Review City Cafe Bakery - Kitchener

City Cafe is a delightful vintage gem that exudes an undeniable charm. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time, with an atmosphere that's both nostalgic and inviting. The highlight of the experience undoubtedly lies in their must-try croissants and bagels, baked to perfection each day. The commitment to freshness is evident in every bite, making it a haven for pastry enthusiasts. One unique aspect is their cash-only policy, which harks back to a simpler time when transactions were straightforward. The establishment also operates on an honor system for payments, reflecting a deep level of trust they place in their customers. This rare approach adds to the cafe's character and further enhances the feeling of being part of a tight-knit community. The people behind City Cafe are as warm as the atmosphere they've created. Their friendliness and genuine hospitality make every visit a memorable experience. It's not just a cafe; it's a place where conversations flow freely, and you're likely to strike up a chat with both the staff and fellow patrons. City Cafe's status as an old gem in the city is well-deserved. In an age of rapid change, it stands as a reminder of the timeless appeal of freshly baked treats, sincere interactions, and a sense of community. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, City Cafe wraps you in its embrace and offers a unique and heartwarming journey through flavors and memories.

If you want freshly baked wood fired bagels, sourdough breads, perfect crescent shaped croissants and the best tuna melt then you must visit City Cafe. It is self serve bakery and everything they make tastes amazing. There is a cute little patio open in the summer. They only accept cash so come prepared.

We bought their croissants and it was so delicious! The man at front was so kind and welcoming, loved the staff here! They only take cash as a mode of payment, so that's one thing, which isn't bad! Loved visiting this cute Cafe!

Its a whole vibe to come here for breakfast, especially in the summer when you can sit outdoors. Fresh, warm bagels and hot delicious coffee will warm up your insides as you gear up for the day. The staff is so kind and its one of the few places (in the country!) that still run on an honor system for $. Just lovely. So glad to have this cafe around.

What can I not say about this place. The food is amazing, the staff is friendly, and the environment is cozy. Coming here early in the morning on a weekend is one of my favourite things to do. Their sesame seed bagels are my favourite, with their croissants coming in at a close second. Would recommend this place anytime. :D

I’ve only ever had the frozen bagels as they always seem to be sold out of fresh when I visit. But they are great! One day I will make it for the fresh ones which I am sure are even better. Cute little cafe

This is a little gem I accidentally found but highly recommend if you love bagels, real wood fired bagels. The atmosphere is friendly, staff are helpful. Heads up cash only 👍

Butter tarts and date squares were excellent. They only take cash. We had none so they graciously let us pay later (I came back inside 10 minutes and bought some of their bagels to try). Really cute, warm venue.

This is one of the best cafe/bakeries I've been to in Canada. The vibe is amazing, everything is fresh, and the quality is phenomenal. When the weather is good and the windows (with screens) are open the morning air coming through, eating there in is a experience. The people watching, the hustle and bustle of folks getting breakfast, heading to work, or just leisurely grabbing a bite, while everyone is so positive, and kind, is a great way to start the day. Plus the bagels are amazing.

The place has a very homely vibe to it mainly due to the great staff that ensure nobody goes out the store empty-handed. They accept cash-only and like most people, I didn't have cash on me when I went it to get some baked goods. The lady there told me that they work on an honour-system i.e. I can take the items now and come payback any other time. This is not something you’d come across on a daily basis but it was really sweet of her to do that. The montreal-style sesame bagels were amazing. Croissants were good too but tasted a bit eggy however they were HUGE!