Boxcar Social Laneway

Name: Boxcar Social Laneway
Address: 298 Markham Street, Toronto, ON, M6G 1A5, CA
Telephone: (844) 726-9227
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.4

A hidden gem in Toronto's alleyways, serving artisanal coffee, fresh bagels, and cozy vibes.

4.4(5 reviews)

cafe

Directions Call Website

About

Boxcar Social Laneway is a unique café tucked away in a Toronto alley, offering a speakeasy-like atmosphere with stylish, cozy seating across multiple areas. This spot combines artisanal coffee, fresh bagels, and an extensive menu of pastries and light bites in a vibrant, social setting. Ideal for those seeking a trendy, hidden coffee experience with great food and a lively ambiance.

Photos

1 / 1

Location

End of alleyway, 298 Markham St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5, Canada

Get directions

Information

298 Markham Street

Toronto, ON, M6G 1A5

(844) 726-9227 boxcarsocial.ca/pages/laneway

Is this your business?

Claim Boxcar Social Laneway to manage your storefront, respond to reviews, and receive customer leads.

Services

Coffee & Espresso Drinks

Serving quality americano, espresso, oat cortados, and more in a cozy setting.

Fresh Bagels & Spreads

Enjoy delicious bagels with options like garlic and herb spreads, made fresh daily.

Pastries & Light Bites

Choose from a variety of fresh pastries, sandwiches, and snacks for any time of day.

Cozy Workspace

Relax in spacious seating areas with good WiFi, ideal for remote work or studying.

Social Atmosphere

Experience a lively, buzzy vibe with record music, perfect for people-watching and conversations.

4.40 · 5 reviews

Overall rating

Angela A.

via Google

· 9 months ago

This is a hidden café tucked away down an alley, and that’s a big part of its appeal. When you first walk in, it looks small — but then you realize there’s so much more space. The café stretches almost the entire length of the alley you just walked down from the street, and it’s usually packed. There’s definitely something about hidden coffee shops in Toronto that people love — it feels like you’re part of a secret, in-the-know club. The food menu is extensive, offering everything from fresh pastries and spreads to sandwiches and light bites, making it a great option whether you’re stopping by for coffee or something more substantial. If you’re searching for a Toronto café with food options, this one delivers variety. The coffee quality is solid, though the pricing is slightly higher than average. A basic americano or espresso is $5, compared to the more typical $3.75–$4 at other cafés in the city. They mentioned that drip coffee will be available soon, which should appeal to regular coffee drinkers looking for a more affordable option. The overall vibe skews young, energetic, and social. This is not a quiet café to unwind with a book. it’s lively, buzzy, and very much a social coffee spot. If you enjoy people-watching, conversation, and being part of a crowd, this place will feel right at home. If you’re into trendy hidden cafés, alleyway coffee shops, or discovering cool Toronto coffee spots off the beaten path, this one is worth seeking out — just don’t expect much peace and quiet.

Sasha Azarova

via Google

· 10 months ago

a little hidden location but inside is so stylish and cozy! i got a bagel with garlic and herbs spread it was really really good and my americano was good too. very nice ambiance and vibes, if i didnt live so far i would come back very often!

Dylan Forgas

via Google

· 11 months ago

I’ve been on the cafe hunt for years now, and I think I found my favourite. This has it all; immaculate vibes across three seating areas for socializing or diving into a book, unreal oat cortados; and friendly professional staff. I love this spot. Might be the ideal happy place for those seeking peace.

Shreya M

via Google

· 11 months ago

The cafe felt very cozy, they clearly spent a lot of effort into cultivating a relaxing vibe while you sip your coffee. It looked tiny but was surprisingly huge, with plenty of comfortable seating in the back, lots of people were working on their laptops since they had good wifi too. The coffee was mid though, tasted quite bitter. The halloumi croissant was a miss too, the cheese tasted stale and it was slathered in butter.

Eddy G

via Google

· 11 months ago

Quite possibly the coolest coffee shop I've ever been to, and I've been to quite a few. This place feels like a secret little speakeasy when you find it. It's tucked away in an alley, and is fairly inconspicuous, but it's such a vibe when you get inside. Super cozy space, record playing in the background, and some great food and coffee. Can't ask for much more than that. The drink I got was great, and the food options they have are very unique and delicious. Can't recommend this place enough. You absolutely should go out of your way to experience it.

Little Ghosts Books is a unique independent bookstore and café in Toronto specializing in horror, supernatural, and macabre literature. This welcoming space champions queer-inclusive titles and supports local authors alongside established names. Knowledgeable staff provide passionate recommendations, while the cozy atmosphere—complete with a small coffee shop—creates a perfect spot for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. With reasonable prices and a carefully curated selection, it’s a must-visit for those seeking spine-tingling reads and a warm, community-focused experience.

Directions Call