23 Best Cafes in Waterloo

“Wonderful food, fantastic interior, and great location--on Northfield, between Bridge and University. Also a community-minded business. A must-visit establishment. Dog-friendly for well-behaved dogs on leashes. (I'm not a dog person, and I didn't feel nervous for a second.)“

“A friend took me here for lunch on December 9. I had the most wonderful tomato soup and sandwich. I was asked if I wanted a Christmas tree in my soup and I said I wanted Santa and his sleigh, and it happened! I Highly recommend this restaurant.“

“Stopped in for some coffee and a snack. Welcoming staff, nutritious and quality food, and the coffee was great too!😀“

“My spouse, 9 year old daughter and I just visited Games on Tap for the first time. I highly recommend it! Excellent customer service complete with suggested games for first-timers and a great vibe.“

“community atmosphere, healthy food“

“I interviewed Cherlyn for a community research project about supportive housing, and she was incredibly kind. She advocated highly for helping the less fortunate and told me about a few of the cafe’s efforts to do so. She is a kind, sympathetic, authentic individual and it was lovely getting to speak with her.

The cafe had a lovely and lively atmosphere. It looked like an awesome place to get together with some friends and loved ones. I only wish I had the time to stay for a while and order a snack.

Thank you so much for your time and insight, Cherlyn. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you.“

“Best place for all the treats!!!“

“Whether it is sitting and writing in my journal, or if I need to focus and work on my laptop, or simply having a chat over coffee with a friend, i find Cafe22 to be one of the most special cafes in the Kitchener-Waterloo area! I am so grateful I found this special spot, which I consider a hidden gem! An absolutely charming, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere and decoration; delicious food and beverages; and most importantly an extremely kind and welcoming staff! I have to say that Daniela’s friendliness and genuine care and warmth add a lot to the whole experience as well! Highly recommended!“

“Good vibe. One of the best places to drink coffee and study in Waterloo, although plug outlets are hard to find. Many of the chairs are cheap and uncomfortable; probably by design to keep flipping customers.“

“Amazing food! If you are looking for delicious healthy food, highly recommend.“

“Best selection of local craft beer and cider around.“

“Overall probably the best option to eat in campus. Very cheap. Lot of options from all around, from korean bibimbap to Indian samosas and indian rice dishes. Present also quinoa salads, soups, coffee, etc.

Vegetarian options: Several veg options! Especially indian options. Some examples: samosas, falafel wraps, bibimbap with tofu, veg patty.“

“Delicious vegan baked goods and coffees. Highly recommend!“

“One of the greatest, hidden gems in Waterloo. The owner is super nice and the food is value - you can get fouralls ice cream here (for cheaper than fouralls)!!! Also the samosas are massive and quite good. They got boardgames to play, printing services and a section into the back to buy stationeries - honestly you can literally get anything here. Come through!“

“I absolutely love Full of Beans, whenever I'm in the neighborhood I make sure to drop in. Excellent freshly roasted beans, delicious sweets and a relaxing, yet vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss going in for a great cup of coffee when you are nearby“

“Best quiche in town. No regret that I ever came and visit one of the finest bakery in Waterloo, ON.“

“Best on campus: cookies, prices, atmosphere.“

“My favourite place for coffee right now! The staff are extremely friendly and always make the effort to ask how your day is and get to know you if you regularly go. They have the best caramel latte I have ever had, and their food selection is awesome too. The food menu generally changes daily with some staples. I come here every weekday for a latte and to study. There is plenty of light in the seating area, the only thing I wish they had was more outlets.“

“The vanilla hazel nut coffee is fantastic and they have gluten free, dairy free treats too. They also have a loyalty card, so you get a free coffee after purchasing a few. Don't forget to get it stamped!The gluten free, dairy free lemon cookie is a bit messy but delicious and the gluten free, dairy free peppermint party is also fantastic, though messy as well. Definitely need napkins lol.“

“I’ve been going to Funcken throughout my university years, and it’s honestly one of the most underrated spots on Waterloo campus. It’s tucked inside St. Jerome’s, and a lot of people don’t even know it’s there. It’s a small, student-run café with a really cozy vibe. They always have cute seasonal decorations, board games, and lots of seating (though it can get pretty busy, especially in the fall).

Their drinks are way better than you’d expect from a campus cafe. The chai latte and matcha latte are both so good. But my favorite thing is the Build Your Own Bagel. You can customize it however you want with a little paper form, and it’s super affordable; usually around $5 for a full sandwich that’s actually filling. The pretzel bagel is my top pick, but it does sell out sometimes. My usual order is the pretzel bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese, honey mustard, spicy pickled peppers (I think they’re banana peppers?), lettuce, onion, provolone, and sometimes tomato. It’s seriously so good.

They also have a build-your-own sandwich combo, and I think some gluten-free options too. Just something to keep in mind—if you’re vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, they cook things like eggs and their grilled cheese on the same surface as bacon.

Service is usually fast and the staff are always kind and friendly. The wait is usually just a couple minutes. I also love the little whiteboard they put out with random names of the day. If your name’s on it, you get a deal, which is such a fun touch.

All in all, Funcken is such a great place to grab a warm drink or a cheap and tasty lunch. It definitely deserves more love.“

“Evergreen Coffee Lounge in Ingersoll, Canada, offers a truly distinctive ambiance that sets it apart from other coffee shops in the area. The setup is inviting and creates a perfect atmosphere for relaxation or work. I spent several hours working at their bespoke wood table (featured in the images). The table is high enough to be used as a stand-up desk, complemented by high-top chairs.\n\nDespite not typically opting for gluten-free snacks, I was thoroughly impressed by their offerings. The cinnamon cake roll, carrot cake bite, and date cookie sandwich were exceptionally delicious and dangerously good! The customer service is top-notch, making the experience even more enjoyable.\n\nEvergreen Coffee Lounge is a must-visit for anyone seeking great coffee, delightful treats, and excellent service. Cheers!“

“This place is an absolute 10/10!!!! The moment we walked in everything was aesthetically pleasing. The customer service; which was 1 guy running the show; was top tier. He was very attentive, answered all of our questions, and presented us with the most amazing desserts we've tried so far. I promise it was food you could eat with your eyes just off of presentation alone. Our day trip to Windsor concluded at this dessert spot and I will definitely be back. If you're in the area, definitely stop by and try them. You will be not be disappointed. 💜💜💜“