Favourites Thai BBQ / Sam James Coffee Bar

What is Favourites Thai BBQ / Sam James Coffee Bar? Located at 141 Ossington Avenue, this dual-concept space serves precision espresso from Sam James Coffee Bar at the front counter by day before opening up into a moody Thai charcoal grill and wine bar by night. Conceived by restaurateur Jonathan Poon alongside the team behind Khao San Road, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded room features dim amber lighting, long communal banquettes, and counter stools with a view of the charcoal-fired hearth.

Favourites Thai BBQ / Sam James Coffee Bar Menu & What to Order The evening menu centres on punchy, charcoal-grilled Thai street dishes and bright, highly acidic flavours designed to pair with low-intervention natural wines. Start with the bite-sized pineapple snack crowned with caramelized palm sugar pork, freshly shucked oysters finished with spicy nam chim, and the charred eggplant salad. For mains, order the tender charcoal-grilled pork collar, curried mussels loaded with aromatic lemongrass and galangal, and stir-fried noodles.

Know Before You Go Dinner reservations should be booked in advance for weekend peak hours, though walk-in solo diners and duos can often grab bar seats overlooking the kitchen. Street parking along Ossington is limited, making the 63 Ossington bus or 501 Queen streetcar the most hassle-free transit options. The daytime Sam James coffee bar runs through the late afternoon, while the Thai BBQ kitchen begins dinner service from Tuesday through Saturday.