Dark Horse Espresso Bar

What is Dark Horse Espresso Bar? Tucked inside Studio 135 on the ground floor of 401 Richmond Street West, this outpost of Toronto’s pioneering indie cafe chain sits inside a landmark heritage arts and culture hub. The room features soaring industrial ceilings, warm timber beams, and communal wooden tables, offering a natural flow out toward the building's tranquil interior courtyard. It functions as a welcoming creative haven where resident artists, designers, and neighbourhood regulars gather over fresh brews.

Dark Horse Espresso Bar Menu & What to Order The espresso program relies on calibrated grinds and house-roasted beans, making the silky cortado and flat white dependable daily staples. Drinkers seeking alternative caffeine can opt for the ceremonial-grade matcha latte, prepared using stone-ground Katō spring harvest leaves sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto. Pair your drink with baked treats from their dedicated kitchen—notably the blood orange almond scone and salted caramel brownies—or grab a hearty lunch sandwich such as the French onion short rib with thyme aioli.

Know Before You Go Seating operates on a casual walk-in basis, and while tables fill up quickly during peak weekday afternoon work sessions, drinks can be carried directly into the sunny courtyard or the building's public rooftop garden. The cafe is easily accessible via the 510 Spadina or 504 King streetcar routes. Keep in mind that unlike some of the brand's standalone neighborhood spots, this arts-building branch operates Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.