THUNDER BAY — Whether you are passing through on your road trip, or a local, Thunder Bay has a surprisingly robust coffee scene that’s worth checking out.
The city has more than a dozen locally-owned coffee shops, and each one offers something different and unique to every coffee lover.
In recent years, Thunder Bay’s coffee shop scene has been brewing, and we’ve compiled a list of the majority of local coffee shops. One way to support and shop local is by checking out Thunder Bay’s flourishing local coffee scene.
Here is a list of all the must-visit locally-owned coffee houses across Thunder Bay, so you know where to go the next time you’re craving a cozy drink and a sweet treat.
Up Shot Coffeehouse
111 ½ May Street South
Up Shot Coffeehouse offers locally roasted coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches and a variety of vegan pastries.
The coffee offers free WIFI making it perfect for students, tourists, retirees and lunch meetings.
Bay Village Coffee
221 Bay Street
Bay Village Coffee offers customers a variety of options when it comes to dietary restrictions. Opened in 2018, the coffee offers a range of cold drinks, hot beverages, and homemade baked goods all while using natural ingredients.
Bean Fiend Cafe
194 Algoma Street South
Just located five minutes away from Bay Village Coffee, Bean Fiend Café offers a casual dining experience to its customers. By offering both patio and indoor seating, customers are able to choose the setting they want while enjoying a west-coast style coffeehouse feel.
The Habit Coffee & Bakeshop
308 Red River Road
Located out of the Urban Abbey, The Habit Coffee and Bakeshop is recognized for its high-quality coffee and baked goods. The location is a favourite of those looking to get some studying or work done because of its quiet atmosphere.
Uncommon Baked Goods
251 Red River Road
Originally Uncommon Baked Goods started as an online platform during the pandemic, eventually, the business took off and got its own storefront in Thunder Bay.
The bakery specializes in modern pastries with a twist, all while using local ingredients.
595 Arthur Street West
301 Simpson Street
Carlito’s Board Game Café is one of Thunder Bay’s newer coffee shops and offers its customers the opportunity to play board games while enjoying freshly brewed coffee.
Known for its relaxing and intimate atmosphere, Dolce Coffee House wants all customers to feel at home when enjoying a cup of coffee. The shop offers a wide range of Italian desserts including muffins, croissants, cookies, biscotti, and much more.
Sweet North Bakery
10 Court Street
(Drive-thru located at 802 Fort William Road)
If you are looking for somewhere with a wide range of homemade baked goods, look no further than Sweet North Bakery. With both a drive-thru and a restaurant location, Sweet North Bakery offers a variety of pastries, desserts, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and much more.
They are also known for their pretzels, pretzel buns, sticky buns and lunch items.
Windy Shores Café
2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway
Windy Shores Cafê is a small coffee shop located at the Thunder Bay Marina. They carry a wide range of gluten-free and vegan pastries including date squares, oat bars, scones, cakes, cheesecake, bars and more.
270 Cumberland Street North
Rose n Crantz Roasting Co. was founded in 2013 and is known for roasting coffee for wholesale and distributing it around the city to coffee shops, restaurants, retail locations and all over Canada.
If you’re not in Thunder Bay, you can check out Rose n Crantz Roasting online and have it delivered to you!Fox on the Run
1100 Memorial Avenue
Fox on the Run is a lunch and coffee bar located in the city. The local coffee house and restaurant provides dining-in, take-out and catering services. Some of their items include locally sourced must-try delicious sandwiches and flavourful soups made from scratch.
The Seattle Coffee House
135 Frederica Street EastThe Seattle Coffee House is located inside Mama Alfa’s Pizzeria. The café offers a variety of specialty drinks and food options. They also offer pizza that is a favourite among long-time Thunder Bay residents, and it is a staple of the local pizza culture, but we will save that information for another time.
1725 Highway 61
Metropolitan Moose Beanery and Café is located in downtown Kakabeka Falls, approximately 20 minutes outside of Thunder Bay. The establishment opened in 2002 and offers coffee, drinks, and pastry specials. In 2007, the Metropolitan Moose Beanery and Café was voted one of Canada's favourite bake shops in the Cottage Life Magazine, so don't forget to try their famous butter tarts that pair exceptionally well with their coffee.
11 St. Paul Street
Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar
307 Bay Street
Thunder Bay Airport
Nomad has two locations, one within the departure lounge of the Thunder Bay Airport and a newer location at 307 Bay Street. While the location at the Thunder Bay airport has more of a “grab and go” style, the Bay location offers more of a dine-in experience.
The 307 Bay Street location also carries freshly baked bread, pancakes, and sandwiches and is Thunder Bay’s only creperie.231 Red River Road
Located inside The Vault Co-Work and Office Space, Pressed for Time Café offers novelty lattes and freshly brewed coffee in downtown Thunder Bay.
Calico Coffeehouse
316 Bay Street
