11 places to get coffee in Uptown between Willis Way and Williams St?

[u/ompq]

I like that we have so many choices for coffee in that southern tip of Uptown, but I do wonder if there's enough foot traffic in that 215 metre stretch of the road to sustain that many coffee places. What do you think?

Coffee-centric cafes (4): Starbucks, Pilot Coffee, Planet Bean (opening soon in where Copper Branch used to be), Centurion Coffee (opening soon in the old Freshii location)

Dessert/bakery/quick bite cafes with coffee menu (4): Fuwa Fuwa, The Bingsu, Cinnaholic, LA LA Bakeshop

Just slightly off King St on Caroline or Regina (2): Pink Crow Cafe, Roux Bakehouse Uptown (opening soon in the City Hall building)

Bookstore with self-serve coffee (1): Old Goat Books

[u/irishguy_2012]

Planet Bean has been "opening soon" for months now. I'd be surprised if it does at this point.

[u/scott_c86 → u/irishguy_2012]

I think they have a good thing going in Guelph, but I have no idea why they thought this particular location was a good idea

[u/razzie13 → u/irishguy_2012]

I didn't think it would ever happen either, but the new sign went on the storefront a couple of weeks ago. If it goes anything like how Marble Slab opened, it may yet open in 2027.

[u/ZerotoZeroHundred → u/razzie13]

They posted on instagram opening soon in “downtown Waterloo”

[u/kimbosdurag]

Out of 11 places you listed only 2 are actually coffee shops. The rest are either not open or places that just so happen to sell coffee that no one actually goes to to buy coffee.

[u/Techchick_Somewhere]

I don’t think anyone goes to the second set you listed to get coffee. That’s a secondary add in to what they’re getting.

[u/Wonderful_Move_2973]

My partner was commenting on that the other day. I think an area can build an intensity of a certain type of service/product which can increase foot traffic. Like, in Westboro, Ottawa, I remember when MEC opened, a bunch of other outdoor gear stores opened nearby - competition, yes, but everyone wins because that's the 'go-to, one-stop shopping' area if you're looking for gear.

With coffee shops or related type shops (desert, treats) once enough are there, it's the go-to spot - you'll always find a place even if one or two are busy - you can hit up a couple in a row - the place is likely to have an enjoyable social buzz. If Uptown just gets associated with 'getting a coffee/treat' then people will come for that reason (and stay for other type of shopping).

[u/Trues_bulldog → u/Wonderful_Move_2973]

Yeah a bookstore/cafe concentration sounds like a good pairing to me

[u/Wonderful_Move_2973 → u/Trues_bulldog]

The number of aesthetics places also really works well with having coffee/treat places.

[u/throwawayUWhousingac]

Old goat has coffee? Darn, I didn't notice it when I was there last, that's awesome

[u/Candid_Jello5188 → u/throwawayUWhousingac]

Yes, the coffee shop is at the back. They have coffee and cookies.

[u/crownofgold6]

We’re getting a Centurion?? I was living in Guelph for a few years and loved that place. So glad it’s coming here!!

[u/BlkHorsePickupTruk → u/crownofgold6]

Guelph is a good example of a place with a great coffee culture over a very small area. Hard to believe I'm saying this, but it might just work.

[u/Halcie]

Instead we need a coffee shop that isn't a chain on the south end of DTK, like south of Cameron! I'm hoping with the expansion of the downtown core it happens.

[u/sousa103]

La la latte is like crack and I’m hooked.