Oldtown Bodega

OUR ARTICLE

Matt, who has worked 798 of the 800 (and counting) hours since the shop’s opening in late 2018, is one half of the husband and wife duo that brought Oldtown Bodega to life.

Let’s begin with a warning of the best kind: this may actually be Toronto’s most welcoming coffee shop. Matt and wife, Maura, greet every guest with genuine warmth. The relaxed vibe from the owners gives you the feeling that it’s more than okay to spend some time to relax and sip on a coffee. Gone is the feeling of being a WiFi freeloader and hurried out the door the moment you approach your last sip. If you’re lucky, snag a spot in the sun-drenched front window to catch some rays. Even on a typical wintery Toronto afternoon, there is plenty of Vitamin D to be had in this people-watching perch.

The kindness from Matt and Maura harmonizes perfectly with the 90’s gangster rap bouncing through the speakers which make for the ideal spot to caffeinate yourself back to life.

The mix of 70’s art, oil paintings of the Canadian wilderness and faded little league photos give the feeling that you’re hanging out in your childhood best friend’s basement. Subtract the mildew-riddled carpet, replace it with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and you’re good to go.

If you venture down to the actual basement, you’ll find an outpost by Hasting’s Barbershop. Two chairs host a steady stream of coiffed Torontonian’s as they successfully complete their mission of a cut and a coffee. Hastings owner, Karolina has cast the shop’s net across the city’s east end, building a reputation on fresh cuts and tight fades. Having put together an international roster of hair cutting Jedis, Hastings is a rare find – a hip barbershop without a shred pretentiousness. Oldtown Bodega and Hastings Barbershop truly are a match made in over-the-top-service-with-amazing-people-why-didn’t-I-find-this-place-sooner heaven.

If you aren’t exactly a morning person looking to make a new friend before 9:00 am, not to worry, the lattes at Oldtown are a heavy pour. If anything, the tall glass of caffeinated glory will remind you of the countless pints consumed the night before. The kindness from Matt and Maura harmonizes perfectly with the 90’s gangster rap bouncing through the speakers which make for the ideal spot to caffeinate yourself back to life.