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Campus Caffeine Chronicles: Unearthing The Best Fall Brews

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Toronto MU chapter.

Welcome to the fall season! Grab a comfy sweater and turn on your favourite comfort show because the best season of the year has officially started. While these few weeks have a good feel to them, midterms are also a very hectic time of the semester. There’s no better way to strike the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation than with a fresh cup of your favourite fall beverage! 

For Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students looking to find the best spots to study and decompress in a cute setting, here is a compilation of the comfiest cafes and their special fall drinks within a ten-minute walk of campus. So, put on your UGG boots, shrug on your cute fall jacket and get ready to head out the door!

Bulldog Coffee at 89 Granby St

If you are attracted to sugar like a moth is to light, then this cafe is made for you. Only steps from TMU’s George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre, this place will welcome you with open arms.

The star of their show? The Blanco Bulldog: a white hot chocolate topped with an espresso shot.

This drink will give you the energy you need to finish that one essay you have been procrastinating for weeks while keeping the taste of melted marshmallows on your tongue for the rest of the day. With the perfect mix of coffee and a sweet treat, this cup of pure warmth and snuggles will leave you craving more. 

Neo Coffee Bar at 3-770 Bay St

What better way to stifle your guilt after an impulsive shopping spree at Ikea? The answer is simple: cross the street to the Neo Coffee Bar and work your way through all your assignments.

Your best friend in this endeavour will be their Maple Kinako Latte, a classic latte spiced up with maple syrup and soybean powder. Japanese culture lovers will most likely set up an altar to this sweet but subtle beverage, which is the perfect addition to the ongoing stress of the midterm season. 

Good Earth Coffeehouse at 102-8 Wellesley St

Now, some of you espresso lovers might think the previous drinks have nothing to do with coffee. They may be too sweet and not strong enough for your taste.

Well, Good Earth Coffeehouse heard you; their answer to your prayers resides in the Apple Butter Caffe Latte taking up the spotlight on their menu. Described on their website as “​​a cozy blend of rich espresso with steamed milk and apple butter syrup with a hint of caramel,” the intense flavour of this drink will satisfy any self-proclaimed caffeine-craving student this fall.

Playground Cafe at 492 Parliament St

Playground Cafe came up with the perfect mix of goofy and delicious for those of us who want to stand out in the overwhelming wave of pumpkin spice latte individuals.

If you have a taste for adventure, run to Parliament Street, where you will be greeted by a modern, eclectic environment made of swings and neoclassical art.

How to fit in, you may ask? Simply order their Sweet Potato Latte. While you might be taken aback by this interesting choice, the semi-sweet puree will bring texture and taste to your otherwise classic fall coffee order.

Red Rocket Coffee at 154 Wellesley St E

Are you the type of student to dream about your assignments weeks before they are due? Does the mere word “caffeine” make you start hyper-ventilating? Trust that you are not alone.

A great alternative for our caffeine-free friends is Red Rocket Coffee’s famous caramel apple cider. With its strong flavour and surprisingly sweet twist, it will give you the energy you need to grind out your work while keeping you caffeine-free.

These drinks will warm you up faster than a heated debate in your politics class. So, whether you are a caffeine lover on a first-name basis with your local cafe’s barista or a caffeine-free enthusiast, this fall is the perfect time to cozy up and sip your way through the colourful campus season!

Claire Dufourd

Toronto MU '25

Claire Dufourd is currently in her third year of the journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University. When she is not chasing leads or reporting on the latest news, you can find her sipping on a strong cup of coffee, enjoying long walks in the Annex, Toronto, or spending time with her beloved golden retriever, Bailey.