Playful Grounds

no longer in business. Why all the places i rate poorly go under?

I came here as part of the indie coffee passport (ICP). There have been some good finds so can’t complain much. But like ICP’s in the past one runs into spots which are quite bad. This place is such an example. More of an event space with a café on the side IMO.
Just vile vile stuff here in terms of espresso drinks.
Desserts are way over priced (3.50 for mini cup cake that has frosting which belongs in the garbage). I am all for supporting a good cause but this is plain ridiculous. I am sure some management type came up with the idea to turn this place into café for revenue generation but instead of charging regular café like prices I would say just have a donation box at the counter and have people pay what they feel like here.
Here is the verdict
Espresso: Mild
Crema’: Poor
Milk: Frothed poorly and not latte art to speak off.
This is a very poor attempt at a Cappuccino.
You are better off trying a powdered drink IMO.
1 Star.

2.5 Stars
Upon entrance of this place I found it to be pretty comfortable. The décor is pretty nice and unique. As I walked further into the café, after I ordered, I spotted a little play area for kids. This is quite an interesting thing I have never seen before.
I ordered the Latte and was not overwhelmed. In fact, it underachieved in my opinion. It was ridiculously hot first of all (I am pretty sure it’s not supposed to be nearly boiled!) and secondly there was not much punch to the coffee itself. This could be as a result of the Roaster they buy from (Alternative Grounds), but it could also be the barista.
The food selection is quite disappointing as well. Everyone who walked in asked for a food menu (although I don’t think a menu is necessary) and were told there was muffins and bagels… that’s it. Also the baked goods were frozen and not fresh, which is not great.
The reason this place gets a 2.5 star instead of just 2 is for the creativity of thinking about children by creating a place for them to play at.
My impression is they are having a hard time with business, but I will give them credit for trying something different.
I don’t think I will be back here, but it has serious potential.
That’s it.

This is difficult to review. The concept is fantastic and it looks like it was probably once a really nice place. J loved it there and it was really nice having the play area to keep her occupied. She didn’t want to leave. Food was decent and the people are friendly and attentive.
Unfortunately, the first thing I noticed and the lasting impression is that it is filthy. Tables, chairs, highchairs, floors, toys — sticky, grimey, straight up nasty. There’s a layer of dark filth over most of the toys. The play area was nothing what it looks like in the photos. There was no train table which is what J was looking forward to but there were trains and some tracks on the floors. Many toys are in opaque bins on the shelves rather than being visible. J still enjoyed it, it’s just unfortunate how filthy the place is. We were there for almost 2hrs. We sat next to an empty table with dirty dishes. The dishes were cleared away and they’re really good about that but crumbs and sticky mess left behind seems typical. It wasn’t busy or anything. I think this place could be far better with higher standards of cleanliness and maintenance. Not saying I’d never go here again but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

I didn’t like it here at all. First of all, I asked for a brewed coffee (on the menu) and the person working, who I assume was the owner told me that she just ran out and wasn’t brewing another pot because she wouldn’t sell it all. It was 2:30 in the afternoon. It’s brewed coffee. And also, that’s not my problem. So I ordered a soy latte instead, and it was awful. I’m not even a coffee snob! Trust me, this was BAD.
The «play area» is tiny and the floor was filthy. My kid’s scooting leg was black. They need a gate. It’s not about drinking coffee and not watching your kid, it’s about general safety. It may be better for an older toddler (like 3 or 4) but my 1 year old just kept trying to crawl into the kitchen area. Oh, and when I asked for water, the owner rather rudely pointed out that it was «right there» and looked at me like I had 4 heads. I won’t return.

Out of the 3 baby friendly cafes in Toronto that I know of, this is my favorite. The play area is small and not fenced in and I don’t mind at all. In fact, I think it’s a smart idea as it’s not the staff’s responsibility to watch your kids while you chat and eat but the play area is there to make your life easier and your child’s visit more pleasant.
There is a train table with full tracks and trains, a kitchen with all the dishes and fake food your kids need to «cook» and make believe, a bookshelf packed with books and other various toys. The floor plan is open and quite roomy and the bathrooms are incredibly kid friendly with flip down child toilet seats and lots of stools.
There is a kiddy menu that is very reasonably priced and tasty. The food overall is pretty good but simple since there is no full kitchen so the owners do the best they can. There is a liquor license. Oh, and the best vegan cupcakes from Sweets from the Earth that I have ever had I am not vegan.
In the Summer there is a small patio and the front doors open up but are blocked by a large leather sofa so kids can’t escape.
The owners are the friendliest and most open ladies I have had the pleasure of meeting and this is one of my go to places now when I want to enjoy a tea, lunch or brunch with a friend or group of friends. I actually have even just gone on my own once and my daughter had a great time playing and I got caught up on some work on my ipad while enjoying a coffee and muffin. My daughter likes the grilled cheese or pizza. She didn’t even want to leave to go get ice cream! lol! That’s the hard part, getting your kids to leave.
I really suggest going here if you are looking for a nice relaxing café experience that your kids will enjoy too. This is not a kids café or an indoor playground. This is a good café that caters to adults and makes their lives a little easier by providing entertainment for the kids. This is a community café.
If you don’t want kids running underfoot or hearing little voices do not bother going here.