Locomotive - 3070 Dundas Street West, Toronto

This September, I got hired at a Starbucks Coffee shop on Dundas and Quebec. Located in the heart of the junction, you could imagine the plethora of local coffee shops and small businesses trying to make a profit. Right across the street from Starbucks, is a local coffee shop called Locomotive. I stood outside this coffee shop various times waiting for my bus home. For two months I would see people drinking their coffee, reading the newspaper, or hanging out with friends.

Four months later, I finally decide to go and see what this coffee shop was all about. I arrived late morning, around 10AM, and it wasn’t crowed at all. There were only two other young men drinking their coffee talking about something work related. From the moment I walked in, I couldn’t get over the overall vibe of this place. It felt like I went back in time to when there were no huge coffee franchises and everyone bought from their local business owners. It didn’t feel like I was still on the busy street of Dundas West. Working at Starbucks requires you to be on your feet all day serving coffee as fast as possible, all the while maintaining that personal connection. However at this coffee shop, there was a much different atmosphere. There was no rushing. You could go in, order and sit in peace and still feel an emotional connection with the owner.

I ordered a hot chocolate and as the barista was making it he was describing to me how they use real coco and barely any sugar. I was extremely grateful to find out this information. Most people like to know what is being put into the things they drink or eat. As for Starbucks, people are usually unaware of what they are consuming in their drinks. To compliment my hot chocolate, I ordered a BLT on a bagel. It was the best BLT bagel I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot. This is the type of place I cannot even really describe for you. This is something you have to go and experience for yourself.