Temple Fine Coffee & Tea

I can't say enough good things about this coffee house. While it's somewhat awkward to tell people you're 'going to Temple' ("Wow, what religion are you?"), this is a fantastic place to kneel at the altar of Caffeine and express your abject devotion to its mystically rejuvenating properties.

I know nothing about coffee, and my out-of-town sister is a coffee snob the way other people are wine snobs. Fortunately for me, the people at Temple know their stuff, and thus are tremendously helpful in procuring beans for the sister. I can squint at a paper she's written out, tell the baristas, "Uh, I need some coffee that's low acid and full body with fruity overtones and a nutty, chocolate finish," and they know what I'm talking about even though I clearly don't. The baristas nod approvingly and show me several bags of beans from countries I may or may not be able to locate on a map, I buy one, and to this date my coffee-snob sister has not once been disappointed.

But wait, there's more! Not only do they make great coffee here, they also excel at tea, which is an alarmingly rare trait in most coffee places. Not a teabag in sight at Temple, no, here it's loose-leaf so the tea leaves can frolic freely in the teapot. They even give you a little strainer. Tip: Do not forget to use the strainer because you're used to places offering only captive teabag tea. Loose leaf tea is far less lovely when you're trying to avoid eating it.

The atmosphere is quiet, comfortable, and pleasant, decorated in a way that's pleasing even to the sort of people who use terms like 'gestalt' and 'aesthetic organization' in everyday conversation. The air is thick with free wifi and the smell of quality coffee, and this place will always be something I consider a treat and an escape.

 I always come to Temple when I want a tasty and not overly sweet white mocha. The wifi and quiet atmosphere also makes it one of my favourite study spots. Blows Starbucks and Peet's out of the water, plus the french press is amazing.

This place has really good coffee. I normally bring in my own coffee cup and they will fill it up for me for $2. They seem very environmentally friendly too. There is no garbage, but a recycle bin and if you drink your coffee there, they bring it to you in a big cup that they can wash so there is no waste. Not as busy as Starbucks, but I think that is a good thing. Very quick and friendly service too

This is a great place to kick back, read a book, the paper or work on your PC if you can get a place to sit.  Ther fair trade coffee and tea choices are great, very friendly staff.

Staff at Temple - very friendly = APPRECIATED!

Espresso & coffee drinks & hot chocolate - *meh* For the prices, could be better.  The drinks LOOK pretty, but a matching quality of taste would be A+.

Environment - wonderful!  More seating would be super.

I'm new to the area & read about Temple in Midtown magazine. I'm a big fan of tea, my boyfriend coffee, so I got the Earl Grey and he tried the capp. We each thoroughly enjoyed our drinks & the service was cool (they deliver to your table, so no need to fear the awkward spill-zone between the bar and your seat).  The only downside to the experience was that most of the tables were occupied by people zoning out in front of laptops. Where's the fun in that?

For a few years now almost every Friday night my husband goes to Temple. Many of our family members thought he had become devote and applauded his tenacity. What he actually meant was he was going to the coffee temple, downtown. In many ways, it was still a pilgrimage. These people know their caffiene. The origins, the style, the flavor … you need only ask to get an education on what goes into your cup. In addition, the wifi makes it a great place to work.