Café Humble Lion

Vincent

5.0

Relaxed, understated ambiance with just the right balance of focus & flow. Great muffins, a wide range of well-crafted coffees, & a location directly in front of McGill University make it an easy go-to-whether for a quick espresso or a longer working session.

Mar 1, 2026

on Google

De

2.0

Far Cry from Its Heyday

The third-wave coffee is still good-though overpriced-but sadly, the welcoming & vibrant atmosphere that once defined this place is gone. On my last visit, the café was nearly empty, & the vibe felt cold & uninviting.

What stood out most was the supercilious attitude of the two baristas (both seemingly unilingual anglophones). They seemed more interested in chatting with each other than serving customers. The sense of hospitality has clearly faded.

There are plenty of better cafés in the city where making an espresso isn't treated like a lifestyle performance. This is a place I'll gladly avoid in the future.

Goodbye, Humble Lion-you're not so humble anymore.

Loin de sa belle époque

Le café « third wave » est toujours bon (mais cher), cependant l'ambiance chaleureuse & accueillante qui faisait le charme de l'endroit a complètement disparu. Le lieu était presque vide lors de ma dernière visite, & l'atmosphère froide & distante.

Ce qui m'a le plus marqué, c'est l'attitude hautaine des deux baristas (visiblement unilingues anglophones), plus occupées à discuter entre elles qu'à servir les clients. L'accueil, autrefois agréable, n'est plus au rendez-vous.

Il existe de bien meilleurs cafés à Montréal, où faire un espresso n'est pas une déclaration de style de vie. Pour ma part, je n'y remettrai pas les pieds.

Adieu Humble Lion, tu n'as plus rien d'humble.

May 20, 2025

on Google

Samuel

5.0

Always love their espresso!!

Apr 10, 2025

on Google

Neil

5.0

Top coffee - even espresso allongé which is not easy to find (Americano is usually not the same) & delicious fresh scones & muffins & more. Cozy atmosphere good internet, friendly staff & the best sort of university vibe.

Oct 31, 2024

on Google

KC

3.0

Firstly, I hate leaving reviews but I left this in hopes the owner sees it & addresses these concerns. I am having very inconsistent coffee & service at HL on Sherbrooke. When ordering an Americano with milk, I do not want the milk added to the water (!?!). This watery milk is then set aside for a few mins while they make the espresso to pour into said watery milk. Why would you do this? The cold milk cools off the hot water so the Americano becomes lukewarm. When the staff is asked not to do this/remake a lukewarm Americano, I am met with eye rolls, "knowing" looks to the other staff, snickers, & shrugs. I am always kind & respectful. I always tip. As a regular, I do not appreciate being treated like this. This has started happening regularly & this week alone, it has happened 4x. I am (was) a daily regular there; if we include the HL on McGill college, I am a daily 1-2x regular. Recently, I've taken to hiking up the hill to Toi & Moi in the Science building to get a good Americano. I regret having to do this. I used to love the coffee here. Saying that, the cheese cumin scones are the best I've ever had anywhere & the owner is lovely with the cutest dog. I wish he'd get the staff & Americano situation sorted out. I'll keep coming to buy scones until then but no coffee for me.

Feb 21, 2024

on Google