A good cup of coffee at one of Guelph’s Local Cafes can instantly become your favourite experience once you’ve nestled into your favourite spot, right? Luckily, Guelph is home to a few local cafes that pair fair-trade coffee with a unique and cozy ambiance. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect roast, or a cafe with a cozy corner for reading don’t worry about compromising in Guelph!

The Red Brick Cafe

Nestled in downtown around the corner on Douglas Street is The Red Brick Cafe. We love this cafe for their friendly staff, fair-trade coffee and instagrammable character. Not strictly committed to coffee? Try their Matcha tea and pair it with their delicious muffins that they bake fresh daily!

Planet Bean

There are three unique opportunities to explore the Planet Bean franchise in Guelph. You can find them in the south and east end and in the core of downtown! Doesn’t matter which one you go visit because each one just feels so, “Guelph” and it’s awesome. They proudly display info about how they source their beans from around the world, a perfect learning opportunity and a chance to ask your barista for something different that you’re bound to love!

Balzac’s

As you’re heading down Gordon street from downtown stop for a jolt of caffeine at Balzac’s. If their motto, “The Cafe, is the people’s Parliament” resonates with you then you have found the right place because it feels like exactly that. It’s perfect to set up and do a bit of work or meet up with friends. Grab a biscotti and their medium house roast and set up on the patio as you watch the bustling core of Guelph pass in front of you.

The Common

Photo: @melanie.bartlett

Families and friends with kids! This cash only coffee shop is probably the best space for children as far as coffee shops go as there’s usually a few toys and there’s enough room for everyone. The Common offers a simple and elegant aesthetic making it the perfect place for creative inspiration. We love that they’re super old school with no menu just ask for any espresso based coffee you could think of even if it’s with milk alternatives they’ll do their best!

Eric the Baker

A Parisian bakery with espresso drinks readily available! Grab your cash (they’re old school but we don’t mind at all) and head down Carden Street in the early morning to grab a flakey croissant in one hand and an Americano in the other. There’s limited space inside Eric the Baker for a table with you and a couple friends but here’s the perfect opportunity to sit by the Town Hall splash pad and set up at a picnic table and enjoy the outdoors.