The Second Cup

I’m from the states so I’m use to hanging out in Starbucks, chatting, sipping and relaxing, but I found the Starbucks around here are about as intimate as a Tim’s. I needed to find someplace better. This place is it, if not better. It’s cozy, the baristas are super friendly and patient, and they have great coffee. Another huge plus is that unlike the Canadian Starbucks, they offer non-​dairy and soy-​free milk (almond!) That was important for me because I’m vegan and unfortunately, soy intolerant. The only thing that could make this place better would be if they served cold brew and vegan sweets.

I spent a good portion of my life between 18 and 23 at this coffee shop. I love to sit at the window and read with coffee. In the summer I sit outside and smoke a pipe or cigar when it is quiet and dark.
The coffee is always freshly brewed, and there are great spaces to study, read, or meet with someone. There is not a lot of turn over in the staff, so it is nice to get to know them. They are always super cheery, one time I was fighting with my girlfriend and the employee randomly offered me his couch! I didn’t even know him! It was a nice gesture nonetheless.
The pastries are fresh, and the place is always immaculate!
My only suggest would be a bike rack. And I really don’t like students who camp out and monopolize tables and outlets grrrr.

Been here many times. *Like… but you guys had house flies infestation summer 2012. That wasn’t cool.

The best coffee I have had so far in Guelph… What’s a poor coffee-​snob from Portland to do? Conveniently close to the University (around which my life will revolve), comfortable interior (with a fireplace for those cold winter mornings), a small selection of relatively tasty pre-​made panini (which they can grill for you), and a variety of good coffees (I’ve only tried the lattes and the bold cup-​o-​the-​day, so far). They also have a do-​it-​yourself coffee adjustment station (I have been unable to get used to the Canadian coffeehouse propensity for fixing one’s coffee for one — «Um, I don’t know how many creams I want; I just add cream until it looks and tastes right, honestly!») with REAL half-​and-​half (I also haven’t been able to understand the milk fat percentage system, here — there’s 9%, 18%, 36% — I just want some freakin’ half-​and-​half, ‘k?).
Supposedly they now offer free wifi, but they haven’t worked the kinks out, yet; will check back on that later. (You hear that, Starbucks? FREE wifi! *Plbbbbplbtt!*)
I am going to have to work hard to resist the pretty, pretty pastries in the case this year, I can tell. They had a Pink Velvet cupcake with pink cream cheese frosting. Just looking at it made me feel more feminine. Yum.