Fine Grind Cafe

37 James Street

St. Catharines, Ontario

905-348-3214

When checking out places to go for a coffee in St. Catharines you don't have to go far on James or St.Paul street to find a cafe or bistro with alluring signage and seating (some have added a patio on the street...very unique).  Neil and I chose by default a lovely little place called Fine Grind, the write up online steered us in the right direction and we were so happy.  Our greeter/owner was a smiley guy (didn't catch his name) that answered all my questions and spent time explaining about Jim the coffee guy that is his source locally for fair trade/organic beans based out of Niagara Falls.  Neil and I both ordered the *gasp* bottomless cup and a cookie.  I asked about vegan treats and foods and he provides both due to demand.  How wonderful is that? 

We took our seat at the back of the store on the couch (dopple ganger of our own) and our drinks were brought to us as we proceed to add the wifi password to our various devices!  All around us are odd bits of art work, paintings and carvings to keep you interested and a book shelf of reading material ! 

We drank our coffee, ate our cookies and complemented the baristas, there may have also been a rousing fist-bump for a coffee shop well found! Thanks Fine Grind Cafe! 

1)coffee-$1.50 per cup, $2.50 bottomless 9/10

2)roasted-locally roasted, organic and fair-trade 9/10

3)service- 10/10 fast, friendly, brought to us

4)assessibility-8/10 metered, street

5)flavour- 7.5/10 Guatemalan, medium roasted

6)Eco-friendly- china cups, paper for take out 8/10

7)cup size- 8/10

8)food- vegan choices, cookies were very good 8/10

9)ambience- 10/10 music, comfort, quiet, service, books, conversation

10)wifi- 10/10 free

*overall- 8.75/10 so fantastic!

The Cannon Coffee Company

179 Ottawa Street North
Hamilton, Ont.
905-700-0088
Facebook- Cannon Coffee Co.
Twitter- @cannoncoffeeco

"A beautiful artisan coffee shop on Ottawa Street at Cannon. Come by and say hi and try a ridiculously good waffle sandwich."

I had a pretty fabulous Monday on the start of March break, had two coffee dates with friends and they were fantastic. I had made arrangements to meet my friend on Ottawa Street, I hadn't tried the Cannon Coffee Company but had been following them on Facebook, I knew they carried Detour Coffee and they are known for their food and friendly atmosphere, what better place to meet a friend than there? I was immediately excited by the sign on the door (some clever person had cross stitched a welcome sign) and my estimation of this shop was correct. The Cannon is a friendly, neighbourhood type cafe, they make their own food from scratch and the waffles are cooked as you wait, my lunch pal had one and they provided maple syrup for the ham, apple and cheese as a side. I ordered a bowl of soup (I love soup almost as much as coffee) and the special was broccoli cheddar and was really good. The lovely girl serving today was friendly, answered my questions and was patient as the cafe filled up with satisfied customers on a dreary, rainy Monday. I ordered my coffee and discovered they use the "pour over" method with a lineup of drippers, the coffee was delicious. I have become more and more aware of the quality of flavour with the style of serving coffee, The Cannon was super!

1) Coffee- $2.25 reg $3.50 large 8/10
2) roasted locally- detour from Dundas/Burlington 9.5/10
3) service- coffee was quick, food took a bit (I understand they are hiring) 7/10
4) accessibility- Ottawa and Cannon with lots of lots nearby 7.5/10
5) flavour- full, fresh and quick 9/10
6) Eco- friendly- china cups available, not sure about soy/almond milk 8/10
7) cup size- regular size was about 10 onzes 7/10
8) food- fresh, delicious and unique 8.5/10 (took a bit too long)
9) ambience- fun, bright, relaxed, original cups and t-shirts for sale 8.5/10
10) wifi- yes 10/10

Overall rating- 8.3/10 it's a great place to check out!