The Mad Bean

The food/​drinks here are really nothing to shout about. The americanos and lattes I’ve had thus far are OK (not strong enough), and i’ve definitely had much better at other cafes. That said, i really liked the ambiance and atmosphere in the café. nice little place to sit, chill, and read for a bit while sipping on a beverage.

My favorite Americano in Toronto. Friendly family-​run business that can make you feel like a regular on your first visit. Live music is a nice touch. Mad Bean is a proper sort of local indie coffee shop.

The space is nice. It’s warm and inviting. But, there are several drawbacks.
For starters, they claim to have the «best Americano in town». Not only is it not the best, it’s barely any good. It’s pretty close to warm brown water. This is a prime example where overselling yourself can backfire.
Second, the place is very dark. It seems they rely on the large front window, but really it’s not enough and you end up with a very dark room. You can’t read or do any work here.
Third, the place gets a little crowded and noisy. There’s music in the background, but it’s so faint and gets completely lost in the chatter.
Fourth, they seem to have some jewellery and other arts and crafts for sale. It seems a little bit cheesy for a coffee shop.
I know I’m nitpicking, but when it comes to a coffee shop you are selling coffee and an ambiance. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and if you can’t seem to get either the coffee or ambiance right, then you have to make some adjustments.

killer spot with amazing coffee and service.
says a lot when a place with shorter hours can last successfully in a sea of starbucks!

I entered the mad bean today at 4:55 unaware they closed at 5. The polite young gentleman at the counter took my order for 1 latte to go. He took my four dollars and my 1 tip. The other guy, let’s call him mid life crisis in a brutal derby hat, finished making the coffees for the other customers. He then turned to me and said, «you know it’s 5 now, we close at 5.» I say, «so you don’t want to make my latte that I paid and tipped for.» The answer was no so I took my money back and left. Mr mid life crisis might make a great Americano but I highly advise you take your business elsewhere. Friendly staff is a myth. I’ll never go back. What a douchebag. I hope he was the owner because letting your staff where hats like that is embarassing. You arent in the blues brothers, you’re an impolite barrista who turns away customers who tip 25%.

Actually the best Americano in the city. Highly recommend both the coffee and the atmosphere.

Usually when a café advertises that it serves the city’s best cup of coffee, it’s lying. The Mad Bean may not be; their sign boldly daring you to try the best Americano in Toronto is legitimate.
I stopped randomly into this little shop on the way to an appointment. I now wish I lived closer.
Staff (owners, I think) were also very nice, as was the ambience.

Amazing coffee, super friendly staff and a great atmosphere. A no-​brainer if you ask me.

This is a a gem of coffee shop in this neck of the woods. Very friendly owner who makes you feel like an automatic regular. Americano is a great caffeine fix. Cozy interior. Pricing is very fair for specialty coffee. Youd be craZy if you went to Starbucks or sc with this great find nearby! Plus I have to admit I love how they have an ella misto coffee drink w my name being ella I’m hooked! Always had a good experience.

If you are looking for coffee in midtown, look no further! This is the perfect spot for a morning latte or afternoon espresso. One of THE best independent coffee shops in town.
I have been a regular here for a couple of years and don’t know why I settled for chain coffee like Starbucks or Second Cup. They also don’t gauge you by not charging for lactose free or soy milk. And their prices are incredible reasonable. The owner, his wife and son are extremely friendly and hospitable.

Love this place, better value for the money than the Starbucks and Second Cup across the street. Quiet and lovely. Best local coffee shop.

Cutest little café ever. Couldn’t fit more than fifteen people at a time. Cozy varied seating like tables, armchairs, sofas.
The owner and his son are such gems! They’re always up for a chat.
In terms of munchies, they’ve got Kiva’s bagels! You can either get cream cheese or cheddar on your bagel. And snacks like muffins or cookies.
NO SOY TAX FTW. Almond and other milks are also the same price. You rule, Mad Bean.

«We went here for a Chocolate Tales workshop.
It’s an awesome place. Trendy and warm with local art hanging. We will definitely be back to try out their coffee and snacks.»
This is just a bite of our full review.

Way up yonder in ye cold north, there aren’t too many independent bean pushers. Everywhere one looks it’s green signs and six dollar frappuccinos.
Enter Mad Bean. A small and cheerful coffee shop with free wifi and bagels. The price point is low, the people quality is high, and the ambiance is what you’d expect if you were at a similar location south of Bloor.
I had a green tea, but the man running the joint takes a lot of pride in their americanos, so if coffee is your thing be sure to try one.
PEPPER TAKES PAUSE: They have really fun posters in the bathroom. You will stay in there too long.

There is a certain magic which occurs when you cruise the city and randomly decide to make a left or right turn and see where it takes you. Yesterday, a few misguided turns landed me somewhere along Eglington near avenue road and into a hip little café.
The sandwich board out front made the claim «Best Americano In The City!» That statement is Madness old Bean, simply madness!!! OK, I’ll bite. I entered in and immediately fell in love with this chic urban inspired loft-​y café. Walls adorned in brick, booths set up in high back wood finishes, urban tables and chairs abound AND… plenty of outlets — Finally a coffee shop that gets it! People like ME need places to work all day, and outlets and WiFi (and Coffee) are our lifeblood!
Saddling up in a cozy booth with my main gal Evelyn W, we set up shop for the day and made our way to the counter. I called them out on their «Best of…» claim and I was told to take a seat and they’d bring it out.
Served hot and in a to-​go cup, the Americano was well balanced, not too bitter and got the tingles going in my toes. There was very little aftertaste and I was buzzing by the time I got half way through!
Verdict: A
Definitely in the top 3 I’ve had in the city and top 5 in the GTA! Worth the visit, but warning, you’ll want to stay for more than just one!

There’s no shortage of places to grab a cuppa joe in this neighbourhood… Starbucks, Second Cup, Hotel Gelato and Phipps are all located within the same two blocks of the Mad Bean.
But Mad Bean leads the pack in coffee quality and overall vibe; it’s the definition of a cool, arty, independent coffeehouse. From the americanos to the cappucinos, lattes and standard brews, they serve seriously kickass cups of coffee. And I love the emphasis on local… they feature local art on the walls and artisan crafts for sale; they serve Montréal-​style bagels from the Bagel House on Avenue Rd; Lemonana mint-​lemonade (locally made) and their well-​chosen selection of baked goods are sourced from great local bakeries.
Plus, the space is hip and relaxed, the staff (Brian, Cody and Lisa) are super nice and friendly, and they even host live music events from time to time.
This bean is mad satisfying!

This place serves the midtown of TO. It is a bit of the main transit line so I guess it caters to the locals.
Interior is nice cappuccino is not. Kudos for having one of the coolest password I have heard in a while.
Portion is kinda small or maybe its because of the Indie Coffee passport (small size only)
Espresso: Mild
Crema’: low
Milk: OK
Latte Art: N/​A
2 stars for the drink as there is not much to admire here.
3 for the setup

The Mad Bean is a small charming coffee joint west of Eglinton. The warm atmosphere created by the super friendly staff and cozy artsy interior can put anyone at ease. I love their deep red brick walls, sparkling chandeliers, cool music playing in the background, interesting art up on the walls, and bookshelf with a variety of books. I find it interesting that this café sells books, jewellery, art and knitwear. They also have live music, events and free WiFi.
Mad Bean has an extensive list of espresso drinks, coffees, tea, smoothies and cold drinks such as Italian sodas and more. They have flavored shots available that include sugar free options. For those who like almond or soy milk, it’s free! Besides the beverages, they do have bagels, sandwiches and a variety of baked yummies.
I always get the smoothies here, even in winter; their just that good! They are all super fruity, blended beautifully and healthy. My favorite has to be the berry smoothie, it just bursts with flavor. The americano’s are strong and well-​balanced and pairs perfectly with their baked goods.
Overall, Mad Bean is a charming little artsy café with books, music, art, friendly people and good coffee!

Second Cup?
Starbucks?
The Mad Bean? YES I will go to The Mad Bean any day! (unfortunately they do close early!)
Nice Barista made my Cappuncino for me. while I used the nice and clean washroom!
All the seats were taken aside from the student desks (I don’t want to enjoy my coffee in a classroom seating!) or that armchair right by the window…
Enjoying my coffee and felt like I am part of a window display… luckily the coffee was nice and strong and with a good kick… the next thing I want was for me to fall asleep in front of all these people walking by.
I have to say The Mad Bean is a WIFI heaven! Not only they provided me with Free WIFI. every single seating has electric outlets! Your OWN! That’s a +0.5 stars!

MAD Bean gives off an Artsy vibe as it offers Fair Trade Organic Coffees & Teas, Desserts, Books, Art, Live Music, Free Wifi. Details available on their website. 3.5 *Star*
I enjoyed my Reunion Island brand Cappuccino made on the Elektra Espresso Machine and was served with a Blue Cup as it poured outside feeling a bit Blue and the Jazz music plays in the background (speakers).
I sat near the window with my back against it and that seat while looked comfy made me sank in a bit and I felt kind of short. On a nice day, they have some School style seating just outside with those one sided tables just enough to put your textbook on.
Lots of outlets for those with Laptops as I notice even the staff here were using theirs in-​between customers. Maybe the bench seating is the way to go? Or even that 1 single lounge sofa in the front corner.