Tertulia is a Latin American term referring to a social gathering of artists and like-minded socialites. This concept is meant to extend to the sense of independent expression of a conversation over coffee.

There’s an eclectic pop art sensibility to the roughly 22-seat space, the cafe’s logo deftly inserted into retro photographs, the seating a mix of colour and comfort.

Pilot’s Heritage roast is ground to order for espresso-based beverage, the weight of the coffee carefully controlled.

Tertulia is one of few cafes in Canada to have a second-generation under-counter Modbar Espresso AV, an improvement on the original Modbar with even tighter control over consistency, temperature and water flow.

Cappuccinos ($4), like everything, are double shots.

A latte will set you back $4.95, and check which of Pilot’s other locally roasted offerings are available in drip form.

A couple nine-ounce offerings of Village Juicery juices ($8) like their Green Energy or Turmeric Sunshine are usually on offer.

Shot of Ginger Fireballs ($5) are made using Village Juicery ginger shots, steaming them into a healthy and clearing dose of foamy, hot liquid.

Brandon Olsen bars go for around $10.40, available in several flavours like pistachio, orange and bergamot or an apricot, chili and coffee “Kensington Bar.”

Baked goods like croissants and “Innocent Muffins” ($4.45) that are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar come from Roncesvalles Village bakery Fantail.

They have Pilot’s canned cold brew on ice, too, in both original and latte form.

Not only that, but Pilot nitro cold brew is available on tap here, smooth, creamy, cold with just a hint of acidity.

You can also buy bags of Pilot coffee for around $20, and their other gourmet boutique offerings include organic Akesson’s chocolate, Hugo & Nate locally-made artisanal flavoured caramels, Maze Bars, and gluten-free “Fraktals,” just to name a few. 

This selection makes this cafe a good place to pick up quick little gifts along with coffee.

Or, of course, you could just unwrap and enjoy on the couch with some WiFi.