Latte Lovin’ in YQG: Find Your Next Favourite Cup with Nina
Time for a Coffee Adventure
Hey besties! It’s your local guide and adventure buddy, Nina. If you’re anything like me – always on the hunt for that perfect sip – then this Coffee Trail is about to become your new favourite ritual. Whether it’s hot or iced, caffeinated or decaf, coffee has a way of bringing people together and turning everyday moments into something a little more special.
My go-to classic will always be a vanilla latte (always opt in for oat milk of course!), but I love switching things up depending on the mood, the season, or the café I’m visiting. Maybe you’re looking for a cute date spot, a cozy place for your next read, or somewhere to park yourself with your laptop while tackling an important project – this guide has you covered.
From cool cafes to cozy corners across Windsor Essex County, I’ve rounded up 7 coffee shops that each bring something unique to your cup and the neighbourhood. Coffee shops aren’t just places to grab a drink – they’re social hubs, creative spaces, and community gathering spots where conversations flow just as easily as the coffee. Ready to sip your way through YQG? Let’s go!
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A Quick Sip of Coffee Facts
Before we dive in, here are a few fun facts for your next coffee outing:
– Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with billions of cups enjoyed every year.
– Despite being called a “coffee bean,” it’s actually fruit, found inside a coffee cherry from the plant itself!
– Mark your calendars for National Coffee Day – September 29!
The Cafes You’ll Want to Bookmark
Anchor Coffee House | @anchorcoffeehouse
Nina’s Recommendation: Vanilla Matcha (Iced) or Chai Latte (Hot)
Pairs well with: Birthday Cake Cookie or Fresh Focaccia with the Soup of the Day
A Walkerville staple and one of my favourite places for an iced vanilla matcha, Anchor Coffee House is the kind of spot that keeps you coming back. Their menu changes regularly, which means there’s always something new to try – and trust me, their homemade baked goods will absolutely call your name. And I can’t not mention the food – their sandwiches and soups are next level! An absolute fan favourite is the panini (apple, bacon, brie combination is my personal favourite of all time) and the sweet potato apple soup (fun fact: all soups are gluten-free, vegan, and made from scratch!).
The space is bright and welcoming, filled with plants, natural light, and colourful artwork along the alleyway outside (this area is the perfect hub to explore the Eyes on Art Guide). They’re also mindful of gluten allergies and are pet friendly. Bonus: their coffee classes are officially on my bucket list because I would love to learn more about the science of brewing the perfect coffee cup!
Café Amor & Art | @cafe_amor_art
Nina’s Recommendation: Caramel Macchiato (Iced) or Pumpkin Spice Horchata (Hot)
Pairs well with: Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Vibrant, colourful, and full of charm, Café Amor and Art is an instant mood booster. With locations on Ottawa Street and in Belle River, each space celebrates Mexican art and culture – complete with bright murals, gallery walls, and beautifully designed mugs and plates. Another fan favourite is the Espresso Macchiato and the Chai Latte.
The Belle River location is perfect for grabbing a window seat, where you can soak in both the cozy café vibes and outdoor artwork (a perfect way to explore the Eyes on Art guide). Along with delicious drinks, they offer breakfast, lunch, pastries, and rotating art displays by local artists. It’s everything you want in a café – laid back, welcoming, and full of heart.
Chance Coffee | @chancecoffee
Nina’s Recommendation: Cold Brew (Iced) or Cappuccino (Hot)
Pairs well with: Iron Kettle Raspberry Danish or Classic Croissant
Chance Coffee is a small-batch roaster with big community energy. Located in Ford City, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for a place to work, meet friends, or simply to enjoy a well-crafted cup of coffee. It’s also where they have the latest Ford City Flash, a free physical newsletter with the latest events and highlights of local businesses in Ford City.
They focus on quality above all else, and it shows. My go-to is the Heart Eyes blend, and if you’re visiting in the winter, keep an eye out for their limited holiday roast, Holidaze. You’ll never be disappointed either as their baked goods (supplied by Iron Kettle) are guaranteed to make your stomach satisfied every time. Everything in the space – from tables to chairs – is community made, adding to the warm, creative vibe. With Dry Goods Gallery located in the display window, and its continuous rotating art installations, you can simply enjoy it as you’re sipping your coffee.
Fun fact: you can spot their very first roaster on display, a little nod to their origin story and how far they’ve come. They also have a circular mirror with a nice art display in the back if you love a good mirror selfie!
Ciao Caffe | @ciaocaffe519
Nina’s Recommendation: Caramel Macchiato (Iced) or Café Mocha (Hot)
Pairs well with: Tiramisu or Oreo Cheesecake
If you’re craving European café vibes, Ciao Caffe delivers. Located in East Windsor, this cozy spot is known for their beautiful latte art and late café hours – perfect for a nighttime coffee or a dessert run.
I like mine extra sweet, and they’re happy to add extra caramel or Nutella if you ask! During the day, it’s a great place to pair a coffee with a classic bagel (I prefer cream cheese!) as it’s my go-to lunch combination when I want something light. In the warmer months, the patio also offers a subtle European-inspired view (mural) which is beautiful. Inside feels intimate and relaxed, ideal for a slower-paced visit. It’s one of my go-to places to bring a board game such as Catan to play with my friends or for a nice gift exchange!
Montaneros Coffee Corp | @montaneroscoffee
Nina’s Recommendation: Coffee Lemonade (Iced) or Mochacino (Hot)
Pairs well with: Cheese Almojabanas (Gluten-Free)
Montaneros brings Colombian coffee culture straight to Windsor-Essex – and the energy here is contagious. As a small-batch roaster, they truly know their craft and are always happy to help you find the perfect bean or drink.
One standout? The ice cubes they use are coffee! You’ll often spot their mobile coffee setup at local events or at the Yorktown Square Plaza in South Windsor.
They also offer puff pastry empanadas, tequenos, and cheese almojabanas, plus unique offerings like cacao-covered coffee beans – which are crunchy, flavour-packed, gluten-free, vegan and honestly addictive. Their online coffee calculator is a fun bonus if you’re serious about dialing in your home brew like I am! My go-to is the Exotico Luxury Colombian Coffee for my French press as it’s the perfect balance of sweetness.
Red Lantern Coffee Co. | @redlanterncoffeeco
Nina’s Recommendation: Vanilla Oat Latte (Iced) or Matcha Latte (Hot)
Pairs well with: Strawberry Rhubarb Scone or a Cinnamon Roll
Tucked into the heart of Kingsville, Red Lantern Coffee Co. is warm, welcoming, and full of love. Known for their iconic red-lid cups, this speciality roaster also houses Dry Spell Market, a non-alcoholic bottle shop inside the café. This space is filled with plants, natural light, and friendly faces – perfect for people watching or working by the front windows.
I’ve tried many scones in my lifetime, and I truly believe they have one of the best and freshest scones (tip: make sure to get it warm, you won’t regret it!). After grabbing your drink, I recommend taking it-go and strolling Main Street, where you’ll find part of Kingsville’s art walk featuring local artists like Carolyn Hardy, Daniel Bombardier, Sarah Robbins, and more!
Taloola Café | @taloolacafe
Nina’s Recommendation: Vietnamese Coffee (Iced) or Caramel Love (Hot)
Pairs well with: Pecan Square or Coconut Nibble
Taloola Café feels like stepping into a vintage room – in the best way possible. Quirky, cozy, and full of personality, this Walkerville gem is one of Windsor’s oldest coffee shops and is unforgettable. In the warmer months, I love taking my drink to go and walking along the riverfront or enjoying their patio. In the colder months, I love being by the windowsill watching the snowflakes fall.
The Vietnamese Coffee is a must-try, thanks to the sweet, condensed milk (I recommend asking the staff to skip the milk and add more condensed milk for an authentic Vietnamese Coffee), but they also offer fun specialty drinks like Rolo Love and Mocha Love. The décor is eclectic, filled with vintage touches, artifacts, and local charm. There’s even a spot near the entrance for community flyers and business cards – a true neighbourhood hub.
Cozy Coffee Advice
– All the cafes are grab-and-go friendly if you’re trail hopping.
– Highly recommend doing tapas style by bringing a friend, ordering two drinks, and split a few baked goods to try.
– Looking for a dessert? Try an Affogato – its espresso poured over ice-cream (life changing!).
– Highly suggest bringing a book to enjoy or a phone to capture the latte art for your next adventure.
Final Thoughts from Your Adventure Buddy
Whether you’re checking off stops on the Coffee Trail or popping into one café at a time, each spot brings its own vibe. My biggest advice? Turn this Coffee Trail into your own adventure. Mix and match stops, explore neighbourhoods you haven’t been to in a while, and don’t rush it. The best moments really do happen between sips. It’s also the perfect excuse to slow down and explore Windsor-Essex one cup at a time. From locally roasted beans to cozy spaces, each stop adds something special to the journey – there’s always a new favourite waiting to be discovered. See you on our next adventure together!
Original blog post by Nina Ngo @_ninango
Want to learn more about the coffee culture in Windsor Essex and all of our locations? Click here!
