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Bevy Cafe, one of Toronto's most unique cafes, has a second location at John and Wellington in the Entertainment District.
The spot inside the CBC building is housed by the Combine, a collaborative space dedicated to nurturing local creatives.
Although commonly confused for the short form of "beverage," the name "Bevy" according to its founder, Phil Song, is taken from the word meaning "a group of like-minded individuals."
Bevy founder Phil Song.
"If you don't know the game, you can't put your twist on it," he says of creatives hoping to establish themselves. "So, how do we get people from the creative community to meet people that get it, and know the language, who can teach the game?"
His answer? Bevy.
"It's a cafe, but it's also a great excuse for people that normally wouldn't kick it to come and learn [from each other]."
The first floor of the Combine and stairway to Bevy.
When you walk in from the corner of John and Wellington to the street-level floor of the Combine, you'll likely be met by a local pop-up.
Give and Grow's Alley-Oop Project was taking up residence on the first floor during my recent visit, with an array of plants and lush green decor that immediately mellowed me out.
Customers line up to order at Bevy Café.
On the second floor, Bevy sports what initially seems like a traditional cafe layout: a barista-manned counter and customers seated with their laptops at an array of high-top tables and booths.
This table is sectioned off as a private space.
But look further to the right of the staircase and you'll notice a vibey, curtained-off room decked out with artwork and figurines.
Bevy's working area with a long shared table in the front and private booths in the back.
Although Bevy is not meant to be a co-working space, there's a large working area on the opposite side of the floor, with a first-come, first-served long table and private booths providing the option of different working environments.
A well made cappuccino at Bevy Cafe.
On the menu? Bevy gets its beans from local roasters Hatch and Rooms Coffee. Baristas craft typical drinks like espresso ($3.50), Americanos ($3.50) and flat whites ($4.60).
Iced tea is individually brewed.
They also have an extensive tea selection including oolong, jasmine and genmaicha, all for $4. Matcha and hojicha lattes are $5.20.
Bevy's food menu includes pastries like this blueberry scone.
There's also a small selection of pastries in a display case at the counter. A friend of mine tried the blueberry scone which costs $3.75.
An almond croissant.
Overall, the space is well-designed to be conducive to productivity.
Inside Bevy Cafe.
It was busy, but relatively quiet, when we were there, with most people in the cafe having shown up solo to put their earbuds in and get stuff done.
The street entrance to the Combine.
Bevy Cafe is at 225 Wellington St. W.
Fareen Karim