Once again the Indie Coffee Passport  is making it easy to explore the coolest coffee shops in this city. For $25, you get a free coffee at 30 participating coffee shops. The passport lasts seven months, so you have time to ramble around the city and explore-and when you’ve spent all your money on textbooks and you’re out of meal money at the caf, you won’t have to suffer coffee-less. It’s just pragmatic, really.

Coffee shops we love that you can visit with your handy passport:

The Green Grind (567 College St.)
We love the airy atmosphere and delicious espresso at The Green Grind. They also have some of the best beans in the city. If you’re looking for somewhere bright and open to keep your mind sharp, this is the place. The big communal table is a great place to get work done.

i deal coffee (162 Ossington Ave. and 84 Nassau St.)
With an outpost on Ossington and one in Kensington Market, you can get your fix of i deal. Both have great, cozy patios for between-study chats, and the Ossington location is great for meetings or solo typing. The Kensington shop is perfect for people watching and petting some friendly dogs, even when there’s a chill in the air.

Moonbean Coffee Company (30 St. Andrew St.)
Another Kensington Market staple, Moonbean has delicious coffee, great food, and lots of seating. It’s always buzzing, so if you like a work environment with a bit of energy, a great creative vibe,  and maximum access to snacks and ice cream, this is the place for you.

Other Indie Coffeeshops we love that aren’t on the Indie Coffee Passport

Sam James Coffee Bar and Pocket (297 Harbord St. & 688a Bloor St. W.)
Sam James makes a mean espresso. Seriously, the man can brew. Coffee worth waiting in line for, and we don’t say that about just anything. Minimal seating, though.

Ella’s Uncle (916 Dundas St. W.)
We love Ella’s Uncle for their original caffeine fixes-like The Ella, with maple syrup. If studying outside is your thing, pick up a coffee from the counter then stroll on to Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Te Aro Roasted & Crafted (983 Queen St. E & 135 Ossington Ave.)
Coffee snobs, this is the place for you. Siphons? Cold extraction? They’ll explain.

Jet Fuel (519 Parliament St.)
An East End staple, Jet Fuel is big and bustling.

Bull Dog (89 Granby St.)
The best cup of coffee near the Ryerson campus. Room to study, but the comfy, bright shop fills up fast. Also, unless you’re buying, you’re not sitting.

Dark Horse (684 Queen St. W., 682 Queen St. E., 215 Spadina Ave.)
Dark Horse is a great place to be a caffeine fueled force of productivity. They play great music and have tons of seating. One warning-you’ll be fighting for an outlet, so come charged.

Tampered Press (256 Crawford St.)
On Dundas directly across from Trinity Bellwoods, Tampered Press has a great, cozy atmosphere, board games, and delicious coffee. Great for group study sessions or a quiet game of Scrabble.

Manic Coffee (426 College St.)
Recently redesigned, Manic is a coffee shop in the best tradition. Delicious Intelligentsia coffee, friendly staff, and plenty of room to hole up with a project.

~ Haley Cullingham