Starbucks

One of my favourite Starbucks because of the spacing. It’s located in the hospital and it’s very open concept. There’s lots of small tables for you and a friend to enjoy. The line up can be enormous during rush hour, but if you can, go when it’s not busy. I found service to be exceptional and it’s just nice to grab a coffee, sit down somewhere close, and decompress and think, zen-​like. A secret Starbucks that I’m happy to share with you.

Like almost every other Starbucks, always a big line though, and not much of their own seating, lots of seats nearby though.

This Starbucks consistently has very long line ups during peak hours. I have been a customer of this Starbucks for over 5 years and it’s become a regular occurrence that after waiting in a line for an average of 10 minutes you finally reach the front of the line to order your coffee only to be told that it will be another 5 minutes for your coffee because they have just run out! This would be understandable if it were not a recurrent theme– or if they offered a substitute, or complimentary coffee for the inconvenience, but they don’t. It has become the anticipated daily experience at the Starbucks.
The physical environment of this location is the newly built CSB inToronto General Hospital– it is very open and modern. The Starbucks has been installed in the South West corner of the building.

Big smiley face from me today.
It was freezing cold in the lobby when I went to Starbucks for coffee today-​for some reason the hospital decided that the best solution to the fire alarms was to open the front doors when it was –15C outside. Nevertheless, the fantastic baristas at Starbucks were beaming and cheerful as ever. The ever lovely Michelle asked if I’d like to be customer of the week and I of course said yes. It totally brightened up my day/​week/​January. They even managed to retain their excellent attitude when my excitement at the honour caused me to knock over the coffee I had just bought, thus drenching them and the counter. They’re the best!

Even if this Starbucks weren’t proximate to my office, I’d still consider this location over other neighbouring ‘bucks.
Primarily, it’s located in a gorgeous, recently-​constructed atrium on the west side of Toronto General Hospital (enter through University Ave., lest you get lost in this labyrinth). With soaring ceilings, black marble, and wood, I don’t mind sneaking in a few extra minutes for a coffee break. There’s a decent amount of seating: small circular tables for two, long rectangular tables for more, and benches. Huge western windows allow in plenty of sunlight.
The clientele is predominantly hospital staff, and hospital patients, which lends itself to an interesting mix for people-​watching. The baristas have all been friendly and a pleasure to deal with, though I’ve noticed on occasion their bar get pretty backed up (not an issue for me: tall bold).
You can access this ‘bucks from MaRS and the eastern recesses of TGH, if you dare. The secret is to find the stairwell in the TGH food court opposite the Wrap place. From there, ascend until the first door, turn left, and walk straight.

Starbucks is an expensive habit. However, I love it too much.
I come by here every morning to grab me a grande skinny vanilla latte or a grande tazo chai before I head to work. Best pick-​me-​up!
Anyhow, the baristas here are amazingly nice and I love having their mellow personalities greet me in the morning.
Althought it’s located in Toronto General Hospital, the Starbucks is conveniently located close to the lounge, and there are some seats that you can sit outside on looking out to University Ave.