Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Kingston

"Ah, our brunch love with Pan Chancho…it’s the addiction that we just don’t want to quit. This locally owned, European style cafe is checking off all the boxes for an amazing brunch; a charming aesthetic, food made from scratch, and a key location in the heart of downtown Kingston. We love the Weekender (two eggs over easy on a croissant with bacon, chives and 2-year-old cheddar), Our Dutch Baby (skillet pancake with apples, blue cheese and apple butter), the Poutine Bravas (patates frites, spicy chorizo, poached egg, cheddar curds and smoked paprika gravy.) And to be honest?"

"Pan Chancho is a favourite place to dine in Kingston, and it’s also an artisanal bakery, too. While they have loads of grab and go items, Justin and I went to Pan Chancho for breakfast. It goes without saying that you need to try their coffee or espresso bevvie for breakfast."

"This European Style bakery is located just a block away from Kingston’s historic city hall and city square. Drop in to take a tour of their open-style kitchen, and then make your selection of a variety of breads, pastries, desserts and cured meats!"

"With a menu that is seasonal, fresh, and as locally sourced as possible – you can’t go wrong with brunch at Northside. Nestled in downtown Kingston, you can try classics like their Avo Smash (a whole smashed avocado with feta, mint, lemon + thai chilli on grilled sourdough) or branch out and try something new like Spiced Steel Cut Oats (served warm with sweet potato + white cholocate puree, topped with seeded muesli, cacao nibs + nashi pear). As you sip on your afternoon coffee, take a pause from the busyness of everyday life and soak up the atmosphere – you’ll love this cafe inspired by the culture of Melbourne, Australia."

"Northside Cafe emulates the coffee culture in Melbourne, Australia for a refreshing experience for all its customers. A perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch, this downtown cafe provides welcoming friendly service that is matched by its delicious food and adorable decor. As a plus, they have all fair trade and organic coffees as well."

"Having embraced Kingston’s rich history by restoring their beautiful place in the old Turk’s building on Princess Street, Northside offers a bright refreshing space to enjoy Australian vibes while you sip on freshly brewed coffee and munch on freshly baked cookies."

"It’s only fitting that the Queen of the crêpe game is perched on top of the main strip on Princess Street. Since 2010, Geneva Crêpe Café Bistro has been locally owned and operated, and the go-to place for a mouth-watering meal. For such an intimate space, they offer a huge variety of savoury and sweet crepes, Belgian waffles, espresso and hot chocolate drinks, and even fresh soups, sandwiches, and salads."

"This is a unique French-style bistro specializing in amazing espressos, coffees, and even hot chocolates made with authentic Belgium dark chocolate. The cafe is locally-owned and privately-operated. It is dedicated to supporting local farmers through serving fresh seasonal products and locally-sourced meats."

"An adorably charming cafe located in Kingston’s heart (downtown). This spot offers a massive seating area for students, workers and best pals alike, with a vast array of scrumptious treats including sandwiches, salads and baked goods. We wish you luck in your journey to fight the ‘CRAVE-ings’ for sweet treats while you order yourself a warm cup of java."

"Located right on Princess Street about halfway down towards the water, CRAVE opened not too many years ago and has left its mark on Kingston coffee culture. The place is massive – making it a hub for students to study in. Don’t be scared of them, though – they just need a hot drink, a plug, and some WiFi and they will generally leave you alone!"

"Enjoy coffee brewed in-house, specialty espresso drinks or a perfectly frothed latte as you relax on the patio at Musiikki cafe. The name Musiikki is derived from Swahili for music so you can expect some sweet tunes to be playing at the cafe. Bring your friends for a coffee and stay for the music with Monday night jazz, open mic night on Tuesdays, Folk Night on Wednesdays, and artist’s show features throughout the week."

"We’re pleased to offer Dine-in, Take-out, Drive-Thru and Curbside at this time. Our crew is taking measures to ensure our dining. McDonald's Value Picks Menu"

"You might have heard of Balzac’s before – and that would not be a bad thing. Balzac’s is basically the only “chain” places that we included on this list – but they do a good job of serving up coffee. Balzac’s Kingston is right on Princess Street (just head for Princess Street and you will find all of them, honestly) right at the corner with Sydenham Street."

"Legend has it that Honoré de Balzac consumed a lot of coffee which allowed him to stay up and compose great literature. According to him, “the cafe is the people’s parliament”. This inspired Diana Olsen to open a coffee shop that captured his sentiments."

"The cafe’s specialty drinks include lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and cold coffees. The cafe is not your ordinary coffee shop. It is part of the Canadian coffee culture."

"Finally, a Kingston pub that is closer to downtown compared to the two above but not quite there is Portsmouth Tavern. Also known as “The Ports”, this establishment in the small town/neighbourhood of Portsmouth on Kingston’s waterfront has a rich history to it. The legend goes that the pub used to be the watering hole for the old prison guards of the nearby Kingston Penitentiary."

"A truly off-the-beaten-path gem, The Back Kitchen is a seasonal, not-for-profit, volunteer-driven restaurant on Amherst Island. It’s all about community and homemade comfort food here, where menu items have ranged from waffles to pulled pork sandwiches to spaghetti and meatballs to moussaka to fish and chips. Weird and wonderful creations sometimes show, too, like the Stella Bay Burger — a pure beef patty with pulled pork and two extra crispy onion rings on top."