Krave Coffee

I want to like Krave more than I do. The space is great for someone like me who sometimes likes to work in shared space, and I find the communal table has a quiet and considerate spirit. People are there to work. And there’s a patio that gets afternoon sun; unfortunately, it looks over a parking lot, but at least there’s a mural at the far end to break up all that beautiful concrete.
The staff is friendly. No knock on them for their customer interaction. But… But…
Two stars — because The Coffee. Somehow every type of coffee I’ve had there — I’m partial to espressos, cortados, and americanos — has only ever been adequate, and some of them were a lukewarm mess — not to mention the most expensive I’ve experienced on this strip of St Clair West. All the friendliness in the world can’t make up for the incompetence of the person pulling your coffee. The coffee beans there are top-​notch so I assume the staff is where it’s gone wrong. When I can’t finish a cortado — too milky, muddy, more like Tim Horton’s coffee than a delicious espresso-​based drink — then it’s time to move on.

Krave Coffee has fast became my favorite little indie coffee shop in the neighborhood. Krave Coffee, how much do I adore thee, let me count the ways:
1. You serve kick-​ass coffee from known, quality roasters such as Rufino, Sam James and Propeller.
2. You have great sitting area, especially the communal «office» space.
3. You have consistent internet.
4. You have an amazing ambiance, with cool grooves playing.
5. Last, and most importantly, your entire staff (from management to all the baristas) are awesome!

Coffee and tea are excellent, service is quick and friendly but the baked goods are totally stale and not worth buying. I got an almond croissant today and not one bite was even remotely soft or fresh.

The barista knows the struggle of soy lattes, and did his best to make it as nice as regular dairy lattes. The cookies and pasties here are TO DIE FOR. Not made in-​house but source from local bake shops that are killing it. Lots of great space and they openly offer free Wi-​Fi with a big sign with their password. You don’t have to feel bad about asking for the password here.

St Clair has needed a place like this for a long time, it’s amazing to me that it’s taken so long. Aside from an annoying number of laptops owned by people who spend $ 4 on coffee to take up a table for an hour or two, otherwise it is low key and the staff have a good vibe with a focus on well made coffee.
My only complaint; there are at least two places on the same strip offering some seriously top notch baked goods that they make themselves, some of the best of their kind in the city in each case. Admittedly their focus is the baked goods, the coffee not so much, but these places still manage to almost satisfy entirely on both fronts.
Krave on the other hand seems to be offering baked goods from the same bakery that half a dozen places I have been to do. These places offer boring (and barely edible) muffins, unappealing scones, and very average croissants, all for extortionate prices (mind you, the price is not necessarily the fault of the proprietors). Correct me if I am wrong but go to Dark Horse, Walllace, or the Common, and you seem to get the exact same baked product, no? It isn’t BAD necessarily (I am being generous here, some IS very bad), but it is expensive and definitely underwhelming.
I GET IT, Krave sells Coffee (and for the price of a coffee rents table space to people who can’t/won’t do their work at home), as do all the others I lump into the same category. Not everyone can make their own product, yet I wish these places could appreciate they are cheapening their own brand by going this route. I guess my high water mark is Capitol, who although primarily a coffee place at least try by baking something fresh and tasty in-​house.
In Hillcrest this juxtaposition is highlighted by a couple of outstandingly good outliers on the foodie front. As someone who lives nearby I find myself confused every time I go out; do I go for a good coffee, or do I go out for a snack? I wish that I could get both in the same café.
So, for now I offer 3 stars for what they do offer, here’s hoping Krave finds a tastier groove and offers something worth another star (or two). I wish them the best and will continue to support the business in the meantime, though admittedly on a rotation basis.

Good staff, and very nice teas and the chai latté is satisfying. Not too sweet, and not just a tea bag plus frothy milk. There is a really affable barista with a beard who is warm and pleasant. Frankly, I’ve experienced no attitude from anyone who works there, which is refreshing.
Sadly, there are some customers who have no complex about making the community table their office. However, I don’t hold the staff responsible for that. Just, if you’re one of those people, stop doing it? The vibe is super-​relaxed and friendly, but I really don’t need to know about your mergers/​wedding planning business, or whatever. Manners!
The place is developing nicely, and I noticed that they are putting art up on the walls — it warms the place up.

When Krave opened up, the neighbourhood was understandable skeptical, we have many coffee chains and little independent cafes. But Krave does something different by adding a minimalistic yet still rustic and cottage-​y vibe to the décor that makes it a prime place to study, write and get together. Coffee wise, amazing, I can never drink Starbucks again. The bacon and cheddar scone is a fav. Service has always been more than exceptional. St. Clair West loves you Krave!

I was really pleased to see Krave make their mark in the neighbourhood Taking over from the ol Vietnamese Soup place would be a challenge as it was a landmark in the hood. Coffee is stellar (ordered in the past: cappuccino /Lattes)and liking the way the back part of the shop is set up for adhoc co-​working. Had a few of the baked goods and no complaints on that side of the business.
Its part of the up and coming scene here on St. Clair West. No issues with service other than to say I think it takes a couple of times for them to warm up to you — regulars are regulars for a reason. Warm and inviting place and see lot of folks right across the 512.

Krave is by far my favorite coffee shop in the area. Great coffee, super cute décor, friendly staff, free wifi, and a ton of tables to work at. A great place to go chill!

I really hate to do this to a new small business, but in a day and age of more and more competition in the coffee shop industry… you need to up your game… Krave has not done this.
I really really wanted to like this place. It’s literally 10 seconds from where I live. It looks cute. Amazing patio. A new business to the Hillcrest community… what’s not to like?!?
My partner and I went in maybe a week after they opened looking for an iced coffee because it was sweltering outside. We thought the space was really cute, great décor, not busy but a couple people sitting enjoying their coffee. There was 1 girl working the counter and was making a drink. There was no client standing around so I’m not sure who it was even for. as all other clients had drinks. We stood and mulled over the menu… looking at the cookies and pastries. this went on for about a minute. She never said hi or even made eye contact. Then another client came in and went right up to her and said hi. they knew each other it seemed and started to chat. This went in for a minute or 2. Finally I said «excuse me can we order a drink»? She ignored us!!! Fucking ignored us!!! Appalled we just left. Again, she never even looked at us. Once out side, in all seriousness, I asked my partner if we died and hadn’t noticed?!?
As angry as I was I chalked it up to being its first week and perhaps the girl didn’t have client service experience. I gave it another shot about 3 weeks later. This time it was busy, I stood in line for about 5 – 8 mins while the same girl chatted away with the couple ordering in front of me. Again, never made eye contact, no one said «we will be right with you», just chatted away like they were the only ones there. Even the guy making the drinks never acknowledged me. FINALLY I got to order a drink, and as I was ordering, in a very standard voice tone and volume she interrupted with a «what? What do you want»?? with total attitude. I placed my order again and she didn’t even tell me a price just asked how I was paying. I answered with debit. «Cash only, debits out». At not one time before I placed the order was this message relayed. There was no signage. And I have now wasted 15 minutes for a freakin latte?!? I said nothing and left. She never apologized.
Today, a beautiful Fall day, perfect for a walk with my dog and a nice cup of coffee… I thought why the hell. it’s close. I need coffee. what are the chances it will be that bad. My mistake here was thinking that thought. It’s like I willed this experience to happen.
I walk in. one guy is behind the counter making a drink chatting with a client and there is one girl in front of me waiting at cash. We stand there for seriously 3 – 5 mins again not being acknowledged. Like how frigging hard is it to say «be right with you»? I can respect you’re working alone if you respect your paying clients. Finally the same rude girl that works there saunters through the door and asked the client in front of me if she needs help. The lady had drink already but said it was too sweet.“so what? You want another one” the girl says to her. No, «I’m sorry can we get you something else»? Just complete attitude and full on rudeness. She tells her she will bring it out to her. Now, before I can even open my mouth. and again this girl STILL hasn’t made eye contact… looks at the guy past me that was waiting for his drink and asks if he liked the chia he tried yesterday… he says yes and that’s what he is getting… then proceeds to order some cookies and she fucking starts getting them for him!!! Seriously?!? You are seriously going to help the guy that has already made an order but now wants to add on?!? The right thing to do here is say «I will get those for you once I help this client». Why should I be surprised. I then here the guy that works there tell her debit is down! WTF! I made a loud enough «are you kidding me»?!? Statement that the other client looked at me. but the employees just kept on working. Needless to say, I walked out and took my business to the incredibly delicious and friendly and helpful Mabel’s across the street.
Now, I may just seen like a grumpy person with super high expectations. I’m really not. I just want decent client service and to be treated like I exist. You’re selling coffee… this should not be hard. I have been treated better at ⁷⁄₁₁. Really. I have. You are trying to start a new business. Gain clientele. This is not a great start Krave.
I hope for their sake they get their shit together because there are MANY options on this street for people to take their business to. Hell, the Starbucks down the road is better. Its sad to say I would rather support Starbucks then a local new business.

The St Clair West neighbourhood is flush with places to get a good coffee, but Krave sticks out at top from the bunch.
Their Americano is excellent, and the best on the strip.
Also, excellent patio on the side.

really needed a proper coffee house on the street, so glad this place opened
great coffee. caps, americano etc
great patio for street watching and free wifi
maybe a little bit higher priced, but very much worth it.
good for a saturday morning walk to the farmers market

A beautiful, bright and open concept space, complete with a patio overlooking St Clair West.
The espresso was fine, but tasted slightly burnt for my taste. Krave did just open so let’s give them some time to perfect their brew. The venue itself is worth visiting — its breathtakingly modern and refreshing compared to the otherwise regular-​looking cafes on this strip.
Free WIFI!