I had walked by this swanky hipster joint several times before one day entering its doors when I had time to kill. Although an emergency phone call prompted me to cut my visit short after barely taking a seat, the few sips I took of the decaf mocha had me ecstatic to return. As soon as us ChickAdvisor staffers decided the cafe would be our chosen Fun Friday milieu last week, I knew I would once again order the famed beverage.

Yes, it was just as good as I remembered it. Luckily, I got to enjoy the ambience as well this time. First of all, it's busy. Both times I was lucky to find a spot with my party. Once sitting though, I could appreciate the comfortable, well-lit and appealing atmosphere. It was never too loud to have a conversation - which might have something to do with all the studious caffeine-lovers surrounding us on their laptops.

Its location couldn't be better: at the Queen St. W and Chinatown border, it's the perfect place to unwind after a restless day of shopping or lunch on Spadina Ave.

I've always passed by Dark Horse wanting to go in but never really did till we had our ChickAdvisor fun friday. The atmosphere, space, ambiance, design etc. of the space was the perfect place to just sit down with friends and chit chat over lattes (Exactly what we did). The place is nice, cozy and spacious. The raspberry bar was healthy yet delicious. I tried their creme brulee tea out of curiosity and it was so yummy. I'd definitely recommend this place if you just want to chill and relax.

Dark Horse on Spadina is my new favourite cafe in Toronto. The space is amazing *and* they know how to pull a good espresso! =) I heard the space used to be an art gallery and you can tell. So chic and artsy - exposed brick walls, an industrial feel, high ceilings, great natural light - I love the place!

The space has got this great city, urban buzz to it. People have their laptops out and are doing their work on one of the large communcal tables. Think Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. ;)

I recommend that everyone check this place out. Not only is it a beautiful space, but they have baristas that make great espresso-based drinks. Plus, unlike many of the hardcore coffee shops, the environment is more upscale (not so underground/grunge) and they don't mind if you sit around for awhile and enjoy your beverage, have a conversation, write on your blog about how good their coffee is, etc. ;)

Finally, a coffee place that's pretty central to downtown where the coffee is good and the atmosphere rocks!

I think I may have found my new favourite cafe in Toronto. It's exactly as I would design it if I had a cafe. It's a gorgeous brick and beam space with big windows, a decent amount of seating and chandeliers. I just love chandeliers in a cafe. The coffee is excellent and they have a nice selection of healthy snacks. The granola bar with raspberry is really good if you're a health nut. If you consider yourself a coffee snob and appreciate good foam art, you will not be disappointed.

This location is larger than on Queen St. E and features two large communal tables. Sharing, can you imagine? They have free-wifi, which is a huge perk and isn't it an extra exciting bonus that a Chick is behind the brand? Owner, Deanna Zunde created my idea of the perfect cafe. I will be back often!