Café
Carousel Bakery
A family-run bakery inside St. Lawrence Market, known as the home of Toronto's famous peameal bacon sandwich, with breads, bagels, pastries and hot sandwiches.
Balzac’s Coffee Distillery District
A two-storey coffee house in the Distillery District's restored 1890s Pump House, run by Ontario roaster Balzac's and open every day from early morning.
At a glance
- Type
- Coffee house
- Area
- Distillery District, Toronto, Canada
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 07:30–19:00
- Official site
- balzacs.com
Good to know
- Two floors
- Heritage building
- Open daily
Why we recommend it
Balzac's Coffee in the Distillery District occupies the Pump House, a heritage building from around 1895 that the company has turned into a two-storey café in a grand Parisian style, with a large chandelier hanging over the room. It was the second café that Balzac's opened, and its setting among the district's Victorian industrial buildings gives it more character than most coffee stops.
Balzac's was founded by Diana Olsen, who opened the first café in Stratford, Ontario, in 1996, and named it after the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, a famous coffee drinker. The company has grown to around 16 cafés across Southwestern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area, and its beans are also sold in grocery stores. Each café has its own poster designed for its community.
The menu covers conventional and fair trade blends, espresso drinks, hot chocolate and cold drinks; the full café menu is on the Balzac's website. The upper floor is a good place to sit with a drink and watch the activity in the lanes below, which is part of the appeal.
The café is open from 7:30am to 7pm every day of the week, so it works for an early coffee before the shops open or a warm drink at the end of a walk around the district. The Distillery Winter Village runs in the lanes from mid-November, so expect more visitors in the district at that time of year.
Balzac's suits couples, families exploring the district and anyone who wants a comfortable coffee stop with character. It is in the heart of the Distillery Historic District, on Trinity Street, so it combines easily with the district's galleries, shops and theatre. The 504 King streetcar and the 121 bus serve the area. The business started as a coffee cart in 1993 before the first café opened, and its cafés are inspired by the grand cafés of Paris. Each one is designed to reflect the history and character of its location, which is why the Distillery café makes so much of its old Pump House setting.
Bags of coffee are on sale to take home, and gift cards are available.
Balzac’s Coffee Distillery District FAQs
Where is the café?
At 1 Trinity Street in the Distillery Historic District.
What are the opening hours?
7:30am to 7pm every day.
What is the building?
The Pump House, a heritage building from around 1895, converted into a two-storey café.
Who founded Balzac's?
Diana Olsen, who opened the first café in Stratford, Ontario, in 1996.
Why is it called Balzac's?
It is named after the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, a famous coffee drinker.
Can you buy coffee beans?
Yes. Bags of coffee and gift cards are sold.
Is there seating?
Yes. The café is spread over two floors.
How do you get there?
The 504 King streetcar and the 121 bus serve the Distillery District.