Diabolos’ Coffee Bar

Five stars for nostalgia alone. Add a few more for ambiance, and a whole mess of stars for the inexpensive, fresh, fair trade coffee that fuels University College’s student population, and what you’ve got is a galaxy of stars for a small, student-​run coffee nook hidden at the back of a study hall.
I don’t generally consider myself to be one of those dudes who lives in the past. I rarely if ever think about high school (in fact, if I met you there, chances are we became better friends with time and distance). I don’t grow misty-​eyed over college football games. My law school class ring mostly sits gathering dust in an undisclosed location.
Before I really knew what a job was, school was my job. I worked hard, did well enough, and escaped to the grey reality of paycheques and mortgages. and more importantly the joy of my own family-​waking up next to my wife, and coming home to a charging toddler yelling «DADDY!!!» at the top of his lungs.
Every so often I’m reminded that even in the throes of my education, when I would live and die with each essay and exam (and long before I acquired real perspective), I had fun. Work can be fun.
The coffee bar itself is little more than a closet at the back of the University College Junior Common Room. A grand old hall with parquet floors and arched windows and a century’s worth of student councils stenciled on the walls. Long wooden tables and battered chairs dominate the room. Cozy leather couches and armchairs hug the walls. Students hunch over the former and pass out on the latter, in various stages of studying and hangover-​recovery.
Every so often, the urge to caffeinate arises, and if you’re there during opening hours (a moving target) while class is in session, you buy a cup to perk yourself up. You walk to the back of the hall, where a chipper and pierced student takes your order and passes you your coffee. It’s always hot and fresh and strong, brewed with enthusiasm if not expertise. Even if it’s not perfect, a little cream or sugar and you’re good to go.
There’s food, too. Mostly organic, and vegan, and gluten free. and tasting of mulch. Besides, you’re likely too busy studying to eat.
15 years ago, it was ridiculously cheap. By today’s standard it still is. A variety of brews at different strengths are offered. Diabolos was my introduction to Fair Trade coffee, and while I still can’t taste the difference I choose it when available. They were also ahead of the curve in encouraging students to reuse their mugs. For a small free, you get your own mug kept behind the counter, there whenever you need your next hit.
At the time, it was all so Bohemian.
Sooner or later, you and your random table-​mates would need a break, and conversations would start. About work, or plans, or sports, or current events. We were all young and brilliant, and anybody could join any conversation at any time.
I learned a lot in that room, and made some great friends. Today, when I scan my social media feeds and see so many keyboard warriors,
I wonder if Diabolos is still a safe space for ideas to be exchanged, and for people from different backgrounds to learn from each other. I hope so.
More than ever, the world needs places that foster smart conversation over delicious delicious coffee.

I’m liking the new improvements! Love the pulled pork sandwich and the Americano. The newly furnished Diabolos has an openness to it — the white washed décor, the increased space and the loyalty cards are a definite improvement. The inclusion of a POS System is also a definite plus. The soundtrack is also pretty bomb. Looking forward to coming back here again once everything is completely finished.

The location of this coffee bar is great. There is a piano, long wooden tables and chairs, plush couches and bathrooms conveniently located.
But there are a few things that can be quiet inconvenient: major lack of plug ins (which is odd considering most people come here to study), they only accept cash, there always seems to be something wrong (i.e.: coffee machine is broken, soup is out, water warming is not working), and at at times, you may have to wait because the baristas will be lounging on the couches rather than behind the counter.
So why 4 stars? Because this is the closest thing to an indie coffee shop experience on the UofT campus. I love the people who work here — friendly and relaxed. And the prices! «Mature baked goods» (from yesterday) for 50cents each. Can’t beat that. Affordable coffee, tea, wraps, baked goods. The only thing that I would appreciate is if they could heat up the wraps. But then again, it’s a small space and I don’t really know how much equipment they could have back there.
For now, this is my go-​to study spot.

If you’re around the UofT Campus and looking for good cheap coffee, head on over to Diabolos’ located in the JCR at the University College. They get their coffee supplied from Moonbean Coffee at Kensington so you know the grind here’s going to be just fine. If you’re new to the area and get lost inside the UC building, you might want to stop and ask someone where the JCR is tucked away in.
In addition to coffee there’s tea, soup (for the winter) as well as a small variety of cold beverages, rolls/​wraps/​frozen entrées and baked goods you’re most likely going to find at most indie coffee spots around the city with some good vegan options available as well.
Only cash (or UT meal plan) is accepted though. The JCR also provides one of the more comfortable and relaxed atmospheres around campus to enjoy your coffee or lunch with their huge comfy couches.
They don’t offer much in terms of variety of your beverage, but on a student budget, a location like Diabolos’ that’s run by students is a great and rare treat on campus.