Balzac's Stratford

4.6 ( 1217 reviews )
Checking... 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM See Hours
$1–10
149 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H1, Canada
+1 519-273-7909

Balzac's Stratford, located at 149 Ontario St, is a cozy cafe that has quickly become a local favorite. Patrons rave about its inviting atmosphere, especially during bustling weekends. Customers like Rachelle Lopez appreciate the warmth of the staff, although a bit more friendliness wouldn't hurt. The array of baked goods, from cookies to wonderfully warmed croissants, complements their exquisite matcha latte and the unforgettable vanilla/cardamom concoction.

For many, like Mohd Ansari, it’s more than just a coffee stop; it’s a haven of creativity and conversation. This charming cafe serves as a backdrop for artistic endeavors and musings about the nearby Stratford theatre festival, making it a cultural gem. The decor, with vintage coffee tins and Stratford-themed posters, adds to its charm, as noted by longtime fans like M A.

Jennifer Wilson and Ange Dewar highlight the quality of coffee and friendly service, revealing that each visit feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re seeking a casual hangout or a romantic date spot, Balzac's Stratford promises a delightful experience filled with rich flavors and a vibrant community spirit. It’s not just a cafe; it’s a celebration of the joys of life, perfectly brewed.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers delivery
    • On-site services available
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Serves great coffee
    • Has great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Good for solo dining
    • Good for working on laptop
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves organic dishes
    • Sells prepared foods
    • Quick bite
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Doesn't accept reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Paid parking lot
    • Paid street parking
    • Somewhat difficult to find a space

Reviews For Balzac's Stratford

Rachelle Lopez
Jun 21,2025
My go to place, local patrons are very friendly. It gets really busy on the weekends but that’s to be expected, a lot of pastries not so much like a croissanterie or patisseries but ample baked goods ie cookies as well.. we had the matcha latte and the one with vanilla/cardamom are to die for. They warm up the croissants to which I appreciate. Barista and one in cash could use a tad bit of friendliness with a smile but the one on my picture review captures the essence of customer service, I know it’s busy but its clientele’s perceptions. Thank you to the most warm and beautiful person on cash today, I hope you are there when I visit once more
Mohd Ansari
Jun 21,2025
When I travel to Toronto, I often make a little detour, just one night in Stratford, but it means a lot to me. Balzac is the cafe where I love to have breakfast, and it has become my quiet ritual: sitting with my sketchbook, drawing the corners, the angles, the little moments of people coming and going. There’s a charming art supply shop nearby, always ready to rescue me when I’ve run out of ink or paper. But it’s Balzac that truly holds a piece of my heart. It’s my place, where bitter winter and bitter summer memories blur together for me and make life bittersweet. Often, while I sit there, I overhear conversations about theatre plots, new poems, new novels, and plans for going to a play at the famous annual Stratford theatre festival. And I listen quietly, soaking in the magic. Where else in the world can I find such an elevated space, filled with warmth, kind faces, tasty coffee, and a simplicity that makes you enjoy my human being experience again in life? Thank you, Balzac, for being there. I wish you many, many years of calm and continuity. You’ve been more than a cafe, please stay there always...
Jennifer Wilson
Jun 8,2025
Fantastic people who went above and beyond. It was a small space but used well, the atmosphere was cosy and we loved being there. The coffee is amazing! We will always be buying our beans from here moving forward.
Ange Dewar
May 4,2025
Just experienced this super cute cafe on a Sunday morning. It was busy but the service was great and the salted caramel latte was delicious!!! We got 2 large lattes and a blueberry muffin for just under 20, not too bad since they tasted amazing. So many fancy treats on display, huge cookies, muffins and more. If you’re looking for somewhere special to have a casual hangout with friends or go on a date, this is definitely the place to go.
M A
May 2,2025
My husband and I have been going to Balzac's for YEARS in Toronto-- it's our favorite coffee shop! Visiting Stratford for the first time, we made sure to visit this location because this is where it was founded. We picked up some drinks to go for the road trip home. As well as a few cans of ground espresso. They had a pretty good selection of Balzacs coffee on the wall! Decor was really cute! They had a few shelves with vintage coffee tins and Stratford themed posters.
Nicole Ford
Apr 26,2025
Good pastry selection but the coffee is really the star here. A little intentional over roasting creates a unique flavour that makes other blends far less enjoyable. Rotating seasonal beverages are always really tasty too!
Sara M
Mar 27,2025
Delicious coffee very nice and chic place to work, study or just get together with some friends and family. Well priced for the quality. Coffee, cookies and treats are delicious. Paid parking outside the street. You can’t go wrong coming here.
Frances Ann Ponce
Mar 20,2025
Coffee and pastries are delicious 3 Price is okay for a fancy coffee place. The place is very cozy. Staff are all friendly and fast service.

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Domino's Pizza - Nuneaton
(177 review)
Domino's Pizza - Nuneaton
  • 23 A&b Abbey St, Nuneaton CV11 5BT, United Kingdom
pizza delivery service
+44 24 7637 5353
Kimbaek Restaurant
(339 review)
Kimbaek Restaurant
  • 193 Isabel St, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1G8, Canada
Korean restaurant
+1 204-942-1833
Pupuseria La Gloria
(148 review)
Pupuseria La Gloria
  • 500 Newnan Rd Suite A, Carrollton, GA 30117, United States
Honduran restaurant
+1 470-776-3802
Graces Kitchen
(310 review)
Graces Kitchen
  • 5241 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43611, United States
Breakfast restaurant
+1 419-729-4370
Shoots Fish & Beer
(161 review)
Shoots Fish & Beer
  • 602 S Tremont St Unit 101, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States
seafood restaurant
+1 760-795-9172
Bubbakoo's Burritos
(167 review)
Bubbakoo's Burritos
  • 3 Colby Ct Unit #7, Bedford, NH 03110, United States
mexican restaurant
+1 603-932-2437
Acapulco #1 (Airline)
(2052 review)
Acapulco #1 (Airline)
  • 1133 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, United States
restaurant
+1 361-994-7274
Knife Edge Brewing
(111 review)
Knife Edge Brewing
  • P58MG3, 200 Katahdin View Dr, Millinocket, ME 04462, United States
pizza restaurant
+1 207-723-8904
MALECON21 Beach Club & Restaurant
(622 review)
MALECON21 Beach Club & Restaurant
  • AVENIDA MAHAHUAL MZ 21 LT 03, 77976 Q.R., Mexico
Restaurant
The Toll Bridge Restaurant & Bar
(258 review)
The Toll Bridge Restaurant & Bar
  • 7 Fishermans Wharf, Sandwich CT13 9RU, United Kingdom
Restaurant
+44 1304 613959