We all need a change of scenery sometimes, especially those us of who work from home. And with so many coffee shops in Toronto, it can be hard to find a place where you can actually get your work done. Not anymore!

I know I can’t be the only one tired of working from home. Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way advocating for going back to the office (I’d like to think we’re past that). But always working in the place where you also live can be frustrating. Me, I sometimes feel uninspired, unmotivated, or simply more likely to stay in bed instead of getting things done.

So I went on an adventure to look for the best coffee shops where there’s actually enough space to work, an affordable menu, and an air of collaboration and creativity in the space. Here’s what I found:

The Loveless Cafe & Bar (1430 Dundas St W)

I found Loveless Cafe on a late Wednesday night when I was walking home after work. I needed to submit an assignment and knew I wouldn’t actually get anything done at home so I scouted a few places before coming across this treasure.

Loveless is a beautifully decorated cafe and bar, with spacious seating and speedy wifi. The vibe is comfortable and the decoration stands out right away: birds and boats cover the walls while minimalist tea lights decorate all the tables.

As for the menu, I was blown away by their selection. It was a bit late for a coffee so I indulged myself with a Negroni and a Cheddar and Herb Scone. The food prices were lower than any other I’d seen on Dundas, and the cocktail was crafted with incredible attention to detail. 

If you’re an early riser or late-night worker, Loveless Cafe is the perfect stop-the-job done! They’re open from 9 am to 2 am on Friday and Saturday, and from 9 am to 12 pm the rest of the week.

Sonndr Cafe (805 Dovercourt Rd)

Sonndr Cafe is a fairly new shop, just now having celebrated its first year in business. Located on Dovercourt and Bloor, you might miss this spot if you’re not looking. The sign outside is quite small and the shop is inside an old building, it looks almost church-like at first sight.

I’ve never seen a coffee place like this in Toronto. The space is so open that it feels like it’s made for creatives to come together in a home away from home. It’s also the only place where I’ve actually made connections with other creatives, like when I randomly met a graphic designer and photographer I followed on Tik Tok and got to share a coffee with them.

If you’re feeling stuck in a creative rut, I would 100% recommend you visit Sonndr for a breath of fresh air and inspiration! They’re open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9 am and 4 pm.

Boxcar Social, Laneway (298 Markham St)

Boxcar Social, Laneway is more on the relaxed side, focusing on coffee and pastries exclusively. This location is cozy but comfortable, the trick is snagging a table! The shop also has reliable WiFi for when you need to work on extensive projects.

The best thing by far about this location is the food and intimate vibe.

If you’ve been to any other Boxcar location you know that while they are super spacious, the energy can be a bit hectic and distracting. Not at Laneway.

Here, the baristas have time and freedom to really get to know the customers, providing a welcoming environment that I personally find really useful when I’m trying to feel comfortable and finish a project.

Boxcar Laneway is open all week from 9 am to 4 pm, so if you’re planning on working here I suggest getting there early in the day to secure a good spot and enjoy a great chat with the staff!

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Have you worked at any of these yet? Let me know what you think when you do!

And if you know any other spots with a similar vibe, leave a comment or connect with me on Instagram. I’d love to check them out and include them in the blog!