Mabel’s is a homestyle bakery that has been serving Toronto since 2008. Today, there are four Mabel’s across Toronto, with locations in the Junction (2755 Dundas St West – pictured here), Wychwood (746 St Clair Ave W), West Queen West (1156 Queen St W), & Roncesvalles (323 Roncesvalles Ave – its OG). Hours at its locations vary and can be found here.
Mabel’s is known for their fresh baked goods made with local and/or organic ingredients. The shop is also free of preservatives and artificial flavourings. Plus, they offer options for different diets like vegan or gluten-free.
On top of baked goods, they sell a range of prepared foods, breads, & groceries. Their entire menu can be found on their website, but here’s what you need to know:
Baked Goods
Mabel’s serves a rotating selection of baked goods, including croissants, cookies, cupcakes, bars, tarts, scones, cinnamon buns, empanadas, and entire cakes/pies. There is always a wide variety to choose from, so no matter what time you visit, you’ll have options.
Looking for a recommendation? Opt for one of their croissants, peanut butter fudge cookies, or a cinnamon bun – this last one is especially good if you visit first thing in the morning when they just come out of the oven.
I find Mabel’s baked goods to be on the doughier side - especially their scones and cinnamon buns. As such, I’d suggest pairing their baked goods with a coffee.
P.S. You can also purchase some of these goods frozen to be baked at home.
Prepared Foods
Mabel’s prepared foods and ready meals include a range of entrees and SSSS - soups, salads, sides, & sandwiches. These can be purchased in-store or through Fresh City Farms.
Entrees include pasta and pie-based dishes like macaroni & cheese, gluten-free lasagna, and tourtiere. Soups, salads, and sides vary, but expect options like coleslaw, potato salad, and rainbow salad. Sandwiches also vary by location/availability, but if possible, opt for one of Mabel’s paninis.
Breads
Once you start buying Mabel’s fresh bread, you’ll never be able to go back to grocery store bread again. That’s a promise.
Mabel’s serves a variety of loafs, bagels, baguettes, and buns. I recommend their loafs especially, which include options like sourdough, pain de campagne, white, spelt, challah, and multigrain (my favourite). Loafs go for around $6, but day-olds can also be purchased for $2 off. I find the day-olds to taste just as good, but they are subject to availability – I’ve had most luck getting them on Saturday mornings.
Artisan Grocery Items
Mabel’s sells a range of artisan pantry items in its cafés. These include a selection of crackers/chips, granola, jams, dips, sauces, teas, spreads, oils, and more. Some are Mabel’s own brand, while others are from local merchants.
Cheese and charcuterie items are also offered at the bakery, including many options hailing from Ontario and Quebec farmers.
Coffee
Mabel’s has a small beverage menu with café favourites like americanos, cappuccinos, and lattes. As Mabel’s focus is on baked and prepared foods, its coffee menu is very simple - but it does the job. Serving Pilot Coffee Roasters, I’d recommend grabbing a drip coffee.
Mabel’s beverages range from $1.77 (ex. small drip coffee) to $5.73 (ex. double mocha latte). An extra shot of espresso can be added for $1, a flavour shot of caramel or vanilla for $0.75, and/or misto (steamed milk) for $0.50. A small selection of its drinks can also be served iced.
Price, Seating, and More
Mabel’s is an artisan bakery and market, so undoubtedly, patronizing the shop will cost more than if you were to buy from a grocery store or other retailer. That being said, because Mabel’s items are freshly made and use high-quality local ingredients, it’s worth spending a little more on.
Feeling price conscious? You can get an idea about their prices on the Fresh City Farms website before visiting in-store.
As for seating, Mabel’s is more of a grab-and-go place rather than a sit and dine-in. With no seating available inside their shops, bring their goodies home or opt for the sidewalk benches near its locations.
Shopping at Mabel’s is a great way to support local businesses while elevating your pantry. And hey, if you ever visit their Junction location - maybe I’ll run into you there.
