HotBlack Coffee

Smashing IT! With an added touch of groovy! ✌️😁✌️ This coffee joint is more than just a fabulous place to go to for some fabulous coffee it's also a place to visit with very groovy and unique vibes. A touch of class, superior customer service, and amazing desserts. Nestled in the heart of the Queen Street West vibe, this is the place to be whether you're working on the laptop, reading your favorite book, or meeting friends. This is the place to be. So give it a visit order a couple of cups of the best tasting coffee in the city to go with one of their many amazing eats. Sit. Relax and enjoy. Your taste buds and soul will be pleased. 🫠

Located at the heart of the entertainment district of Toronto. Given the location the place is a bliss to be in. Wonderful atmosphere, but wait. Hold your horses….the placard on the street says, “Best Coffee” ever. Trust me on this, my gut repelled my desire to hop into places which by themselves say: Best… But still… I went in. The atmosphere is amazing and you can get good view of the street ahead. But the purpose was not just about the atmosphere. I don’t know if I have been drinking coffee wrong since 20 years in a life of 33 years and trust me when I say coffee, I like the way I want it! So here I am, ordered a medium grande hot mocha in almond milk. The server was good enough to bring it to my table and the glass of coffee looked decent! I was ready now! The first sip!!!! Ohhhh, it was lukewarm and bland. I thought it must be a mistake. I went to the serving counter and asked him to heat it up! He heated some almond milk and poured over my coffee. It was weird. I came back to my desk, with expectations obviously. But this was worse. Hot coffee (tasted like almond milk and chocolate, with no essence of coffee). So I thought it might be a bad day for me and my taste buds but trust me…. Travelled 5 countries and been to gazillion coffee places. This turned out to be a disappointment. The “Best coffee ever” was not even “best at this moment”. Kudos to the server and the place though.

I wanted some good coffee and not one of those Chain coffee places and found this beautiful spot. They even had Lactose free Milk!! (Actual dairy). The brownie was also delicious. Great atmosphere and attention was warm and friendly.

Had read some very good things about the sourdough egg and cheese. Was just as good as everyone described! Really tasty and heavy at all. It was perfect for a quick breakfast. Also the Guatemalan coffee. Very good as well.

Overall, the food and service were good. However, I wouldn’t recommend the ginger-infused coffee—I tried it here and didn’t enjoy it.

I did not enjoy this cafe as much as I wanted to. My latte was more acidic than most other cafes. The place was hot with no aircon, although I did see there was patio seating at the back.

The barista was welcoming and friendly and the atmosphere was chill. I enjoyed my vanilla latte, it had the perfect amount of sweetness. I got the raspberry jam cookie based on the reviews I read beforehand and it lived up to the hype! Delicious and not too sweet. I’ll definitely pop in again the next time I’m in the area.

I don’t know about best coffee ever. I would say it’s just okay but that might be my fault for ordering a latte at place with “black coffee” in the name. I found it to not be strong enough and tasted mostly of milk. I also got a gluten free date bar that I didn’t realize was gluten free until after. It was really dry and didn’t hold together at all but again that might be my fault. There’s also not a lot of seating available; just the one big table and a few stools.

Stopped by for a quick beverage. Didn't get anything fancy, just a Lemonade which did the trick. They only have high table chairs which aren't the most comfortable but staff were friendly. Not bad!

I was walking around downtown Toronto and checked Yelp, finding this highly rated coffee shop. HotBlack has a ton of fans, and I'm a coffee lover, but I was mostly disappointed in everything here. Walking in, it's confusing how and where to order. The barista behind the counter was so friendly, which is more than I can say for the patrons. I got the total staredown like I was an outsider who didn't belong, which was really, really weird. I felt unwelcomed by the obvious regulars who were hanging out. I ordered an overpriced traditional macchiato and a bourbon butter chocolate chip cookie. Neither of these items were good, and I would not get either of them again. The macchiato was made with espresso beans that had fruity notes, and I'm more of a dark / cereal type of espresso lover, so this wasn't to my taste. The barista highly recommended this blend, and I was sorely disappointed. It sure did look pretty, though. The cookie was even worse -- it was completely dried out and old, the gross kind of overcooked / slightly burned crunchy, not the yummy kind of crispy. You can see how overcooked and dry it looks in the photo. One bite and it was left uneaten. I don't know if I was there on an "off" afternoon or what, but I was extremely disappointed in everything about HotBlack Coffee. The best thing about the place are the window seats where you can sit and people watch. Other than that, there are better places for overpriced, mediocre coffee in downtown Toronto.

Surprisingly disappointed. My friends and I visited because it was highly rated on yelp and we just wanted some good coffee and pastries. The egg sandwich was steamed, as it was sitting in a warmer. So it was very chewy and lukewarm. We ordered that because it's there staple, and they have limited other pastry options. Coffee was pretty basic. I ordered a drip coffee with cream but my friends got 2 different kinds of lattes. And none of us particularly liked our drinks. I expected to taste some flavor notes from the blends they use. Inside is pretty small not a lot of tables. But nicely a couple moved to sit next to each other so we wouldn't be squished in the corner. The staff was really friendly. And they do take time to craft the drinks. I'm used to drip coffee having to go to a side table to pick up cream & sugar...but here they added that for me and had me tell them when to stop. So they do get kudos for hand crafting each drink.

My go to local cafe. As their name states, they make amazing hot black coffee. Staff is nice and remember you quickly and your regular order. The decor feels cozy with lots of wood furniture.

Delicious coffee and other similar beverages. Several snack type items such as oat cookies or light sandwiches. Be sure to check your drink size, in our order of four people, 2 were wrong. The staff rectified it without issue, but it was disappointing as a first impression of this café. That being said, we really liked the drinks, so would happily stop by next time we're in the area and want a coffee.

Great coffee one of the better spots in Toronto. No wifi so you can't work on your laptop here.

More of a bold taste but still good. Some seating inside. The service was good and the staff were nice.

My go to spot for coffee when in Toronto. They don't let you touch the coffee until you're ready to go, and that is amazing. Strong and efficient. Cold brew is on point, and don't sleep on the cookies! Excellent all around.

Small and narrow place, great bakery items and nice coffee. 4 star only as my almond milk latte was not even as close as good as the regular latte was.

You can't beat a hot cup of black coffee from these people! This is my go-to when walking or biking along Queen St., as it's difficult to pass by without stopping in. I like all the positivity coming out of the place with the "we are the best!" signs around. Great service with a smile, what more could you want?

This review is for the Hot Black Coffee on Charles Street but I don't find the location on Yelp so I'll leave it here! Gosh this coffee was SO good. I had it 4 days in a row and it was consistently delicious. I'd order the iced latte. I also tried their cheese toast which was pretty good, and their raspberry jam cookie. I'm still dreaming of their well balanced and delicious espresso. Definitely come get a delicious coffee here!

We stopped in Hot Black Coffee for a midday pick-me-up and as we walked in the door, the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, instantly signaling the quality of what was to come. The coffee shop was so cute, customer service was on point, and their coffee awakened our senses, one sip at a time! We took our coffee to go so we could continue to explore Toronto!

Used to love this place, but they've unfortunately succumbed to this baffling local trend of making everything as acidic as possible. One cup of hot battery acid later and I'm confident that I'm unfortunately never coming back.

Love this coffee shop! The mint chocolate latte is so delicious. Perfect amount of sweetness!

An oasis in the middle of downtown Toronto. Not a lot of people know that they are one of the few café in the downtown core that can boast a backyard patio. If you are one of those early-birds, looking to bring someone special somewhere intimate, cozy and yet not out of the way, I think this is the place to be. My only recommendation for the shop is to sell more savory treats to balance out the sweet treats they already have

I feel bad for giving this place a 2 star but my friend and I were very disappointed with our coffee. We originally were at another spot but saw the reviews at this place and decided we would try here instead. I ordered the Mocha. Let's just say it wasn't a mocha at all. It tasted more like a latte even after being told it was a mocha. It wasn't rich in flavour, and just didn't have the mocha thickness to it. The coffee beans were also burnt which didn't help the situation. The price point is also quite expensive. Almost $6 for a small cup of coffee which is kind of a scam considering the same $6 could get a big old cuppa elsewhere. It just really wasn't worth it. I really wanted to love the place. Maybe worth a second try but the first time was a real miss. The customer service is SPOT ON though. I don't think I've ever seen baristas so sweet at a place that was very busy.

In every city I try local coffee shops and HotBlack did not disappoint! It was very good. I got a simple vanilla latte and it was very good and did not let me down!

Excellent coffee spot, with even better pastries - I loved the Jam Cookie, and wish I had room for the egg and toast. Even though there was a line, it moved fast because of the staff. Only con is that I felt drinks were a bit pricy for what you got.

This coffee shop makes efficient use of a small space, with plentiful seating (some at tables and couches, and most at small counters lining the walls) and a cute outdoor patio area with picnic tables at the back. Skylights are also a nice touch and make the space feel more airy. There's a good selection of pastries and cookies available, and I'd highly recommend the ginger brew coffee! As a heads up, they don't have wifi - but this is a good spot for doing offline work (some counters are too small for a laptop but would work for a book) or having coffee and talking.

I decided to give this place a second chance (especially the desserts) and I'm glad I did. When I came this time, there were no flies to be seen and a case protecting the desserts. The desserts themselves tasted great- I just docked it off 1 star because I couldn't shake off the fly scene last time hovering over the sweets. Lets get to the desserts themselves: Jam Cookie- 5/5. They have a note saying this is a best seller and I can see why! It's got the jam in the center but the cookie itself has little seeds (chia/flax maybe?) that adds a little crunch and texture. Fruit & Nut Cookie- 4/5. Also a delightful treat but it was a little more bread-y than I wanted for a cookie. Each bite had some nuts and seed so they definitely were not stingy on the ingredients. Date Square- 3.5/5. I'm a date square snob because these are my favorite desserts in the entire world and to be honest this place doesn't make the best ones. It's the dates themselves in these ones that weren't as gooey and sweet as I would've liked. I really wished I liked these. Walnut Butter Square- 4/5. I liked these! But not as much as the Jam cookies. They had a nice chewiness and the flavors weren't as sweet. I would get it again probably depending on my mood. Brownie- 2/5. I don't know what went wrong here but these tasted very bland and cardboard-like. I think I might've just gotten a bad one but wouldn't want to try this again. All in all, the sweets here are good for a coffee shop. Would come again if I was craving something sweet.

If HotBlack Coffee was a great book, it'd be a New York Times Bestseller week after week! This is my all time favourite downtown Toronto coffee shop and if I had to send in my rankings, it'd be Hot Black, Moon Bean, Jimmy's,,, Starbucks, Tim Hortons. It's near Queen and University and (pro tip: has a patio in pre-COVID times) was a sanctuary for me during summer of 2019. I love their chocolate chip cookies and jam cookies but my favourite drink is the lattes- iced is even better! I am sending all my love and hope you too will rediscover what an absolute treat it is to drop by for a cuppa. Go treat yourself!

I was staying at the Hilton Toronto and was looking for a nice cafe nearby. I found HotBlack on Yelp and made my way towards it. This is a charming coffee shop (that apparently has been featured a lot) where you can get a good caffeinated drink and/or some baked goods. I really didn't know what I wanted so the nice barista talked me through some drinks and I ended up going with the Russian Tea (Earl Grey tea infused with apricot jam). It was unique tasting and good. I like how they have a little wagon to do some local deliveries. I also like their hanging menu. If I worked in downtown T-Dot, I'd definitely be frequenting this joint.

A small, cozy, cramped, and cute shop with wooden aesthetics. The staff had friendly & chipper vibe. Sun chai latte - extremely bitter & a strong tumeric-like flavor that overpowered the chai spices. A pass for me. Jam cookie - The cookie had a pleasant chewy texture with slight crisp outer edges. However, the shortbread was severely lacking in flavor, whether coconut (not sure if this was vegan) or butter. Even the jam didn't taste of a specific fruit.

To be honest my first ever review of HotBlack Coffee began with a pretty high starting point before I got there. That's because HotBlack ( along with Neo ) is one of the few fine Coffee & Pastry places to keep a full service day (take out) during the COVID19 crisis whereas many others have punched out. I imagine this is especially welcomed by all the workers in the "healthcare corridor" between University & Bay who would otherwise have nothing except a couple of Tim's in the stretch from College to Queen. Fortunately getting to 5 stars required very little generosity because both the coffee and the service were excellent. The modified service model is very logical - you order from the doorway across a table blocking the entrance and the order is brought to the table - just like a drive-thru window only on foot. All four times I was served by one of the owners while a single masked employee worked deep in the store at a very safe distance from the public. I tried their in-house HotBlack blend and Colombian Galiardo. Both tasted like premium quality beans roasted to reveal their best profile (they roast their own). I had Flat Whites, Lattes and Cortados. I liked the fact they don't over-froth them. Subjectively I preferred the HotBlack, it's a mix of Brazilian & Ethiopian, anchored by a smooth, roasty Brazilian with just enough Ethiopian floral & spice notes for highlights without taking it too far in the direction of a spiced tea, as tends to happen with some African beans lately. Colombian had a nice initial taste with zero bitterness although it came with a small penalty of a slightly sour finish - I think the citrus note leans more toward lemon than orange - whether trade-off is worth it depends on how much you value that bright aroma. 4.5 with an easy decision to round up for finding a way to continue serving responsibly. Many people have had to soldier through this situation having to work and/or run errands for people who are isolating or vulnerable. I'm sure they appreciate and will remember the local shops which stood with them like HotBlack Coffee.

Brilliant service and cool vibes! Unique blown glass artwork, plant wall, small outdoor patio in the back with blankets, got hooks under the tables for your bag, nice thick napkins in the washroom and they have refillable sparkling or distilled water! Just chat with some friends here for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. Got a sun chai latte and a chocolate beef muffin. What I like about the muffin is that its super light and not sweet. You get a hint of sweetness from the occasional chocolate chips, but its not dense and caloric feeling like the typical bakery muffin. I am not a coffee person, but the latte was so good. Has a shot of espresso, you have that nice coffee aftertaste, and on top, it's so pretty! Comes in a cute double lined cup so its not hot to the touch and has a cool ombre colour too. The staff are super friendly and are happy to explain or suggest items and even follow up with you to see if you liked it. Definitely recommend!

This place is nice and cozy. I really like coffee and its quality and the cookies are so tasty. During my last visit my friend ordered almost the same as me and when she asked me about my bill it turned out that she paid around 3 bucks more which was strange, so she inquired about it and it was their mistake and I really like the way they handled it, they gave her 3 bucks back plus a cookie to apologize for their mistake. I think it is really nice of them.

Love the back patio at HotBlack Coffee. It just feels like an oasis and hidden secret place in the hood. Coffee was A-OK. For the wintery and rainy days, with no access of the back patio, I probably would feel quite clammed with the limited seating options indoors. I don't need free wifi and with HotBlack Coffee not providing that might give me a better chance to find a place to sit down and enjoy my coffee during busy hours.

Solid independent cafe amidst the sea of chain cafes in the area (Starbucks, Second Cup...). It's a little small and crammed inside. There's a communal table and a very narrow ledge with stools at the front, and a ledge at the back (for standing). But in the summer, the back patio is a great little spot to take a break. In the winter though, because the space is so small, beware the constant chill of cold air blowing in from the door. They put a curtain there as a barrier, which helps but doesn't totally block that Canadian winter... I like their espresso based drinks and they have lots of options for other kinds of specialty coffee drinks or tea lattes. If you want something cold to go, they have Village Juicery juices. They make their own bread! It's great. The baked goods look nice too although I've never tried them. Service is efficient and friendly. They have a loyalty stamp card. I would say this is a good place to grab a coffee if you need a quick break. But I wouldn't come here for an extended time (e.g. to do work/read, or a long catch up with someone) because the limited seating and high foot traffic makes me guilty if I stay too long.

Very satisfying experience! We came here after we saw the "on New York Times" sign and glad we did. We ordered a iced latte, apple cider, egg toast, and chocolate banana muffin. The iced latte was good (could use more coffee) and the apple cider was very flavorful. I really wanted to try the egg toast (after seeing all the Yelp reviews) - and it was pretty good. The toast was very crunchy and the egg was really well cooked. I initially tried using a fork and knife to cut the toast, but it was too hard/crunchy. The chocolate banana muffin was very moist and delicious too. What I really loved about this place is the service. The employees are so friendly and warm, and very helpful with ordering or if you have any questions. We were hesitant to get a stamp card at first, but we ended up starting a stamp card and also buying another black coffee for the road!

An aesthetically pleasing cafe located where all the hippest kids gather. Their menu selection is your typical cafe fare with a few of their own concoctions. Their coffee is quite nice and their staff are even nicer! Everyone is a delight to speak too. However, don't let the visual stimulation fool you, the drinks feel quite average overall. As a casual coffee drinker, I couldn't tell you how this coffee was any different than most other coffee shops in the area. In addition, if you don't drink your coffee black, the place you buy your coffee is pretty moot. Their house drinks are quite interesting though and may be worth trying, despite the higher price point.

Loved this place from the moment I walked in. The menu, the light fixtures, the baristas' aprons, the private patio...I could go on. I ordered an 8oz ginger brew latte, while my boyfriend got the mint chocolate latte. Their drinks come in these beautiful double-layered glasses, which I am seriously debating purchasing for myself. I really liked my drink, and the ginger was an unusual touch. The patio is furnished with large picnic benches (an interesting choice, given that most customers were in groups of 2, resulting in pairs sitting across from each other on either end of each bench). The details here are delightful - each bench had a jar of fans to help guests cool down in the afternoon sun (which you can purchase for $2); there are also pinecones and other rustic items to add further charm to the simple area. They've created a fabulous aura for sipping coffee. I would definitely come back to try some of their baked goods and other drinks. Absolutely stop by if you're in the area!

This place does really innovative takes on coffee. They have a gingerbrew latte if you're looking for a spiced caffeinated drink with a bit of a kick to it, as well as the green eyed latte, which is a mint flavoured latte. I enjoy both very much but must say they're not as creamy as regular lattes - this isn't bad or anything, as I still enjoy both very much. I've also had some s'mores in their back patio in the winter, which were really great, too. Lastly, I once bought a super fresh loaf of bread from which they usually make sandwiches- this was super delicious. Over all, this place is a small, bustling cafe with friendly service, tasty treats, and a unique twist on coffee.

Hi Jimson, On the day I visited, there was no menu available and the employees offered us about 3 iced teas, in addition to an iced latte, iced coffee. So that would equal 5 cold drinks, not "20." Thanks for replying though! :)

A very cute little coffee shop, complete with a patio outside with blankets! I got the green eye latte, which was essentially a mint coffee latte.The drinks came out really fast and I like how they let you add the sugar by yourself so it doesn't come out super sweet. My latte had a good amount of froth and was very smooth. The flavor was very interesting, but I'm not sure if it would be something I would order again. I would however, be interested in trying their other drinks next time.

NOT GOOD COFFEE. If you want coffee go find another spot. Got a mint coffee thing, and 3 chai lattes, all 4 drinks are watery and taste poor - especially for $5 a cup. They took our drink orders, $20 per order then said "you didn't pay for a 3rd chai latte", got defensive about it, then went back to the iPad to see that they were wrong... didn't apologize. Sincerely...

If a cafe can do a cortado well, I'll keep coming back. And this place does a mean cortado. Lattes tend to be too milky for me, and their cortado was just milky enough to cut the acidity without being too much. They have non-coffee options as well and I'll have to go back to try those. The place is cozy and the seating is pretty limited, but I like to go to the back where there's a bit more room, even if there are fewer seats. The baristas are friendly and the desserts are good. I recommend the walnut square!

HotBlack Coffee is a smaller place but packs a big flavor in their coffee. You know a coffee shop is tuned into the city when the offer local goodies along with coffee. Although their was a fairly large line when we showed up, the service was quick and professional. Such a wide range of cool little drink and food choices. The coffee was great and priced well. The service was quick and very welcoming. Recommend coming here to get your caffeine fix for sure.

HotBlack coffee is by far one of the best coffee places.. The service here is amazing; everyone is always welcoming and nice. I usually get a latte and they never disappoint. It has just the right amount of milk (for me) and they have a variety of baked goods. The best part is their baked goods are a variety of gluten free and vegan and just regular, so anyone can come in and grab a snack with their coffee if they wanted. The coffee prices are a bit more expensive than other places, but the quality of the coffee and beans makes it all worth it. I'm so glad they survived during the covid period and glad to be able to actually step into the store to order now

Great vegan breakfast bars and good tea. Cute spot close to the downtown hotels. Would definitely visit again!

Ahhh this coffee place is a gem. I can't believe I didn't try it before! Conveniently located on Queen Street, this place is very cozy and welcoming. There were a lot of customers - both staying in and ordering to go. Baristas were very friendly and positive, the coffee shop itself has calm, relaxing vibes. I ordered a vanilla cappuccino to go and it was amazing! I love myself some good quality coffee beans and this cappuccino made my morning. I believe they also have a patio which I would definitely be visiting soon.

I came here many times with my husband. I think my husband came here more than me though. It takes only 5 minutes for him to walk from his workplace. Coffee was good. Snacks were yummy. Service was excellent. If I have to rate what is the best for Hot Black Coffee, I will rate 5 stars for their service! Every time I came here, I experienced only the best service. I could say they do care about their customers. End of the story! ^^

Sitting in the comfy confines of HotBlack Coffee on an early quaint Saturday morning in downtown Toronto just before the hustle and bustle of city life wakes up is one of those little pleasures in life that often is taken for granted. This little Queen Street West coffee shop on Queen Street West truly lives up to its name: simple, warm, down to earth... all the same qualities that a simple cup of hot black coffee would bring. The store interior consists of a red and white theme with a contrast of wooden finished signage and furnishing. Coffee offerings are generally of the varieties that would allow one to enjoy the pureness of the coffee beans... no fancy coffee foam art or gimmicky add on or copy cat matcha this and that... I got an Americano and it was simply good. Aside from that the egg on a toast was again simple but yet satisfying in a very wholesome way. I was skeptical at first because the appearance of the toast was kind of meh...but once I took a bite I knew that they really care about the selection of ingredients... three year old cheddar, local farm raised eggs and homemade sour dough bread. The bread had the necessary crunch at the bottom and the bread was very good. If the egg could be a bit runny would of made the toast perfect. There was also a little red wagon near the entrance with a sign that says we will delivery and cater within wagon distance. I thought that was really cute and fit the brand well. I look forward to coming back in the future to unwind and to try their baked selections.

Cool vibe and decent coffee. Just under ~$3 bought me a decently sized medium drip coffee - it was rich and strong, the perfect start to my morning.

HotBlack is one of those places that seems to do everything well - great coffee, even better service and awesome food/treats. The owners clearly care a lot about their customers and it shows every time. My go-to here is their vanilla latte (iced or hot depending on the season) and it's always on point. It's a little on the expensive side but you get what you pay for, and the quality and attention to detail really shows. Bonus points for the heated outdoor patio and mulled wine during winter. My one wish is that they would bring back the sugar cookies - so good and sorely missed!

3.5 stars ... willing to come back to try another time Not many places are open past 5 pm so when I spotted HotBlack open till 7 pm... AMAZING. It's hard to find coffee in Toronto that isn't a corporate bland cup later in the evening. This cafe is quite small and busy ... there's very little spots for anyone to sit down longer than a few moments. It is SQUISHY tight as most seating is back to back bar stool style (and I mean back to back... it's literally 3 inches from the person behind you). This place had a lot of drinks to try .. menu is different and quite innovative. The staff here is super friendly and very patient. My thanks to them and I really loved how they went to the customers who had a hard time walking (crutches) instead of making them wait in line standing. Just all around great people. I would say the staff and vibe here is hipster cool and friendly without any pretentious vibe. With so many choices, I went with their recommendation of the Russian tea and a Chai Latte. They also have a lot of assortments of baked goods, bottled smoothies, and also sandwiches so it is more of a true cafe than just a drink spot. Russian Tea - Earl grey infused with apricots... like actual real fruit. This was a great tea and it had the nice sweet tangy flavour of the fruit with a touch of light black tea. Overall really great to enjoy when it's so cold outside. 4/5 Chai Latte with almond milk - They had the tea leaves steeping for a while and then we let it steep for more and .... it still tasted like watery almond milk with a hint of ginger. Not the best to say the least. 3/5 I would definitely come back because the service here was just all around great and would try an espresso drink. I'll stay away from the teas... they're just alright.

Mr. H and I weren't ready to go home after our movie night and stepped in for a cup of joe. I right away loved the ambience of this place! I placed my order and was told the patio was open (excuse me! It's like freezing outside?? Why would I go sit in a patio?) and that the fire pit was still open (Oh! That's why... ). Well hello patio with a fire pit AND BLANKETS!!! Dream come true, I just wished I had ordered a hot chocolate instead of a cappuccino! At least I had the delicious brownie going for me, and I don't mean Mr. H ;) Must come back! Must have hot chocolate! Must see fire pit again!

This place has an awesome back patio which is a big draw for a lot of people. It has an earthy feel, it's super quiet despite being just off of Queens Street and they have put up some shade for the hotter days. The coffee is here is good but pricey for what your get (which is why I docked a star in my review). They do have a fair number of pastry options if you have a sweat tooth! I've tried a few and they have all been good.

Favourite recommendations: Latte ($3.80 aftertax): It was delicious where the ratio of coffee, milk, and crema are all at optimal consistencies. You know it's a good coffee when there's an absence of sour (under extraction) or bitter (over extraction) aftertaste where only hints of sweetness from the a higher lactose milk steamed at the right temperature. They get their beans from Detour Coffee Roasters located in Burlington. Besides the pretty overhanging lights, there was also a quaint patio in the back with picnic tables and cute biosphere plants sitting on top. Lovely spot to sit and chat during warm weather. Note that this café does not offer free wifi. Although customers often complain about the lack of free wifi, one must remember they're a prime real estate. The café wants people in and out as quickly as possible, and it makes sense from a business perspective; I don't blame them.

Speedy service, robust coffee, sleek but inviting decor, convenient location. I've frequented Hot Black for a few years and they've been consistently awesome. Their friendly staff really brightens up my morning. What more could you ask for in a coffee place?