(Drank 09/09/2025 TU @ 10:30am, 09/12/2026 FR @ 12:30pm, & 09/14/2026 SU @ 2:30pm): Oh my stars…read more.. I'm still amazed at the amount of bucks people pay for the caffeinated drinks made here!
I was in town attending the 50th Toronto International Film Festival when I ended up at Toronto's Front St. W.'s Starbuck location to grab quick snacks especially since I had a gift card to try and save money on this trip. If you knew me, I wasn't a coffee drinker, but I appreciated the food and non-coffee options they offered. The Starbucks brand had become a global force with seemingly no slowing down in sight with the exception of the ebb-and-flow of the economic market. Did this Starbucks location provide what I needed on my several visits!?
PURCHASE(S)
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew Grande 16floz ($6.45): As most of you know, I'm not a coffee drinker nor was I a caffeine fiend as many of my friends. However, I was with someone who needed her fix, so we stopped by, I saw the advertising for this drink, and I was sold (damn marketers)! I loved pistachio, and although I generally preferred the chocolatey sugary goodness of a mocha, this called to me on this warm day. Their signature cold brew was sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with a silky-pistachio cream cold foam and finished with salted brown-buttery sprinkles. I was saddened by the lack of pistachio flavor and tasted more coffee and vanilla than I would've liked. Oh well, at least I tried it.
Pumpkin Spiced Latte Grande 16floz Cup ($6.45CAD): I finally had my very first pumpkin spiced latte, and dammit, I liked it! I loved pumpkin, and this literally tasted like a pumpkin pie drink, nice and warm that left me in a cozy feeling. Man, I've been missing a wonderful sensation!
Chocolate Croissant ($3.95CAD): A buttery flaky warm breakfast treat in this case, I licked my fingers clean with no evidence in sight!
Egg Pesto Mozzarella Sandwich ($5.75CAD): A tidy snack to keep my energy up, this diminutive meal was surprisingly a perfect size, warm, and all the fresh flavors in each bite - mmm!
Caramel Macchiato Grande ($5.95CAD): A coffee-esque drink, I loved caramel so I had to try it. Caramelly, frothy, and hot, it still was too much coffee taste for me.
Double Smoked Bacon Egg Sandwich ($5.75CAD): You had me at bacon, but this sandwich was more than that with its fluffy but thick egg between a buttery bun.
SERVICE
Each visit, I was warmly greeted by the jovial staff behind the counter who easily and quickly took my order, and minutes later my name was called when my order was ready -- easy-peasy!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was constantly in the area all day throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there were spots along the many main and surrounding streets, some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options, and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Your typical Starbucks layout with the order counter, display food cases, and visible price menu the main focal points, an assortment of places to sit inside while you enjoyed your drink or work (however there wasn't a small outdoor patio with a couple of tables as most locations), and your usual mix of promotional ads. You had a cool view of the famous CN Tower off in the distance. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the many large glass windows and doors while a mix of recessed and track electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while pop music played in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
Starbuck's Toronto Front St. W.'s location filled immediate needs and was conveniently located close to the general festival area. I enjoyed my several drinks and food (a macchiato wasn't my thing) while I relaxed, and it was perfectly located for why I was in the area. As with most coffee shops now, they also sold pastries, sandwiches, and a smattering of other snacks. And, they had their own rewards program for free food. The prices seemed comparable, they had a good selection of items, and the service was friendly and quick. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $30.00CAD BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS