I have been an avid coffee drinker since the age of 16 and I recently did some research on Starbucks vs Independent coffee shops.Many people tell me they are indifferent on the issue, and they would go to both. I was wondering where people get their morning cup of coffee, or their daily buzz? Are independent coffee shops more appealing to you? Do you feel that Starbucks is too corporate? Do you have a favourite local coffee shop? Who makes the best latte, cappuccino, machiatto? What is your drink of choice?Image source: Flickr, Capucino-Chocolate, 2006.
I just moved to NDG so I'm still trying to get a feel for the neighborhood. I found this great coffee shop about a block from my place called Shaika Cafe. The coffee is great and they have a lot of vegan treats. It's always packed- I guess I'm not the only one who likes it!
I love getting a coffee from Myriade Cafe (http://www.cafemyriade.com/) just by Concordia's downtown campus. The coffee they use is roasted in Canada and they use real chocolate for drinks. Also, they use whole milk to make every drink amazing, though you shouldn't indulge too often. The hardest part is getting to the counter. They are always busy because they are the best downtown. May I be so bold as to say that the owner and staff are all easy on the eyes. ;) I would recommend here anytime over Starbucks or Second Cup. If you grab it to go you won't have to wait around and look for a table.
Definitely Cafe Myriade, it's unbeatable! If you wanna learn how to reproduce their amazing coffee, it's worth buying the book written by the owner (and yes, he is cute:). Another good place for coffee lovers is Cafe Rico on Rachel, they sell fair trade coffee, especially affordable (student discounts) if you like to buy bigger quantities for home. I cannon resist this remark, even though I'll probably get all the Canadians hating me by saying it: why on earth do people like Tim Hortons coffee??? It's the worst coffee I've ever tasted...
Cafe Myriade, hands down! I don't go often because I'm not a big coffee drinker anymore, but their coffees are just divine. Real chocolate in the mocha, people! I also like Starbucks' regular roast coffees, none of that macchiato stuff, but a real coffee with regular milk and sugar. They have a nice smooth flavor. Second Cup also makes delicious flavored coffees during fall and winter, a bit on the super-sweet side, but a nice treat on a cold day. If anyone is ever in the east end, check out Milanos on Jarry, they make a killer espresso.
I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I enjoy the occasional cappuccino. When I go for a walk with my husband in the Old Port on Sundays, we usually stop at the Presse Cafe coffee house in Place d'armes. Although it's part of chain, it has something about it that makes me feel good there. It's cosy, and their cappucinos and tuna sandwiches are excellent. I enjoy sitting there, watching tourists come and go, and listening with one ear to their conversations (I know it's not nice, but I like testing my knowledge of various foreign languages :) )
I always the espresso machiato from starbucks, but I'd choose independent over corporate any day; except when I'm in a real rush.
I’m not much of a coffee drinker either, unless I add about 6 sugars. I was at Starbucks one day with my friend Sarah and she ordered a drink called Caramel Macchiato, she suggest that I try it and I can say that it’s one of the best hot beverage I’ve ever tasted, besides white hot chocolate. It tastes like caramel (I know, it says it in the name of the drink), and it’s really sweet, no need to add any sugar. Personally, I find Starbucks expensive, five dollars for a small latte, but I still treat myself to a Caramel Macchiato from time to time.
I don't drink coffee, only hot chocolate, and it may be fun to say, but the best hot chocolate is Tim Hortons'!! Love the rich taste of it. It starts the day well, especially a monday!!! If I can't find a Tim Hortons in the area, I go to Starbucks and get the white hot chocolate. You still get the richness but at a higher price! However, sometimes, it is worth the price!!
I only go to Starbucks if it's my last recourse. There are so many good coffe shops on the Plateau and in the Mile End, but I'll go on a limb and say Montreal Cafe, on Laurier east, makes the best latte in town, especially when Marie-Ève is the barista. Expect some sort of fancy flower design on top of the cream. You also run a good chance of running into Michel Rivard or Stephen Guilbeau.
If you're in the Mile End, don't miss out on Cafe Olympico. Located on St-Viateur between St-Urban and Parc avenue, it is THE spot to hang out at in the Mile-End. Delicious espresso.
My favorite drink= french vanilla cappacino from Tim hortons! My mornings usually go well after 2 or 3 sips or those!