I've always passed by this place but never at the appropriate times - always too late or on a day they're closed. Last Saturday I was running an errand in Koreatown and quickly realized my energy levels dropped. It was time to get caffeinated! Ordered a flat white and the barista quickly whipped it up - perfect amount of microfoam, right ratio of espresso and milk. Everyone was super friendly and they had a couple regulars pop by while I was there. They accept Amex, no word yet on when they'll accept reusable mugs again :/ Mostly a drinks place, along with some merch along the wall. Way better than anything Tim's sells read more

As usual, I almost walked right pass Sam James Coffee Pocket without realizing!! Cute little takeout place and serving awesome Cappuccino ($2.62) at a good price! Lovely latte art! Rich and Smooth taste! I love Sam James! Come here for their espresso drinks, good services and who cares about no seating, no WIFI or even no washrooms?? read more

Coffee Pocket - the entrance to a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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F*CK YEAH @$%^$%^ Finally, an indie coffee shop in Korea Town! Thank you, Sam James. This little spot just opened up at Bloor/Clinton next to Tacos El Asador. It's the smallest coffee shop I've ever seen! Just over 100 square feet, it really is a "pocket". No room to loiter here, take-out only. Coffee Pocket brews up espressos, americanos, macchiatos, lattes, hot chocolate and tea. They had a few nice looking pastry selections too. I am stoked!!! I'm going over to Tim Hortons right now to yell, laugh hysterically and wave both middle fingers at the entire staff and patrons. read more

Coffee Pocket - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Well, like the name suggests, this is quite literally a pocket. It's tiny! Luckily I go on off hours, but I have seen a line out the door. It's simple, quaint, delicious, and friendly. All the things you would want in a "coffee pocket." They only do a few items - I stick with the latte which is around $3.65 for a small and $4.15 for a regular (with tax). The Good: 1. Taste. They use real espresso and it is delicious. 2. Friendly. The chicks who work there are always super friendly to me. 3. Price. Very pleased with the price here. The Bad: 1. Cash. They only take cash - which I respect. I just don't always have it. Tip: you can get $0.25 off your drink if you bring your own cup :) read more

Coffee Pocket - Vanilla latte! 4$ + tax - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place is tiny & takeout only (although when in there I did see a gent enjoy an espresso shot while waiting for his to-go drink) which is the only reason I can see fit to knock off a star on my rating. What little space there is in the coffee pocket, they've done a lovely job with - the decor isn't showy and the place feels nice to hang about in while you wait for your coffee. Their coffee menu is a pretty standard one full of espresso-based drinks, and the soy latte I ordered was well-made *and* delicious. An excellent option for a great coffee in the neighbourhood! read more

Coffee Pocket - Soy latte art @ Coffee Pocket - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

My route to the - ~ Koffee Krawl ~ - destination had a sudden disruption. As I strolled by this shop originally attempting to crawl a block South towards "Sam James Coffee Bar". Cappuccino($2.62) - Took me by surprise. Excellente. I officially dub thee Last Stop for any Espresso/Coffee Crawl. I had HIGH expectations after your Capp. No other stops came close. # Location ------l----------------------------------------------- ? I SAM JAMES COFFEE POCKET 1 I Sam James Coffee Bar 2 I Cafe Pamenar 3 I Dark Horse (Queen W) 4 I Thor Espresso Bar 5 I Jimmy's Coffee( I Timed Out @@) read more

Coffee Pocket - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Literally a coffee pocket haha this place has no seating, no bathroom, no food. I had been recommended it by many locals so I went to try it out. Sooo many wasps inside there, weirded me out. My new thing (sorry, matcha) is a mocha latte (hot chocolate w espresso). I asked for a dairy alternative but CP makes it with chocolate milk ... so you have to have dairy unfortunately. Sadly this is the worst version I've had so far and the smallest cup. I wouldn't make the trek back, its Sam James coffee FYI if that's your jam. read more

Location, location, location. When it comes to indie coffee shops, other than a damn good bean, location is everything. Sam James carved out the perfect little pocket for serving up great Americanos in the heart of Koreatown. My favourite thing to grab here is the cappuccino. With foam so thick that it'll leave your stir stick standing on end, it is the perfect thing to grab on the go. **Bonus! Bring in your own cup and save 25 cents. Sure, it's just 25 cents, but the feel good factor? Priceless. read more

Coffee Pocket - Says the stir stick in the cappuccino: "Look mom! No hands!" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

How cute is the term coffee pocket? If it doesn't make you smile, you should have your soul checked. What is a coffee pocket? It's exactly what it sounds like: a quaint, very small place to grab your coffee! They have coffee, tea, simple baked treats and beans to go. If you order a bag of beans for home, they give you a free pastry. A delicious reward for loyal caffeine addicts. Also, this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCBTGK_bXEU read more

Went to Sam James Coffee Pocket for my #middayblues. After having a hugeee late lunch at Soon Tofu across the street, this was the perfect remedy. It's located in bloor west's koreatown and is very close to Christie Pits. So I definitely feel the location. Got a short americano and immediately you can taste the quality. It was fresh and very smooth. I added some brown sugar and half half and for me, it was just perfect. At $2.50 after tax, it's hard to not feel this place. As a heads up, there are no washrooms, wifi or seats buttttt, is there a need? It's a nice small indie coffee spot and when summer rolls around, take your coffee out to the park. I would definitely be back if I'm in the area.. no timmy's or starbucks for me. SJCP please. read more

I should preface by saying, I don't drink coffee. So whenever I visit a coffee shop, I tend to gravitate towards drinks that are not coffee based. On this visit I opted for the Hot Chocolate. The Barista literally pulled a carton of Chocolate Milk out of the fridge ( albeit good quality and organic based on what I saw on the packaging), heated it up and poured it into a glass. I don't know about you, but that doesn't qualify as Hot Chocolate to me. It tasted like hot chocolate milk :( I wish they would add as much finesse to the other menu items as they do to their caffeinated beverages. read more

This is my favorite coffee shop. The staff.. the beans.. *lurve* Americano with an extra shot = amazing. Best tasting Americano I've ever had. That's it. read more

Only time I've been there so I can't really judge. I ordered a medium drip and it was gross enough that I threw it out. The staff was super nice and helped me get out of the tight space with my stroller. I will update my review the next time I drop by. read more

When the Pocket's In you should be too. This tiny treasure (usually) has just enough space for its lineup, the barista and a counter for the savages who add sugar to their coffee (jk!). The coffee (all espresso based, no drip) is lovely. The place place is hip, but has some cheerful and relaxed baristas who are the best to chat with briefly on a lazy Sunday. If you've never been, you should know: - cash only - no seating - no drip coffee - a cappuccino is like a late with less milk, not a foamy, overheated glass of hot, a**-flavoured milk - ordering 5 coffees 5 minutes before closing is generally frowned upon at this establishment -they've got a little ring for you to tie your dog to outside! read more

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate this thing call LIFE. Really nice everything. When the weather's decent it's a nice addition to a walk in Christie Pits. When the weather's indecent it's a nice prequel to going to Pour Boy's and getting a shot of whiskey because like seriously F*** January. read more

I've been here a few times and I find they're pretty efficient so the line always goes fast. Great place to stop by if you need coffee quick. Sadly, it's cash only :(. read more

My go to coffee place for a quick americano, cappuccino, or latte on the Annex. Friendly Baristas that makes my drink quickly and efficiently. It's always fun watching them grind the espresso beans. One time I was getting a coffee near closing and the Barista gave each person a baked item on the house because they did not want to waste the food. Awesome! read more

Spectacular espressos. I don't know what I can say about anything Sam does without sounding like a 16-year old gushing over Bieber. Finally dropped in at the "pocket" the other night for the first time, hoping they were doing some sort of one year anniversary similar to the Coffee Bar (they gave away free coffee for the whole day). Sam James wasn't there, but the barista was equally competent. Ordered an espresso, loved it, ordered a latte to go. For anyone who complains about the space being too small, I would reiterate my philosophy about espresso bars. They are suppose to be standing room, bar counter, drink and leave. Italians usually stop by the espresso bar in the morning on their way to work, or take one just after lunch, or take one just before heading home. I'm glad the pocket is basically that, with really awesome Annex grunge (music, menu, high ceiling). If you would like to sit and sip, best go to a proper café and save us espresso junkies the space in the pocket. read more

Delicious, rich, bitter-sweet Americanos Sincere, friendly service Great when out walking our dog- just pop in and out as there is no seating. But like Cherry Bomb in Ronceys, and their dearth of seating, I suspect that during the summer this place may have sippers and linger'ers sitting on the edges of the sidewalk planter boxes... a chair or four out on the sidewalk... if allowed... would rock. read more

It's 11:30PM and I can't stop thinking about a vanilla latte from Sam James. My husband and I have lived in the Annex for a year and, believe it or not, our addiction - ahem, obsession - with this place was only recently discovered. Being slightly intimidated by the coolness factor of hipsters in the hood, I've remained a devout Aroma/Starbucks enthusiast. However, after trying a Sam James latte and meeting the man himself, that barrier has crumbled and disintegrated. Not only do we drive out of our way to pick up a steaming cup of lovin' every morning, my husband has become something of a Sam James groupie, following the grab-and-go coffee guru from the Pocket to the Path. Haven't had a caffeine experience like this since Sant'Eustachio in Rome, where standing while sipping is the norm. Yup, I said it. Obnoxious, but true. read more

I went there on a Sunday morning and there was one person behind the counter and she was slower than the second coming. There were 10 people waiting in the line up and she couldn't find her ass from her elbow. They only take cash. Save yourself the aggravation and go to Green Beanery. read more

This coffee had me at first drip. Its like crack. Haven't been able to drink any other coffee since my first cortado at the First Canadian Place location. Glad I found this location since I'm always eating in Korea town. You gotta try it! read more

The coffee here is just sensational. They only use bottomless portafilters because they are that confident with their skills (only perfectly pulled shot will come out as a single stream in the middle because no funneled bottom means no obscuring any imperfections). They have freshly roasted beans coming in every Friday for sell as well--single origins and espresso blends. read more

This is absolutely the best cappuccino anywhere. It's velvety and rich and doesn't have that sourness or burnt taste that so many other places have. This is the standard to which I measure every cappuccino I drink wherever I go. read more

Very glad to see this place open. Sam James is a top barrista. Had an Americano there on the weekend that might have been the best I've had. No seating at this location, but still, a great addition. read more

Outstanding soy cappuccino. Rarely more than one or two people in line. Baristas always friendly. Only complaint is their mocha mix/hot chocolate has dairy in it. Just use pure chocolate and espresso please. None of the baked treats are suitable for vegans. Good for a quick caffeine fix, maybe even the best soy cap in the city? read more

I feel incredibly lucky to live next to the pocket and have the luxury of grabbing a quick Americano on my way to work or out to run errands. Consistent great espresso the way we like it. read more

Really friendly barista's and such a cute little space! Great for if you're on the go, but still want a well made drink without having to wait in a huge line. Had the most amazing chai tea latte! read more

this tiny little coffee shop makes an amazing americano. I am pretty fussy about my coffee so 5 stars is hard to get in this realm. The price is good as well, $2.75 for this kind of quality coffee is hard to beat. Staff is efficient, friendly and pretty chilled out. there is almost always a line up but it move steadily. There is no where to sit inside, so to go only but there are planters and a bench you can sit on outside if the weather is good. the pastries and cookies look really tasty as well but I have not tried any. They sell beans, that seem a bit pricey... i think $14 or $15 a bag, my local go to sells theirs for $12, but a friend i was with bought a bag and they comped him an espresso, not sure if thats a thing or just a moment of generosity. I highly recommend to coffee snobs. cash only read more

Stopped by for a vanilla latte, it was so good. Better than any Starbucks latte I've ever had

This location of this coffee chain is adorable. It's a grab and go coffee place w the options of delicious baked goods to pair w your beverage. I Had a very friendly service here. Will return when on the go and needing a caffeine fix in this area. read more

I live absolutely nowhere near any of the Sam James locations. However, I somehow find myself running errands near Christie station regularly just so that I can get a perfect latte from the brilliant baristas at SJCP. There's no seating, it's cash only, and they don't make any milkshakes disguised as coffee. They do make espresso based drinks that leave you hooked. Thank you, Sam James. May you forever reign as coffee king of Toronto. read more

The little sister to the Sam James Cafe 'The Pocket' is strictly take out fare for those looking for a quality espresso shot on the go. Quality of coffee and shots pulled from their espresso machine are top notch. Really, really good espresso. I can't really think of any other place in Koreatown that compares. Grab some walnut cakes from down the street then head here for some damn fine espresso. read more

This place is tiny!! Despite the small size, the chai latte that I ordered was really good - perfect temperature and delicious! The barista was also super nice! I wish it wasn't cash only though. I like how it's nestled within Koreatown. It's like a little hidden gem! read more

I made it here on opening day, but have been lazy with getting a review done. This is, hands down (does anyone really know why we say that?), the very BEST cappuccino in the city, along with the other Sam James location, of course. This is not a place to hang out, hence the 'Coffee Pocket' moniker, but for grab and go there is none better. read more

No longer Sam James. The coffee is shitty now... Got an espresso today that was bitter and flavourless. They might have changed the beans. The usual barista is also not there anymore. They are super slow and only takes cash. Go somewhere else for a semi-decent cup. read more

Hands down the best latte I've had in Toronto

The space is actually kind of striking ... a spare, tiny take-out counter, white tin accents on the wall, and a narrow counter for milk and sugar. Behind the barista -- there's just one -- on the opposite wall is an open shelf with pastry goodies. Some nice tunes. Inside, there's space for maybe half a dozen people, if you squeeze. Order when the barista is done the current order; I think our barista was slightly brusque with us because she was pulling three coffees at the time. Pretty damn good price for what many say is the best coffee in Toronto -- about $2.60 for a cappuccino (one size, which I LOVE). If you bring your own mug/cup, you get 25 cents off. Cash only. It was the weekend, so business was probably less than usual, but despite the tiniess, it was pretty neat, and the counter for fixing your coffee was clean. I think the only thing I'd want now is a place with no seating, but lots of counters for standing. I'm tired of going somewhere hoping to drink my coffee on site, but being forced out because of wifi squatters. A counter-only service would fill that hole in Toronto. read more

Coffee perfection! All staff are great! My favourite coffee in the city!!!

Yum, yum! Not that I'm an expert, but this is the best Americano I've had in a long time. My only complaint is that if there's more than one person in line ahead of you, be prepared to wait a while. There's only one person working at a time and he/she tends to take a good chunk of time on each order and kibbutzing with the customers. If you have time to linger and chat, the wait is DEFINITELY worth how delicious the coffee is, and there's nothing wrong with friendly service. But I've made the mistake of popping in when I'm in a rush and it takes a good 10 minutes, which stresses me out. But yes, this is super tasty and worth the wait if you have the time! :) read more