Hybrid cafes in Toronto that'll take you from day to night

Toronto is home to a number of cafés serving high-quality espresso in the daytime and top-notch cocktails in the evening. Looking for somewhere to settle in from midday to sundown? Check out these hybrid hangouts that’ll take you from day to night.

Bar Buca

1
75 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2M9

This King West trattoria is open daily from 7am to 2am and will have you covered from your first sip of coffee to your last bite of tiramisu. The industrial chic dining room offers plenty of seating for early morning, after-work and late-night visitors. Snack all day long on the Italian inspired sharing plates expertly prepared by notorious chef Rob Gentile.

The Only Cafe

2
972 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L9

The staff pulls espresso during the day and pints at night at this hybrid café and bar. East end regulars come for the 25 local craft brews on tap and stay to jam out to live music. Stay the night at the onsite backpackers’ inn and you’ll know where to find a cup of coffee the next morning.

Café Pamenar

3
307 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2

You’ll be tempted to stay a while at this indie café in Kensington Market. The thoughtfully designed interior features polished concrete floors, refurbished barn boards, exposed Edison bulbs and plenty of spacious communal tables. The free Wi-Fi and espresso-based beverages are sure to get you through the workday. At night, put your laptop away and unwind with something a little stronger.

Northwood

4
815 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1M1

This Christie Pits café and bar is open daily from 11am to 2am, offering a wide variety of coffee, tea, sandwiches and snacks. The impressive drink menu features beer, wine, liquors and a number of inventive cocktails. Have the best of both worlds and order up the Black Lodge cocktail made with Northwood’s signature cold brew coffee, Tromba tequila, Cynar, agave syrup and egg white.

Belljar Cafe

5
2072 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1W9

Just off the beaten track, this Dundas West gem is open daily from 8am ’til late serving up fresh-pressed espresso and classic cocktails. A small menu of grilled sandwiches and fresh salads will help curb your hunger if you’re here for the long haul. The neighbourhood hangout also hosts live music, DJs and occasional outdoor movie screenings on the hidden back patio in the summer months.

Boxcar Social

6
1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1

It’s easy to get lost inside this sprawling café and wine bar located in an impressive two-storey house. Coffee aficionados should try the tasting flights, which feature three rotating espresso blends brewed and served side by side. Not to be outdone, the nighttime drink menu includes an impressive list of new-world wines, craft beers, bourbon and scotch. This Summerhill hotspot opens daily at 8am and keeps the drinks coming ’til midnight Tuesday through Thursday and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Holy Oak

7
1241 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N6

Sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows at this homey Bloordale coffee shop. A diverse crowd drops by throughout the day to enjoy handmade pastries and strong cups of Intelligentsia coffee. After the sun goes down, late-night revelers fill the space to enjoy boozy beverages and live music from local artists. Open late every day except Monday.

Toronto’s frigid winter months were made for curling up with a warm mug of hot cocoa. Escape the chilly air inside these local cafés where the hot chocolate is sweet, spicy and sinfully delicious.
Grabbing lunch or dinner around the TIFF Bell Lightbox? If you've a craving for thin crust, wood-fired pizza in an upscale atmosphere, stop in at one of these trendy King West trattorias where humble pizza pie gets the gourmet treatment.
With plenty of cinematic delights to take in, you’ll need to make sure your hungry brood is properly fuelled during TIFF. Forget the typical movie-theatre popcorn and indulge in a meal at one of these family-friendly downtown dining destinations around the TIFF Bell Lightbox. [Image credit: iStock.com/Nastia11]
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