Origin Trade (111 York St.)
Origin Trade is in the Byward Market. …coffee beverages stellar, but the atmosphere and aesthetic of the cafe is awesome too. It’s a cozy setting is the perfect place to come study with a friend during the fall season.
Bridgehead (Various)
This socially responsible local chain was the first company in the nation to serve fair trade coffee. Specializing in specialty grade beans, their goal is to connect the producer with the customer in a meaningful way.
The Ministry of Coffee (279 Elgin Street)
The Ministry of Coffee is all about innovative brewing technologies. They rotate their drink menu every week, with selections coming from all over the continent. They do courses on home coffee prep.
Café Morala (734 Bank St.)
If you’re looking for some coffee with a Latin American flare, we recommend Café Morala! They offer various coffee and hot beverage options such as Americano and Mexican hot chocolate, along with delish Latin American pastries and sandwiches like empanadas, tamales and much more.
Happy Goat Coffee Co. (35 Laurel Street)
Happy Goat Coffee treats coffee like an art form and are happy to educate their customers about the different types available and their origins. Roasting only the most superior beans, the niche coffee company aims to protect their environment through sustainable small scale farming which supports diversity and local economies. They also sell three or six-month coffee subscriptions on their website.
Quitters Coffee (1523 Main Street South – Stittsville)
Casual cafe by day and bar by night, this independent coffee shop features chic décor, outdoor seating and quality service. Their coffee menu is constantly changing and they carry various local brands of craft beer and wine. They also serve a fantastic breakfast and lunch.
Equator Coffee (412 Churchill Avenue / 1 Elgin St. (NAC))
Equator coffee strives for good service and amazing brews. Everything they do is focused on their three main pillars: “Fresh Roasting, Fair Trade Purchasing and Organic Certification.” They value investment in and commitment to their local and global communities; they partner with SchoolBox to bring classrooms and school supplies to Central America. We especially recommend their newest location at the recently-renovated National Arts Centre! Relaxing with a beautiful view of Elgin street through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Grounded Kitchen, Coffee & Bar (100 Gloucester Street)
Founded in the summer of 2010 by Amir Rahim and Gabriel Pollock, Grounded is definitely down to Earth with simple, natural grub and stellar coffee. The open kitchen concept of the Centretown establishment tries to evoke the feeling of an outdoor market while indoors. Much of the interior has been recycled and or refurbished, such as the whiskey barrel bar or the pair of wood carts once owned by the Museum of Civilization, lending it an eclectic vibe.
Morning Owl Coffeehouse + Parlour (Various Locations)
Morning Owl is owner Jordan O’Leary’s way of celebrating his family’s Abruzzese roots. Using organic and direct trade Little Victories coffee, this shop offers all types of coffee concoctions, including lactose-free options. Drinks range from flat whites to undertows to lattes in a variety of original flavours, such as Nut N’ Honey, Peppermint Patty, Nutella and Snickers. They have four locations scattered throughout the city.
Francesco’s (48 Jamie Avenue)
This award-winning artisan coffee chain roasts their coffee to order, using state-of-the-art equipment to make 10 to 60 kilo batches every 17 minutes. Thick roasting drums and precise control and cooling technology make some of the best coffee around. They can even deliver your custom order to your front door in under 36 hours from the time of roasting.