M Sorkhabi
The exposed brick and high ceiling is the main reason I come here often. Oh, and it’s the only coffee shop in the area with extended hours, not to mention the staff is friendly and the place is very spacious for a downtown location. The coffee is OK. It’s a great place to chill, hangout, read, or just take a coffee break.
Mike Kushnir
It is an unusual and somewhat famous coffee shop. The atmosphere is quite nice, the 2nd level seating area is rustic and cosy, however the coffee itself is quite generic and definitely overrated. Overall come for the ambiance not for the java and you'll be quite happy.
Alan Falukozi
I always enjoy all of the Balzac locations. They are set up with a great atmosphere and this location is no different. Whether you sit inside the historical building or outside and enjoy the sun, it's a great place to enjoy a coffee. I got a cortado and it was alright. I find the Balzac coffee to be slightly darker of a roast than I like for espresso and so it tasted quite bitter and over extracted. Not bad but nothing worth getting excited over either. Overall worth coming to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and have a nicer conversation.
Chandra
Had coffee, tea and cookies. Liked each one while enjoying the charm of 1895 building. Being a week day, it was relatively less crowded..
Jim Wilson
If you’re in the Distillery and you need a quiet, cool place to chill.. this is it. Spacious, good coffee, fast wifi. Well recommended.
Kevin Ang
Best place in Distillery District to get a cuppa. An established chain of coffee shops that also serves food and has merch.
Ryanne Florence
Love their coffee and I always get a bag of the winter roast for my dad for Christmas ☺️ love the vibe within the cafe all year round but feels especially cozy during the holiday season 💓 turmeric latte is a cool, novel drink I had not previously experienced before Balzacs
Catherine F
The food and drinks were great. The ambiance in the seating area was really gentle, clean and relaxing. There is the option of getting drinks in a porcelain cup if you plan to sit inside rather than a paper to go cup, which added to the atmosphere. It is definitely a great place to stop by.
I do want to make note that of my experience on Tuesday February 22, 2022 at around 3:04PM. I visited with my partner, proceeded to order drinks and bakery items for the both of us and the worker that took the order was immediately and continuously condescending. They first began to state that this was not a Starbucks after I wanted to order a cappuccino for my partner. While they may perhaps wanted to educate me on the difference, the fact that that was their immediate reaction and used a condescending tone, was very unwelcoming. I followed by ordering a drink for myself, and pastry items for my partner and I. Upon including a second bakery item in my order, the employee taking my order repeated it back to me while sounding absolutely appalled that I wanted two bakery items. Perhaps they did not realize I was ordering for two people, but regardless of that it would be none of their business to judge how much food I would have wanted to consume for myself.
Ingulik Inga
I just adore this place! Fav coffee shop!
Great staff and I love the design.
Greg Slevin
The best decaf coffee I've ever had. A beautiful stout roast with a ton of flavor. I'd still buy this even if I could drink caffeinated coffee.
Shelley Goetze O'Connor
Every July into August since 2015 I make Balzacs my morning destination on the days I am off work joining my daughter for her walk to the Distillery District for her summer ballet intensive at Dancemakers studio. I usually get the amber roast that is available ( I really like The Atwood Blend ) and I get my daughter the decaf Blend which she very much enjoys the flavour of ( not wanting too much caffeine ). We also often enjoy a Hobbit Muffin or a ginger cookie ( the ginger cookies are so good... maybe I shouldn't say so as I don't want them to run out ). The chai lattes I also recommend. Wanted to try the coffee in a cone at least once this summer and so we did. Macchiato in a sugar cone lined fully rim to bottom tip with dark chocolate ( you can also get expresso, iced coffee or hot chocolate to fill it ). It was a yummy fun treat. Yes we got some photos. Love the feeling of community atmosphere Balzacs on Trinity provides... and the staff is friendly . On my last visit my day was made when the server asked me if my daughter was my sister . This destination has become one of the highlights of my summer .
Stefano Superkick
Amazing coffee and espresso!
Calm place to be, especially on a Tuesday! :)
Nicole A. Clinton
Always love it there. Always great coffee. Amazing treats. And what a cool place to hang out in.
Michelle Poirier
Love the coffees, treats and atmosphere! One of my favourite places in TO
Derin Hildebrandt
Always the best Chai Latte I can find. Fresh cinnamon that stays with you to the last drop. Fantastic.
Veronica Carvajal
Ordered a cappuccino about 3 months ago. Service needs improvement. Great space..overall coffee wasn't very good. Won't be returning.
Tom Nikkola
Cool atmosphere. Coffee was great, and unique in the cone.
Douglas Coombs
Perfect day...perfect weather....perfect latte's. I tried Parisian Mist :)
Agnes Zausz
Love love the atmosphere at the Balzac's in the distillery! I literally drive all the way down from Oakville because it's exactly what I need to feel not only inspired and intrigued, but also cozy and warm and filled with creativity and energy to do my work. And atmosphere for me is literally EVERYTHING!
Linda Cusson
Good late and wath a cute place 😊
Sandy Biback
It's become my almost daily visit and particularly in the summer outside where I get to listen to so many languages and so much philosophy by ordinary people
Lucille Garreau
Had a salted caramel latte. Was so yummy. Would enjoy bringing my sister niece and daughter there. � time
Ellen Webb
My son and I were there last night. Great hot chocolate. Great atmosphere!!
Robert Thomson
I've been part of this team for a little over a month and I must say the aura and energy is higher than ever. We've recently taken on new management and worked effortlessly to bring you fast, efficient service with knowledgeable staff ready to enhance your Distillery experience!
Joana Zghaib
Beautiful coffee shop located in one of the nicest areas in Toronto. It's located in the corner of a building next to a beautiful architectural piece. The inside has been kept rustic and old like the previous decoration was. I like that a lot, I believe it's a nice continuity to the whole building it's located in. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is huge and extends on a second level as well. <br/><br/>My friend and I were there as tourists, but we saw a lot of people studying since it's next to Georges Brown College and I believe that it is a perfect spot to study since the music isn't too loud and the seating area is huge.<br/><br/>As for the coffee, it was absolutely delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with soy milk and a vanilla pump. It's not too pricey, especially for an independent coffee shop located in a nice area.<br/><br/>My friend had a hot chocolate and she said it was very good, not too sweet, not too heavy.<br/><br/>The staff is very nice, very helpful and patient. <br/><br/>Definitely would recommend!
Hal Carim
This outlet of Balzac's is located at the southern most end of the centre entrance to the distillery in a high loft building, serving its usual great coffee and pastries. The space is rather crowded on weekends.
Sheena Yap Chan
Ok I tried the machiatto in a cone cup and parting over 5 bucks isn’t worth it. The cone is way too sweet and the drink has no taste. The cone up is good to get that instagram photo and that is all it’s good for. Too pricy for me and not worth the price.
Rosie
Whenever we visit the Distillery District our first stop is Balzac's. It's one of my favourite spots to get a coffee. I love walking into their cafes in both the Distillery and Liberty Village; the amazing smell of their delicious roasts is like a huge coffee hug.
Korean Food Monster
I originally wanted a apple cider drink but they were sold out so I ordered their hot chocolate, it was pretty good. When I order hot chocolate at timmy's it usually leaves a weird aftertaste in my throat, I don't know if anyone else has experienced that feeling, but it was nice and smooth here. I also love that they have a complimentary water station available. This place is big and rustic, I like it!
Alexis
This place was super cute! I loved the decor and atmosphere. My latte was really tasty and the coffee beans I took home were just as good. I'd go again!
Saudifooodie
قهوة الصباح المميزة في تورنتو 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻<br/>.<br/>.<br/>🇨🇦🇨🇦 @balzacscoffee 🇨🇦🇨🇦<br/>.<br/>.<br/>محمصة قهوة شهيرة في تورنتو... قهوتهم ترندي بالذات الدبل بالزاك.... و هو دبل اسبريسو مضاف لها نفس الكمية من حليب كامل الدسم بدون رغوة <br/>.<br/>.<br/>قهوة صح.... مكان عبارة عن مصنع مهجور في قبل تورنتو .... خدمة رووعه.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>خلوه محطة لكم في تورنتو.
Maithilee Kulkarni
Too crowded, slow service, average coffee, highly priced. My shortest review on Zomato! They almost spilled some of my coffee before serving (in 2015). <br/>In 2016 June, my experience was much better than the first. Café mocha was truly a treat, it was unsweetened which made it better than other mochas. Café frappe was something seriously good. Never tasted such a frappe in Toronto. It's still too costly for a single cup of coffee! <br/>
Christine Martin
Such an amazing coffee shop in the distillery district! Loved the vibe and the outdoor patio. My Americano was ok...I've had better. But the magic bar was unreal!!! Would definitely go back!
Birju
Liked the place it is good. Very old style but modern antique looks. Clean and neat place to sit for sometime and stip. It was not so busy when I went but coffee flavour was smooth and well roosted.
Alexandra Collins
Organic Hot Chocolate. Stopped in to the roastery for a hot chocolate last night during the Christmas Market. I went with the hot chocolate since it was very late, but the atmosphere and my friends drinks were amazing.
Allison
Liberty Village - Balzac's. I was working in this area in the fall and went to this cafe pretty much everyday. Their coffee is such good quality!! I like how they offer almond milk and other choices for drinks. Desserts are delicious and fresh as well. <br/>Drinks I have had: Coffee, Americano Misto, Citro Booster. <br/><br/>I highly recommend this coffee shop! If you like organic fair trade ingredients and a unique atmosphere.
Bonny Mary Greene
Balzac's located In Liberty Village. Stopped in this past weekend and tried the the Farmer's Blend it was the best coffee I've ever had in my life thus far. The cafe is very tastefully decorated with lots of light streaming in from the large windows, also impeccably clean. Bring a book or an ipad and stay awhile.
EmptyBee
Fantastic Coffee. Walking to the shop it was the kind of place that I didn't want to like. It's really nice what they've done to convert the old industrial buildings, but it gives you the vibe of being a tourist trap. Boy does this place impress though.<br/><br/>The service was friend and informative and the coffees impressive. Be sure to try a pastry as well.<br/><br/>This coffee seems to be a real crowd pleaser here in Kentucky. Whenever I travel, which is very often, I try to find the best roasters in the area and try their offerings. I'd have to say that this is in my top 5 that I've had anywhere. It's also the one that my brother and his wife most frequently ask me for the name of again. The roast I purchased for them is their favorite I've ever found for them.<br/><br/>I love Toronto and Balzac's coffee. When can I return?!
Adam Peleshok
The Balzac Mystique. The fact that the shop is situated in a historic building gives it a mystique not found in many coffee shops. The fact that it has 2 levels makes it all the more appealing. One of the really nice qualities about this place is that it is quiet. The place was probably half full of people, but everyone was talking quietly with their company and there was no loud music playing in the background. It created a truly relaxing atmosphere.<br/><br/>Other reasons why I find this place so great is the fact that the baristas seems to care about the coffee that they make. Take a look at the designs on top of the specialty coffee's. Also, they have a seasonal menu. Maple syrup latte; delicious. I tried a cappuccino as well and what impressed me about that drink was you could actually taste the milk in the froth. <br/><br/>Reasonably priced, this place is a must try when hanging out in the distillery district.
Patrick
HAPPY FACE!. I went here during my winter break this winter and wow, the coffee is so rich, and dark or just right rather. I really liked it. The pricing is all right. Best coffee hands down belongs here!
KD
Best coffee in the land!. A side of me does not want to talk about this place because I want to save it all for my self! A great change form the usual “chain upscale coffee experience” . The staff truly are barista’s. Great coffee beans roasted on site. Organic milk for the lattes. Exceptional craftsmanship in the making, right down to the fern or heart in the foam. The interior is very cool mix of funky objects like the large chandelier in the restored pump house of the Distillery district. The old building exudes texture and is a very warm and inviting place to be. Upstairs some couches and usually a small art show. I am a freak about good coffee and this is one of the best in North America. My San Francisco coffee snob friends have even agreed with me and take beans home with them!
TP
Best beans. We used to always stop by Balzacs in Stratford when we were driving through, but it has been extra special since the location in the Distillery District opened up so we don't have to leave the city to get good beans!
Skipjack
Best beans in town!. In my opinion, if you want to pick up some ground coffee, this is the place to go. Either that or Everyday Gourmet in St. Lawrence.
Allermanger
We visited Balzac’s Coffee around 10:30am, and it was already packed full of people! We barely found anywhere to sit. Balzac’s Coffee Entrance to Balzac’s Coffee When you first enter, you are able to see just how popular this cafe is in the city. Their espresso bar is full with all kinds of edible goodies, including cookies, oatmeal, croissants, you name it. Some of their goodies They also had organic hand pressed juices...
Vivi S
Another favourite in Toronto, in the Distillery District. Recommended by a Toronto native, Balzac's is a cosy place to hide away from the cold wind blowing outside. I fell in love with its rustic warm interior as soon as I set foot here. Thought I'd try something new and got a Maple Latte. In a bowl. Was way too sweet, not realising I could have asked for half sweetness. Unfortunately I couldn't finish it. There are so many coffee blends I wanted to try, but when I saw the tea list on my second visit, and saw Mariage Freres, and then Marco Polo, I knew I had no other choice. Mariage Freres' Marco Polo is my favourite tea, ever. I haven't had it since I was in Paris years ago, so I just had to go for it. Still love it. Sooo nice... Balzac's is also an art gallery, in its upstairs section. It must change all the time because all the artworks had been taken down on our second visit. These works are also for sale. Perhaps someone had bought them all, then? The view from the upper level
Caryl
I ordered a Cafe Nordique which was perfect for this chilly day. A happy collaboration of honey, vanilla and cardamom was just what I needed.
Toronto Mom Now
The decor alone is worth the visit. Breathtaking cathedral ceilings, an immense and funky chandelier, and a second floor loft that gives an impressive view of diners below. Not to mention the awesome coffee. Balzac’s micro-roasts their coffee, which results in unique and complex flavours. They also offer a number of other hot and cold drinks, as well as baked goods and snacks. The ope
Andrea
Their coffee was full bodied and was very nicely brewed. It’s definitely an excellent coffee shop. They also sell their own roasted beans.
Ann Gagno
There was still a little bit of bite to the morning air and I opted to warm myself up at Balzac’s. This place is definitely one of my favourite coffee shops in Toronto. Their coffee is pretty consistent no matter which Balzac I get it from. It also helps that I loved the ambience of the place. Today I have brought my Macbook with me for Pikto work and so I idled awhile in their comfortable second floor seating. It was also a good find that there is free WiFi in the Distillery. I could really learn to kill time at the Distillery more often.
Gastrofork Dee De Los Santos
There is definitely a strong opinion on who has the best coffee in Toronto, and a name that kept popping up in conversation was Balzac’s. Balzac’s story begins with President and Founder Diana Olsen’s time in France and it’s inspiration to bring the sophistication and social tradition back home with her to Canada. In 1996, Balzac’s cafe was opened in Stratford, Ontario and currently there are eight locations throughout Ontario. Balzac’s is known for it’s Fair Trade Organic coffee (and sugar and cocoa), organic and local milk and keeping everything artisanal, sustainable and local. The Balzac’s location I visited is located within the Distillery District – Toronto’s pedestrian village that resembles Gastown’s historical sites with a West Van, high end type of vibe. The cafe is a two story affair, reminiscent of old world glamour you just can’t seem to find too often nowadays. I’d imagine this is what it feels like to stroll into a coffee shop somewhere in Europe. My baseline drink is al
Anabel L
Some herald it as the best coffee in Canada, which is high praise considering you can only get at two locations (in Toronto). I prefer the Distillery District site because I am madly in love with the area. It seems fitting that this supercoffee resides in
BiteMe
We made our way from St. Lawrence to Distillery District. The rain hadn't let up yet and we were freezing. We stopped at Balzac's Coffee Roasters to dry off and get a warm drink. Thankfully, by the time we left, we were mostly dry. I got a coffee, and Doug got some fancy looking coffee. It was delicious. Later in the day, between lunches and dinners, we got a pick-me-up to help us not fall into food coma. We almost missed Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters, located on Spadina just south of Adelaide, as their sign wasn't very prominent. Doug had 2 shots of espresso and Kitty had a dulce de leche latte. I got a boring coffee, but it wasn't as good as the one at Balzac's. I like the fancy patterns swirled in the drinks. These were our third and seventh stops of the day. Previous Categories: Drinks, Fast Food, Comments: 0 Comments close Comments No Comments Yet. Add Your Comments © BiteMe | Free Counter | Original Template design by Kevin Crafts
Allermanger
We visited Balzac’s Coffee around 10:30am, and it was already packed full of people! We barely found anywhere to sit.<br/><br/>When you first enter, you are able to see just how popular this cafe is in the city. Their espresso bar is full with all kinds of edible goodies, including cookies, oatmeal, croissants, you name it. They focus on getting every drink right, and even use organic milk! They also had organic hand pressed juices, but the price was too expensive for me to try. :( $8.95!! But, I mean, they say it has up to 3 lbs of fruits & vegetables in one bottle…<br/><br/>The place is in two floors, with the second floor being more cozy and quiet than the lower floor. The cafe has beautiful brick walls giving it such a cool ambience. The big chandelier is such a beautiful piece, lighting up the entire cafe. The second floor has a mix of lounge chairs, sofas, and regular tables. It would be a great place to get some work done, or a small business meeting.<br/><br/>My husband got their double shot of espresso with a hint of milk. He said it is acidic at a comfortable level, you know, not so acidic that the coffee tastes bitter.<br/><br/>I, not being a coffee lover, tried their Parisian Mist – a latte made with French Breakfast tea. I fell in love immediately! It tastes kind of like a chai tea latte, but it is still black tea, if that makes any sense. There is a hint of something that makes it completely different from other black tea lattes out there.<br/><br/>If you’re around the area, I suggest you get a cup of their coffee! You will certainly not regret it.<br/><br/>Drinks: 4/5 <br/>Service: 4/5 <br/>Price: $$ <br/>Cleanliness: 3.5/5
Jimena
This is one of the oldest outlets! It's my favorite of them, no doubt! Good coffee, great ambience, awesome spot.
Kelvin F
Located in Distillery District. The decor is fancy and it is a nice place to chill in an afternoon. Their London Mist is my favourite, as well as the Parisian mist drink. In addition to beautiful pastries and beverages, Balzac’s also hosts a variety of indie artwork for sale on the second floor. It’s a great place to people watch and enjoy a beautiful beverage.
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