Coffee Shops
Decorating for Fall
September 24, 2021
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October 8, 2021
Ottawa's Top 10 LOCAL Coffee Shops
Are you getting sick of the same old Tim Horton’s and Starbucks coffee day after day? Is it time for a change? Well, you are in luck! The city of Ottawa has tons of great locally owned and operated coffee shops that are out of this world! From the sweet smells of beans a brewing to the swanky atmospheres, Ottawa has some pretty top-notch coffee boutiques. Whether you are an occasional caffeine-sipper or a regular coffee connoisseur, you are going to love these trendy cafes in the Ottawa region!
Ready to warm up this fall season at one of Ottawa’s top 10 local coffee shops? Read on!
The following coffee shops are not listed in any sort of order, just 10 great local places to enjoy a warm beverage!
#10. Happy Goat Coffee Co.
12 Locations in Ottawa
Happy Goat Coffee Co. began with a great love for traditional, gourmet methods of coffee roasting. Pierre Richard would sell and roast specialty coffees for only a few customers. With the help of Henry Assad, they created the Happy Goat Coffee Co. brand in 2008. Happy Goat Coffee has a truly interesting and inspiring story of people who have deep passions for coffee. At Happy Goat, you can order a single cup of coffee or a bag of one of their many varieties of roasts. They also offer an array of other specialty products and have recently started a subscription service so you never have to run out of your favourite brew! You can enjoy Happy Goat at one of their many locations including inside the Staples on Bank Street, The National Gallery of Canada and the Blair Road LRT Cafe.
#9. Little Victories Coffee Roasters
2 Locations in Ottawa
Little Victories was started in 2017 by a roaster and a barista – two friends who shared a passion for coffee. Jeremie Thompson & Andrew Bassett had one mission: to bring world-class coffee culture for the people in Ottawa. The two have travelled the world mastering their roasting practices and barista skills. They strive to ignite a passion for coffee in everyone they meet. They focus on educating customers to better inform them of what they are drinking. The owners train their staff and wholesale partners to the highest degree of quality. At Little Victories you can enjoy a fresh cup of world-class coffee, you can purchase your own beans for later use, or check out some of their merch and/or brew gear!.LVC also offers a subscription service where you can subscribe and enjoy the free delivery if you live in the city of Ottawa!
#8. Equator Coffee Roasters
3 Locations in Ottawa
At Equator, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a way of changing the world. Equator has been roasting, delivering, and serving fresh, fair trade, organic coffee since 1998. Founded by Craig and Amber Hall with the goal of making a difference globally and locally, the name was chosen to ‘Equate’ the benefit of drinking coffee. This goes for not only the consumer but for all the people along the way. From the staff who pack and serve it- to the farmers who grow it. Enjoy sipping Equator’s best blends at one of their 3 locations including the Almonte Café and the NAC-CNA Café! Like many of the other Ottawa coffee shops, Equator offers a subscription service so you can receive a recurring order of your favourite coffee, or give it as a gift to your favourite friend!
#7. Bridgehead
20 Locations in Ottawa
If you are an Ottawa native, then you have definitely heard of Bridgehead Coffee! Since 2000, Bridgehead has been offering fair-traded, organic coffee to Ottawans through their flagship location on Richmond Road. Bridgehead’s story dates back to 1981 when two United Church ministers and two social activists concerned for the prospects of small-scale coffee farmers formed Bridgehead Trading. Bridgehead became the first company in Canada to offer consumers fairly traded coffee. Today, you can enjoy freshly brewed beverages from one of their 20 locations in and around the city of Ottawa. Bridgehead not only focuses on coffee but also organic black, green, and herbal teas as well. Bridgehead also offers an assortment of freshly baked goods and wraps as well so you can enjoy a well-rounded breakfast or lunch!
#6. The Ministry of Coffee
4 Locations in Ottawa
The Ministry of Coffee is an independently owned cafe that started in 2013 with the first location on Elgin Street. They have since grown to 4 locations in Ottawa along with 2 in Qatar. Their goal is simple: to roast and serve the best coffee they can, while showcasing some of the best coffee roasters in Canada and the world. They roast their own coffee, and all syrups are made in-house with nothing artificial. Check out their website to learn about their recommended coffee brewing equipment, learn more about coffee or purchase some sweet merch! Enjoy freshly brewed coffee from one of their great locations including the Via Rail Train Station on Tremblay Road.
#5. Morning Owl
6 Locations in Ottawa
Morning Owl was created in 2009 by Jordan O’Leary when he opened his first shop on Rochester Street in Little Italy. This shop prospered as a standalone cafe for 6 years and then Jordan opened a second location on Bank Street. Over the years, O’Leary expanded and franchised the company to its now 6 locations in and around the city of Ottawa. There is even a location in Japan! At Morning Owl, they roast their own beans, bake their own bread and offer delicious locally made treats and snacks made in-house as well as from other local Ottawa artisans. In 2020, The Susan & Moe Team had the chance to visit Morning Owl Coffeehouse + Parlour on Parkdale. Check out our video to learn more about it!
#4. Planet Coffee
24A York Street, Ottawa
Planet Coffee is a proudly, women-owned coffee shop in the Byward Market. Created by two inexperienced and fearless coffee-loving friends who thought it might be fun to own their own coffee shop. With 20+ years of perseverance, hard work and laughter later, they are still here and still friends! The ladies of Planet Coffee value great customer service, offer delicious coffee and prepare all their baked goods in-house, using simple, and wholesome ingredients. Planet Coffee was one of the first coffee bars in Ottawa in 1994 on George Street. They are now located in historic Clarendon Lanes between George and York streets, with a great patio when the weather permits!
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#3. 692 Coffee and Bar
5546 Manotick Main Street, Manotick
692 was founded in 2018 by friends Laura Glasper, Danielle Porteou & Jessica and Charlie Cullen. The four bonded over their dreams of opening up a coffee shop and starting a bakery. Within a few months of meeting each other, the team fell in love with the old charm and amazing millwork of the former site of Lindsay McCaffrey’s general store. They poured their heart and soul into transforming the historic building into what it is today. At 692, they serve Fluid Solar Roaster Coffee which is really unlike any other coffee. Every cup is smooth with no bitterness and just plain good. If scones are your thing, you need to go upstairs at 692 to check out Scrummie Scones made from the likes of Lindt Chocolate, Butter, Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Organic Sugar, Brie Cheese and homegrown chives.
#2. Drip House
2 Locations in Ottawa
Drip House is a hip and trendy coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night. Ali Maj opened his first location in Hintonburg in 2019 and offers a luxe atmosphere with leather seating, granite countertops, funky plants and contemporary decor accents. Maj wanted to create a space where people can come and get inspired. Whether they are working remotely or just enjoying an afternoon snack. Featuring a fresh variety of sweet and savoury treats and snacks as well as delectable espressos and coffees. Their spicy roasted red pepper homemade hummus is not to be missed! Not only do they offer an array of exquisite beverages, but they also have plants for sale to satisfy your natural side. Though Drip House isn’t your average coffee shop, we highly recommend stopping in for one of their delectable Pintxos and a warm beverage. The environment alone will make your visit unforgettable!
#1. Cafe Cristal
240 Kennevale Drive, Barrhaven
You will be hard-pressed (shameless coffee pun) to find a prettier place to enjoy high tea in all of Ottawa. Café Cristal is one of our most authentic and traditional third-wave cafes in. the capital region. Immerse yourself in the culturally rich environment that intertwines the romantic ambience of the French countryside with the refined beauty of the Arabesque. Independently owned and run, Cafe Cristal strives to bring a globally inspired menu with products imported from France and Italy. The classic atmosphere is perfect for a first date, a get-together with friends, or even a casual business meeting. You are going to love their quality espresso!
We hope you enjoyed these top 10 local coffee shops in Ottawa. The fall season is meant for cozying up next to the fireplace, and under blankets at home. Going out to coffee shops is also a great way to warm up in the crisp fall air. Even better to support a local business by doing it! Your new favourite coffee shop might just be on this list!
The Susan & Moe Team hopes you and your families enjoy this fall season. If you are looking to buy or sell a home to move a little closer to one of these great shops, contact us today. We would love to help you find your dream home!
