When you’re scheduling a catch-up with a friend, a quick business chat, or that awkward first date, coffee shops and cafés are the go-to locale. But which one to choose? We put together this mini coffee shop and café review to help you decide the location of your next rendezvous.
Barrie Bean Counter
49 Dunlop St E, Barrie
Owners: Alana Corkery & Adam Opert
Vibe: Relaxed, yet vibrant, where new customers can make friends instantly.
Staff Say: “We opened the shop so that we could have a place to explore our creativity with food and coffee, and so that we could offer Downtown Barrie something different, new, and exciting.”
Upcoming Awesomeness: Look for their new weekend brunch and signature holiday drinks during Barrie’s Santa Claus Parade on November 18!
Deliciousness: The Bianca Latte (made with fresh lavender, lemon myrtle, white cocoa, organic espresso, and steamed milk) and the Avalanche Cookie (made with peanut butter, puffed rice, marshmallow, and white chocolate).
Creative Bean Café
750 Big Bay Point Rd, Barrie
www.creativebean.ca
Owners: Tracy and Rene Segura
Vibe: Friendly and welcoming, with a downtown feel and interactive perks.
Staff Say: “I was a freelance graphic designer, and my dream was to one day open my own studio. My husband’s dream was to open a café with specialty coffee beverages. We combined both our dreams to create Creative Bean.”
Upcoming Awesomeness: Creative Bean hosts events and workshops of all kinds; check out their upcoming guided painting session, “Coffee & Canvas,” on November 17th!
Deliciousness: Grab a wrap made fresh to order for lunch on-the-go and a Cinnamon Latte on a cool day.
Mariposa Market
109 Mississaga St E, Orillia
www.mariposamarket.ca
General Manager: Bob Willsey
Vibe: An old-fashioned, main street spot where you’ll probably run into your neighbours.
Staff Say: “That Main Street experience of yesteryear is what we’re hoping our guests feel when they walk through the door: a relaxed, welcoming place separate from the pace of modern life.”
Upcoming Awesomeness: The Old-Fashioned Christmas Party on November 26th treats guests to free yummies; Santa will be on site all day, meeting kids for a free picture and toy.
Deliciousness:
Mariposa’s old-fashioned, handmade apple fritters, Texas Donuts and gopher tails.
Mark IV Brothers
187 Nottawasaga St, Orillia
Owners: James Kim and Tina Min
Vibe: An eclectic décor mix, where every item holds a story.
Staff Say: “Instead of building a place to sell lottery tickets and cigarettes, I wanted to serve something good. I’m not good at cooking, but I can do coffee!”
Upcoming Awesomeness: Hang around for their pop-up performances; both local and Toronto-based musicians are known for dropping by Mark IV for impromptu sets.
Deliciousness: Their foamy lattes, brewed with love!
Tip and Sip Café
480 Mapleton Ave and Ardagh Rd, Barrie
www.thetipandsipcafe.com
Owner: Antonio Vieira
Vibe: A relaxed, familiar café, where servers remember their customers after one visit.
Staff Say: “Barrie welcomed us when we were new to Canada and made us feel at home. We want to return the favour by giving our guests a place that is warm and welcoming.”
Upcoming Awesomeness: Tip and Sip will soon offer vegan selections including soups, breakfast options, and curries!
Deliciousness:
Sticky Toffee Fudge: caramel toffee on a moist cake. Perfect to pair with an aromatic espresso.
Verona Coffee Co.
11 Peter St S, Orillia
Owner: Marley Lauro
Vibe: Fresh, bright, modern, and laid back.
Staff Say: “I opened Verona because I wanted to be a part of the community in Orillia. We love getting to know our customers; we want customers to feel like they are at home when they walk in!”
Upcoming Awesomeness: Verona will have a holiday menu starting in November. Stop by for their Gingerbread Lattes and Peppermint Hot Chocolate during Orillia’s Santa Claus Parade on November 19.
Deliciousness: Owner Marley preparing coffee, using beans roasted fresh by Toronto-based micro-roaster Propeller for Verona each week.
