Bulldog Coffee - Toronto

Bulldog is one of my favorite coffee places in Toronto. I love their chocolate lattes and their relaxed atmosphere. Each drink is beautiful (made with a design on the top) and absolutely delicious. They have a large variety of different drinks. However, all drinks are expresso based. This is perfect for me as I love expresso. Comparable to the lattes that I had in Rome!

First off, I have to agree that the coffee is absolutely amazing. I don't think I've ever had coffee this good in the city! The food is great too. I had the chance to try a free sample (I don't quite remember what it was) and I was quite impressed.

I do think that the service can be improved though. In the beginning the barista was ok (not rude or really friendly either). But there were times that I was given the impression that I wasn't welcome there. I thought perhaps, maybe that's just the way they are?

That was until I noticed that returning customers received far better treatment; greeted with friendiness and chit chat. I mean, it's great that they recognize returning faces. But if you want new-comers to return... why not treat them in the same way?

I might return here again (for the amazing coffee)... but the service here makes me a little bit unsure. I mean, why is there the need to scare off potential regulars? I don't think it helps out the business...

I love this place for the ambiance, the proximity to my school, and, of course, the amazing coffee.
The baked goods are also really nice, and I love the newly-improved patio space. I've had good experiences with the staff; I think it's because they recognize their regulars and give them a little extra friendliness.. but that's no reason to be rude to everyone else.

The coffee is fantastic. My latte was heavenly and the croissant was also delicious. $6 for a small latte and a criossant is a little steep but at least they were done properly.

However, I'm not sure yet how I feel about this cafe. I've been here twice. The first time was good, the second visit was really unpleasant.

This morning, I wanted a small latte. The Barista, who is also the owner, told me that a latte is large, a bulldog is medium and a cappuccino is small (or something like that). I said I wanted a small latte rather than a cappuccino. He told me that he makes things the "European way" and that there is no difference between a latte and a cappuccino.

Incidentally I have had my share of lattes AND cappuccinos in several parts of Europe and yes, there is a difference between the two. I didn't say that as I didn't want to argue, but tried to clarify that I wanted more milk than foam and he rolled his eyes at me as if I was the stupidest person he had ever met. I just wanted a small latte, not a small cappuccino - what's the big deal???

There was another customer there who he repeatedly rolled his eyes at (about me and my questions) right in front of me. He was so condescending I felt totally humiliated. I just conceded and told him to give me the small cappuccino. I'm not ignorant about coffee but even if I was, he shouldn't have treated me that way.

Further, he didn't wash his hands and handles all of the coffee, the food and the cash. There were no other staff. He actually used his finger to wipe off the excess espresso from the filter. Gee, Is that how they do it in Europe too?

If it wasn't for this experience I would definitely recommend this place without reservation because the drinks are quite delicious and the ambiance is really cute - aside from Toronto's grumpiest barista.

I'm not sure if I'll go back because good coffee isn't enough to subject myself to insulting treatment, but, I don't know... maybe he was just having a bad day...