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10 Best Coffee Shops in Kingston Every Caffeine Lover Should Know About
Sabirna Carpenter sang, “That’s that me, Espresso,” and you know what—true. Skip my caffeine fix and I’m instantly auditioning for Most Dramatic Migraine of the Year (but that’s a whole other storyline).
Headaches aside, thanks to that, I’ve turned my coffee dependency into a full-blown town crawl—and now we’re serving you the best coffee shops in Kingston, each with its own vibe, pour, espresso personality, and price point.
CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery
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Address: 166 Princess St
Contact details: +1 613-766-7766
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery is a cozy and modern coffeehouse that balances a warm, welcoming vibe with the energy of a downtown hub. You’ll find expertly brewed espresso drinks, flavoured lattes, and specialty teas, along with smoothies and seasonal drinks.
And as you can tell by their name, they have lovely house-made baked goods and even hearty lunch options. From croissants and scones to sandwiches, wraps, and soups, it’s a spot where you can grab more than just a quick caffeine fix.
We also appreciate that they offer gluten-free and vegan-friendly options, especially among their baked goods and lunch menu. Also, their coffee is locally roasted, which means every cup feels fresh and flavourful.
Pro tip:
Their cinnamon buns sell out fast, especially in the mornings—get there early if you want to grab one with your latte. And if you’re planning to do some work there or go study, claim a spot by the front window to take advantage of the natural light.
SENS Cafe
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Address: 136 Ontario St
Contact details: +1 613-766-2466
Operating hours:
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Thursday to Tuesday: 8 AM – 4 PM
SENS Cafe is a sleek, modern spot that feels more like a European cafe than your typical downtown coffee shop. That said, thanks to its stylish yet comfy setup, it’s become a great destination for casual meet-ups, coffee dates, or a solo recharge with a book.
Now, we have to give them a shoutout for their coffee; they’re espressos have been getting compliments left, right, and center. They’re known for their specialty lattes and carefully crafted espresso drinks, along with creative seasonal beverages that keep things interesting year-round.
It’s also nice that they serve fresh smoothies, matcha, and loose-leaf teas, especially if you’re with a non-coffee drinker. Their food choices are on the light but flavourful side, with gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and Mediterranean-inspired bites—avocado toasts are crowd-favourites.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to stay a while or work while you’re there, grab a seat near the back since it’s usually quieter and has easy access to outlets for charging your laptop or phone.
Juniper Cafe
Media from junipercafekingston
Address: 370 King St W
Contact details: +1 613-344-1736
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
If you want to enjoy your coffee with stunning views by the waterfront, then Juniper Café is hard to beat. With its bright, airy setting and patio overlooking Lake Ontario, this coffee shop is quite therapeutic, especially with a scenic vibe perfect for slow mornings or weekend brunch.
We’re glad to know that their espresso-based drinks are carefully prepared, and they feature rotating specials like turmeric lattes or creative beverages. And these pair well with their offerings like fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, bowls, and salads.
On that note, their brunch items and baked goods (like lemon loaves and muffins) are staples. Plus, we love that their vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes are clearly marked, and gluten-free options are readily available, making it more inclusive and accessible.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that patio seating is first-come, first-served and fills quickly on sunny days, so arrive early if you want the lakefront view. And parking at Tett Centre can be limited during events, so plan ahead.
Kingston Coffee House
Media from ygkoffeehouse
Address: 322 King St E
Contact details: +1 613-531-7994
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Sitting right across from Springer Market Square, Kingston Coffee House gives you the best views for people watching and some sunlight. The place is Instagram-worthy: the interior is warm and rustic, with exposed brick and a casual charm that feels very “Kingston.”
And they’re not called Kingston Coffee House for nothing; they’re well-recognized for their locally roasted coffee and specialty lattes. Their iced drinks, chai lattes, and flavoured espresso options (like vanilla or caramel) are consistent crowd-pleasers.
Another highlight is their variety of fresh pastries, muffins, and light bites that go nicely with their coffee—you can even get plant-based milk and gluten-free or vegan pastry items. While it’s not a full lunch stop, you’ll find enough to keep you fueled for a stroll around the square.
Pro tip:
Market days and weekends bring big crowds, so grab your coffee early if you want to avoid the line. If you’re planning to explore downtown, this makes for a great fuel-up stop before tackling the shops or waterfront.
NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen
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Address: 198 Princess St
Contact details: Instagram: @northsideespresso
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM
With its big windows, minimalist design, and laid-back feel, NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen is the kind of place where you can work and relax at the same time. Though it might be a little busier and buzzier than a study nook, it does the job.
If you’re big fans of coffee, you’ll find third-wave espresso drinks, flat whites, and creative seasonal lattes crafted with precision. Other than espresso, they offer refreshing teas and juices, which means people who aren’t into coffee that much can also spend their time here.
What about food? You can think of this place as a brunch destination, especially with dishes like avocado toast, shakshuka, breakfast bowls, and gourmet sandwiches that lean towards healthy but satisfying.
Pro tip:
There are many vegetarian options available, and gluten-free bread is on the menu. And they also cater to dairy-free diets with plant-based milk alternatives.
The Elm Cafe
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Address: 303 Montreal St
Contact details: +1 613-767-8999
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
The Elm Cafe is tucked away on Montreal Street and has a no-frills vibe that makes you feel like you’re a local when you stop by here. It’s a nice, small spot with a few tables and homey interior—the type of place where baristas remember your order after a couple of visits.
They’re all about good-quality coffee done simply and well, serving strong espresso, drip coffee, and creative seasonal drinks. Also, their lattes and cappuccinos are customer favourites, made with beans from Canadian roasters.
If you want to grab a bite with your coffee, they also serve house-made sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods, soup specials, and more. You can also rely on their option if you have dietary needs—they have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian choices.
Pro tip:
The lunch sandwiches and daily specials tend to sell out by early afternoon, so if you want the complete food selection, consider a morning or early lunch visit. Parking around Montreal Street is limited, so walking or biking is often the best option.
Balzac’s Kingston
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Address: 251 Princess St
Contact details: +1 613-417-0600
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 6 PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
You can find Balzac’s Kingston inside the historic Smith Robinson Building on Princess Street. You’ll think you’ve been transported into a European-style cafe with its high ceilings, chandeliers, and vintage-inspired decor.
We also learned that Balzac’s is known for its fair-trade, sustainably sourced coffee and offers everything from espresso-based drinks to brewed coffees, teas, and seasonal specialties. Their cafe mocha and cortado are fan-favourites.
You’ll also get to try fresh pastries, croissants, cookies, and light cafe classics. It’s worth noting that plant-based milks are standard here, and there are usually gluten-free and vegan pastry options.
Pro tip:
Seating fills up quickly during peak hours, especially near the windows, so arrive early if you want a spot to work or people-watch. And if you’re in a hurry, mobile ordering through their app is a lifesaver.
Chit Chat Café
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Address: 172 Ontario St
Contact details: +1 613-777-8565
Operating hours:
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 3 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Chit Chat Café is tucked in Kingston’s west end, and as the name suggests, it’s a welcoming, casual spot built for conversation and community. We like the easygoing atmosphere and the unpretentious vibe.
Coffee-wise, they serve up classic coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, with other refreshments like teas, smoothies, and specialty beverages. They also offer plant-based milk alternatives, so don’t hesitate to ask for a switch.
And if you’re hungry, you can choose from a selection of baked treats, hearty sandwiches, and all-day breakfast options. We have to say that their wraps and paninis are particularly popular for a quick lunch, while muffins and cookies make an easy grab-and-go snack.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a meet-up, try to visit during mid-morning or late afternoon—lunchtime can get crowded, and seating is limited. And note that their baked goods are baked fresh daily and often sell out before closing.
Nora’s Coffee + Sandwiches
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Address: 500 Canatara Ct
Contact details: +1 613-389-0047
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 3 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Nora’s Coffee + Sandwiches has become a go-to for many locals, especially those who want a mix of good coffee and filling food without the fuss.
We love how their coffee offerings are straightforward but high-quality, featuring classic espresso drinks, drip coffee, and iced beverages. So don’t expect experimental lattes here, but you can count on them for well-brewed coffee.
Nora’s truly shines with its sandwiches and breakfast offerings, where you’ll get to pick from a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. There are even vegetarian sandwiches you can choose, or go for dairy alternatives for coffee.
Pro tip:
For those in a rush during the workweek, call ahead or order early since lunchtime lines can get long, and popular sandwiches sell out fast.
De Mello Coffee
Media from demellocoffee
Address: 33 Brock St
Contact details: +1 416-556-5393
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 7 PM
Pricing: $$
Website
Menu
De Mello Coffee has a branch in Kingston, and this coffee shop easily blends minimalist design with a warm vibe.
One of their highlights is how they specialize in pour-overs, espressos, and creative specialty lattes. It’s neat that their rotating single-origin offerings showcase unique flavour profiles, making it a must-visit for anyone serious about coffee tasting.
If you want a snack with your drink, the cafe also offers pastries, baked goods, and light bites. You can even ask for vegan-friendly options if you need them.
Pro tip:
If you want to explore new beans, ask about their rotating single-origin selection—they sometimes offer rare varieties you won’t find elsewhere.
