift ;) COVID notes: they have two benches outside where you can chill. It's a quiet street so it's normally not crowded and all customers seemed respectful and socially distancing. Masks needed to enter. Of course, no indoor dining for now.

UPDATE: Success!!! Went back to @wallaceespresso and this time when I ordered a sweet and creamy iced coffee I got the Americano with medium roast. A thousand times better! Had some beautiful deep flavour that I thoroughly enjoyed without being bitter. Well balanced! 4 1/2 out of 5 wooden . Super nice people and great customer service. Past Post: Their cold brew iced coffee was a tad weak for me! Not super flavourful, sadly! What a shame. I had high hopes! Got it with cream and syrups but it still was not very sweet and the coffee was not strong enough. Via Instagram they offered me a refund and said that their iced Americano will stand up to the cream and sugar better so I will go back and try it. Excellent customer service so I would like to support them and hope I will report back with a better review

Wallace Espresso is located in a quiet neighborhood of Junction Triangle situated at Lansdowne and Wallace. A 5 min walk away from the subway, this small, yet charming coffee shop makes stellar espresso based drinks and $2 drip coffees. I decided to head over to the cafe on the weekend. The shop is fairly small and has minimal seating if you do decide to stay to enjoy your caffeine. The cafe is mostly a grab and go place and during my short visit there I saw people coming in and out to grab their daily fuel fix. I ordered a cappuccino and was asked if I wanted a medium or dark roast. My cappuccino was quickly made and very good. Will come back for more if I am around the area. Great little gem!

3.5 stars ... price is decent value and it appears to be a nice little neighbourhood spot. Quick note... cash only! Wallace Espresso is a quiet little place that seems to cater well to the neighbourhood. Nothing pretentious ... no gimmicks or fussy drinks. Just good cups poured for you. The place itself is quite small with no real seating and a bit bare bones. There is a tiny bar stool seating for 2 in the front but that's it. In the warmer moments, they do have several benches outside for you to sit on the side walks. Service here is prompt and polite. Flat White - I always appreciate when the barista spends the time to make a really great latte art. This one does stand out as one of the better ones lately. As for flavour, it was much better than the one we had that morning. This bean was acidic and mildly bitter but not too sour ... personally I like a deeper flavour towards the nuttiness. I dont think this is a bad cup at all but not my personal coffee bean favourite. 3.5/5 Overall, cute little spot and I can understand the local neighborhood love. For everyone else, if you're in the neighbourhood this would be a decent spot to try but for me, I may try other spots before heading back to this one.

$2 any size for drip coffee - how can you beat that? The staff are friendly and even the regulars that go there are as well. I haven't had any lattes, but I plan to the next time. It's a great cafe as a stopover for a quick pick-me-up or to catch up with an old friend with quite a few seating options inside and out. Overall: Very affordable for delicious roasts. Will come back and totally recommend for anyone in the neighbourhood.

Easy to miss, unassuming cafe Bought a iced soy latte in the scorching heat and almond croissant (croissant did not disappoint) Coffee was fragrant even when iced, smooth and vibrant with a nice bitter bite at the end that complimented the initial flavour

My favourite coffee shop in the neighbourhood! Consistently delicious coffee, made well by experienced baristas. They also sell blackbird bakery breads and I believe they carry some baked goods from them as well but don't quote me on that. Would recommend!

A great local coffee shop located in the Lansdowne/Wallace area. The place to go was previously Cafe Neon, but after I found out about Wallace Espresso, this is my new spot for caffeine in the West End. It's small and they barely have any room to stand let alone sit, but I'm always on the go, so it's perfect. The service is quick, but there's often a line up and with only one barista you'll have to wait a bit. Most of the servers are friendly and I must say the choice of music is always great. I love drinking my Flat White while Schoolboy Q plays in the background. With any size drip coffee @ $2 and the best Flat White on the West End, this place is a bargain compared to Cafe Neon and even Starbucks. They've got my business!

My husband and I needed our coffee fix, as the AIRBNB we were staying at didn't have a coffee maker (What?? I know, right??? ). We happened upon this little gem of a shop! Little being the key word, but the service, prices, coffees and pastries were to die for! My mocha latte was made to perfection all 4 mornings! Here are benches out front to sit upon and watch traffic or to park your pup while you zip in for a beverage. Service was top notch and speedy! Definitely recommend!

Serves an outstanding morning macchiato. The best!

I've lived up the street from this place since it opened and I'm a little embarrassed to say I only started going recently. If we're being honest, a caffeine allergy usually keeps me away from coffee despite my love of the perfect cup but this past week I've been on a consequences-be-dammed tear and giving in to the urge despite the feeling gross afterward. But allergies aside, this place offers a simply fantastic no bullshit good quality cup. The lattes and flat whites are well crafted and well priced ($3-3.50) and the barista knows what he's doing. I haven't tried the pastries but they do look fantastic. It's a great little spot and very highly recommended. Check it out!

Great coffee. Like, really, delicious stuff. Everything's a double without the extra charge. But, you can ask for a single or half decaf if your tummy is a wuss, like mine apparently is. Good selection of baked goods, including gluten-free and vegan stuffs. Friendly service and crowd - willing conversationalists that clientele. Not really a place to hang out though - just a bench and two bar stools. So if you want to chill with a bud, perhaps not the best place for you.

This place is a gem! I live by Dufferin Stn but almost always walk down Wallace Ave to Lansdowne Stn just so I can pop in here before work! The staff are great! Always friendly and chatty and make an amazing flat white! As I always stop in on my way to work the lack of seating isn't an issue for me, but if you're looking to sit for a while this wouldn't be the place! My only negative comment is I'm not wild about the brown sugar at the condiment stand. Would be nice to have raw or even white sugar! Still 5 stars regardless!!

Little hole in the wall coffee place. I visited yesterday at 5 while walking the wee Beastie and needing my Java fix. I've lived in the area for 3 years but the local coffeeshop thing has only started since having the dog. I got a good vibe from the shop , friendly staff, and decent and cheap $2 drip coffee. I will report back when I have something more expensive like a latte.

Been going here for years. The owner is insanely polite and courteous, as well as the people who work the bar. Good vibes, great coffee, very affordable. Anyone who lives in the neighborhood here knows this is the place to go to. Try the scones! Delicious to go with a cortado. Highly recommend if seeking a little caffeine fix.

Best latte I've had in the city. Espresso doesn't taste burnt or bitter. They don't charge extra for soy. Great customer service. Can't beat the prices. $3.50 for a medium, $4 for a large. Bonus: They sell the most delicious quinoa cookies from Defloured.

Best drip coffee I think I've ever had in a long time. And $2 a cup. You'd be a fool to go anywhere else for coffee if this place is nearby.

Many times I wake up on the weekend and realize I don't have any coffee and/or milk. So this is my go-to spot to grab a couple large cups and some delicious banana bread or muffin -- and they're only a few steps down from my house! Coffee is really good. All the snacks I've had there are also tasty. I've never been disappointed in either, and the staff are always nice and friendly. Great spot.

Unpretentious, damn-good coffee. Tasty cookies too.

I've been regularly going to Wallace Espresso for about a year. The other day I went in and ordered my usual (drip coffee with double almond milk). The owner accused me of using 'too much' almond milk and asked that I pay extra. He then stated that he makes no money off of my order because I exceed the "milk limit". To add more insult to injury, the owner also accused me of never tipping. I calmly explained to him that I always tip and that I use an average amount of milk for a large coffee. He didn't care and asked for more money. Being monitored and policed by storeowners is not new to me. As a black person, I am continuously followed in stores and accused of not tipping in restaurants. Because I am black, the owner of this coffee shop assumed that I lacked the courtesy to tip. Because I am black, the owner monitored and policed my movement in his shop to the point of monitoring the amount of milk I put in my coffee. I expected better from my neighbourhood coffee shop. Wallace Espresso is praised for its customer service in the reviews below; however it is important to ask where/who the reviews are coming from? And who is this coffee shop for? Obviously not black folks in the neighbourhood. Congratulations Wallace Espresso, you joined the many hipster businesses that intentionally work to push out black people. Change your business and customer service practices if you want black business! Do better! And be better!

Cute shop, delicious coffee! I was offered a free cup to replace the one I was holding - they were that convinced that their coffee was better & I have to say, they were right. I will definitely be back then next time I'm in the area.

Good strong coffee, without tasting burnt or acidic. They have delicious looking cookies and treats. Tiny little place with a couple of chairs by a window and a small bench. More a take-out sort of spot. Considerate and friendly guy behind the counter, seems to know a lot of the people who come through, remembering their name and their usual order. He feels like a good addition to the local community, not just another coffee shop. Cash only. My Cappuccino was $3, and an Americano cost me $2.

I walked past this store today and decided to grab a coffee for the first time ever . Two young guys walked over to the store door almost simultaneously and unfortunately one of them cut in front of me straight away. I got a bit disappointed but still walked in behind him. The young girl barista then gestured me to wait outside due to Covid rule and I obeyed . After the first guy got out, I naturally walked in to order my coffee. To my surprise, the first guy's friend who had been waiting outside popped in all of a sudden and the young girl( the same barista ) again demanded me to step out to wait , because these two guys were together. I then silently walked away in sadness. I'm very upset not only by these two young guys' selfish manner but also the barista's possible intentional negligence on enforcing the default rule of " first come first serve ". Maybe she found it hard to say no to an attractive guy? I don't know. But this experience has just ruined my stomach for their coffee probably for a long time . I'm sorry to say

The best cappuccino in the city See for yourself very affordable and always consistent. Dan and his staff are always excellent with their service and hospitality. come in and enjoy a five-star cappuccino.

The best coffee shop in the neighborhood! I go to Wallace Espresso daily for the delicious coffee and friendly baristas. Heads up its cash only! The owner Dan is the absolute best, and created a welcoming and awesome environment staffed by friendly, wonderful people. You get love in every coffee cup and the perfect start to your day:) GO HERE! Doesn't get better than WE.

Best espresso in Toronto hands down. Friendly service and also so much more affordable than any of espresso shops in queen/spadina, west queen west, bloor/bathurst areas.

On my way to the subway station I would drop by the little hole in the wall for an amazing shot of espresso!

Wallace Espresso is a fantastic little local coffee spot. I've lived near the shop since it first opened, but have never visited until this summer - but I'm very glad that I finally went. The staff is great and everyone is super nice. I have yet to try everything, but their lattes are absolutely fantastic! If you're in the neighbourhood, I'd definitely recommend dropping by. Great people, great vibe, great coffee.

Delicious coffee and pastries, at a reasonable price. I was pleased to find this place, considering how few good cafés there are in the area.

Amazing coffee. Amazing food. Amazing people. It doesn't get much better than Wallace Espresso. Thank you for being you

I live around the corner and pop in often. Great, quality coffee brewed right. Simple space (more of a take out/away than a sit down cafe due to size) and very friendly service. Attractive pricing too! A great addition to our neighbourhood!

Really quaint place with good coffee and bakings. I tried their quinoa cookie but their chocolate dipped muffin looks really good too. Nice staff and cool clients.

My new fav place for my lattes! Great price ($3), friendly staff, and the decor is great. It certainly feels like a treat. It'd be great if they offer more desserts

The only reason I hesitate to give this place 5 stars is so it stays relatively unknown.. Definitely one of the best espresso joints in town. The coffee is cheap and good, the service is fast and friendly, and they offer a wide variety of delicious and locally made food items. They also promote local artists in the Wallace-Emerson area. What more can you ask for?

Cute! Cute! Cute! I had an amazing cappuccino and chocolate croissant. I'll be back for sure. The girl behind the counter was very nice.

*The* place for coffee around the Junction Triangle, served up by friendly (and highly skilled) staff who make a genuine effort to get to know all of their customers, which shows in the community atmosphere you feel every time you go in.

Everytime i go to the gym, i always go to this spot. Coffee is great and the baristas are awesome. Also, tried the pastries and danish that they have and its worth it to pair with their coffee. My favorite is the quinoa cookies. Addition to that, the coffee has consistent taste when they make it. Unlike, some of coffee shops that one day is bitter and another day is flat.

My favourite local coffee shop. Definitely more of a grab and go place as they only have two stools and a bench. Any size drip coffee for $2 and lattes are $3.50. They use Social beans for their drinks, the dark roast from Mexico is pretty good. The quality of steamed milk depends on who is working, but I can't say I've ever had a bad latte from there.

Super vibe-y at the original Wallace street location - I travel out of my way to go there. Love the dark roast espresso for my cortado. Yum. Also, well priced.

Coffee is good, however I had a bad experience and have never gone back. I went in with a $20 Bill and ordered a latte and croissant. As I was leaving I searched ever where for my change and was not able to find it. I asked the barista if he gave me my change when he responded that he did and all the patrons turned their heads to look at me. I felt both cheated and embarrassed and I refuse to go back for those reasons. $20 for a latte and a croissant far too expensive for me.

Amazing coffee, great service. Awesome addition to the neighbourhood, people who care about the product they serve and the people they service!!

Pretty good coffee, no menu allows for creativity. Cash only Cafe. More details at dear crema blog.

I love coffee but alas am relegated to decaf. GOOD decaf is hard to find, and I have been looking! And I found it! Wallace espresso makes a decaf Americano (and only 2 bucks!) that is every bit as rich and aromatic as the real thing. Well done. You are my new weekend go-to shop.

Everything I've ordered has been delicious and made with care. Great prices and genuinely friendly people at the bar.