Behind The Alley
About This Spot
Stepping into Behind The Alley feels like uncovering a quiet secret tucked away just off the main thoroughfare of Unionville. It’s a sanctuary for those who appreciate a thoughtful, deliberate coffee experience—where the pace slows, inviting you to savor each detail in the hum of soft conversation and gentle clinks of cups. The space quietly encourages you to pause, to linger, and to be present in the unspoken exchange between barista and bean.
The atmosphere is intimate but never crowded, with a subtle energy fueled by genuine passion rather than the rush of routine. Here, the art of coffee is never taken for granted—each cup carries a story, from the carefully sourced beans to the meticulous brewing methods. Whether it’s the bright tang of an Orange Americano Ice or the delicate bitterness of a Ceremonial Grade Matcha Latte, the menu whispers invitation rather than shouting choices, drawing you into a small yet nuanced world of flavors.
The owner’s deep knowledge and personal involvement create an experience that extends beyond the drink. Conversations naturally emerge about origins, tasting notes, and the unique processing of the beans, enriching your visit with context and connection. This is a place where expertise meets warmth, and the ritual of coffee drinking is elevated into a shared exploration.
Behind The Alley isn’t about flash or trendy buzz—it’s a steady, caring craftsmanship set in a corner where you feel seen as more than just a customer. It’s a spot reserved for moments when you want your coffee to carry a little extra meaning, a place where every sip is quietly celebrated and every visit feels like coming home.
What’s Available Here
-
Outdoor seating - Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 03:30 PM | |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM |
|---|
Guest Reviews
Share Your Experience
Related Listing
Recently Viewed Listing
Good Vibrations
Food trucks Tuesdays at Haulover Park
Sujata Restaurant
Barclay Prime
Siu Chi Chan 27 Oct 2025
Behind The Alley is probably the best coffee shop in GTA. They pay a lot of attention to details and maintain a high level of consistency, which makes every cup of their coffee tastes great! They have a rotation of high quality single origin coffee beans from different roasters so don’t feel shy about asking questions about their beans. Highly recommended for coffee lovers!
Wong Lawrence 02 Oct 2025
*Behind The Alley* Even an A4 page isn't enough to fully capture my thoughts on this outstanding cafe. I've never met a coffee enthusiast quite like the owner, Andy. He imports exceptional coffee beans from Asia and provides detailed tasting cards for each variety, educating customers on their origins, histories, and flavor notes. The decoration is another highlight—Andy, with his professional background in interior design, has no hesitation sharing his vision and themes. He's transformed the small space into a true coffee lover's paradise. Don't miss the chance to use their bathroom either—it's fully decorated and adds to the charm! Besides the coffee, I absolutely love their homemade canelés. Needless to say, they're authentic and delicious, reflecting the cafe's commitment to quality desserts on Unionville's Main Street—a hidden gem that perfectly matches their low-profile, passionate approach (traditionally made with surplus egg yolks from winemaking, these small cakes became popular in the 18th century when nuns baked them for the poor, later enhanced with rum and vanilla, and cooked in fluted copper molds for that iconic caramelized crust and custardy interior). One more thing that stood out: Andy taught me a great tip for storing ground coffee beans in the freezer to preserve freshness and taste—a helpful nugget that no other barista has ever shared with me! Many people note that a cup here costs almost double at Tim Hortons, for example. But if you indulge in their coffee, paired with the attentive service, you'll find it's a memorable experience well beyond the price of one or two cups. There's no spacious parking lot nearby, seating is limited, and waits can be long during peak hours. Yet their core values—passion for coffee, augmented by friendly service—make it worthy of becoming a regular spot for enjoying their brews and desserts. Canada needs this standard level of service!
Michelle H 24 Sep 2025
Favourite spot in Markham and worth the visit. Surprised at the lower ratings because the drinks are always consistent and made with care. Perhaps, not everyone understands the vibe of this place…Starbucks is not in the same category. Love to see small businesses succeed, and this place is one of the few that take pride in everything they do, down to the last bean :) Owner and staff are always so friendly and knowledgeable..looking forward to our next visit!
shabi s 20 Sep 2025
This café is truly worth experiencing. It feels as if you step into another world—one where every drink has a magical flavor and each taste carries a story. You first hear the story, and then you live it, moment by moment. For me, this place is reserved for special days and celebrations, because it brings a unique sense of joy and sweetness. The owner creates memories for you that make you smile even when you simply think about them. The cafés here almost feel alive, each with its own personality and its own tale hidden behind it. This place can only be experienced—because no words can ever fully describe it.
Daniel Hong 15 Sep 2025
A little late to post this review after the summer passed. I’ve visited a few times when I was in the area. It’s usually quieter on weekdays compared to weekends. The prices are slightly on the higher side, but the portions are reasonable. I usually prefer smaller drinks, though their signature drink comes in only one size. Just a heads-up — customers aren’t allowed to handle the retail coffee bags unless they’re purchasing them.