WE’VE GOT THE BREWS!
If you’re a caffeine-hooked coffee drinker, tea fanatic or you’re looking for a warm drink to stay toasty this winter, each community in the Bay of Quinte has excellent cafés to keep you caffeinated for the day’s adventures. Here are nine to get you started, but we’ve got plenty more to explore!
LOLA’S CAFE
Lola’s Cafe is a staple in Brighton, focusing on providing healthy, organic, and delicious farm-to-table food to their customers. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
The menu features County Roasters Fair Trade Coffee, tea, and breakfast and lunch items like the Western Sandwich made with farm fresh eggs, cheddar cheese, ham, peppers and onions on house-made bread. They also have a veg store in the café where they sell seasonal vegetables from North Gate Organics.
THE GRIND AND VINE
Previously known as The Grind, this coffee bar now has a Vine portion and is under new management since early 2020 (click here to meet owner Taylor Russett!).
They focus on creating a more social and inclusive environment with high-quality coffee, warm beverages, baked goods and local wine and cider.
Given the choice between coffee and wine, we’re not sure which one we’d choose!
GOURMET DIEM
It is the place to go for gourmet coffee and espresso beverages as well as breakfast, daily soups, salads, smoothies, gelato, artisan cheese and meats and their famous charcuterie box to go. Gourmet Diem has a lot more to offer than just coffee—clearly!
THE BRAKE ROOM
Bikes, beans and brews. The friendly staff, adventurous atmosphere and sustainable products make this a great spot for a pit stop after a bike ride or a socially-distanced coffee with a colleague or friend.
Their menu offers a selection of coffee and espresso (from Pilot Coffee Roasters), refreshing tea (Pluck tea), County Soda, and now, a selection of “Fridge Mixers”, which include local libations from nearby wineries, breweries and cideries.
THE QUINTE CORNER
The Quinte Corner is nestled in Century Place at the corner of Front and Bridge Street. Another top café in the Bay of Quinte region that has it all: coffee, espresso, tea, specialty drinks, smoothies, breakfast and lunch treats, daily soups, baked goods and desserts!
In the summer you can find soft-serve ice cream and in the winter, you can add a special liquor to your hot drink. (Psssst: they make a variety of keto, vegan and gluten-free items as well!)
COFFEE CRAVINGS
Coffee Cravings is located in beautiful Downtown Napanee. Their warm and friendly atmosphere offers a variety of delicious drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, gourmet coffee, teas, and smoothies. Oh, and let’s not forget desserts! (We never do)
L’AUBERGE DE FRANCE
L’Auberge de France is actually a bistro, bakery AND gourmet shop, but the delicious hot beverages and baked goods that they offer (dine-in or take-out) make it a definite top café in my books.
Make your way there on Saturday mornings for fresh-baked croissants and a latté and you’ll feel as if you have been transported to a restaurant in Paris! Don’t forget to check out their new Downtown Wine Shop while you’re there.
HARBOUR CAFE
The Harbour Cafe is located on Pinnacle Street, overlooking the Bay of Quinte across the way from Victoria Harbour. This café provides more breakfast and lunch items than a typical small café might, but it still has that same cozy atmosphere. Sit down and enjoy an omelet or waffles or go out for a walk and grab a coffee to go. Regardless, the view won’t disappoint you.
OLD BANK CAFE
Take a quick detour north of the 401 and follow the Trent River into the village of Frankford. And yes—you guessed it—this café is in a historic building that used to be a bank!
Grab a seat and sip on a great selection of coffee drinks, loose-leaf tea, European pastries plus homemade daily soups, sandwiches and salads.
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