Out & About #275 | Finch on Locke

For anyone out of the "H" of the GTHA, I generally recommend Locke Street as a good starting location for neighbourhood food destinations. The placid atmosphere allows the individual colours of local businesses to shine, each in their own unique rights.

The street is just east of Dundurn on Main, making it a prime spot for tourists and GTA-ers alike. Just off the Highway 403 ramp, a short drive would land you in a wonderland of cafes, cheese shops, bakeries, restaurants, clothing retailers, and more.

Minimal effort is obligated for maneuvering towards the street of bustling shops utilizing public transit. For the purpose of my own visit, I actually just walked right over after surveying the area around King and Dundurn. (If you happened to see a clipboard-holding, hi-vis-gear-donning someone during observing rush hour, that was probably me.)

​But back to coffee. Finch on Locke can be found just south of the bridge/train tracks, replacing Johnny's Coffee.
(Side: I'm not exactly certain, though I overhead that the name was the single aspect of the cafe that had changed. The owners supposedly owned another cafe up the Mountain called "Finch", which is why they initially chose "Johnny's". Currently, the cafe goes by "Finch on Locke", which I guess provides somewhat of a differentiation between the two locations.)

One casually strolling by may assume Finch to comprise of an interior identical to that of other cafes. However, this is not the case whatsoever. Quite surprisingly, it houses the most ample seating (in the most varied arrangements) that I've witnessed yet.

The cafe itself is on the narrow side, though it doesn't exactly feel that way.
Natural light penetrating the outermost table, a reflective piece on the ceiling, and a tiny back window give the illusion of a higher ceiling.

​Across from a group table and two well-loved sofa seats was the cashier, ordering area, and refrigerated display case. A chalkboard menu was seen hanging behind this, featuring a classic spread of caffeinated beverages at prices slightly more inflated than by Toronto standards. (I also believe that seasonal products such as Cinnamon Brown Butter Lattes are being offered at this time.)
Earning a great deal of appreciation was the Wi-Fi password, which had been clearly identified at the lower right hand corner.

​My aim was straightforward enough: obtain caffeine and revive my soul before returning to the ominous abyss that was school. 

I picked up a medium Mocha and Oatmeal Raisin cookie from the bar, and headed over to a dimly-lit section consisting a series of stout circular tables. Each was anticipated to hold up to a party of two, though the cushioned booth seating along the perimeter added the versatility of sitting as a group, or just merely working alongside others in silent harmony.

​Prior to obtaining my orders, I had ventured over the washroom. Two unisex stalls were found in a small, unassuming slot of the cafe; it satisfied the basic requirements of cleanliness, lighting levels, and hook installment (for heavy backpacks, of course). Separating the washrooms from the rest of the dining area was a condiment bar, water dispenser, and series of blue recycling bins being utilized for disposal purposes.

​The Rosetta had been executed beautifully - an indication of great skill and precision. Its appearance hadn't become flat and frothy even after I had completed capturing several overhead shots, which can only mean that the milk had been steamed to just the right temperature. It made for a tasty Mocha that was neither too strong nor overwhelming in cocoa content.
Towards the last few sips, a few coffee grinds were uncovered at the bottom of the cup. It's important to note that, generally, the grinds would be removed in their entirety. Though I particularly enjoyed this since it lent a bold, aromatic finish to the beverage.

Despite its largely unvaried texture, the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie was rather tasty. While it contained a higher butter-to-flour ratio that I would have preferred, it was crisp and paired well with the Mocha. A greater amount of raisins and oats would have lent a more satisfying chewiness though.

Along with individual tables featuring outlets underneath, coffee-lovers also had the option of heading outside onto a patio. Once again, booths and small round tables made it easy to accommodate parties of any sizes.
The delicate string lights was another nice little touch.

It's clear to see that Finch on Locke is a neighbourhood favourite, and, quite frankly, I'm not surprised. The cafe exudes a pleasant, familiar vibe capable of putting both chatty and work-ridden customers at ease.

Weather-permitting, you'll likely find me here next time I encounter the desperate need of escaping grimy, germ-filled libraries. Maybe I'll be sipping a Chai Latte next time, or perhaps grabbing Steamed Apple Cider to go.

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