Boxcar Social Laneway is a part of the Boxcar Social coffee empire, located secretively at the end of an alleyway on Markham St.

You might not know it from the tucked away location, but behind the graffiti and concrete lies a cozy cafe oasis for great pour over modeled after Japanese listening bars.

It opened in November 2021, one of the most recent outposts in a long line of six cafes with the first one opening in Summerhill back in 2014.

The Boxcar Social brand was founded in 2013 by Alex Castellani, John Baker, Joe Papik and Chris Ioannou.

They actually run a family of brands that's also behind Beatrice Society, Subtext Coffee Roasters and The Slip.

"Laneway is a slightly different concept than our other Boxcar Social locations. Being tucked away in the alley makes it a slower, more intimate space. We leaned into this in the design, which is heavily inspired by Japanese listening bars," Boxcar co-founder and CEO John Baker tells blogTO.

"We have a record player with a rotating selection of vinyl, and have a live music series in the works. Our other locations are great day-to-night spaces, serving coffee in the day and wine, beer and whiskey at night. Laneway is, for now, coffee-focused."

Of course, you can pick up your standard Americanos, lattes and espresso at Laneway.

If choosing to stay, you'll be treated to great presentation and a full sensory experience with a library of vinyl.

They're expertly made using specialty brands like Gardelli from Italy, known for their roast profile crafted by a world-renowned coffee roasting champion.

There are also just a couple (but quality) food options, like tortas or crostatas from Forno Cultura, as well as pastries or cookies.

Over at Beatrice Society they've been experimenting with some alcohol-optional cocktails, and at Laneway they're toying with the idea of bringing some of their non-alcoholic drinks onto the menu.

Coffee equipment and bags of beans are also for sale should you want to try your hand at creating your own amazing pour over at home.

"Our hidden gem is a great contribution to the neighbourhood," says Baker. "It leans into the alleyway system of our city and focuses on the intimate spaces that other neighbouring businesses are known for."

As for expanding the Boxcar kingdom even more, Baker says they're focusing on their "current operations" for now, but they're "always looking for new opportunities."

Stumble down an alleyway in Toronto, and you truly never know what you might find.