Toronto illustrator Wil Wong has an eye for the culture of the urban coffee house, including each shop’s relationship with patrons and the street. These glimpses of life in the city’s bustling neighborhoods are as accurate as it gets. (Above: Rooster Cafe)
Wong often includes progress information, and details about his experiences, or the history, of a cafe. Click on an image (or cutline link) to read his descriptions. Above: 181 Dovercourt (Luna Cafe)
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
Left: Wagamama Cafe /Right: Green Beanery
Moonbeam Cafe
All Things Tea
Left: Cafe Bernate / Right: Te Aro
Wil Wong’s website, here.
On Flickr, here.
Categories: Culture, Illustration
Canadian Art Junkie 
hello, Art Junkie… this is so clever and yet easy on the eye. thanks for sharing. happy yuletide season… 🙂 ~ San
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Ah! I love Toronto and Wil Wong has captured an essence of it beautifully.
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Precisely on point, as usual. Agree, agree.
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You’re awesome! I’m at Toronto International Airport.
My mom has taken gravely ill and I’m heading home. Yours is one of a select few Blogs that helps me stay sane. You’re a Rock Star!
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Oh I’m so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you.
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I really love the soft coloration, which gives this feeling of relaxation. It is true what Grace Addington proposed in “The September Issue”, that beautiful pictures do not always have to be pin-sharp and boldly saturated.
I really like picture #2, in which the people behind the counters are not wearing uniforms. I think it makes the picture more “real” and personal (not that I hate Starbucks and its green apron.) I think the lady with the tattoo in the middle is very cool 😀
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Such an informative comment, and true, too. Thank you.
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what a great series.
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Agreed, and there’s lots more on his Flickr set. He’s been at it a while. Thanks.
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They look familiar, which is a good thing. He really captures the spirit of the coffeeshop.
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And there are so, so many of them in Toronto. I believe he’s done several years worth of works and not covered them all yet.
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Like them alot!
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Thanks for taking the time to say so.
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