Shai’s

Through my online research I’ve determined that Shais (now Baldwin Café) changed hands around a year ago. Well looking at these other reviews, it has definitely gone downhill since then.
I went there on a lazy slightly hungover Saturday morning for a greasy breakfast. They only reason I went there over another breakfast place was because it took debit, and I’ve since learned that isn’t a good enough reason to go to a restaurant!!! While the food was a little pricier than I wanted (I paid $ 11 for two breakfast sandwiches on English muffins and hash browns), I figured «hey, at least it’s convenient». My roommate and I proceeded to wait at least 25 minutes for our breakfast! First of all, it wasn’t even that busy, and secondly, I could have made like 30 eggs on English muffins in that time! The table next to us complained because their food took so long, and it turned out their ticket order had been blown away by the fan. I mean come on.
When the food finally came, it was totally bland, nothing special at all. If I had waited for delicious food, at least I would have left happy!
So basically, next time I will walk to an ATM over coming to Baldwin Café, aka Shais. If you’re looking for breakfast in Kensington, try KOS on Nassau or Kensington’s, just across the road.

My favourite part about this café is its makeshift patio on the street. Fantastic spot for Baldwin street watching — probably one of the best places in the city to do this, in fact, as long as you’re able to put up with the smokers who are inclined to sit there. I also like the bright, covered back patio, despite how I feel more like a hothouse tomato than a café dweller.
However, the drinks and food have been… okay. If I’m unsure about what to order, I usually consult the staff working there for a recommendation. The roti rolls that they’re apparently known for are a bit slim and tasteless without the accompanying chutney. The chai was fine, but the recommended iced strawberry mocha drink was something that I would’ve enjoyed had I been 9 years old and drinking with a curvy straw. Way too sweet and perfumey for my tastes.
It’s okay, but this place is definitely more about its location than anything else.

I went in here Labor day morning. I was trying to find some place that was open for breakfast and was having little luck. My wonderful lady and I randomly walked into Shai’s… they were open so that was already a good sign in my book. After a quick look over the menu I ordered a veggie breakfast burrito. You get a free coffee or tea with any breakfast meal. The service here was fantastic! They were quick and the food was great. The coffee was also pretty decent here, my lovely lady really liked the mocha she got. I am so glad we randomly walked into Shai’s.