Every city has its hidden spots that only the locals know about. Whether it’s the best place to get sushi, the cheapest shop to get winter tires or the friendliest place to grab a coffee, these hidden places are part of what gives a city its personality.
Going to a café is a daily ritual for many people, and for others it’s something that only occurs from time-to-time. When you’re trying to find these little hidden places in Guelph, how do you find them? You wander from place to place, searching for what feels right, or you read about them and build from there.
The Common (Photos above)
The Common is a café located on Wilson Street, which opened its doors last year. Even from the outside, you can tell it used to be something other than a café. The furniture is sparse, yet the café is full of people. Old church pews are used as seats, they seem to have the purpose of promoting conversations amongst the patrons. The ceilings are cracked and falling apart, but that is part of the appeal. The payment method is cash only. There are very few places that don’t take debt or credit anymore, but this adds to the old-school, Spartan vibe that they seem to be going for. There is also no wifi, which makes it difficult for anyone who wants to come to do work. The pricing at The Common is extremely reasonable. The barista made me a cup of freshly ground coffee that came out looking like a beautiful work of art, which only cost $2.50. At the Common, the coffee is strong and the people are friendly.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere has a modern feel with an old twist. The walls are constructed from old stone and the chairs and tables are modern—almost as if someone began renovations on half of the café and left the rest. The only lights shine against the walls, which adds a very dreamy feel to the place. The coffee comes in a solid white mug, the cream in a container that looks like a tiny old liquor bottle, and the sugar is raw. Atmosphere feels like a place where you could even go for a meal rather than just a quick coffee. If you’re looking for somewhere to go out and have a first date or meet your best friend for lunch, or even go out for drinks after work, Atmosphere is a good choice.
My Kitty Café
As soon as you walk into My Kitty Café, you’re surrounded by so many seemingly contradictory objects. Essentially, it is part pet store, part convenience store and part café. My Kitty Café is located on Wyndham street in the heart of downtown Guelph. As soon as you walk into the back area where they keep the cats, it’s obvious that it is something totally amazing and unique. There are a surprising number of menu choices considering the hybrid nature of the place. The back area of the café contains a large collection of mixed matched-chairs, tables, cat structures, and, of course, the cats themselves. There are a variety of places to sit, relax, and enjoy the company of felines. The cats are adorable and will often make visits to you before wandering away. If you’re looking for a café that’s different, cozy and with great coffee options, My Kitty Café is a good place to try.
Einstein’s Café
Einstein’s Café is difficult to find at first. The building itself is hidden behind hedges and it’s about an eight minute walk from downtown. The café clearly used to be a house, which makes the building feel cozy and comfortable. The tables are old wood and don’t really match, which adds to the quaint, homey feel. The ceiling isn’t painted and half of the restaurant is under construction. Everything on the menu is comparatively healthy, and there are many different allergy substitutions. The coffee is strong, but tasty. This place is the ideal place for friends to meet, or to have lunch by yourself. The prices are reasonable and the people are quite friendly. If you’re looking for a hidden little café to escape the madness of downtown, Einstein’s is a good choice.
Sapphire
The front of Sapphire looks like any other downtown store. It’s out of the way of the main bar scene, so it’s easy to walk past. The café gives off a very modern vibe, with its blue ambient lighting visible at night. The place is small and cozy. The café holds many different themed nights, such as trivia and karaoke. The coffee is fancy and good, but the café itself functions more as a night-time hangout spot than a place to solely have coffee.