Best Coffee Shops in Waterloo Region

Because of the many months of cold, if not frigid weather in Canada, the Country has become one of the largest coffee consuming countries in the world. With 2/3 of its population drinking at least one cup of coffee daily, its no surprise that Canada has reached that worldly status. If you plan on visiting the Waterloo Region, this local is going to point you to the best coffee shops in Waterloo.

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Canadians are people who are always on the go, and usually with a coffee in hand. Hence, why when visiting Canada, you won’t be surprised to see a Tim Hortons perched on nearly every street corner.

Despite the readily available coffee to go found at Tim Hortons, Canadians have discovered that they do enjoy relaxing either with friend or alone, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The retail market has caught on to this trend, and coffee shops have been springing up throughout Canada in an abundance.

The Region of Waterloo is no exception. When visiting anywhere throughout the Waterloo Region, you will now find numerous quaint, cozy, and welcoming coffee shops. Sit back either alone or with friends and enjoy your daily cup of java at one of the many coffee cafes in the Region.

Many of these coffee shops provide games, newspapers, magazines, and friendly banter. Some cafes even permit fur babies to accompany you on your daily coffee outing.

For Those Who Ask- where is the Waterloo Region?

For visitors who are wondering where the Waterloo Region is, it’s about a one hour drive west of Toronto. The Waterloo Region isn’t known to be a popular tourist destination, however, in my humble opinion it should be. With activities such as skiing, hiking, hockey, live theatre, an exquisite culinary scene, boutique shopping, and so much more, it makes for the perfect Ontario road trip destination.

Let’s face it. Coffee has become a large part of our daily lives, and in many cases, a necessity. When visiting the Region of Waterloo, you will be over-welmed with the choices of coffee shops. I have made your decision easier by providing what my favourite coffee shops in the region are.

The coffee shops are not in any particular order when it comes to the best, or my favourite. They are each special and unique in their own way. Let’s get going…..

Cafe O

Address: 901 Victoria Street North, Kitchener, Ontario

Cafe O’s primary focus has always been on creating a great cup of coffee and offering a cozy and comfortable spot to drink it. In my opinion they have far surpassed their original expectations.

As soon as you enter the coffee shop you will feel right at home. Even though the space is small, it’s comfortable and intimate. During the warmer months, they offer a small patio which fronts onto Victoria Street, which is quite a busy road. If visiting Cafe O alone, you will be welcomed and feel comfortable immediately upon your arrival.

Whether you choose to sit quietly and enjoy your cup of coffee, watch the cars pass by, or grab a newspaper to catch up on the local news, you won’t be disappointed that you chose to sip your java at Cafe O.

What is served at Cafe O

Cafe O provides an extensive selection of coffee, as well as quite an extensive food menu considering the size of the coffee shop.

• light, medium and dark roasted coffee
• latte’s and cappuccino’s
• cold coffee and latte’s
• sandwiches, wraps, and bagels
• salads
• pastries

Because of the great coffee, and cozy atmosphere, Cafe O quickly became one of my favorite coffee shops in the City of Kitchener.

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EcoCafe

Address: 1441 King Street North, St. Jacobs, Ontario

EcoCafe is a unique coffee shop located in the Old Mill on the main street of St. Jacobs. For over a decade EcoCafe has been serving coffee made from globally sourced organic coffee beans.

This coffee shop is extremely small, but exudes an abundance of energy. You will have your choice of a few tables to relax and sip your coffee, however, they are quite close together. Another option is a coffee bar which overlooks the main street of St. Jacobs. Because of the size of the coffee shop, I recommend ordering your coffee to go.

Don’t let the size of the coffee shop fool you. EcoCafe offers some of the best coffee in the Waterloo Region. This is one stop that you need to make when visiting the Village of St. Jacobs, located right in the heart of Waterloo’s Mennonite Region.

What is served at EcoCafe

EcoCafe provides an extensive selection of coffee drinks, however, the food menu is quite limited. Perhaps this is why the food at EcoCafe is so fresh and yummy.

• roasted coffee and green coffee and tea
• lattes, cappuccinos, and expressos
• select few variety of sandwiches
• pastries

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JUST ONE TIP: If you’re hungry, I highly recommend the BLT on a pretzel bun. The serving is not large, but it will satisfy your hunger.

Baden Coffee Company

Location: 1427 Gingerich Road, Baden, Ontario

This hidden gem is located 24 kilometers outside of the City of Kitchener. Don’t let the drive keep you away though, as the Baden Coffee Company is by far one of the best coffee shops in the Region of Waterloo.

At Baden Coffee Company they pair superior customer service with over 35 different types of coffee all of which are roasted on site. Needless to say, the coffee menu that you will find here is massive!

As most coffee houses, Baden Coffee Company is small. Notwithstanding its size, it does offer a limited amount of inside seating which includes a couple of cozy couches. While you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, take some time to browse the little shop and perhaps indulge in purchasing your favorite flavour of coffee.

During the warmer months, order your to go and relax and enjoy your coffee and some peace and quiet on the large outdoor patio.

What is served at Baden Coffee Company

In addition to the on-sight store which sells various types of freshly ground coffee, as well as coffee trinkets, you will find:

• 35 flavours of coffee, which includes lattes and cappuccinos
• freshly baked pastries
• limited amount of lunch items, such as sandwiches. The menu will change weekly and each item is freshly made.

The Baden Coffee Company is my go-to coffee shop when I’m touring around the Waterloo Region. Not only is the coffee to die for, the people are friendly.

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Crushed Almond Bakery

Location: 269 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario

The Crushed Almond Bakery is a new addition to the Region of Waterloo. Although it just opened its doors within the past year, it has quickly risen to the top of the coffee chain and has made a splash throughout the Tri-Cities.

Immediately upon entry, you will be welcomed with a friendly hello from the owner as well as the aroma of freshly made coffee and pastries. If visiting The Crushed Almond Bakery, I would go with a view to take your order out, as there are only 2 to 3 very small tables which are usually full. However, if there’s an empty spot, take it!

What is served at The Crushed Almond Bakery

The Crushed Almond Bakery specializes in Turkish coffee and goodies. This little gem is known as “Home of Ferah’s Baklava, and favorite Turkish baked goods. Specializing in Turkish breakfast, lunch, coffee, and baked goods.”

People are driving from all over the Waterloo Region for the authentic Turkish coffee and baklava served at The Crushed Almond Bakery and you should too! After just one visit, you’ll see why I’ve rated The Crushed Almond Bakery as one of the best coffee shops in the Waterloo Region

Just One Tip: When visiting The Crushed Almond Bakery, you HAVE to try the Traditional Simit! It’s to die for!

Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters

Location: 100 Ahrens Street West, Kitchener, Ontario

The Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters is ideally located directly adjacent to the Kitchener train station. This is the quintessential location for commuters who opt to have a coffee that’s powerful, yet is delicate in nature.

Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with a flawless cup of coffee. The coffee shop provides an eclectic, laid-back atmosphere. The wide span of windows allows an abundance of light to flow through. The comfortable couches beckon to all who want to relax and read or catch up with friends while enjoying a fresh brewed coffee. For patrons wishing to catch up on their work or school, there are an abundance of tables scattered throughout the large interior of the coffee shop. There is also outdoor seating for those who prefer to be outdoors.

What is served at Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters

Naturally you will want to purchase either a hot or cold freshly brewed cup of coffee which is brewed on site.

• hot and cold coffee, all of which is freshly brewed on site.
• pastries and scones
• toast and toppings
• bagels and toppings
• light sandwiches

Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters is my choice of coffee shop when I need a little pick-me-up after work. The coffee and the atmosphere make it one of the best coffee shops in the Region of Waterloo.

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Cafe 22

Location: 22 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario

What is served at Cafe 22

Not only does Cafe 22 serve freshly brewed coffee, they also have an abundance of treats and sweets to partner with coffee, which include:

• cold and hot coffee and tea
• healthy paninis and gourmet wraps
• soup and varying choices quiche
• salads
• and on the light and healthy side, you will have your choice of bagels, smoked salmon, granola parfait and croissants
• freshly baked pastries

The diversity of culinary choices available at Cafe 22, not to mention the cozy, intimate atmosphere, provides the perfect spot for the discerning coffee drinker.

Seven Shores Cafe & Coffee Shop

Location: 10 Regina Street, Waterloo, Ontario

The Seven Shores Cafe is located in the heart of Waterloo’s food scene. It’s all about developing relationships. Whether you need to get out of the cold to warm up, or just want to hang out with friends, Seven Shores Cafe will welcome you with open arms.

This community owned Cafe offers patrons an extensive menu which consist of healthy choices to fill your belly. There is a large space for relaxing inside, however, a patio is offered for those wishing to remain outdoors.

Seven Shores is not a typical coffee shop which focuses soley on profit. They strive to create an inclusive atmosphere offering creativity, generosity and an abundance of comrade. You will immediately feel the love when entering Seven Shores. It is for this reason that makes Seven Shores one of the top choices among locals when they’re looking for perfect cut of java.

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What is served at Seven Shores

As previously mentioned Seven Shores Cafe offers an extensive menu, as well as an abundance of choices when it comes to coffee and tea. When visiting the Seven Shores Cafe, you can expect to have the following choices:

• a large variety of coffee and tea
• bacon and eggs
• burritos
• homemade soup
• a variety of salads and sandwiches
• freshly baked pastries

Best Coffee Shops in the Waterloo Region – which one was your favourite?

This is by far not an exhaustive list of the coffee shops scattered throughout Waterloo Region, but they are definitely some of my favourites. Be sure to check back to this post frequently, as I’ll be adding more cafes as I continue exploring the many cafes in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas.

ENJOY 🙂

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