Reviews of Balzac's Stratford (Coffee Shop)

Z LLL

Used to be one of my favorite cafes but unfortunately some of their staff aren't always masked. Seems important since they're serving food.

Troy Alves

This coffee shop looks amazing inside. The decor is very well put together and reminded me to that coffee shop Wes Anderson designed. The coffee is delicious and the staff great. I wished it could be transplanted on top of any franchise coffee shop in downtown Toronto.

Atticus Hooper

Consistently delicious coffee and treats. Service is quick and always pleasant. My go-to espresso spot.

BE Adventure Partners

Great coffee and boutique atmosphere. Ordered the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Delicious!

Philomena Hamberg

Great coffee shop, must go in Stratford.

David Flack

Consistently delicious coffee and treats. Service is quick and always pleasant. My go-to espresso spot.

Cagla G.

Amazing coffee and some of the best pastries I've ever had. I especially recommend the scones! My only complaint is that when they are busy there is hardly any seating because it is a small coffee shop with already limited seats.

Esteban Diaz

Really cute place, good coffee, prices are decent, and great customer service

Nathan Colquhoun

Who doesn't love Balzac's? Stratford is lovely, the coffee was great and I enjoyed a gluten free cashew cookie that was totally awesome.

Vince Londini

Time to cappuccino and apple cider, nice place in Stratford.

Feng Liu

Decent coffee place. I like it!

Eshtar Oraha

Other

Mario Stocco

Cozy, clean and well done. Service was quick and we found seating. One sever (senior staff or owner) was a bit snippy. That took away from what could have been a perfect stop. Kindness and patience goes a long way in this business. (For both sever and customer)

Joanne Lenos

Always relaxed, varied selection for coffee lovers, and coffee just for caffeine .. staff is calm, friendly, and seem to enjoy being there. Lots of regulars ... a "Cheers" for those that remember the show, without the alcohol content. Nice treats as well, kid friendly, what more could you want? Music perhaps?

Caitlin Plant

Fantastic coffee shop, the best in Stratford! Meets the standards of other Balzacs as well! Cute back patio with plants and birds and it isn't too loud either (for being on main St) parking is OK on the street but larger vehicles will need to park around back.

Kaitlyn Kochany

Interesting coffee choices, service was quick.

Daniel

The OG Balzacs is a must go to when in Stratford for a good coffee. The predominantly white interior with flashes of yellow makes the interior bright yet cozy. The mosaic tiles floor is exquisite and adds a dose of old school charm which complements its white tin ceilings and walls. It's surprisingly spacious and boasts a nice patio out back. Smiley and friendly service. The espresso machiattos are excellent. Reasonable pricing too for the quality of the coffees. They also carry some major league 2.2 kg sized small batch coffee bean bags. Will be back next time we're in Stratford.

Scott R

This is a great place for coffee and conversation. The pastries are fine too. Great staff. Stratford has the best downtown.

Joe Gioia

Their coffee tastes great and refreshing

Juan P Aguilera Torralbas

Beautiful decor. From a connoisseur, I want to thank you for a great espresso served in a real cup, in a great setting. Highlight of Stratford visit????

Karan Manku

Our favourite coffee shop since we recently moved to Stratford. Baked goods are divine!

Emma Cole

Fantastic atmosphere and honestly one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had! Great staff and great treats too. Definitely a place to stop in at after a day of browsing the shops on Ontario street.

Melody Cook

Amazing coffee and lovely store

Andrei Arca

Love their Cafe Harvest. Prices are steep, but what you would expect to pay if you buy your coffee at a place other than Tim Hortons or McDonalds

Cheburashka Lol!

Great coffee, great snacks and great atmosphere! Had the butter tart, a balzac blend of drip coffee and my wife had a latte. Would definitely recommend! Went back to purchase a bag of the balzac coffee beans.

Preet K

The best coffee I've ever had. I just love their café nordique with carrot cake and it's the best combination.I don't mind driving 45 minutes to get there for my coffee. I just love it so much. Also, a review is incomplete without mentioning their staff. Wonderful staff and very positive vibes inside the cafe. Can’t wait to sit there and have coffee again.

Sofia

Balzac’s has been my favourite spot for a chai latte for years. Recently tried their Beet Bliss salad and Ham & Swiss sandwich and they were amazing!

Uncle Cyncle

The coffee & pastries here are absolutely DELICIOUS! Balzac's is a super chill coffee shop with friendly baristas! We've been here a ton of times as we travel through the world & stop in to visit family. The blueberry muffins and ginger cookies always puts a smile on my face! BE Adventure Partners highly recommend Balzac's!

Anna Baik

Delicious drinks, great baked goods, lots of allergy/intolerance friendly options, and wonderful service. They made my 1-year-old’s night by giving him a little cup of oat milk, it was a lot of fun for him.

Lisa Dreher

Friendly, delicious and a great menu selection. Always a lovely atmosphere inside!

Pierre Dil

My fiance had the frappe which was very good, whip cream was extra so he just added cinnamon on top instead. Just the caffeinated pick up we needed. I had a bottle of the live kombucha naked blend, and it was by far the best kombucha I've ever experienced. Such good flavor and the perfect amount of carbonation. Not too sour which was quite refreshing compared to what I'm used to. Music was very chill and relaxing and seating comfortable and nice. Very clean and smells pleasant. They have assorted baked goods that I did not try but they look quite nice.

D. Bernevek

Good coffee and Almond Croissant! Indoor Dine in was available up to 15 mins.

Lucas Shepherd

Probably the best coffee in Stratford, and some of the best iced chai I've ever had. Tasty pastries, fast free internet, a bright open layout and friendly staff. Not exactly late night hours but open after a lot else in town closes.

Anish Babu Bharatha

Awesome place. Highly suggest to call ahead for reservations. The chicken n Waffles and brisket sandwich was very tasty. Both dishes were flavourful and filling

Benjamin Jeevanathan

Great place for coffee and a treat. Good wifi. Nice atmosphere. Outdoor seating in front and out back.

Nicholas Symns

For me, a visit to Stratford isn't complete without stopping at Balzac's for their excellent organic, Fair Trade coffee. Even the cream for the coffee is organic! It was actually a Stratford resident who told me that this cafe is the one all of the locals go to. Okay, I must admit, their ginger cookies are to die for! Combine the upbeat, friendly atmosphere, with the great coffees, specialty coffees, teas, and juices, and the huge array of yummy baked goods, the central location,...need I go on?

Michelle Rakowski

Such excellent coffee, crisp flavourful ginger cookies, and fast friendly service makes this place very much worth visiting. All COVID19 safety protocols are observed so one can feel safe visiting.

Aaron Desjardins

The Parisian Mist is my go to drink here. My kids love the warmed (not hot) cider. The peanut butter bars always go over very well with everyone.

Katie Watt

Oatmeal raisin cookie, date square dessert with a delicious latte drink. This is the best coffee and latte drink in town! I always love stopping by here before heading back to Toronto. The staff are always courteous and very friendly. Stratford????

Kevin

Not terribly impressed. Very expensive for a regular coffee. Lots of "foam". Not much smiling except for known locals.

Master iOqY

Stratford's Balzac's has such a unique vibe with its large front windows providing a beautiful natural light to the inside space. A perfect place to enjoy a coffee and people watch, it also has an excellent back patio with a lot of character. The patio back against a wall covered in beautiful vines, a great place to socially distance in these crazy times.

Lia Sharon

We have had coffee here a couple of times. Each time they were quick, explained a drink to us (if I had to ask) and gave us exactly what we wanted. Their selection of coffee to buy for home is also quite impressive. Nothing hugely special, but certainly a nice place to go if you’re in town.

Paul Tuchscherer

Nice folks however remarkably stingy on pricing and product. No small in a medium without being charged a size up at the register. Seriously?

Deanna Pizzolatto (Miller)

Great spot to catch up with friends or have a quick business meeting.

Ann De Krey

Excellent dark roast coffee and super moist carrot cake with real cream cheese frosting. Cute place to grab a snack and head to the park for a walk.

Rhonda

Service

Colin Freas

Coffee and treats are decent but very expensive.

Donald Luther

Nice quiet coffee place to get a decent cappuccino. Lots of variety. Can buy their specialty coffee beans. They offer a Balzac card for frequent drinkers. This location has the front window viewing availability for single seating.

V. Torres

Back to their normal way. No covid check for takeout just for in house dining. An interesting coffee house for those wishing specialty blends with interesting pastry selections.

Jonathan Sippel

Meal type

Therese Silvawalker

There's nothing like a double Espresso before exploring Stratford...part of our getting to know Ontario...thanks Covid 19! The coffee and service were both outstanding. The patio area was expanded into the back parking lot making for a well spaced and peaceful coffee.

David J. L. Hunter

Great coffee! Well organized for speedy service amid new physical distancing measures but they haven't sacrificed the cozy atmosphere the shop always had.

Ben Holmes

Great spot to have some food when in a hurry. Their service is efficient, rates are convenient, fantastic character. I highly recommend this spot.

Anu K

I love going to this Cafe! I love the old, retro style decor, but especially, the delicious, fair trade, unique blends and varietals that this coffee shop offers! They are delicious! I haven't had anything yet that I have not truly enjoyed. Today, I tried fresh, locally made salad, with shredded purple potatoes, grilled chicken, quinoa, kale, tomatoes and a very interesting pesto dressing. It was so good and very healthy as well! A bit pricey at $11.99 but quite enjoyable. Also nice to sit out on their little patio with the flower boxes giving you a bit of privacy from the street and people walking by. I love all the unique Balzac's locations!

Aaron V

Matcha latte is pretty good.

Crisanto Gines

Take out

Eunkyung Jang

Amazing coffee and service!! No complaints and never a bad cup of coffee, of you're in the area check it out!

Megan Graham

Came in July while visiting from Toronto. I thought the coffee was good, as well as the loaf I ordered. Nothing out of this world, as some reviews hype it up to be. It does have a nice interior, with sitting available on a back outdoor patio as well. Would return when visiting Stratford again.

Rebecca Shory

Very nice small European style coffee shop, Our must visit whenever We pass Stratford. Regular Latte, iced Americano, golden latte are our favs

Corey Goebel

Best coffee anywhere. We even make trips in to get the take home coffee

Elizabeth Ash

As you walk through the doors you can not help but notice how quaint the layout of the coffee shop is. The atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming. The snacks and coffee is out of this world. Very fresh and is delivered to you as quickly as possible. Although the staff is very busy, they still go out of their way to fulfill your needs, create small talk, and in some cases even create "late Art" for your entertainment as you wait for your beverage to be ready. Would recommend this coffee shop to anyone, and would encourage people to try everything on the menu.

Keith Mckee

This location is so friendly and looks like a great hotspot for the locals! So many awesome treats to choose from - it's hard not to get one with your coffee! Great beans and great holiday drinks! My fave is their hot chocolate - so yummy on a cold day! Located right at the beginning of their main street where all the shops are! Park your car close by, grab a coffee and visit all the great little shops! Makes a great way to spend a weekend afternoon!

Sonia Vishowski

Nice place with patio. Tasty pastry. Coffee ☕ is too hot unfortunately. Barista has to improve coffee making skills.

J B

Such a beautiful spot! Classic cafe menu with a massive selection of baked good. Special shoutout to the barista with the lemon tattoo- so friendly!

Amber Lawrence

Always a great cup of coffee!

bob hart

Very, very good coffee, great service. This coffee company is an independent Toronto success story. Parking can be a little tough unless you are creative and resourceful. ;) Walk to the river (not far) to sit in a cool space.

James Smith

Have loved the coffee since we visited the Niagara on the Lake cafe. They have the most relaxed atmosphere. Newly renovated space with lots of options for a quick snack, breakfast sandwich or any type of regular or specialty coffee. Lots of seating with different coffee flavours each day.

Lisa Sommers

Great food, great coffee, great atmosphere. Pricey.

Gaylyn S.

was here few times while passing by through Stratford. Great coffee shop to stop by and relax.

Anthony Prebble

Great service and a good atmosphere!! The staff are very friendly and all the food is high quality! Can be a little overcrowded sometimes but other than that a great place!! Would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a small town coffee shop vibe!

S P

Having come to Stratford for a day trip and having several coffees through out the day, this coffee shop is the shop to wait in line for. Super customer service and the 'farmer roast' was a coffee flavour that was not familiar to me. Something that had me stunned and questioning if I enjoyed it or not. In the end I still think about the coffee and the delicate flavours it had. It was decadent. #locguides

Brendan Cheeseman

Always very busy, but thats usually a sign that its good! If you check out my other ratings I have rated another coffee shop in the area higher but Balzacs is still very good!

Jim Wilson

Love their consistency across locations. Spacious store with patio sitting

Bren D

I love Balzac's. The coffee is sublime. So well done. The best cortado i've had so smooth and robust. Its a chill vibe. Good pastry selection.

Kathy MacNeil

Great coffee and wonderful treats! Recommend 100%

Peter “Watchdog” Gallagher

Just popped in on a local recommendation and seems like a very good local coffee option. My brew was very mild (ordered a "medium roast" and was given a Farmer's blend) so i'd go darker than that next time, but it was smooth and obviously thoughtfully selected and prepared. Busy place with the locals.

World Owner Fog

This has got to be one of the cosiest coffee places in the world. The beverages here are the best and all the treats are delectable.

Chelsea Nyland

Great visit here this afternoon for a coffee and a treat! Very friendly staff, especially the lady at the cash.

Thomas Tyrrell

last night was our first time we went to this good restaurant. But It is surely not the last time. We enjoyed the evening a lot with the attentive service, with the finest dishes and fine drinks and with the friendly payment. We will definitely come back soon.