Hamilton's Best Cafes
Author: Salina Edwards
Are you new to Hamilton? Are you looking for some sweet spots to study? Think you need caffeine to function? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this article is for you!
Welcome all new and returning Neuroscience students to graduate school. It’s that time of the year again—the start of the fall semester, where the air begins to cool, and our motivation is (hopefully) at its peak.
When I first started graduate school here, one research question stuck out above them all: Where on earth can I get good coffee around here? If you are also asking this question, I have bad news and good news for you. The bad news is: The best spots to get coffee are not on campus. The good news is: I did the research and compiled an entire list of all the best spots* for studying, caffeinating, and chatting.
*Disclaimer: This article represents the sole opinion of the author and was not sponsored by any business on the list or its representatives. Prices may be subject to change.
Cafe | Location | Distance from McMaster University (Transit) | Seating Availability | Cost | Instagram Link | Description |
Synonym | James Street North | ~35 min | Seating often available | Drip: $3.65 Americano: $3.95 Latte: $5.65 | Link | Synonym is a personal favourite of mine. With a cozy atmosphere and occasional jazz nights, this spot has something for everyone. I recommend the espresso over the drip coffee—an Americano on a chilly day at Synonym will surely get you to finish that paper. |
One for All Coffee | King Street East | ~30 min | Limited seating | Pour over: MP (usually $6-8) (Does not offer drip) Americano: $4.00 Latte: $5.00 | Link | One For All is the spot for the coffee snob. Beautiful coffee, good vibes, and lattes to die for. Stop in for a fruity pour over or take a peanut cloud dream latte to go. |
Phin Coffee Bar | King Street West (Westdale) | ~15 min | Seating often available | Drip: $3.32 Americano: $3.54 Latte: $5.31 | Link | Phin is one of Hamilton’s best gems. This spot is close to campus and offers a variety of specialty coffee. Friedhats, anyone? I highly recommend the strawberry latte. |
Cafe Baffico | East Hamilton | ~35 min | Limited seating | Drip: $2.85 Americano: $3.65 Latte: $5.85 | Link | Love donuts? Love sourdough? Love an Italian café? How about a sourdough donut at an Italian cafe? If you find yourself craving a sweet treat, Cafe Baffico offers some of the best donuts in town. I recommend a classic cinnamon sugar or a giant cinnamon bun. |
Mulberry Coffeehouse | James Street North | ~35 min | Seating often available | Drip: $2.75 Americano: $3.15 Latte: $4.95 | Link | Cute and cozy, this spot offers a wide menu with both vegetarian and vegans snack options and plenty of space to work. The coffee here does its job, but the café’s large size means you’re often likely to find a good space to hunker down. |
Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery | King Street West (Westdale) | ~10 min | Limited seating | Drip: $2.15 Americano: $3.50 Latte: $4.00 | Link | It's likely that you have already heard about Paisley, but just in case: Located in Westdale, just a short 15-minute walk from campus, Paisley has good coffee and good eats, all made from scratch. This is a nice spot if you aren’t feeling like venturing too far into the Big City and are looking for a good bagel to munch on. |
Café Domestique | Dundas | ~20 min | Good seating | Drip: $2.38 Americano: $3.54 Latte: $4.67 | Link | Located in nearby Dundas, Café Domestique is a lovely reprieve with excellent espresso. This cyclist themed café is packed with memorabilia to please the biker in us all. |
Durand | Charlton Ave (Corktown) | ~30 min | Limited seating | Drip: $2.35 Americano: $3.49 Latte: $4.25 | Link | Last on the list, but most definitely not least, is Durand. With two locations in Hamilton and one in Dundas, there’s a Durand out there for everyone! This local spot never disappoints with the drip for a classic coffee lover. Pro tip: If you buy a bag of coffee, you get one small drip coffee free! |
Honourable mention: Tim Hortons Museum
Did you know the first Tim Hortons was built in Hamilton? Neither did I, until I stumbled upon the Tim Hortons Museum on Ottawa street. Standing in its first, original location, this spot is a cute visit for any coffee lover or donut devourer. Head up to the second floor to see a time capsule of Tim Hortons coffee throughout the ages.
Thank you all for reading! I hope you found this list helpful, and I wish you the best of luck for this upcoming semester. Happy caffeinating!