Cherry Bomb Coffee
Long-running Roncesvalles coffee shop offers the most consistent cup in town.
Founded in 2005, Cherry Bomb was one of the earliest specialty coffee shops in the Roncesvalles, Toronto neighbourhood. The lineups that are still frequent throughout the day are a testament to the enduring popularity, and ultimately to the quality of the coffee and baked goods they offer.
Like many shops around town, Cherry Bomb is still closed to indoor visitors but the pickup window works very well. The lineup out front spans the large glass window which holds all the baked goods. Like kids, people strain to get a peek before they are close enough to order- the anticipation is palpable. Even with 10 or 20 people waiting, it is an efficient process.
The coffee is one of the two highlights here. I’ve been going consistently for 3 years and compared to 30-plus other coffee shops I’ve tried in the same period, Cherry Bomb has the most consistent preparation. While other people enjoy daily coffee novelty, to me, coffee shops that endlessly change their beans and baristas are an annoyance. I want to experience the same high quality taste each time I go. That’s why I choose that shop. There are certainly no shortage of other coffee establishments in Toronto, often even on a given street. Logic dictates that you can easily jump to another shop if you want something new.
The coffee flavour at Cherry Bomb is smooth and full-bodied which rich deep flavour. It doesn’t err to bitter or sour and there’s little fruitiness or “fermented” taste as is so popular currently at other purist shops. While distinctly in the golden middle, it has a fullness of flavour that it doesn’t get boring. One might compare it to a really good versatile Cabernet Sauvignon. You can drink it every day and simply be fulfilled. In all my visits there has only been one time when something was different. Given the huge variability at other shops, it’s positively amazing at the quality control that Cherry Bomb manages.
The second highlight is the baked goods. Specifically, the almond croissant and pain au chocolate are exceptional. On their best days, they rank with the very best in Toronto, equaling even the much more expensive connoisseur offerings of Emmer Bakery. The pastry is flakey and chewy at the same time, offering a substantial buttery feel and highly satisfying treat centre—chocolate chunks in the case of the pain and a honey sweet sugar in the croissant that are truly like a present treasure that perfectly balances the lightness of the pastry with a punch of flavour. The pastry does seem a little more special in the fall and spring, and occasionally falls off in the summer, perhaps due to humidity.
Between the two standout pastries, it’s hard to choose a favorite— both are equally addictive. If I don’t go with someone who wants to share, I usually splurge with both because I don’t want to miss out.
CONCLUSION
Cherry Bomb is Toronto’s most consistent coffee shop and offers the best tasting middle-ground cup as well. While it doesn’t forge new dimensions in exotic taste profiles, it confidently sticks to a recipe that works. It’s always eminently pleasing and offers a degree of fulfillment that becomes sense-memory. Is there a better overall coffee experience out there? Perhaps some places with fancier decor, or the handful of cups I’ve had elsewhere that may be slightly better, but day-in day-out, Cherry Bomb is top of the list.
PRICE
Standard-priced
AVAILABILITY
79 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, Canada
THE RATING
9/10 Absolute
10/10 Relative
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