Fill Your Cup With Cozy: Cafes where locals warm up in PEC, Bay of Quinte & L&A County

Rosanne Lake

If you’re in a constant state of searching for warmth this winter, stroll into an inviting small cafe in South Eastern Ontario to find comfort while sipping a hot beverage. Slow down, grab a good book and experience South Eastern Ontario’s charming cafe scene with these 15 coffee stops in Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County and L&A County. Enjoy seasonal lattes, hearty soups and freshly-baked pastries unique to each stop. Fill your cup with cozy!

Explore the coffee culture in Bay of Quinte

But first, coffee… at Benji’s Coffee Bar

Benji’s is an upscale and charming coffee shop behind Belleville’s city hall that’s sure to become your new fav. Find friendly staff and a cute place to exhale over a warm bevvy. An industrial-style, brick interior adds to the experience of this popular place. The lattes here are said to be phenomenal! They just finished some renovations that add to the ambiance. 

Feel welcome at UpFront Cafe
Warm welcoming place for friends to meet over coffee and pastry or for a leisurely drink. It’s a licensed event space and cafe with live music weekly.

Refuel at the Brake Room
This place reportedly serves the best flat white in the Bay of Quinte region! This is about as unique as it gets - it’s a community hub for coffee and espresso but also does double duty as a full bike shop. Located on Dundas Street East, The Brake Room is a true hub for coffee, community and cycle culture.

Slow down at The Grind and Vine
Serving premium coffee and dabbling in wine, The Grind and Vine is passionate about coffee and community driven. This is a local favourite coffee house in Trenton that encourages connection and conversation over delicious brew - and a glass of wine to end the day.

Seize the day at Gourmet Diem

This locally owned cafe and gourmet food shop in Belleville, features light lunches, imported cheese and of course sweet java. Look here for fabulous soups, too! Shake off those winter blahs. Think Americano, mochas, cappuccino, and even turmeric lattes, hot apple cider, and tea lattes, too!

Stay warm and relaxed while finding community at these L&A County cafe hot spots…

Satisfy your Coffee Cravings

Looking for lattes, cappuccinos and gourmet coffee all served in a super friendly place? This is it! Located in downtown Napanee, Coffee Cravings even sells custom coffee gift trays! We also hear the peanut butter tarts are a hit, the Winter Cherry Tea is steeped to perfection and the Snowman Latte with salted caramel and marshmallow is the ultimate warm-up treat.

Taste the goodness at The Giddy Goat Cafe
From smooth macchiato lattes to epic London Fogs, buttery croissants to memorable sandwiches (think chicken, brie and apple!) The Giddy Goat Cafe in Amherstview is brightening days.

Delight in Ellena’s Cafe

Ellena and her team specializes in hand-made, small-batch baking showcasing specialty coffee, desserts and pastries sandwiches and soups - along with a wonderful selection of craft beer and wines.

Warm up at The Blue Door Cafe
This place is SOUP-er! Fresh-baked goods, daily lunches, and marvellous soups that change with the day, like potato leek, tomato tortellini or carrot ginger. Warm up with a bowl and some fresh made bread, pretzels or upgrade to a sandwich! The Blue Door in Tamworth also has nourishing frozen meals available to take home.

Find connection at Stone Corner
This is the place for coffee and community! Housed in a beautiful limestone building dating to the mid-1800s, Stone Corner is a go-to for a winter pick-me-up in Camden East. Look here for a delicious array of specialty coffees and teas, sweets and more. There’s even a jam session/open mic here every Sunday!

Cozy up at Butter My Buns Bakery and Cafe
There’s nothing like warm, fresh bread - unless it’s paired with fresh pastries and a cappuccino! Enjoy time with friends or family and swing by Butter my Buns in Napanee for your coffee fix and everything from cakes to creative cookies to sourdough bakes. 

Find peaceful moments in these cafes around Prince Edward County

Settle in at Lily’s Cafe
Lily’s Cafe is worth the stop! Curl up and enjoy this delightful cafe connected to the boutique bookstore, Books & Company, in Picton. Deliciously fresh pastries and high quality, specialty coffees are waiting…

Escape the day at The Bean Counter Café 
This is a cherished spot in Picton, known for its warm ambiance and superb coffee. Leave the winter chill outside and take some time to reflect over an espresso or loose leaf tea. The sandwiches here are great - made to order. Try the popular jerk chicken wrap!

Indulge in the flavours at Rise Coffee House
Rise Coffee House in Wellington is open every. single. day. Thank goodness because this little gem makes in house treats that will warm your heart. The pours on the specialty coffees are darling and they serve up everything sweet and savoury from scones to legendary pies, croissants, tarts, cookies and more. This is an easy spot to gather and while away winter.

Bring the fam jam to Beacon Bike + Brew
A bright and inclusive combo of café and bike shop - it even has a kid-friendly play area so it’s a great spot for families! Find a cozy welcoming atmosphere, delicious coffee and food, and top-notch bike service, as Beacon Bike + Brew ensures adventures on two wheels while serving thoughtful coffee. It’s impossible not to smile here - even in the depths of winter.

No matter where you java in South Eastern Ontario, the cozy cafes here are sure to take the chill out of winter.

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