10 Best Cafes in Barrie for Coffee by a Local
As a self professed coffee nut, I’m always on the hunt for the best cup of coffee on my travels and at home. So, I’ve scoured my own hometown to find the best coffee in Barrie. The city is full of unique places that range from board game cafes to Instagrammable spots. So, if you’re looking for the perfect cup of joe, check out one of the top cafes in Barrie from my list!
This list of Barrie coffee shops has something for everyone! You’ll find vegan cafes, cozy shops and some of the best food to pair with your coffee. So, if you’re looking for coffee shops to add to your list while exploring Barrie’s attractions, one of the following will fuel you for exploring!
My Favourite Cafes in Barrie
If you’re looking for a charming cafe for a solid cup of coffee this list is for you! You’ll find an array of fabulous coffee shops in Barrie. Some cafes are known for their coffee and others for their delicious baked goods. Here are my top picks for the best cafes in Barrie!
Homestead
When you’re imagining the classic café Homestead is probably what you see. A social atmosphere, the sweet aroma of fresh baked goods, and a constant pouring of coffee.
Located in downtown Barrie, Homestead is an artisan bakery specializing in artisan breads and baked goods that are made by hand with local and organic ingredients.
They’re famous for their sourdough bread that has health benefits you may not even know. And they’ve partnered with Epic North coffee roasters who bring green coffee to Barrie.
Immediately when I entered I fell in love with the vibe. Below my feet was the original stunning tiled floor from 100 years ago. The walls are exposed brick with pops of green hanging plants. And among small white tables is an old church pew extending along the one wall with fun and cozy printed pillows.
Homestead offers an array of coffees and baked goods along with small meals and even has live music.
Address: 80 Dunlop St. E, Downtown Barrie
Beaver Rock
Did you know that Barrie is home to an award-winning coffee roaster? The Beaver Rock roastery is located in the city’s south end as is their first shop. The shop features their incredible coffee available for take out or to purchase by the bag. Plus, I love that it’s filled with other local products, ranging from maple syrup to unique artisan cards.
After frequent stops in the shop over the years, I was thrilled when I discovered they were opening up a café downtown! As one of the newest downtown coffee shops in Barrie, The Lodge at Beaver Rock has a spacious dining room.
In addition to their locally roasted coffee, the shop has an array of baked goods and light meal options. Always committed to community, I love that they use local bagels from Salty Blonde Bagel Bar!
Address: 91 Dunlop Street East, Barrie
The Freaky Wizard Coffee House
UPDATE: Currently closed but looking for a new location!
One of the most unique places to go for coffee in Barrie is the Freaky Wizard Coffee House! Located near Georgian College, Freaky Wizard is a board game café! It has over 700 games to choose from, and it’s a budget friendly $5 unlimited play!
One thing I love about the space is the whimsical décor that includes nods to Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Plus, they also have escape rooms and do regular trivia nights.
Freaky Wizard uses locally roasted, fair-trade coffee. Plus, they have fun drink names like, Witches Brew and Crumbledore. If coffee is not your thing, they have a selection of other beverages, like their magical potions, one of which I love, especially in the summer – Forever Unicorn.
Along with coffee, fun drinks and good times, Freaky Wizard also serves a number of light meals, snacks and desserts. Plus, I love that it’s open late!
Vegan Pantry
One of the best vegan cafes in Barrie is the Vegan Pantry! I’ve been a big fan of this shop since I first stumbled upon it in it’s first location. Now, Vegan Pantry is located in the downtown area in a Victorian home. Inside you’ll find a counter full of scrumptious baked goods.
As one of the best vegan bakeries in the city, the Vegan Pantry has a menu of gluten free and vegan options. I love their creative lattes, like the Pink Milk Latte! It features beetroot crystals, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and oat milk. Plus, it’s pink!
Some of my favourite baked goods that pair well with a coffee are their Hello Dolly’s and Snickers Bars. If you’re visiting Barrie during the holidays, check out their festive options.
Vegan Pantry also has a variety of in-house menu items that range from appetizers to burgers. Or you can browse their freezers that are full of ready-made meals to make at home like lasagna, pizza and my favourite – cauliflower wings.
Insider Tip: There is a small parking lot. However, if it’s full, there is plenty of parking available downtown that’s a short 5 – 10 minute walk away.
Address: 34 Ross St, Barrie, ON L4N 1E9
Mmm Donuts Cafe & Bakery
What pairs well with a warm beverage? A delicious donut, that’s what! And you’ll find both at Mmm Donuts Cafe & Bakery. They even made it onto my list of the best donuts in Ontario! One of Barrie’s newest cafes it has quickly grown in fame and has even expanded to include seating indoors.
Mmm Donuts Cafe serves up a range of beverages including lattes, hot apple cider, and coffee. What they are known for is their out-of-this-world vegan donuts. The bakery is 100% plant-based with no eggs or dairy – EVER!
And for all those non-believers, you won’t notice the difference. If anything, they are even better than traditional donuts. Plus, they come in a selection of crazy flavours and styles. You’ll find traditional flavours too! A couple of my favourite donuts include their Birthday doughnut, Pralines & Cream, and I can’t forget their S’more Cookies!
If you’re visiting on a weekend get there early or order a box ahead of time online here. And for those Instagram junkies, be sure to grab a photo with their wings mural!
Address: 240 Bayview Drive unit 11
Lazy Tulip Cafe
Another of the best cafes in Barrie is Lazy Tulip. This once small café has now blossomed into a larger and flourishing haunt for Barrie’s creatives and hippies alike.
The Lazy Tulip is a funky and eclectic café in downtown Barrie. They serve organic, fair trade coffee from a small micro-roaster in Guelph. And their menu centers on fresh local ingredients as well as vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Everything is made in house, and while it all is delicious – my favourite is the cheddar and spinach muffin.
As soon as you enter you’ll feel a cozy, lived in vibe with pops of colour and art everywhere. The café features local artists. And their large mural from Toronto’s Madd Moll is heartwarming with its tulips, Buddha figure, and an array of flourishes and mandalas.
I also love owner Michelle’s crafty and thrifty sense. Many of the pieces in the café are from various local thrift stores. And even the bench cushions were made from burlap coffee sacks from her coffee roaster.
UPDATE: Please note that the Lazy Tulip Cafe has moved and is now located in the MacLaren Centre.
Address: 37 Mulcaster Street
The Wired Owl Coffee Company
There’s a narrow little cafe downtown that is full of quirky charm! It’s the Wired Owl Coffee Company! If you’re looking for an all-inclusive cafe that will welcome you in then this is the place. The interior is dark but feels like thanks to the plants hanging in the entryway and the cheery staff.
The Wired Owl is one of the best coffee shops in Barrie! You may recognize the location as it was formally The Barrie Bean Counter. The family that runs the cafe also runs the hair salon next door.
If you get there early you can snag one of the two best seats in the cafe, the front window where you can sip and watch Barrie’s downtown awake. Another cozy spot can be found at the back in a pseudo library with a uber comfortable leather high back chair.
The couple has strong Greek and Portuguese backgrounds and this is seen in their delicious desserts. One of my favourite treats to pair with my latte is their Greek cookies! But truthfully, every treat I’ve bought from the Wired Owl is awesome!
Address: 49 Dunlop Street East in Downtown Barrie
Related Post: Top Toronto Cafes – from Lattes to Cortados
Common Good Café & Social House
There’s nothing else like it in Barrie. So, if you’re looking for a café in Barrie with a Toronto vibe that also offers cocktails and live music then Common Good Café & Social House is where it’s at.
With splashes of art deco style, curved teal-covered booths, plants behind the bar, and brass light fixtures that scream pizazz you’ll feel like you’re going for coffee with the Great Gatsby himself.
The Common Good Café uses espresso roasted in Toronto as well as local brewers, distillers and wineries. And if your palate is looking for something different you’ll love their unique menu. Everything is made in house and from scratch (except for the bread that is sourced locally), one of the many reasons it’s one of my favourite places to eat in Barrie.
Their manager, Hampshire put it perfectly when he said, “Our food is fresh, clean, healthy and flavourful.” And every great place ends in a great send off. Here at Common Good, they leave artist cards with every bill with positive and inspirational quotes.
Address: 85 Bayfield Street, Floor Level
More Coffee Shops in Barrie to Check Out
There are so many great cafes and coffee shops in Barrie! Whether you’re looking for cozy or quirky or vegan fare or buttery goodness, there’s a Barrie cafe for you!
Bohemia
Another great cafe in Barrie is Bohemia. Loved by locals and visitors it’s been a staple in downtown Barrie for nearly 20 years. The atmosphere at Bohemia is exactly as the name implies, cozy, warm, and boho-chic.
They serve organically grown, fairly traded, and locally roasted coffee.
Beyond the fabulous coffee, they also have a range of delicious baked goods like muffins, scones, cookies, and tarts. If you’re looking for something more substantial they have a great menu that ensures there’s something for every dietary restriction.
While they have a heavy focus on plant-based recipes you’ll also find a selection of chicken, fish, and even bacon!
Please note they are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 125 Dunlop Street East
Bake & Shake
For those keen to visit a unique place for coffee in Barrie, head over to Bake & Shake. This new café, located on Mapleview, is a dessert and bubble tea shop.
Along with a variety of caffeine beverages to choose from, they have a selection of bubble teas and epic smoothies.
I enjoyed their Strawberry Bliss smoothie with one of their bubble waffles. It’s a fun spot to meet friends for a coffee date and dessert! Plus, who can resist an Instagrammable background, like their green wall with neon sign that reads ‘Better Together.’
Address: 222 Mapleview Dr W Unit 6
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