A new indie coffeehouse brings caffeinated beverages (and Belgian waffles) to east Leslieville

Brickyard Grounds, a new café perched on the very eastern edge of Leslieville, is a comfortable place to take refuge on a blustery winter day. Located on the corner of Gerrard and Greenwood, the coffee shop pays homage to the area’s brick-making past while catering to a recent influx of laptop-toting students and young families. The space is likely to appeal to both: it’s bright and casual with creaky wood floors and lots of spots to sit, including a big, communal harvest table made out of wood salvaged from the century-old building (a framed photo near the door shows the same corner in 1934, when the space housed a grocery store). Espresso-based beverages are brewed with beans from Rufino, and food options are plentiful, ranging from pork belly–stuffed sandwiches on Ace Bakery bread to fluffy Belgian waffles topped with tart berry compote and dollops of whipped cream.

Brickyard Grounds, 1289 Gerrard St. E., 416 465 4444, brickyardgrounds.com