Good coffee and good croissants! There are more but I'll leave that to you to discover as they have awesome baristas! It is a specialized coffee shop and they make your order on the spot so there's a little bit of a wait but it's worth it. In the afternoon, there's a bar and pizza place so if you want a heavier meal with your coffee or a little bit of booze, this is your place! Have fun! read more

A solid flat white in the city. This store is combined with General Assembly (the pizza place) so the seating is nice, big tables and windows and it's not super busy in the mornings. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Solid coffee spot in downtown Toronto. Enjoyed my latte with the nice latte art on top. Service was prompt and coffee was tasty. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Got a cappuccino here. Line up was long during morning work hours, but service was quick and the drink was very good. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Where the hipsters come to hang out. There is an internal collection of coffee based drinks to pick from and many other food and snack pieces The employees are really nice and when I went in they were playing music by a never underground duo. I was intrigued. But their coffee, is just that. Coffee. Nothing really memorable. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - a hand holding a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I had to stop coming here after the last price increase. Paying $6.37 for a cortado is diabolical.

One of my favourite coffee bar in the path. Reasonable price with good quality! Try it if you are looking for a good coffee place in financial district read more

This Sam James location is located in the PATH under the Sun Life Centre. I was only out for coffee on this break run but they have some pretty interesting sounding pastries that I haven't seen offered anywhere else including different flavoured hand pies! They were pretty big too which would probably make a great breakfast. The prices here aren't cheap but they do make good coffee! I had a vanilla latte that was very smooth and tasty without being all sugar. read more

See all

If you prefer mild coffee with no kick to it, you'll like Sam James Coffee. I have no idea why such a popular brand would not have a single dark coffee. Overall? Meh. Won't but again. read more

Since returning to the office, I was looking for a place that does decaf coffee right. This place did it exceptionally and the price wasn't the crazy prices being charged at some places. Staff was friendly and approachable. Definitely my go to when I'm in the office and looking for my decaf fix. read more

The first time I was looking for this SJCB location down in the PATH and I was lost. Finally a nice Yelper (aka The Duke of Financial District/Downtown Core) led me and shown me the way but it was closed by the time I got there... The second time I was looking for this SJCB location down in the PATH and I was lost. Going around in circles looking for 150 King St W... and some previous review and tip saying it is at Exchange Tower but it is really at Sun Life Financial! There was a line but it moved so fast! It is more than just a take out place as you can request your espresso drink in a real coffee cup instead of paper cup. But by default, they would serve you in a to go cup. Cappuccino ($3.10) was beautiful crafted with lovely latte art. The milk was perfectly foamed and was so smooth. The brew itself was really mellow. Now all I have to do is just to remember how to get there again next time when I am in the PATH. Hopefully I will find it again. read more

See all

Coffee is amazing. Well prepared and what a kick. Did not love the pastry but maybe it was not the best choice. I'll try a different one next time. read more

I'll be blunt! Lee left the company and the coffee has suffered. It isn't nearly as good as it used to be, and Sam James is used/known for delivering great coffee which in hand makes up for the poor customer service. FYI that needs to improve. #bringcutcoffeeback read more

Found this cute little coffee shop in the path. There's 2 locations in the path. One in First Canada Place and one right before you enter First Canadian Place. I ordered the hot chocolate and my friend order the cappuccino. My hot chocolate was delicious and not too sweet. It was perfect. Glad I found this cute place and will be coming back very soon! read more

See all

SJCB is a reknown local coffee shop in Toronto. There is a quaint stall of this shop in the PATH which is conventiently located near St. Andrew's Station. Despite the proximity to the busy station, the service here is rather slow and the espresso-based drinks are rather hit-or-miss. Sometimes you get a delicious beverages but more often than not its mediocre at best. read more

Wonderful staff, always smiling (except for one miserable lass). It's probably the best non-Starbucks/SecondCup/TimHortons/McDonald's coffee place you could ever feed your soul with, within underground/walking distance in Financial Distract. Do yourself a big favour and find it. And indulge. I paid $4.51 for the largest latte (only 12 oz.), which is a little more than I usually pay for a 12 oz. latte. Nevertheless, it was awesome to the last drop. The chocolate chip muffins are deeeeeeeelightful! read more

I finally tried SJCB. Unfortunately, I somehow missed the memo of cash only?? I was shocked that I wasn't better prepared. Luckily there was an ATM handy... unluckily the additional fee I agreed to pay was a bit extreme. All is well. However, this cappuccino ended up being almost double the price. Most definitely was not worth DOUBLE the price... that aside it was really good and the SJCB baristas were pleasant. I am not versed in my cappuccinos because I am more of a black Americano consumer, but I asked the girl who took my order what most customers loved. It is just a stop and order place in the PATH.. but there is seating steps away. The little cave they have carved for themselves is really beautiful though. I look forward to going back with cash and trying out something I would normally order to really be able to compare. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

If you like bolder, deeper coffees, this is the place for you. If you like more laid-back, natural, lighter roasts, Sam James most likely won't be your coffee lifeline. Despite how much I wanted to love this place, from its charming setup to its friendly baristas, I sadly couldn't wrap my taste buds around this. I've had both their regular coffees and their lattes, both of which were either too monotonous or too monotonously bold for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against bold coffees - but the SJBC brew in particular fell a little too strong and flat for me. Ah, such is the world of personal preferences. If you like strong roasts, give this place a shot - there's a good chance you'll enjoy it. If you like more laid-back, calming roasts - perhaps this place isn't for you. Located right by the doors separating the Exchange Tower and the Sun Life building, be warned that this place gets quite busy. For a latte, I paid around $3.70, give or take a few cents. read more

See all

In the path, you often find the typical Starbucks, Second Cup, and even now a McCafe. Though they're fast and sometimes cheap ... I'm just dying for a good coffee that perks me up without the sour acidity of bad old beans. Thankfully I found Sam James in the PATH and at 2 pm ... zero line up. They had both sides open with a barista so it was quickly moving the very short line. The barista was pleasant and was able to start making my almond milk dirty chai quickly. For their smaller size, this came up a little more than $5. I will say the espresso shot was very good as it balanced the sweetness in their chai mix but I was a bit disappointed on how the spice flavour was a bit mute. I think next time I'll try their cappuccino instead to see how their drinks measure up to my favourite around the world. Tip ... they only take cash! read more

See all

Start the day right with the SJ Cappuccino. = ) read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Cappuccino-Art-to-go - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

I recently stopped by SJCB since I was in the area. I ordered a mocha as I usually do. However, the mocha just wasn't as good as it was in the past, so I'm dropping a star from my rating. I don't know if the difference is a change in the staff. The title of best mocha I've ever had goes to Pilot. read more

Best coffee bar in the financial district. There really needs to be more in this area other than tims, second cup, and Starbucks. My usual is an Americano or a latte. When a place does espresso well, why get anything else. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place knows coffee intimately. By that I mean it's really damn good. I work in the PATH so I generally gravitate towards the multitudes of Starbucks around, but once, I went to SJCB and have been doing the extra walk to go there ever since. It's so worth it. It's cheap, ridiculously quick, and all of the staff I've seen are amazingly charismatic and nice. Did I mention it's incredibly tasty? Something about the beans, or their frothy milk, who knows, it's working. The other nice part is even with vanilla lattes, they're not pre sweetened like other places, so you can adjust it yourself (I'm a bitter, sugarless soul so this is good for me). Do yourself a favour and give it a visit sometime, because my fear is them closing down, and then I'll have to step down and relinquish my newfound title as a beverage snob. read more

Coffee run has become one of my daily routines when I get to work. I always need a cup of coffee on my table to help stay focus and usually a good cup of coffee will make my day that much better! After hearing many of my colleagues mentioning about Sam James Coffee Bar (SJCB), I decided to come here one of the many mornings. This place reminds me of Mos Mos, which is also nearby, a small coffee/treats coffee store/booth that specializes in coffee. SJCB provides you more options than Mos Mos when it comes to the coffee (lattes, cappuccino, americano, etc), but I personally think Mos Mos is better. This is mainly due to two factors: 1) Mos Mos quality is pretty much the same as SJCB, but for the same size, you can save at least $1 at Mos Mos 2) The coffee here tastes a little too bitter for me and I'm not a big fan of very bitter coffee, but if you add more sugar, it would offset the bitterness. I personally enjoy my coffee with barely any sugar, so adding sugar would not be my ideal solution Overall, this place serves very decent coffee comparing to the big chains close by with the their prices at Starbucks level or slightly higher. If I have a choice, I would prefer going to Mos Mos which is just 5-10 minutes walking distance away. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

CASH ONLY This is really good coffee.... the best that I've had in the area by a big margin. Minus a star for being cash only. read more

For coffee joints I assign stars based solely on the coffee. I bought an SJCB latte some time back and swore out loud after tasting it. It's really f***ing good. I've never been disappointed each time I've gone back. I go out of my way to go there for coffee if I'm walking the downtown during the workday. I skip lunch for SJCB coffee. read more

I have tried so many coffee shops in TO to find the best cappuccino. Sam James is by far my favourite! Their baristas know how to make a great tasting cappuccino. And they also roast their own beans. I just received an order of their beans today and Sam James actually wrote "thanks Michael" on the box. Very nice! Mike read more

Hipster-ish coffee bar and love it. If I lived in Toronto and worked in the financial district, this will probably be my go-to coffee place. I got a macchiato and it was good. Also tried the almond croissant - it was smaller in size than the usual ones but that also means I ate it up guilt-free. Cash only! read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

If you can only go to one coffee bar in Toronto, make it Sam James. I've been in Toronto for less than 24 hours and have hit up three espresso bars. Sam James stands out among the rest. The coffee is excellent, the people are friendly, prices are reasonable. What's not to like? Keep in mind they are debit and cash only. When they heard I didn't have debit, they immediately said, "No worries come back and get us later in the day." Amazing people. Take advantage of their experienced knowledge; not their kindness. I can't recommend them highly enough. My latte was just the right temperature, featured quality art, and the medium bodied espresso was robust yet not over-roasted. Excellent. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I have made it a point to find the best latte in the PATH, I think this may be it thus far. So far I have tried Mos Mos, Timothys, Starbucks, and Second Cup (skipped Tims, not a fan sorry Canada). SJCB just seems to have it down pat. Their espresso is rich and just bold enough, I hate when the milk over powers the espresso. I tried the vanilla latte the first time, save your change it is not worth it, you cannot detect vanilla in it. They do the beloved froth art that is always so picture worthy. The only issues I would note is that the large... not so large, therefore the price is a bit steep. They only accept cash. And the staff, while friendly and expert latte makers can be pretty slow. It is a relaxed place however so I guess it's part of the charm. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Large latte, lactose free - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Good spot to get a nice coffee and pastry when on the go. I like stopping here while on business trips or when I have to go downtown. The staff is also very friendly. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

See all

Since the weather had started getting colder, I needed to find a "better" place for my espresso fix within the Path. I was so happy to find out that Sam James had a new location just a few minutes walk from Scotia Plaza. Not only do I get a nice walk during my break, I also get the best Macchiato the Path has to offer! Only thing preventing the 5-star from me is the lack of a Cortado in the menu that I crave for every once in a while. Otherwise, this would have been perfect. I have been a regular for the past 3 weeks and I am looking forward to getting my dose in the future. read more

Sam James Coffee Bar - Mac! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Amazing coffee!! I like when my coffee has edge mixed with smoothness, and that's exactly what they deliver here. The decor and concept are also pretty cool, adhering to the minimalist (monochrome colour scheme) and hip / trendy aesthetic, with clean graphics and plants. Staff are friendly and don't have that 'cooler than thou' vibe that some places similar to this have in surrounding neighbourhoods. Definitely stop by this place (any of its locations) if you're looking to try something that's made with a little more heart and soul than your standard run of the mill morning coffee, get it! read more

Like many reviewers before me, I also had to pick my jaw off the floor when I saw the SJCB logo in the PATH. Finally, a refuge for coffee lovers during the cold winter months of rushing around underground! All their espresso-based drinks are great, and if you see a tall lithe man in a cap, it might just be Sam James himself serving you. If you're looking for something shorter than a latte, then ask Sam to make you a cortado (not on the menu) and enjoy it at the bar before returning to your hurried Blackberry existence. It is cash only and on some days there is a small lineup despite two espresso machines. The hours are kept in line bankers (7am - 4pm) which is no good if you're working late. However, since the pastries are baked daily, and they never sell day-olds...show up just before closing and you might get a little treat. Don't tell them I told you. read more

yeah, skip starbucks if you're gonna get coffee/cap/lat/amero ANYTHING. Note Cash Only. This is busy from basically 8:30-4 so be prepared to wait around 10 mins for your drink. But it's by far the best place you can go to for your caffeine fix. I work about 5 mins away and I still come here with the 10 min wait. The barista's are nice and cool peeps. I'm a cappuccino with some brown sugar drinker ($3.25). They won me over after I tweeted about them and they replied back with a, I quote, "true player for real". Yeah that's right homes, started from the bottom now they're here. Started from the bottom now they got a shop at king and bay... well, king and york. read more

SJCB is located in the underground PATH walkway. A newer coffee option for those who work in the Downtown Financial district. I find it a nice change from my usual Starbucks fix. Staff are great - friendly and provide a good level of service. Lines can get large in the mornings but they move quickly & efficiently. Baked goods are a stand out in my opinion. I love the croissants and scones. Sometimes I even stop by for a snack with my Starbucks coffee. They serve an excellent espresso but I wasn't to crazy about the Mocha Latte. Prices are generally below Starbucks but the sizes tend to be smaller. Lattes are roughly $4 and espresso around $3.50. Be aware... there is no seating, you need to drink / eat on the run or take to one of the food courts in the nearby First Canadian Place. I will return but not ready to call this my "go to" coffee stop... BK read more

Oh boy. You know those sentimental photos of a single flower breaking through a world of concrete? Life springing up in an urban wasteland! That's actually what Sam James is to The PATH. I first heard about this place a week ago; after listening to me complain about the lack of great coffee options in the financial district (it doesn't make sense! this is a neighbourhood fueled by caffeine and overrun with yuppies!) a friend informed me that his favourite indie coffee joint had just opened up shop in the bottom of the SunLife bulding. Wednesday morning, and its time I check it out. With sunglasses lowered and a slightly shaky demeanor, I weave my way around Thai Express and Tim Hortons to this haven--this sanctem--this refuge of the bean. I approach the counter and slowly remove the shades to review the limited menu: Espresso/Americano/Cappucino/Machiatto. My sigh of happiness eases into a deep inhale: Oh boy. The smell of this place alone can cure a hangover! There's great music playing, the barristas seem relaxed and happy. I order my Americano. I pay for my Americano (CASH ONLY). I receive my Americano. I sip my Americano. Oh. Boy. "Roomie? It's me. I just cried. Ya. A coffee. No really. It brought tears to my eyes. Ya, that's all. I just had to share that with someone. OK bye." read more

This is not a hole in the wall. It is a line in the wall. They do not have their own seating, but the corridor has a few tables for maximum exposure to the hordes of ants walking aimlessly one way or the other and, of course, walking two minutes east gives one access to the food courts. The service here is good. The girl working mornings is polite. Keep that up. Both the latte and the hot chocolate at SJCB were disappointing however. They were not bad, and obviously they were better than Starbucks, but then again who or what isn't better than Starbucks? With that said, all the accolades about SJCB's coffee are a bit of an exaggeration. The latte and hot chocolate could use a little bit of depth and taste. I tasted too much foam and water and not enough richness. Both beverages could be a hotter as well. The 'hot' chocolate was a lukewarm water-chocolate. Not as bad as it sounds, but nothing special here either. I think Second Cup remains my favourite coffee/latte/hot choco. They only accept cash. read more

I've had the lattes and cappuccinos here and all the drinks are creamy and smooth. The espresso in the drinks is full-bodied and incredibly rich tasting. I love that they make designs onto the top of your drink for you (latte art). The drinks here aren't cheap (just a little more expensive than or on par with other specialty coffee stores, ex. Starbucks and Second Cup) but they're well worth the price. Make sure to come early on in the day or at non-peak times to avoid the crazy line-ups! read more

I've spent most of my career downtown, yet my employment choices have generally left me off the beaten PATH. So you can imagine my excitement when an offsite lunch meeting dragged a bit long, and break time allowed me to wander to Mr. James' latest location. I consider lattes an occasional indulgence; most often I subsist on terrible office coffee and slightly less terrible big-chain offerings. When I hear about a new place, I go, but I rarely provide repeat business. I just drink too much coffee for this to be a sustainable habit. Sam James is worth the $4.00. A latte ordered with whole milk (as it should be) and light foam is topped with a pleasant fern-leaf design. The milk is properly microfoamed to sweetness, and the coffee carries all those rich chocolate toasty notes I love so much. It's the difference between my usual junkie swill and something ever so civilized. The counter staff deserves mention. I know people get indignant about attitudinal hipster baristas. I approached SJCO with a bit of trepidation in this regard; the haircuts were so meiticulously razored, the tattoos visible under rolled plaid sleeves, the beards immaculately trimmed. But dude, the staff was uniformly pleasant and helpful. A credit to their profession and whatever training program Sam's put in place. A small selection of baked goods bumps SJCO up a star. I order a cheddar bacon scone. It was amply cheddary and bacony, and made an impressive impromptu lunch, after the sad, soggy stuff at the meeting itself. If SJCO were closer, it might be a problem. read more