Third Wave Coffee is a new coffee shop located at 42 Church St, near the intersection King & Church. They are open 7am–6pm on weekdays and 8am–5pm on weekends*.
ATMOSPHERE
The café has an industrial feel with high ceilings, a white and gray colour scheme, high tech machinery, and an overall sleek look. The coffee shop intertwines elements of greenery to cut into its industrial design, and mold into its own unique image.
The most notable is the large nature-esque mural on the café’s wall. Commissioned by OCAD students, the art adds a breath of fresh air to the space. I was in awe of the mural which combines fantasy, nature, and coffee all in one image. The more you look at it, the more elements you discover.
What I admire about Third Wave Coffee is their commitment to sustainability and well-crafted coffee. The café values people, the planet, the process (coffee production), and the product (coffee). Learn more about their values here.
It is evident that the café is committed to this mission, especially in small touches such as using Eco-Cups (compostable cups & lids).
MENU
Third Wave's menu is a little pricey, however, you do get what you pay for. The coffee is high quality, and is made in an ethical and environmental way.
Their coffee also tastes delicious. I got a flat white and the espresso was full-forward, yet didn’t overpower the drink – the perfect balance. On a different occasion, on Valentine's Day weekend, I visited and got their limited time 75% hot chocolate and ruby hot chocolate (to share on a coffee date). They were incredibly rich and decadent, like the perfect chocolate dessert. My mouth still waters from thinking about it. Keep an eye out for their future specials in-store or on their Instagram.
Besides delicious coffee, the café also sells incredible pastries. I am a croissant snob and the chocolate croissants (les pain du chocolats) at Third Wave are some of the best I’ve had in the city by far.
If you’re a tea fan, get excited. Third Wave Coffee has a BKON machine that allows their loose leaf tea to be steeped in 90 seconds without tea bags, and in a way that omits the most flavour possible. The café plans to rotate teas seasonally as they move forward, and plans to include rare teas from around the world.
OTHER
The baristas are also incredibly nice, which adds even more to the experience. When I visited the café, the barista seemed like the kind of guy that makes everyone his friend. He was happy to answer any questions I had, including showing me how the BKON machine worked. I felt like I had my own private science exhibition.
The downsides of the café are that it doesn’t offer much seating (~three tables), and has no wifi.
Despite these minor issues, Third Wave Coffee is an amazing coffee shop that deserves to be recognized and enjoyed.
The café is quickly becoming one of my favourite in the city, and I plan to frequent them for morning croissant and tea runs. I have no doubt you'll fall in love with Third Wave Coffee as much as I have.
*Given the COVID-19 pandemic, hours and offerings depicted in this post may be skewed as businesses adapt to better serve its staff, customers, and community.