08 Jan Boxcar Social
On this balmy January morning, after stopping at my office near Yonge and St. Clair, I decided to take a short walk to get my usual Americano, at Boxcar Social. It has definitely become one of my go-to midtown coffee shops. Boxcar started its foray into the coffee and bar scene along a stretch of Summerhill’s quaint retail strip back in 2014 after taking over a former dry cleaner’s location. Since then, Summerhill’s retail strip north of the former CP Railway station along Yonge Street has encountered a resurgence. There have been a number of new openings by fitness studios, retailers and food service establishments, which has brought additional foot traffic to a historically quieter stretch of Yonge Street. Since the Summerhill opening in 2014, Boxcar has opened three additional locations and I am sure there are more in the works.
Boxcar is known as a multi-roaster café – this means they curate beans from a selection of roasters worldwide to offer the best selection of coffee based on the seasonality of the crop and quality of the bean. Not only does Boxcar consistently serve up a perfectly brewed coffee and precisely pulled espresso, they also offer delicious treats.
If that’s not enough, have a look through the interior open window and you’ll be delighted to know that you can also order and enjoy a delicious slice of pizza or a whole pie from Yeah Yeahs next door – with no need to leave your seat.
Still not enough? Join the Boxcar crew in the evening for a selection of craft beers, wines or enjoy sipping a fine whiskey – the selection is plentiful.
Besides the great Americano, what I love most about Boxcar, is the comfortable vibe that emanates throughout this 2-storey establishment. The friendly staff welcome you the minute you walk through the door. The music is playing in the background – at the perfect volume so you can still enjoy a conversation with your friends. The main level offers a dimmer bar-like feel with industrial-style light fixtures and a mix of seating – bar stools up-front and table seating towards the back. The second level offers some neat workspaces for those looking to have a more private conversation or for guests looking to get some work done.
Natural light flows through the 2nd level by way of a large skylight that is situated above a hanging greenery installation and a high-top community table. Spaces upstairs fill up quickly, so arrive early!
The residents and local working population have certainly welcomed Boxcar Social to the neighbourhood, and why not – it’s cool, it’s fun, and of course it screams social.
-torontoyourway
Boxcar Social (Summerhill) – 1208 Yonge St., Toronto
Mark Lebovits, MSA
Sales Representative
Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage
416-274-4984 | mark@torontoyourway.com