In my entire café-going existence, I have never seen staff clean tables so quickly.

Now, of all the things I choose to bring up with Dark Horse Espresso Bar (215 Spadina Avenue), I can’t believe I’m talking about table-cleaning.

But really, this ain’t a tangent.

Think about it: if they’re so conscientious and hyper-sensitive on this level, it likely works its way through every part of the business. There’s pride in what they do, and it definitely shows.

And by gad, this place is immaculate… maybe even moreso than its older sibling, the popular Dark Horse in Leslieville. It helps that this location is huge, bright, airy, and feels like your lawyer friend’s upscale loft apartment.

In fact, whenever I’m working away on my laptop there, I feel like a hoity-toity freelancer working for some serious design firm.

Like Oddfellows, it has large communal tables and feels like you’re just hanging out for breakfast with family. And despite sitting with strangers, the set-up makes it easy to look up at someone across the table, shed your inhibitions, make some glib comment about the weather, and (GASP) not be judged for it.

So beyond the treats and drinks, which are absolutely solid and addictive, I really give kudos to Dark Horse for creating something everyone can be proud of, which includes a really cool, sparkling atmosphere conducive to socializing and getting work done at the same time.

Though it’s not as stay-in busy as its Leslieville counterpart thus far, it still attracts a steady rotation of faithful customers, including me… who is quickly becoming a rabid #1 fan.