Having lived in Toronto for some time, and not actually venturing out much, I decided I needed to get hip with the scene. Actually, I just wanted to get out of the house. I had already eaten dinner, didn’t want to go to a mall, didn’t want to feel bloody cold outside because it happened to be winter, and so a coffee shop seemed to do the trick. On my friend’s suggestion, I went over to Dooney’s on Bloor. In a street surrounded by Starbucks and Second Cups, you know that the coffee shop has to be halfway decent to survive. There was a very light crowd, which was not too surprising on a Tuesday evening at 10:30pm. Those who were there looked to be friends getting together. I’ve heard though that this place is a writer’s mecca. The heater must have been turned low because the temperature was a bit cool. I kept my jacket on until I pour a half cup of java down my belly. Dooney’s is both a restaurant and a café, but I went there entirely for the coffee and a slice of cake. Their dessert is catered by a local bakery, and comprises about 6 or so choices plus a daily special. Our very friendly waiter was equally friendly and colourful; giving us suggestions on what to order based on what was fresh, what came in a week ago, and what might be getting stale. On this insight, I ordered a slice of carrot cake, and my friend ordered the turtle dessert. Everything came nicely presented, and was the decent, but not blow-your-mind-good. But it was a good environment and I’m glad I went. Prices are reasonable - $5.95 for dessert, around $2.95/$4 for regular coffee, $5.95 for specialty coffee. There were other items on the bar menu, but I unfortunately didn’t look because I have an alcohol tolerance level like the Asian that I am. I prefer only to get smash-faced and embarrass myself in the company of my friends, ideally in a private abode with no cameras. Overall Dooney’s is a good coffee shop with good personality and local charm.