Sarah Griffiths and Ken Galbraith had been looking for an ideal location to plunk down their Bud’s Coffee Bar project for a couple years when the Leslieville couple decided upon an up-and-coming strip of the Beach neighbourhood along Queen Street East. The coffee house is the first in the area with a distinctly indie vibe that has fast become a community favourite with their playroom for kids, complete with a chalkboard and toys, set up in the back of the shop. Serving up Cut Coffee, a fine local roaster run by Sam James, one of the city’s top dudes of caffeine, Bud’s also features treats from Desmond & Beatrice Bake Shop, which includes many equally delicious gluten-free and vegan options. Sit and sip at the front bar, if you love a good window perch, and munch on some more substantial eats like a sandwich from the Porch Light.