I was there today and bought the Black Cat. They have the most awesome muffins I've ever tried, I could count three whole berries inside the giant muffin. And offered me a shot of a real, short, dark espresso ristretto. This is hard, hard to find. They also have free wi-fi, no login or password required. I just sat there, drinking the great espresso and tasting the great muffin while reading my e-mails. Great experience. The guy who served me was very friendly and knew everything about dark-roast coffee, really - specially brazilian coffee. He suggested me a blend (I was there to buy something very strong) and I'm now tasting it at home, very good stuff indeed. I must go back there with my husband, who is the coffee-lover. read more

VIBE Very chill and packed, as always. WE ATE No coffee this time but they do have gelato and it's tasty! The poor guy was patient as we tried about 6 different flavours. I went with mango. Apparently, the strawberry is popular. Dining companion had pistachio. All are really good and creamy you can't go wrong. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK Still manic after all of these years! Now there's something new to be manic about. read more

I have been on the hunt for a go to solid coffee shop while in Toronto, and manic definitely is at the top of my list. I first went there a few months back, and even though their latte art is amazing, i saw London Fog on the list and had to go with it. What came to the table was a beautiful carafe of loose leaf tea with vanilla syrup, combined with steamed milk creating the most beautiful visual presentation. The vanilla really complimented the tea, and the portion size was great, it fills about four small cups, so it is great to share or for one person as well. The service is beyond friendly, i am greeted each time i enter the shop. The attention to detail is fantastic, sometimes after finishing a caffeniated beverage you get thirsty, and one barista took the initiative to go table to table bringing each patron a glass of water. Overall Manic is a great independent coffee shop, in a great foodie neighbourhood, that serves a great product by friendly people. read more

My cappuccino from Manic was EXCELLENT. Service was (almost surprisingly) incredibly warm and friendly -- I think the staff here were some of the kindest baristas I have encountered in Toronto. A regular cappuccino and a regular Americano came to around $7. Combined with an inviting space and even a gelato counter, I would most definitely return here again. Perhaps not always the best spot to sit and stay a while, but very good for a to-go cup! read more

My knowledge of this infamous clover machine is pretty limited, but I'm going to write a review anyway. Manic has become quite the hotspot, but all for good reason. Their coffee is delicious, and the atmosphere is a nice change from franchises like Starbucks or Tim Horton's. I've tried a few different beverages here, and I have to say I really enjoyed their iced tea and iced americano. Cute touches like the bench out front and the coffee bean "gumball machine" just add to the ambiance. And I actually like that they don't offer Wi-Fi, forces you to indulge in a good book or the daily paper. If you're looking for a coffee shop experience that surpasses the generic, then check Manic out, you won't be disappointed :) read more

A relatively young coffee shop, Manic Coffee exploded with popularity due to both its location (Bathurst and College was an area that was pining for a coffee shop) and the fact that it had a Clover machine. Unfortunately, since then, Starbucks had bought Clover out, and now all Starbucks have or will have one of those machines. However, I don't think that'll really matter to the clientele. Manic is a very endearing coffee shop, and it's that charm that brings people back. It's long and narrow in shape, and has a cozy feeling pushed through by the wooden furniture and exposed brick wall. They are also known for occasionally stocking high end coffee beans. Recently, they had some of the famous Esmeralda Special beans. It's things like this that draws the coffee aficionados to this place. Between locals and people looking for good coffee, Manic is always packed. It's up to you whether that's a good thing or not. Sometimes it's a big overwhelming that every chair has a body in it, and other times I can see it as a comfort. But if you get a seat, consider yourself lucky, because it's something that won't always happen. read more

Loser barista asian male doesn't even greet customers. I walked in said goodmorning got a blank stare.. wasn't asked what I liked meanwhile the person ahead of me got the works.. strange I live in the community first time there and last time rotten espresso not sure he knows how to operate the machine. Gross. read more

So far my favourite latte in the city. A touch pricey at $3.80 for a small, but delicious. Takes them a bit of time to prepare it, but you can see an artistry in the barista unlike most other places that rush their coffees. The closing time leaves me in a rush to get there and get my caffeine fix before rushing out the door, but at least it's close to work. I love the atmosphere with students and Kensington "artsy" types, and the music is usually good, although a touch loud near closing time. read more

Manic Coffee serves a decent espresso and cappuccino, although their commitment to "no WiFi" is bizarre considering that most of the patrons spend their time staring at screens rather than conversing (which is the intended "purpose" of the "no WiFi" policy). In all honesty, even though Manic serves Intelligentsia beans, they are frankly outdone by the care and quality barista work of their close neighbour, Voodoo Child. I would give their gelato 3-4 stars though - it's delicious! read more

Manic has great tasting beans. I've tried some other boutique cafes that serve up great coffee because it's a passion of the proprietors, but not all of them have great tasting beans. Just because they pull a great and beautiful shot of espresso, it doesn't mean you like the flavour of the bean. Broadview Espresso is an example of the owner pulling great shots, but his bean selection isn't nice, to me. Manic sells great whole bean coffees that are delicious espresso and they got the Clover going which was an amazing smooth cup of BLACK coffee. This place tops it out. Check it out... Also, if you really like Mocha's, there's is one of the best I've had. REVISED my rating to 4 stars - inconsistent espresso shots, but still best place to get a shot in Toronto - in my opinion. read more

Love coming back to this place every time I visit Kensington since it's pretty close-by. I had the apple cider this time, but their lattes are also great! It's always busy but wasn't too hard to find a space to chat. Seems that customers are a mix of people who are working away on their laptops and others having chats. Love the bright & energetic atmosphere! read more

Really nice coffee place (well, not only their coffee is good, try out the hot chocolate)! Staff is very friendly and there are lots of newspapers and magazines to read. Minus: it's always crowded and it's hard to find a table. read more

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

I have been going to Manic since it opened. Currently I live uptown, but make the effort to go to Manic whenever I am in the neighborhood. The quality has steadily declined in the past 2-3 years. The espresso that was poured for me today was, quite frankly, undrinkable, it was an assault to my tastebuds. I will not be returning. read more

Oh Manic. You are one of my absolute favourite coffee places in Toronto. There's a wide selection of espresso-based coffee, and some gelato too! My favourite combination is a latte with Madagascar vanilla gelato. Try it! read more

Manic Coffee - A lovely-looking cappuccino at @ManicCoffee. #Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Yeah when I moved to Toronto everyone said this was the best coffee in town, and err, I've been twice and was disappointed both times. I'm a latte drinker I found it a little overpriced and not very strong. Better than 90% of the places out there but not the holy grail everyone raves about, and yes, very serious, no food to speak of and crowded on weekends. read more

I'm a bit surprised at all the reviews focusing on the lack of WiFi. I mean, honestly, there are enough Starbucks in that area to get all the free WiFi you want. I'm okay with their lack of WiFi. Plus, the customers that sit at the front of the shop always look like they are too engrossed with finishing their screenplay to worry about petty internet browsing! Honestly, the best thing at manic coffee is their espresso gelato. It actually tastes like espresso!! Plus the gelato is fairly cheap ($4 for up to 3 flavors! but pick the espresso, it is the best!) There espresso is really good. I was having a cafe latte today and I was enjoying the craft of the barista and the fact he spoke Spanish. Yet the beverage was a bit of a let down. It was not nearly strong enough and the fact they have no cinnamon in the entire store is simply unacceptable. That being said, I greatly enjoy the back of the shop with the wooden bench and the dead people art. It is a nice place to read books. read more

I had high hopes for this place as I'd passed it many times. Unfortunately, the coffee was watery and weak, and the scone was so dry. The staff seemed nice, but the owner was extremely off putting. He gave off a strange Michael Scott-esque vibe, his interactions with the staff and customers were very awkward and uncomfortable. Definitely better coffee shops to visit. read more

This is another shop that is doing espresso and coffee right. Beans from Intelligentsia, Clover machine, and a cool (cooler than me, anyway) retro-radio-days kind of vibe that creates a space that is both warm and industrial at the same time. I don't always have the best espresso here compared to some of my other faves, and the place can get a little chaotic and clattery, but Manic still help set the standard for quality coffee. read more

Is it fair that my coffee gold standard has now become Intelligentsia in Silver Lake? Probably not. Still, upon comparison, Manic is a relaxed coffee shop, IMO, with plenty of seating inside. Staff was okay-friendly, and the coffee was above-average. As others have said, they have a Clover here, which is always a good option. Found in the hipster part of Toronto - read, interesting kitschy shops are in the area - I've got no real complaints with Manic Coffee. Worth a visit if you're strolling through. read more

This was my second visit to Manic Coffee. Both times, the Clover machine has been out of order so I have yet to try the much-hyped Clover coffee. Instead, I had a very good Americano that I drank with a friend in the "study hall" at the back of the cafe, where wifi isn't offered. I'd return if I was in the area, but the place isn't sufficiently compelling to warrant a special trip. read more

Manic is hella hipster when I was there I saw someone wearing shorts and a wife beater with gold lame Ray Ban glasses sewing a hat out of business cards ... and it was February. yea, THAT hipster. But I digress. Manic is located at the intersection of Bathurst and College just before Little Italy. Its a perfect spot for local students, yuppies, tourists, 905ers looking for culture, etc. The coffee itself is really quite good, I had a macchiato (different than a 'caramel macchiato' from Starbucks FYI) which is basically a double-short shot of espresso with a hint of steamed milk. It was tasty! You can really get a sense of the high quality-ness of the coffee they used. I noticed they sell bags of their espresso beans for all you kids that have espresso machines at home; I highly recommend it, and they were reasonably priced. They have a small menu--just the basic espresso-based drinks with drip coffee as well (my friend had a large drip coffee and she said it was great!). They also have the ubiquitous vegan snacks and baked goods, which I didn't try but looked vegan-y (interpret that as you may). Its not a diner/cafe with food-type place, just coffee. The spot itself is modern industrial chic with quite a bit of seating, although we weren't able to snag a spot. It seems like there are a lot of regulars that frequent this joint and they settle in for the long-haul. Come early on a weekend before the hipsters emerge from their slumber. Their are also a couple of chairs (not tables) right outside the shop so you can sit and have a smoke with your coffee if you're so inclined. The baristas are known for their 'latte art' and they put a cute little heart on my macchiato. I love that shit, and its something you don't get at Starbucks, Second Cup etc. So if you're in the neighbourhood, don't mind gold lame-wearing hipsters and are looking for a bangin' coffee you've got it in Manic. Prices: Espresso/Macchiato: $3; drip coffee: $2-3.50 (depending on size), large latte $3.99. read more

Was a tiny bit disappointed in my Americano yesterday. It may be my fault for ordering a 'large' Americano before clarifying with the barista what exactly a large meant, It was a very large cup and ended up being a super diluted Americano, barely tasted the espresso! Would give it another chance though and try a small next time. I saw try also have gelato with unique flavours like Earl Grey tea, will be back to try this! read more

Manic Coffee was the 7th coffee shop on a ten shop coffee crawl that fellow yelpers Adam P. and Keith "Why doesn't this guy have Elite status already" B. attended this past Sunday. By this point in the afternoon, the three of us were close to giving up on life. The warm angel of caffeine had long ago become a demonic force wreaking havoc on both our neurological and cardiovascular systems, and interestingly enough, my right leg. It seemed to forget how far away the ground was, as I consistently missed it while walking. Upon entering, I wanted to get a coffee from this shop, take one sip, and leave. I didn't think I could stomach another cup of joe (cup of joe is a clever way of saying coffee). However, I was intrigued by the seemingly high prices for the clover brewed coffees, so I decided that I would give it a fair chance. Learning that it was a unique way of brewing coffee, and after sniffing the ground beans they put to my nose and pretending that I knew what I was doing, I settled into my chair anxiously awaiting this new experience. While we waited for our drinks, Adam, Keith and myself discussed who like yelping the most (Keith B. does) and who was the best at it (Keith B. is) and who the most under-rated yelper was (Keith B.). Once we were done that discussion, I was able to take it in Manic's wonderful atmosphere. The music was relaxing but not overwhelming, and I can really see myself sitting here for a few hours reading, studying, or busting out two or three screen-plays. I was already impressed with the place, and then my coffee arrived. My on-again off-again relationship with coffee was now on again in full force. The coffee was velvety (an oft-used term to describe coffee, but I'm confident I'm the first one to use it correctly), full-bodied (I'm 90% certain I don't know what I'm talking about now) and it felt like it was embracing my tongue, not wanting to let it go until every last bit of flavour was registered. ie. I really like this coffee. In a day filled with new coffee experiences, this is the only place that I would ever be excited about returning to. Manic Coffee truly deserves an award I just made up right now: Undisputed (Adam P. might dispute this) winner of the inaugural "Coffee Crawl Championship". read more

very nice staff, mediocre coffee, a timer beeping constantly, loud music, rock hard seats, but all forgivable if not in face of a lack of wifi. Not sure if the aim is to encourage conversation, but anyone in the business of cafes should know half of their customers are looking to do something productive. read more

I was recommended this joint by a friend. Can't believe I didn't hear about this place before! Exquisite gelato and nice latte art. The grapefruit & peppercorn gelato was nice, but the texture was a bit chunky. I personally would've preferred wifi access for school work and such, but the fantastic food makes it worthwhile. This joint is on an entirely different tier compared to Starbucks / Second Cup. Wanted to order a cup of clover, but they didn't have it. Perhaps next time. read more

I love this place! Quick, friendly. Lots of cyclists go here so I feel right at home. The muffins are spectacular. Oh yes and the croissant! Did I mention the staff is super friendly? It's definitely worth the trip down to college st on a Saturday morning. My friend Michelle gets the Americano but I'm more of a drip kind of gal. They support me even though I'm not as fancy as my friends. Would recommend. read more

Great food with a friendly chef and lots of personality! had an americano and chai latte with kimchi pulled pork

I'm on the fence with this place. The coffee is fine but the service is a bit inconsistent. The guy who made my clover coffee (it was good but I'm no where near swearing by it) was really nice while the guy at cash was a bit curt and seemed a bit impatient. This place does get packed so I wouldn't bank on always getting a place to sit. Most people here are reading or chatting with friends but you get the occasional person taking up a table of four with the laptop and book open while taking a nap. How considerate. read more

Have you ever visited an extremely pretentious coffee shop with snooty staff? I have now. Walking around Little Italy last week, we were searching for a nice hot cup of coffee as it was a bit windy & chilly outside... I now wish we had spent our money somewhere else. Walking up to the counter we did not receive a friendly welcome from the guy working at the till, he basically looked at us like we were ruining his perfect day. I noticed there was no kind of menu or list of drink options around, so I asked him if they had any lactose free milk options. He mumbled something to me that I could barely make out and when I said pardon he sighed and checked with the guy behind the espresso machine and confirmed that they had 2% lactose free milk. Well how nice, I know that must have been stressful to find out. We ordered 2 large lactose free lattes, which came to $10 - and a waste of money. The guy at the espresso machine was a little more friendly and at least said our drink orders clearly and said have a nice day. The lattes were unexciting to me, pretty much bland. I can honestly say I've enjoyed a Starbucks latte more than the one I got here, and usually the smaller shops make really good coffee. The atmosphere inside the shop was also a bit pretentious, so we decided to go back out in the cold rather than sit in there feeling awkward. I won't be back, if I'm going to get treated like dirt when buying coffee I'll just go where it's cheaper. read more

Beware, the coffee here is so good, it will ruin coffee everywhere else. Hands-down, the best coffee I've had in the city. The staff have always been great -- maybe not super-friendly but real pros. Have a glass of cucumber water while you are waiting for your coffee. Great foam art. I'm a latte person, I don't enjoy espresso outside of Italy, but here I go with the cappuccino so I can better taste the coffee. No internet although people still compute here. Bit of a counter-cultural vibe but not in your face and the music isn't too loud. Good mix of customers. I haven't tried Sam James, maybe it's just as good, but the coffee (or capp) Manic is much better than Te Aro, Dark Horse, Mercury, Jet Fuel, Green Beanery, or any of the other places that I've tried. read more

look no further if you want almond croissant with no single piece of almond. only sugar powder.

Meh. It's always really busy and the Chai Latte was just ooookkk... I also got a croissant and it did not taste fresh.

Although when I was a lad, coffee was fundementally cheaper, I did enjoy this experience at Manic coffee which reminded me of my time in New Amsterdam, now known as NYC. The fresly brewed coffee, brewed fresh with each cup, let me pause and reflect on my time in the colonies where I had scores of servents to prepare potables at my every whim! All, the days in the hill stations outside of Mandalay, or in the dense jungles of Boreno! I dare say I'm too old for that kind of nonsense now, but I will say that we thought we had the world figured out then! Hah! Bravo lads, but please, lower the price! Bravo! Well Done! read more

This place is a part of my Saturday morning ritual. I grab the paper, which they have a stack of them available, and my Americano which is wicked- one of the best in the city! The place is packed with morning joggers and early birds like myself. Definitely a good neighbourhood spot. The staff are friendly as well. read more

I dislike this place, for one reason. The pretentious, too-cool-for-school (but they AREN'T) demeanor made them unable to appreciate, how crazy and cool it is, that someone as crazy and or cool as me, with the name MANIK was drinking their coffee. They had zero reaction, to my amazing banter. I will stick to entertaining strangers, women, sickos, and the common folk instead. P.S. [I AM MANIK COFFEE.] I gave you your namesake. More or less. Basically. Pretty much. Okay not really. I May as well have!! Leave me alone! And I will be back. But this time, I will ensure you truly understand what [Mania] is. Haha / just kidding. Honestly though you make me sick. The real rating is between (16/27 sandwiches and eleventy-billion dollars). read more

I'd describe this place as one of the best independent coffee shops in Toronto in regards to the product they create, however some of the staff and the regulars are kind of off putting. I went there daily for several years yet still kind of got a cold vibe from the staff, they weren't overly cheerful. Perhaps because I'm not a hipster doofus (just a doofus) I didn't really feel welcome. So if you are just grabbing a coffee to go this place would be like a 5 star rating when you factor in the in shop experience it's just ok. read more

Unexpectedly good butter croissants here. Coffee is so smooth you don't need milk or sugar. Serve yourself water from a huge glass (?) bowl-y dispenser thing. read more

I share the agreeable but somewhat mixed feelings about this place. The happiness does seem to have diminished since Starbucks bought Clover. I appreciate when they take the time to give good answers to my questions (sometimes I'm asking them for the benefit of guests) but the staff can be a little hit and miss in their level of enthusiasm. read more

the pain au chocolats and croissants are second to none. i got a pain au chocolat yesterday at 8:30AM and it was fresh from the oven. it was pouring rain, miserable outside, and melting chocolate buttery goodness transported me. coffee's great, expensive. read more

Lovely little joint. Americans, latte and yummy Berry tea were fantastic. Black sesame cookie and scones were fresh and yummy. Recommend this place for a nice cozy catch up shop with friends, family or a date. read more