If I asked you to meet me for coffee at the local gas station… what would you picture? Catching up over a box of Timbits and a couple of double-doubles? Nursing a cup of Circle K house blend? Whatever you’re envisioning, I can guarantee that it’s a far cry from the spot I’m writing about today. I’ve stopped at my fair share of gas station “cafés” for much-needed caffeine boosts on our many road trips… but I’ve never seen one that had artisanal drinks, grandmillennial-chic decor, and gourmet scones served on vintage china plates… until I went to M & L Motors Café!
Located in the parking lot of an Esso station in downtown Whitby, M & L Motors Café is a boutique coffee shop with charming vintage decor, fancy espresso drinks, and delicious baked goods. You may have come across it on Instagram (that’s where I first found out about it) and that’s no surprise. With its whimsical decor and Insta-worthy beverages, it has all the makings of a social media sensation! M & L is located in a former garage that’s been owned by the same family for decades. In 2022, they decided to completely renovate it – documenting their reno adventures on their Instagram page along the way – into the adorable café it is today. M & L Motors Café officially opened in May of this year, and judging by the steady flow of customers we observed on our visit, it’s quite the popular spot!
The exterior resembles a quaint garden cottage, and features bright turquoise blue doors, pink-and-white striped awnings, and planters filled with colourful flowers.
A pink-and-white scooter parked out front adds to the retro motor shop vibe!
Inside, the café is a grandmillennial’s decor dream: whimsical wallpaper, antique Tiffany pendants, velvet Victorian chairs, and a soft pastel palette.
There are kitschy little details everywhere… check out the swan and fish appliques on the walls! It’s like Mary Poppins opened a coffee shop.
Tania ordered a regular latte (booooring… just kidding!) and of course I had to be extra and get the Neapolitan iced latte. It’s made with strawberry milk and topped with sweet cold foam and pink sugar sprinkles. Okay, yes, I ordered it because it was pink… but it also tasted really good! Decadent, for sure, but actually not overly sweet – just the right amount. Definitely not a coffee for every day, but the perfect little weekend treat. (I’m going to have to return to try their blueberry pie latte… I love dessert for breakfast!)
M & L is known for their delicious scones, which come in a variety of different flavours. Tania and I had a tough time deciding, so we decided to order a box of six. That way, we got to try all the flavours on offer that day: raspberry, blueberry, praline, peach-praline, cinnamon swirl and strawberry shortcake.
We got a to-go box for the scones, but we chose a couple to enjoy on the patio. The patio is just as pretty as the interior, with cute little bistro tables, fringed umbrellas, and a white picket fence that makes you feel like you just walked off the set of a 1950s TV show. It’s so adorable, you’d almost forget you were in the middle of a parking lot! In keeping with the theme, M & L serves their baked goods on the prettiest vintage plates.
We tucked into the strawberry and blueberry scones, and they were seriously so good. You can tell they’re made fully from scratch, using real butter and the freshest fruit. The strawberries were so ripe and juicy, they tasted like they’d been picked that morning. I’m particular when it comes to scones, but I have to say, these ones now tie with Baker & Scone for my favourite scone in the GTA.
The café switches up their scone offerings regularly. Some other popular flavours include salted caramel, pineapple coconut, and cherry chocolate almond. They also sell freshly baked cookies and cake by the slice.
Tania and I were both so impressed by M & L Motors Café! If you love the whimsical, girly, grandmillennial-chic aesthetic as much as I do, you’ll love it too – you truly couldn’t pick a cuter coffee date spot. And she’s not just a pretty face – the scones and coffee are truly top-notch!
Do you know any cute local coffee shops to recommend? Shout them out in the comments or send me an email – I’d love to hear your suggestions!