17 Baldwin is from the same people behind 915 Dupont and 135 Ossington, a coffee and music chain all branded under the Rooms Coffee banner. 

Nigel Wang, owner of 17 Baldwin, explains the concept of the coffee shop and how it addresses the needs of someone looking to fill their day with good vibes and great coffee.

"I believe every single place has its own character, that's why we name each location after their address," says Wang, " I believe my job is to respect the character of each space and pull the potential out of it.

There are many ways an interior designer could create this space differently, but the important part of my job is to try and find what the place already has to offer and highlight that."

17 Baldwin's layout is one long strip, and this strip is seperated in three sections.  As you walk from the front to the back, almost like walking through a portal, you find yourself immersed in three different vibes that you need to curate your perfect day. 

The front is bright with natural light that cascades through the window. Benches against the wall allow you to take a quick seat while waiting for your order or for a quick chat with a friend. 

With quick access to the main counter, you can order your favourite drink or grab a buttery, crispy, flaky croissant.

The middle is for music lovers. Large speakers emboss the space pumping music straight from the source, a DJ booth ran by Sam Ehsaei who also serves the shop's specialty pour-over coffee between songs. 

"I come in every day making sure that I'm curating the best music for the current moment," says Ehsaei. 

Ehsaei admits that sometimes he comes in and plays what he wants to hear that day. Nine times out of ten he takes into consideration the weather, the mood of the cafe, and when he notices somebody might have put their headphones on, he brings out the best albums in his collection.

The pour-over coffee is sectioned with the DJ. "When it comes to our pour-over coffee we are making sure we bring the best quality," says Barista Alex Pang.

Each pour-over is a Rooms Coffee limited experience, and to help you divulge in the experience fully, the coffee is handed to you with an info card describing the coffee's tasting notes and its origin.

Walking past the big blue speakers that section off the final third of the buildings strip, you get a relaxing sensation that you've put on noise cancelling headphones. 

"Our back portion is what we'd call our quiet section," says Wang. With brighter lighting, optimal seating, and a quiet that silences the room, you can bring your laptop, books, and journals to drink your beverage in a relaxed environment.

There's so much to like about this place, the vibes, the music, and the intential decor of knick knacks collected by Wang from local businesses and friends in Toronto, and art work drawn on the back of coffee bags by customers. 

None of this greatness falls short when it comes to coffee.

Lattes are smooth, rich, and creamy. Espresso served with sparkling water gives you a refreshing and caffeinated boost. Nitro cold brew is brewed to perfection. 

But I must say as a matcha lover, their traditional ceremonial matchas come in first place for me. It's hard to find a good matcha in the city, but 17 Baldwin has nailed it. 

Also a drink not to miss is something Pang describes as "coffee beer," a refreshing drink of his creation with a Nitro lemon tea with a mint leaf on top. The mint adds a tinge of flavour that's unexpected but delightful.  

With great pastries, coffee, music, service, vibes and a front patio with lots of seating, 17 Baldwin is close to the perfect cafe.

Rooms Coffee at 17 Baldwin is at 17 Baldwin St. in Baldwin Village.