Hidden in plain sight, this Dark Horse Espresso Bar on Richmond Street West is a favourite among creatives, office regulars, and those who know a proper espresso when they taste one. With its exposed brick, industrial bones, and long communal tables, the space feels like the blueprint for Toronto’s modern café aesthetic—because it kind of was.

The Richmond location is one of Dark Horse’s original downtown homes and still holds that early energy: confident but unfussy, busy but never chaotic. It’s the kind of place where people come to work without headphones, to meet without pretense, and to caffeinate with intention.

Whether you’re picking up a cortado before heading to a nearby agency or settling in with your laptop for a few focused hours, the space accommodates both with ease. The Wi-Fi is solid, the natural light is generous, and the coffee is exactly what you expect from Dark Horse, refined, consistent, and made without shortcuts.

There’s a sense of rhythm to the space, especially during peak hours, when regulars glide in and out like clockwork. And while it may be surrounded by ever-changing towers and tenants, Dark Horse Richmond holds its ground as a constant in the Fashion District.

Read about how Dark Horse Espresso Bar brews more than just coffee:
Dark Horse Espresso Bar: Designing for Connection