Ethan BrownWhen on the hunt for the perfect java joint, the journey is just as thrilling as the sip itself! Cafés and coffee shops in Ottawa aren’t just spots to grab a cup of joe — they’re social hubs where folks gather to unwind, chat, and soak up the vibes.
From comfy couches to friendly faces, these spots are all about making connections and connecting relationships. And let’s talk about the brews — ooh, the brews!
At a local café, you’re not just getting coffee; you’re getting a masterpiece crafted by skilled baristas. It’s like art in a mug — something you can’t replicate at home.
With our handpicked lineup, your taste buds are in for a treat. So let’s clink our mugs and toast (and roast) to more caffeinated adventures!
Happy Goat Coffee Co.
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Website: https://www.happygoatcoffee.com/
Address: 326 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M6, Canada
Contact: +1 613-695-4628
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–7 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM–7 PM
Happy Goat Coffee, known for its java wizardry, isn’t just about brewing the perfect cuppa. They’re all about keeping it real, inclusive, and downright fabulous for everyone who walks through their café doors.
With a baker’s dozen of spots peppered across Ottawa, you’re never far from a caffeine fix in a cozy ambiance. Pumping out 20 fair trade blends for the city’s finest eateries, they’ve got beans from places like Ethiopia — all sourced with love!
Upfront, there’s a funky café with the occasional open mic night, while in the back, the roasting magic happens. Here, you can grab a bite, snag some beans, and sip on an espresso brewed by the pros!
Whether you’re after a bag of Brazil Peaberry Dark, Ethiopian Guji espresso, or Guatemala Huehuetenango, or prefer to kick back with an Americano, cortado, or London Fog, they’ve got you covered at their café hotspots scattered around the city.
| Pro Tip: We love the espresso here (triple shot sometimes), but you can go for their mocha for a milder hit. And when it’s to-go, it never hurts to bring your own tumbler! |
Ministry of Coffee
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Website: https://www.theministryofcoffee.com/
Address: 1013 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-695-9002
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM–5 PM
Right in the heart of Ottawa’s buzzing coffee scene, Ministry of Coffee is the go-to caffeine haven for java junkies everywhere. Since kicking off in 2013, this oh-so-cool café has been stoking Ottawa’s caffeine cravings from its flagship on Elgin Street.
Now, it’s not just one, but two more kickin’ locations in the city, plus a pair of extra spots in Qatar. With a stellar lineup of top-notch roasters and a fresh featured blend every week, the Ministry of Coffee guarantees a java journey like no other.
| Pro Tip: Whether you’re vibing with the zing of Nitrogen cold brews or savoring the velvety bliss of cappuccinos, there’s a brew to match every mood. And if you’re hankering for a sip of sheer indulgence, the Mocha and Nutella latte is a straight-up cup of decadence! |
Little Victories Coffee
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Website: https://www.lvcoffee.ca/
Address: 44 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 1C7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-805-7489
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM–6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
Little Victories Coffee is the brainchild of two coffee aficionados who are shaking up the Canadian coffee scene one cup at a time. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for brewing perfection, it’s become a household name in Ottawa.
From their cozy Glebe café to their flagship location on Elgin Street, they’ve carved out a niche for themselves in the city’s bustling coffee culture.
Their Glebe spot, housed in a shipping container, adds a touch of quirkiness to your weekend caffeine fix. Meanwhile, their flagship location boasts historic charm and stunning architecture, making it the perfect backdrop for your morning java.
| Pro Tip: It doesn’t matter if you’re sipping a flat white amidst the morning rush or grabbing a cup to go as you explore the city — Little Victories Coffee’s got your caffeine fix in the (bean) bag. It’s a little victory in every sip! |
Arlington Five
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/arlingtonfive/
Address: 5 Arlington Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1C1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-233-7959
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–4 PM
In Ottawa’s downtown Banks St. neighborhood, Arlington Five coffee house steals the spotlight with its life-size “COFFEE” sign and fabulously quirky street art.
Just step inside this snug and inviting café, and you’ll be welcomed with caffeinated air. Here, you’re invited to savor expertly crafted coffee, freshly squeezed juice, and delectable homemade treats as well as scrumptious sandwiches.
With local art decking the walls and stylish decor, Arlington Five isn’t just any coffee joint — it’s the ultimate hangout spot in the city.
| Pro Tip: You gotta try their Hot Lips Mocha! It’s a blend of chilis, cinnamon, and chocolate — the essential vitamin C. |
Planet Coffee
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Website: https://www.planetcoffeeottawa.com/
Address: 24a York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K2, Canada
Contact: +1 613-789-6261
Hours:
- Open daily from 7:30 AM–7 PM
In the heart of Ottawa’s bustling ByWard Market lies Planet Coffee, the ultimate caffeine haven since 1994!
Founded by two coffee-crazy entrepreneurs, this cozy spot serves up heavenly brews sourced from Fluid Coffee Roasters. (Talk about a match made in java heaven!)
Planet Coffee rocks an industrial-chic vibe that’s as bold as its brews. Their outdoor patio is THE spot for sipping iced cappuccinos and munching on scones while soaking up the sights and sounds of the market.
So if you’re in need of a java fix and you’re in the neighborhood, Planet Coffee’s got your caffeine fix ready to go!
| Pro Tip: When we come here, we get our regular coffee black paired with their moist banana bread. Caffeine and banana? No wonder we end up monkeying around after! |
Morning Owl Coffee House
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Website: https://morningowl.ca/
Address: 538 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4M1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-680-8336
Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM–2 PM
Since 2009, Morning Owl Coffee has been brewing up organic, direct-trade goodness, becoming Ottawa’s go-to spot for a caffeine fix. With six café locations scattered across the capital, it’s the local haunt for coffee connoisseurs.
From lattes to matcha green tea, Morning Owl serves up more than just your average cup of joe. With a variety of non-coffee options like turmeric lattes, green juice, and decadent hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.
And let’s not forget their loose-leaf teas and mouthwatering baked goods!
Each café offers its own unique food selection, ranging from scratch-baked treats to hearty breakfast sandwiches and fresh salads. But no matter the location, you can always count on quality eats.
| Pro Tip: Every latte comes with a foam-painted animal on top — why not add some whimsy to your morning brew? |
Equator Coffee
– Media credit: equatorcoffee
Website: https://equator.ca/
Address: 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1, Canada
Contact: +1 613-235-0474
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Just a stone’s throw from Ottawa, in the cozy village of Almonte, you’ll find Equator Coffee, where dreams come true. Since ’98, they’ve been cozying up to small-scale farming communities, making coffee fair trade and organic.
They’ve even got a fancy name — Cooperatives Coffees.
Equator’s brews aren’t just sipped in their five chic cafes; they’re all over town! From steaming hot java to chilled mochas on the rocks, they’ve got something for every caffeine connoisseur.
Social and enviro-responsibility? It’s their middle name!
Roasting beans in Almonte, they’re all about those direct farmer connections. You can swing by the Westboro coffee bar for a cozy vibe and top-notch baristas brewing up magic on the La Marzocco machine.
These coffee crusaders aim for world-changing beans that bridge the gap between farmers and coffee lovers. With fair trade and organic coffee on the menu, every sip makes a difference.
So whether it’s a lunch date or a morning caffeine fix, Equator’s got you covered with five spots across town!
| Pro Tip: We know that the focus of this shop is coffee, but there’s something undeniably addictive about their Chocolate Mocha. You’ll soon dance to the mocha-rena! |
Beandigen Café
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Website: https://www.beandigen.ca/
Address: 106-900 Exhibition Way Lansdowne TD Place Ottawa ON
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 5PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
At the heart of Ottawa’s Lansdowne Place, snuggled beside TD Place Arena and Aberdeen Pavilion, you’ll uncover Beandigen Café, a java joint with a twist.
Run by the lively Anishinaabe community, this café serves up a tantalizing blend of Indigenous vibes and locally-roasted coffee.
Here, you can sink your teeth into a cup of their Ondarez brew, expertly paired with a slab of homemade Bannock.
While you’re at it, take a gander at their café shop, packed to the brim with Indigenous-made treasures like threads, art, and lip-smacking goodies. It’s not just coffee; it’s a cultural fiesta brewed to perfection!
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to snag their strawberry drink! Packed with a liter of locally picked strawberries, it’s the berry best! |
Black Squirrel Books and Espresso Bar
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Website: https://www.blacksquirrelbooks.ca/
Address: 1073 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-422-9050
Hours:
- Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM
If you’re ever in Ottawa’s Downtown Bank neighborhood, check out this café! Black Squirrel Books and Espresso Bar exudes cozy vibes and charm that’ll make your heart flutter.
With shelves stocked with both new and used books and lattes so aesthetic, it’s practically a match made in heaven. Oh, and did we mention they also sling craft beer and wine?
Coffee and a captivating read — what more could you want? This quirky independent bookstore knows how to pair the best reads with the finest local roasts.
Just dive into their handpicked selection of books, sip on a matcha latte or hot chocolate, and let yourself get lost in the pages. It’s a recipe for a perfect date or a solo soul-soothing session!
| Pro Tip: We once picked up Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. It was tragic but fortunately, a big cup of latte kept our hopes up throughout the book! |
Art-Is-In-Bakery
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Website: https://www.artisinbakery.com/
Address: 250 City Centre Ave #112, Ottawa, ON K1R 6K7, Canada
Contact: +1 613-695-1226
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 9 AM–9 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–2 PM
Helmed by a power couple trained in Paris and NYC, hip haunt Art-Is-In-Bakery combines the charm of a Parisian boulangerie with the funk of Brooklyn. And we’re not surprised by the name, given its inspiration!
Renowned for their heavenly pastries, freshly baked loaves, and infamous Kronuts, this family-owned gem is your go-to spot for a coffee catch-up with pals or a hearty brunch with a side of java genius!
Here, you’re free to indulge in a selfie-worthy maple vanilla or dirty chai latte topped with intricate latte art or sip on a Macchiato, flat white, or Gibraltar for that perfect caffeine kick.
And for those steering clear of the buzz, Art-Is-In’s Parisian-style hot chocolate is simply unbeatable. With its industrial-chic vibe, this is where pleasure meets gastronomy in the heart of the old city center.
Whether you’re craving a smooth Euro-style cappuccino or sinking your teeth into a brioche-bun Brunch Burger paired with a macaron, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud on their original menu.
| Pro Tip: The coffee is good, but our day is made better when it’s paired with their art-is-in-al orange creamsicle berliner topped with light but gooey meringue! |
Drip House
– Media credit: driphouseottawa
Website: https://driphousecafe.com/
Address: 340B Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2W5, Canada
Contact: +1 613-422-4377
Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–5 PM
With three hot hangouts in Hintonburg, Chinatown, and Mechanicsville, Drip House is the freshest coffee scene in Ottawa. Blending art, caffeine, and epic nosh, they’re the triple threat you didn’t know you needed!
One step into their modern, sun-soaked spaces and prepare to be wowed by more than just the java. With local artists rotating their masterpieces on the regular, you’ll sip your latte with a side of inspiration.
Here, you get to indulge your taste buds with quirky concoctions like the matcha latte, Swiss truffle latte, or Golden latte, and fuel your inner artist with their salads, fresh sandwiches, and avocado toasts!
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their international delights, from flaky Spanakopita to signature falaféls. So grab your laptop, your squad, or just your good vibes, and join the hip crowd for a coffee experience that’s as eclectic as it gets! |
Figaro Coffee House
– Media credit: figarocoffeeottawa
Website: https://www.figarocoffeehouse.com/
Address: 650 Industrial Ave, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Y9, Canada
Contact: +1 613-248-0707
Hours:
- Open daily from 7 AM–9 PM
Sleek, airy, and dripping with modern vibes, Ottawa’s Figaro Coffee House is where it’s at! Sporting not one but two locations in the city, Figaro sources the crème de la crème of Arabica coffee beans from across the globe.
And once they get their hands on them, they get to work roasting them fresh every day at their Ottawa facility.
Alongside their divine brews, they dish out specialty delights like iced watermelon matcha and café con miel. And let’s not forget about their top-notch Canadian teas, because, well, it’s Canada, eh?
| Pro Tip: If you’re feeling peckish, just dive into their extensive menu featuring fresh pastries, avocado toast, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, salads, and charcuterie and cheese boards. With Figaro, it’s not just coffee — it’s a full-on culinary adventure! |
