The Sidekick

304 reviews

1374 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C9, Canada

www.thesidekickcomics.com

About

The Sidekick is a Comic cafe located at 1374 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C9, Canada. It has received 304 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8AM-10PM
Tuesday8AM-10PM
Wednesday8AM-10PM
Thursday8AM-10PM
Friday8AM-5PM
Saturday8AM-5PM
Sunday8AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Sidekick: 1374 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C9, Canada

  • The Sidekick has 4.7 stars from 304 reviews

  • Comic cafe

  • "Really, really, really, really wonderful place full of awesome people and great vibes"

    "One of the calmest exciting coffee places I have been to they have a huge selection of graphic novels "

    "This place is nice if you’re going to purchase or read the comic books"

    "Go for the comics and atmosphere"

    "The mocha's here are by far my favorite and good quality"

Reviews

  • Hamza Fasih

Really, really, really, really wonderful place full of awesome people and great vibes. I've been numerous times and have never had a single negative experience. The staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. As someone who admires comics from a distance but has never been able to dive into this world, I never feel out of place here. Instead the people here go out of their way to help welcome everyone feel at home. Every square inch of The Sidekick could be it's own Instagram post, it's beautiful, has great coffee, and awesome vibes all the way around! Can't recommend it enough for anyone into comics, coffee, or feeling good!

  • G. M

One of the calmest exciting coffee places I have been to they have a huge selection of graphic novels . The interior decor is like it came out of a comic novel . The vibes are amazing at the place . The sidekick on queen street offers cashless payments however the employee was able to take physical cash as I had the exact amount . Wish it offered cash but that’s their nature of their business which is understandable even though my preferred method of payment is cash . Purchased the large drip and it’s good . I like it as it’s not a chain keep up the good work .

  • Ryan Lowe

This place is nice if you’re going to purchase or read the comic books. If you’re going for coffee don’t bother. The coffee is no better than McDonald’s coffee but at double the price. The chai latte is also very expensive for subpar quality. I was disappointed on the breakfast sandwich as well. In all I spent 24 dollars for two sandwiches and two hot drinks. You’re better off elsewhere if you’re hungry
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

  • Marino Iurillo

Go for the comics and atmosphere. Excellent venue! Do NOT go for the coffee experience. The barista working did not know what I was asking for. Rather than asking me to explain, he said he knew what I wanted. He did NOT give me what we paid for. We bought two double espressos. One of them was to be a short pour. What we received was one single espresso and one single Ristretto. Very disappointed. The venue is a cool place, though. I cannot give that negative reviews. The barista, on the other hand, must recieved negative reviews.

  • Brooklynn Seitz

The mocha's here are by far my favorite and good quality. I love how they even put latte art on their hot drinks. There is a great, calming ambiance here. This is the perfect spot to meet up with a friend, read a book, or do homework versus a traditional Starbucks that can sometimes be loud and messy. The baristas are also very friendly here. The coffee shop doubles as a comic book store which is a neat idea, and gives it a very cute vibe. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants to try a new coffee spot.

  • Blunt Reviews

Super expensive food n drink can’t even lie, won’t be back for the cappuccino even though it was really good I’m not paying $12 a day for coffee. Good place to find a diverse range of comics old and new, the owner is helpful in setting up open mics for all to come out and shoot their shot at the sidekick. Mildly racist customers, don’t think it’s the owners fault, just depends which day you go, overall good experience had to get some books to go

  • Hope M. Pelufo

So glad my friend decided to invite me over there for coffee! I will have to come back an explore the wonderful comics, taste some of those crunchy scones, or sit down in the comfy bucket chairs with a cappuccino. I loved the decor and the energy, and I HUGELY appreciate that they keep a name and a check box that they have seen your proof of vaccination. Why don't more people do this? The staff was also verykind and friendly. Lots of non dairy choices.

  • M Bee

One of the staff (female) would not stop talking to the person at the counter even after they had paid for their coffee. I was standing in the line waiting for my turn for about 5 minutes and she just would not let the guy move aside to take another order. Finally the guy said have a good day and that's when I got my turn. I often buy hot chocolate or coffee from here and it's not bad. Love their cookies. Just the customer service sometimes!!

  • nathaniel fleming

Great place to chill out with a coffee. Board games are available to play at the back. Comic books are for sale in the store as well. Lattes are done really well here. They use geeky mugs for the larger sized drinks. Although the menu is a little confusing at first glance. The coffee and food is made exceptionally. Also the door opens weird, has a pull handle for pushing. Other than that it's a very nice place. Very nice music selection too.

  • Vishal Singh

The staff was super aggressive and screamed at me when I mistakenly walked into a room that was not a bathroom. They have no signs for the washrooms/bathrooms. This is not the right way to treat customers. She could have just told me that’s not the bathroom as opposed to screaming at me. And then she started calling me names and laughing at me with her friends and other staff while I was walking to the bathroom (which I heard).

  • Leslie Heydon

Looks newly renovated, long narrow cozy space, down 1 flight of stairs, lots of couches, and a small central stage that folds up into the wall revealing a tv screen. Food & alcoholic beverages including mocktails. Friendly staff, place was packed for recent open mic Magic night.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • David Choi

Best comic book shop slash cafe in Toronto hands down. Owner Chris is super courteous and really cares about the community. They host numerous events here including drink & draw, trivia, movie, and open mic nights. The liquor license is a super bonus on top of all the indie popup and meetup events they host. The trek here is about an hour from my place but it's always worth it.

  • Anna P

a lovely cafe with a unique atmosphere. the location doubles as a science fiction/fantasy/graphic novels bookstore - with themed decor. lots of daylight with big windows facing south. you can get there coffee, hot chocolate, cold beverages and beer.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Kay Tor

Coffee and comics! Stumbled across this gem in my wanderings and looooved it! I wish it was closer to my neighbourhood. The comics on offer are lovingly curated and inclusive- as someone who tends to prefer small press and indie comics I found a lot of great stuff here. The space is cool and comfortable. If I was an eastender I would practically live here.

  • Kimberley Whitchurch

The Sidekick is a much-loved café and comic store hybrid. It hosts book launches, geeky get-togethers, and other community events. I like that. It has a cool, laid-back, artsy vibe, and I like that too. The place has my support. The only thing I don't like? The so-so coffee and dry as dust cookies, both of which are on the pricey side.

  • Shannon

We have passed by this place a number of times without thought and our only regret is that we hadn’t gone in earlier. There is a great vibe in this place with exposed brick and so many comics and comic books! The staff was so nice and really helped us pick out some items for a child’s birthday! The coffee was super delicious too!

  • Angel Velásquez

Great coffee, good vibe, I really wish to have met this place pre-pandemic, but I am looking forward when they are allowed to reopen indoor dining. Update: They are allowing customers in again (due lift of restrictions) and the place is simply great, I'd say is the best coffee place in the Greenwood-Coxwell area.

  • Leah Dunton

My go to place for fresh roasted in house coffee! It has a wide variety of comics, books, graphic novels, etc. My family could spend days here reading and enjoying delicious treats. Not to mention that it is owned and staff by some of the nicest human beings. It is a lovely place to spend some time!

  • Dave Praetorius

Best comic shop in the east end. Their focus on showing off the diversity that comics has to offer is exactly what I'm looking for. Add that, they have amazing coffee, a cozy and inviting atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and I can get a beer there!?! What's not to love? ❤️

  • Monica Kelly

I love this place. The staff are totally awesome, they always have great music playing, they have vegan gluten free treats from Tori's, nice selection of beverages hot and cold and comfy seats to boot. The books are a fun addition as well as the games. Great neighbourhood vibe!

  • Sean Forrester

Was there for an evening comedy show. Cute spot. Not a ton of alcohol selection but that's expected as they're a cafe/comic book store first. Still met our needs just fine. Grabbed some beans for home too which were great. Will definitely be back to check it out during the day.

  • James Dooley

Sidekick is the best. Really great selection of beers, coffee and snacks and during the week they have an open mic comedy night (Fridays) and a trivia night, and a "drink and draw" night, and more. Staff are really cool and the graphic novels and books are super interesting.

  • Konrad Secord-Reitz

Sidekick Comics has an excellent selection of comics and graphic novels for all ages. The have hard to find books as well as the most popular selection. On top of that, they also have the best coffee in Toronto which is custom picked and brewed from bean by the owner.

  • Ben B

Great coffee, unique mugs to match the comic book theme and a really good selection of baked goods. I think they have evening events too which sound like fun, although I haven't been to one myself yet. Very friendly baristas. Definitely pop in if you are in the area!

  • George Antony

It's like a coffee shop plus comic book plus comic character toys...Lot of space. OK range of eats. Nice guy behind the counter. Cosy ambience but spacey. Lol...Cosy and big...Not cramped. Wonder how they make money. Come here to look once at it. Parking is easy.

  • Nicholas

Great place! Love the community events or even to stop in for a coffee in the afternoon or a pint at night. The eclectic collection of comics is a lot of fun too! If you're looking to branch out into some smaller publishers or find a local title, it's the place!

  • 3 R

Love this cozy little cafe. They have a nice collection of comic books and an arcade game next to the bar. Buy a comic, grab a cup of coffee or get yourselves alcohol. This is a great place to hang out if you are a comic fan. They also sell great collectibles.

  • k (AstroKat)

Another gem within the magical Leslieville area. Fun and comforting atmosphere blended with a freaky geeky style. The coffee is a sure 10/10 and I felt like I could enjoy this environment day or night, alone or with group of friends. I will definitely be back.

  • Jared Krause

I really tried to like this place but the coffee is almost always lukewarm (even in the morning) and the selection of comics is pretty mediocre. If they had good coffee or good comics I'd be into it but without either, I'm probably not going to visit anymore.

  • Kristina Tao

The banana chocolate loaf is big and delicious, and the mocha is one of the best I've had in Toronto. The atmosphere is also great - the fireplace is nice even without a fire and the comic book theme is a cool, unique feature. Comfy armchairs too.

  • Tomas Wright

Comfortable and clean, with a great selection of comic books. I'm a repeat customer, and I have my 'own' mug that I get every time I go, yellow Legend of Zelda! :) The staff are great, and it's nice to have a comic book store in the area again.

  • Andrea (LabyrinthOnVHS)

The Sidekick has great coffee, amazing atmosphere, the staff are super friendly. As an added bonus, it's also a comic book store. It's a fantastic place to hang out or just grab a quick coffee. This is one of my favourite places in Toronto.

  • Lauren Cruess

Cute coffee shop and comic book store. Not what you expect from the outside. Seating is limited but beverage selection is good for both coffee and tea. Had the coffee special and it was excellent. Offers almond and soy plant-based milk.

  • Zain

Super awesome spot that's an interesting fusion of comic, cafe, and even bar related things! Full of friendly staff, and a variety of hosted activities that happen throughout each week. There is also a great sense of community as well!

  • Micheal “Mikie Bee” Bogensberger

I'm currently at the Dundas street café and it is a fantastic little place! I can only imagine the Queen street one is the same but bigger! Love the atmosphere and the hot chocolate/coffee is delish! And the people are super friendly!

  • Lon Dupuis (RedEyeLion)

The friendliest staff and excellent (the best)coffee while you read a graphic novel. The atmosphere is very cosy and warm and it's in a great location. They also serve alcohol and awesome snacks. Coffee is also roasted in house!

  • Channa Joy

Great place, fun but also chill. Board games available. Good coffee, nice snacks. Staff are always super friendly. It has cocktails, mocktails and beer - will definitely come back to try some of those options out!

  • Morgan Dobroshinsky

Really cute little spot! Was a little disappointed to find out that they didn't carry a regular milk (ie, a 2%), so I opted for soy in my cappuccino, and it was actually the best cappuccino I've ever had!!

  • Bryan MacKinnon

Excellent coffee, great service, and awesome comic, graphic novel, and figurine selection. Even if you're not into the comic world, it's a good spot to grab a coffee and have a look around.

  • Grant Lehmann

Great local coffee shop with helpful staff who offered help with picking coffee but also with choosing comics to fit your taste. Nice spot to stop by for a quick coffee or to browse.

  • Julia “Jev” Evans

Wonderfully artsy and cozy coffee shop and comic book shop. On Thursday nights they do a drink and draw with crayons and brown paper for everyone to draw on. Good drink selection.

  • JP Casino

The Sidekick is one of my favourite places in the city - awesome coffee they roast themselves, awesome selection of comics, great snacks, amazing people. You need to come here.

  • Shel Scott

Wednesday trivia was fun! Amazing comics selection, cool decor and vibes, lovely staff, good drinks selection. Not a lot in terms of food but you can order/bring whatever in.

  • Nicholas La Roux

One of the coolest cafes I have ever been too. If you're into good coffee or comics/graphic novels or even better, both, you absolutely must check this place out!

  • QT Cha

Do not come to this place. The worst open mic ever. Rob the bar tender wants "clean" jokes but no respect for the comedians. If I could zero stars, that would it.

  • Jeff Kelly

An amazing Coffee & Comic combo. Spectacular staff and delicious snacks and beverages. Likely my favourite Leslieville location. They roast their own beans!!

  • Amanda Lawrence

Very cute and quirky cafe! They have amazing coffee and tea. They also sell comic books and are open super early in the morning!! (So thankful for that!!)

  • Maria Caterina Bruciapaglia Lampe

One of my fav places in this area. Excellent service, great enviroment. Loving the concept and amazing selection of graphic novels. 100% would reccomend.

  • Erika Lavin

A comfortable, stylish place to curl up with a coffee and browse comics. The comic selection has a little of everything and is well-curated. Great staff.

  • Moving Comic Factory

A Comic & Coffee oasis! A fantastic array of comics and graphic novels combined with great food & way cool funky coffee mugs as well. Highly recommend!

  • Omar F

One of the best coffee places in Leslieville. Chris really knows what they're doing. Comics and coffee? Such a good combo. Highly recommended.

  • Justin Ing

Great place to have really good coffee and a really good selection of graphic novels for all ages. Staff is incredible there across the board.

  • David Mason

Amazing coffee roasted in house, a fun and friendly staff, great beer and cocktail selection, and the coolest comic book store in the city.

  • Xavier Briand

Friendly staff/good baristas. Cool music and nice seatings. Baby friendly. Love the great comics recommendations and the great selection.

  • Eli Barrett

Delicious coffee and snacks along with fantastic service. Baristas are also very nice, helpful, and good for a comic book related convo!

  • Miles Harbord

Favorite coffee shop in the east end. Super friendly staff, good comic selection, good coffee. Comfy seating. A big yes to this place

  • Ryan Abcede

Great selection of tpbs and kids books/comics. They are my go to when I want to get my kid a new book. Great food and drinks too!

  • Shannon

Nerdy, and cozy vibes! Lovely staff, great coffee and baked goods. Books and comics galore - highly recommend checking it out.

  • Belinda Schubert

Coffee dripped, poured and expressed in lovely fancy ways. Baked goods. Friendly service. Excellent gluten free vegan options.

  • Jean-François Pagé

Best coffee in leslieville, best comics on the east side and run by some of the best people in Toronto. What’s not to love?

  • Mark Cline

Amazing Coffee/Comic shop! Super friendly and talented baristas! Great place to grab a coffee or spend some time browsing!

  • Riley MoMo

Such a cute place, staff are very friendly and it has such a welcoming atmosphere. The coffee is also excellent quality

  • Rob Driver

Cool little comic book store and cafe! Great vibe friendly barista and awesome coffee. Will definitely be back again!

  • Rebecca

Staff are super friendly! The vibes and atmosphere is great for studying or just chilling. They're now doing sit ins!

  • Sonic

Went here 2nd time and it proved to me that this one of the best coffee in Toronto. Very nice vibe. Keep it up guys!

  • Mathew Dotto

Cool vibes with coffee, cocktails, and comics! Some unique things and nice patio in the back. Will be going back.

  • Corey Durand

Amazing freshly roasted coffee! And so great to have a comic shop in the area! Love the cozy fireplace seating.

  • Nam H

Great service and coffee. Looking forward to checking out the actual comic book section once covid is over.

  • Nora Tallmon

Great experience, wonderful collection, coffee and baked goods. Super personable host...thanks Harrison!

  • Céline Dastous

Lovely space with great service & queer friendly! Loved the suggestions the person gave me for comics!

  • Vijay and Crystal Sharma

Really cool spot with great service. Good drinks and a great selection of comics and graphic novels.

  • Danny K

Good coffee. Wifi available. Staff person a bit quirky. Cool place to hang out. Love the comics.

  • Dmitri Melamed

Great coffee shop with excellent baristas. Serving Cut Coffee espresso at the time of the post.

  • Luciana Gomes

Pretty cool place, really recommend, just a whole vibe, great coffee and great atmosphere.

  • Aaron Millard

Best comic shop. Best coffee. Best people. Can't recommend enough, I'll see you there!

  • AJ

Love finding these quirky gems in the city. Good coffee, Options for vegans & GF.

  • Dimitria Papadatos

So cute and cozy! Love that they have free read comics as well as the shop.

  • Terry John Westsol

If you like comic books and coffee this is a great little east side nook.

  • Aaron Siebenga

Worst breakfast sandwich I've ever had. Coffee makes up for it though.

  • Sultan Mirzan

Good Hospitality and they have standup comedy shows every Friday

  • Miles Gripton

Good coffee. A perfect spot for comic fans who love caffeine

  • Rezvan

Beautiful/cool good quality cafe-bar-bookstore!

  • Chris Grouchy

Incredible cold brew and breakfast sandwiches!

  • Cerberus Goreboy

Cute little spot. Okay selection of comics.

  • iuliia lauta

Nice place! Enjoy cocktails and atmosphere

  • Chris Drew

Good coffee selection and seat options.

  • Keith

A great place to relax. Nice staff too

  • Ievgen Lauta

Cool vibe, nice drinks, great service!

  • nanci paroubek

Has a great open mic night