Balzac's Distillery District

Probably my favorite coffee place. Set in the Distillery District, the building itself is worth visiting alone. The interior has loads of coffee paraphernalia from times passed. Upstairs has seating which overlooks downstairs. ( There are notices about unauthorized photography, which I respected so I didn't take any.) It has an old charm about it. The coffee is very good. I visited during the Distillery District Christmas festival so they had a range of seasonal lattes, along with their signatures. They have a range of alternative milks, including macadamia milk. The Canadian Maple Latte had all the maple flavor, without being overly sweet. The seasonal honey and cardamom latte with macadamia milk was warming, soothing comfort in a cup. Hope they keep it.

As a coffee shop enthusiast, I’ve been to a LOT all over the world. Let me begin by saying, Balzacs is hands down- one of the most beautiful ones I’ve been too! Located in a historic power house with bare minimum updates to keep the historic vibe, this coffee shop is STUNNING! You are literally walking into a piece of history while enjoying amazing coffee! Double win! Besides the stunning building, pieces of history & adorable upstairs dining area to overlook the first floor - they serve amazing coffee! Iced latte was great & my partner loved his oat milk hot chocolate. Come here if you love historical buildings, a chill coffee house vibe or just wanting a caffeine pick me up while venturing Toronto!

Nice and cozy place in the Distillery District. Good coffee. Their lemonade is very good, but their Desert Pear Sparkling Lemonade is simply fantastic. Their carrot cake is one of the best I’ve ever had; very moist and creamy.

We got our hot chocolate when the shift was changing, the person (man) was like "whatever " twirling the whipped cream. So i ordered 2 and see the difference.. my daughter was so upset..cos the best part of drinking expensive hot chocolate is the whipped cream, and the experience, and the pictures.. but she ended up choosing my kid size hot chocolate because the whipped cream was much more better. But for $11 hot chocolate, I expect better service. Eventho the shift changing..

My friends and I went to try out their hot chocolate. They normally have a really long line but it was rainy so I think we lucked out. I like how they have a separate booth in front of the store just for their specialty hot chocolates. Honestly they all sound delicious, but I selected the s’mores hot chocolate because of the flaming marshmallow. In terms of aesthetic, the presentation is a 5/5. The generous amount of whipped cream, burning marshmallow, and chocolate syrup is a great touch. In terms of taste, it is around a 3.5/5? Maybe 4/5? It’s your average hot chocolate with a spritz of liquid smoke to give you the taste of campfire. In my opinion, I think it’s a bit too strong, but I understood the vibe they were going for. It’s something that I’ll get once to try, but I personally wouldn’t order this again. Maybe next time I’ll try the cookie hot chocolate? As for the tiramisu hot chocolate, my friend would also rate it around a 3.75/5. It’s your average hot chocolate with a generous amount of chocolate on top of the whipped cream and a lovely lady finger. It was good, but you expect more for a $10 hot chocolate.

One of the prettiest cafés in TO (in my humble opinion). Seating upstairs and downstairs. I went around 10 am and not busy. Very quiet. Great place to catch up on emails. Also seating outdoors. I had the iced Americano and the almond croissant heated up. Both delish (as always with Balzac’s).

I don’t think I’d ever go out of my way to get coffee here, but if I wanted a coffee and I was around, I’d go. Pretty decent, nothing to write home about. This location is pretty cool inside

We went at around 8 am. It was minimally crowded with a couple of people waiting in line. The lady at the counter took our order. While we were waiting for the food and beverage to get ready, I walked to check out the upstairs section. The store itself is beautiful, with an old world aesthetic that is very pleasing to the eye. As I returned to the ground floor, I was told that I am not allowed to take photos with my camera, only cell phone photos were permissible. I quickly complied since the 40mm lens was not the right fit to capture the beauty of the expansive store. We collected our food, a ginger cookie, bacon and egg sandwich, and a mocha, and elected to sit outside. While eating we were surprisingly and jovially interrupted by brazen sparrows looking for a morning feed. The food was very average. The sandwich, usually a reliable bet, was rather soggy and tasteless. The mocha was pretty good. All in all, a great store from an aesthetic perspective but average in terms of a breakfast destination.

Probably my favorite coffee place. Set in the Distillery District, the building itself is worth visiting alone. The interior has loads of coffee paraphernalia from times passed. Upstairs has seating which overlooks downstairs. ( There are notices about unauthorized photography, which I respected so I didn't take any.) It has an old charm about it. The coffee is very good. I visited during the Distillery District Christmas festival so they had a range of seasonal lattes, along with their signatures. They have a range of alternative milks, including macadamia milk. The Canadian Maple Latte had all the maple flavor, without being overly sweet. The seasonal honey and cardamom latte with macadamia milk was warming, soothing comfort in a cup. Hope they keep it.

As a coffee shop enthusiast, I’ve been to a LOT all over the world. Let me begin by saying, Balzacs is hands down- one of the most beautiful ones I’ve been too! Located in a historic power house with bare minimum updates to keep the historic vibe, this coffee shop is STUNNING! You are literally walking into a piece of history while enjoying amazing coffee! Double win! Besides the stunning building, pieces of history & adorable upstairs dining area to overlook the first floor - they serve amazing coffee! Iced latte was great & my partner loved his oat milk hot chocolate. Come here if you love historical buildings, a chill coffee house vibe or just wanting a caffeine pick me up while venturing Toronto!

Nice and cozy place in the Distillery District. Good coffee. Their lemonade is very good, but their Desert Pear Sparkling Lemonade is simply fantastic. Their carrot cake is one of the best I’ve ever had; very moist and creamy.

We got our hot chocolate when the shift was changing, the person (man) was like "whatever " twirling the whipped cream. So i ordered 2 and see the difference.. my daughter was so upset..cos the best part of drinking expensive hot chocolate is the whipped cream, and the experience, and the pictures.. but she ended up choosing my kid size hot chocolate because the whipped cream was much more better. But for $11 hot chocolate, I expect better service. Eventho the shift changing..

My friends and I went to try out their hot chocolate. They normally have a really long line but it was rainy so I think we lucked out. I like how they have a separate booth in front of the store just for their specialty hot chocolates. Honestly they all sound delicious, but I selected the s’mores hot chocolate because of the flaming marshmallow. In terms of aesthetic, the presentation is a 5/5. The generous amount of whipped cream, burning marshmallow, and chocolate syrup is a great touch. In terms of taste, it is around a 3.5/5? Maybe 4/5? It’s your average hot chocolate with a spritz of liquid smoke to give you the taste of campfire. In my opinion, I think it’s a bit too strong, but I understood the vibe they were going for. It’s something that I’ll get once to try, but I personally wouldn’t order this again. Maybe next time I’ll try the cookie hot chocolate? As for the tiramisu hot chocolate, my friend would also rate it around a 3.75/5. It’s your average hot chocolate with a generous amount of chocolate on top of the whipped cream and a lovely lady finger. It was good, but you expect more for a $10 hot chocolate.

One of the prettiest cafés in TO (in my humble opinion). Seating upstairs and downstairs. I went around 10 am and not busy. Very quiet. Great place to catch up on emails. Also seating outdoors. I had the iced Americano and the almond croissant heated up. Both delish (as always with Balzac’s).

I don’t think I’d ever go out of my way to get coffee here, but if I wanted a coffee and I was around, I’d go. Pretty decent, nothing to write home about. This location is pretty cool inside

We went at around 8 am. It was minimally crowded with a couple of people waiting in line. The lady at the counter took our order. While we were waiting for the food and beverage to get ready, I walked to check out the upstairs section. The store itself is beautiful, with an old world aesthetic that is very pleasing to the eye. As I returned to the ground floor, I was told that I am not allowed to take photos with my camera, only cell phone photos were permissible. I quickly complied since the 40mm lens was not the right fit to capture the beauty of the expansive store. We collected our food, a ginger cookie, bacon and egg sandwich, and a mocha, and elected to sit outside. While eating we were surprisingly and jovially interrupted by brazen sparrows looking for a morning feed. The food was very average. The sandwich, usually a reliable bet, was rather soggy and tasteless. The mocha was pretty good. All in all, a great store from an aesthetic perspective but average in terms of a breakfast destination.

Balzac's Coffee Roasters is a great place to grab a cup of joe and chill in the Distillery District. The coffee is delicious, and the staff is friendly and attentive. I love the cozy and inviting atmosphere found upstairs. The downstairs was too chaotic for me. Be warned, it can get pretty busy during peak hours, and it can be hard to find a seat if you have more than two people. The prices are a bit higher than average, but the staff is always friendly and helpful.

Back in 2018, while waiting for two friends to arrive for the Christmas market at the Distillery District, I needed a drink. I found Balzac's Coffee Roasters. I decided to check it out. Balzac's is located near the big clock. It's one of the first businesses that you see after you have parked (you shell out for it) and head over to the main entrance. I had a nice man greet me as I looked at what I wanted to get. Hot chocolate seemed like a perfect drink on a cool Saturday morning. My drink was just under $6. It's a bit much for a standard hot chocolate without any bells and whistles. I used my debit card to pay. All went well. It didn't take long for my hot chocolate to be made. I thanked him and continued to browse while waiting for my friends to arrive. The hot chocolate was yummy. It was slightly sweet, but had lots of cocoa that screamed comfort and happiness. I loved it. It could have used some marshmallows. I was happy that it didn't have whipped cream. The cup was pretty sturdy as I walked and sipped my drink. I had mittens on, so I didn't find my drink to be hot to hold. I don't even know if there are sleeves for hot beverage cups. I should go back and check out the other menu items. The place had a couple of floors. I'd love to sip and people-watch sitting down next time. (459)

Went to Balzac's for a quick bite while waiting for an appointment nearby. The Cashew cookie was amazing, but the scone was alright. The coffee was pretty amazing. Quick service, good ambiance. Excellent choice if you are looking for a good coffee and a quick bite.

This review is for the Balzak's location in the Distillery District. We actually get coffee from here every time we visit the DD, but I've never done a review. Our most recent visit was memorable because it was the annual Winter Village and though the District was packed, service and quality inside the coffee shop was excellent. We ordered 2 coffees - a large latte with regular milk and a small seasonal special cafe 'Nordique', which is espresso (I got mine decaf), with milk of choice (I went with oat), a honey drizzle, vanilla and cardamom. Both were the exact perfect temp for immediate sipping, and were fresh and tasty. At just over $6 Canadian for both (together, with tip!), I was very happy; in the states a single specialty/coffee-shop coffee costs that much, and you're not even guaranteed to get fresh coffee! Definitely check this place out when you are around!

Balzac's Coffee in the Distillery District leaves much to be desired. The latte was disappointing, with poorly steamed milk and an overly sweet taste. However, the atmosphere is cool, and its location in the iconic Distillery District adds to its appeal. Overall, the experience was underwhelming and did not meet expectations.

Such a cool spot in the distillery district! I ordered a cappuccino and really liked it. Service was very kind and patient to answer my questions. This place as a second floor for additional seating, as well as an outdoor patio on the street side

A beautiful atmosphere awaits at this historic coffee shop located in the Distillery district. They serve coffee, both hot and cold. Come here for the coffee, stay for the ambiance. An ornamental chandelier, cool signage and two levels of seating await!

Wow what a nice spot. The Coffee is good and on point. Like the assortment they have. tHe staff was friendly and had a few suggestions. They have good items here. Would def come back.! Highly Rec!

Excellent coffeehouse with an unbeatable brick mill interior and vintage accents. Seating on first and second floors. A charming spot in the Distillery District.

I ordered the salted Carmel latte and my husband got the peppermint Mocha. Some of the best lattes we've ever had, and we've had alot. If you're at the holiday market would definitely make it it stop

I find, in life, you generally get what you pay for - and this is no exception. As each coffee place has its own taste some hit some are off by some percentage. But It won't replace my day-to-day need of coffee Caffeine serve's the purpose! Freshly brewed great taste , but it's well worth splashing out on if I fancy some caffetine based, self-indulgence and luxury.

This chain of Cafés are strategically located in historical neighbourhoods or cultural districts like this location situated in the Distillery District of the Six. Opened two decades ago as Balzac's second Café, the former 1895 Pump House welcomes java lovers & baked product patrons below a giant Vaudeville chandelier. Amazing coffee, great service & ambiance for a hefty price!

While in Distillery district decided to try this coffee specialists after a meal Was so impressed with the awesome menu There were a super special coffee menu from caramel to white chocolate and more Ordered a caramel coffee tasted superb like the best I've ever had The white chocolate flavoured coffee was great too The coffee quality was excellent too To buy our coffee was a very long queue at 9.50 pm late evening took us 25 to 30 minutes to get to the counter and then they make ur coffee They have a cosy and cool small seating area on the first level Wonderful experience except for the lo

Balzac's Ratings: 4/5 Food: 4.5/5 - After walking around the Distillery, we stopped by Balzac's for a hot drink and just to chill and chat with our friends. I got an apple cider to share with my boyfriend, since he never had one before. I got to say they made a good first introduction to him. He enjoyed it a lot. Please see why Balzac's is the cutest spot at the Distillery and the description of the drinks I got below. - Hot Apple Cider [GET]: I always thought that apple cider is a very sweet drink, especially when it's warm and hot, but this one was perfect. The cider was not too sweet and has a strong apple flavor. It was slightly tangy and acidic, making me want to have more after each sip. Not going to lie, we finished it pretty quickly. It's just the perfect drink on a cold day. It makes me feel cozy and warm inside, lovely! Also, there's a slight hint of cinnamon, but you can always add more with the ones they provide at the counter if you want. Ambiance: 4.5/5 - Love the interior a lot. There's a big door, high ceilings and lots of colorful posters and signages covering all sides of the walls. There are two levels with limited seating on the main floor, but tons of seating available upstairs. We sat upstairs on the balcony, and we get to see the whole main floor from above; it's great. Perfect place to take a break and have a good conversation with friends or bringing your girlfriend on a date. They sell merchandise too. Price: 4/5 - I got a medium apple cider for around $4 after tax. I was already expecting food and drinks to be on the pricier side at the Distillery, but this price wasn't bad at all. Worth it for the drinks and vibes, so come check it out. Service: 3/5 - The staffs here are friendly and inviting, but we had a not too good experience here today, because we waited for at least 15+ minutes to get my apple cider. The staff that took our order forgot about it, and we just kept waiting until something seems off. When we asked about it, the staff that took our order was nowhere to be found and had to wait longer until she's back to confirm. We weren't mad, since we were just chatting with our friends, and people make mistakes sometimes. BLUF: Absolutely the cutest and coziest spot in the Distillery for some hot drinks. Come for the vibes, atmosphere, and relax from walking around. I would recommend getting the hot chocolate or the apple cider, and maybe pick up a treat or so as well if you got coffee. I would love to come back to check out their coffee beans in the future.

Location/Service This spot is right inside the heart of the Distillery District. It's by the corner lot of the main area with the big clock. Parking is available around the area - and it's quite accessible via public transit. Love the interior, with its big doors that opens up to a high ceiling interior. Social distancing measurements are in place with sanitizers available. Staff are super friendly and orders are pretty quick. Drink I stopped by to grab a quick drink on a windy day - had a hot chocolate. Pretty standard - it was warm, a little sweet and very concentrated with its cocoa. Definitely warms the soul - and I like their packaging setup where you don't feel it's too hot carrying it around and it's sturdy enough that it won't spill easily.

The moment you step into Balzac's Distillery District, you're transported to a different era. The beautiful heritage building that houses the cafe is the perfect setting for enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and one of their fresh-baked goods or sweet treats. The coffee is some of the best I've ever had - it's always fresh and flavourful, and the staff know how to make a perfect cup. The service is always friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. It's the perfect place to take a break from exploring the city and relax with a good book or conversation with friends. I highly recommend Balzac's Distillery District for anyone looking for an enjoyable and unique coffee experience.

Actually a really nice coffee shop. A good amount of traffic but the place looks real nice on the inside. A unique design and good coffee. Over all this is a fun place to stop by yourself or with some friends. Im sure during the Christmas market season it's packed. The coffee was well made and tasted great. If the weather is a little warmer when you go it's also really nice to sit outside and it hang out in the square.

Travelled from Markham to downtown looking for a nice, comfortable space for some good quality coffee. Decided to walk around the Distillery and ended up at Balzac's since the other cafe didn't have indoor seating as of yet. Service was great, and 2nd floor was surprisingly a quiet space considered there were customers flowing in and out downstairs. Ended up staying here for about 4 hours to get some work done. Wouldn't mind coming back here in the AM for some quiet work space.

This Balzac's Coffee is located in the Distillery District by the two oversized trinket looking things. Balzac's makes some great drinks. Besides the lattes and the seasonal things like hot cider they really do make some tasty liquid treats. The thing about this store setup is it's in an old building. Being a part of the old Distillery District I'd imagine there's only so much they can do with their footprint. One the main level there are only like 4 tables. There are more upstairs and it's kind of inconvenient for some to make their way to the second floor for physical reasons but the first floor seems large enough where they could possibly have more seating but for now it's quite limited. When it's cold outside 4 tables on the main floor when people are buying cider, hot chocolate, coffee etc just isn't enough. The Balzac's across the street from St. Lawrence market is much smaller but has more places to sit but sure that's a different footprint.

Such a cozy place to chill with some coffee and sweets. I love hangin' out here when I'm in the area. I've introduced many friends to this place, and we have always had such a lovely time. I find it more relaxing to head on upstairs to lounge on their couch, admire the art on display; or have a seat on their indoor balcony to people watch from above. A great place to stop in, for a caffeine fix while strolling through the historic Distillery District.

This is a beautiful coffee shop, in a beautiful part of Downtown Toronto. I highly recommend coming here and walking around- you won't be disappointed. I got an iced coffee with almond milk, and it was good. STRONG, which I loved! My fiancé loved his iced coffee as well, and he's not even an iced coffee person. So that's saying something!

Love this coffee shop... The most Instagrammable chandelier in a coffee place that I have seen. And also Balzac's also rocks it's drinks! Only downside of this store is they don't sell all the baked goods that you find at other locations .. for example: carrot cake! But otherwise this location is so cool. Already been here for 3 times so far apart from Yonge/Bloor one. Everytime I am in distillery - you can find me here

November 20, 2018 - While walking around the Distillery District we wanted to get some drinks to warm us up. So we decided to look for a cafe. After some searching the different places we decide to some here "Balzac's Coffee Roastery". I don't drink coffee, so I was happy to see the menu had all sorts of different different drinks. My cousins got hot chocolate and salted caramel latte. I got the Parisian latte. We all tried each other's drink and they both liked my drink better, I would also say the Parisian Latte was my favourite.

I decided to try the winter menu - Oat Milk Cookie Latte and the classic - Cafe Latte. I won't get the oat milk cookie latte, for me, i could not taste the oat milk, and it is too sweet for me. However, the latte is strong, I like it so much! And enjoying a cup of coffee with a Christmas vibes, what can I ask for more? Follow @astravel_eats for more

A spacious cafe with two levels is a great place to stop by for a coffee or tea, especially in cooler weather. My brother and I shared a hot chocolate together and it was not as bad, I'd say it was above average. The service was good despite the location being fairly busy.

One of my favourite places in the city for quite times. I love the distillery district. This place is rustic and has a unique charm. I can spend hours here. I enjoyed the apple cider. Sometimes it's a nice alternative to the tea and coffee franchises out there.

Balzac's keeps it going with their beautiful locations. Usual Balzac food and drinks here. I have to agree with other reviewers with the service complaints,this is definitely the weakest location I've been to with regards to service. Putting that aside, this is definitely a lovely place to grab a coffee with friends. They have comfy seating upstairs, high ceilings and a gorgeous chandelier.

Love this rustic Balzac's location inside the Distillery District, the decor itself is worth the visit if not the coffee. This is my favourite location by far. On cold winter days, their hot apple cider is exactly what you need to warm up from the cold. They also always have a selection of brewed coffee blends to choose from if you are looking for a nice hot cup of coffee! Plus, their blend selection changes seasonally so theres always something new to try out. I also recommend their oatmeal raisin cookie, it is a simple basic but its super chewy and compliments well with almost any of their hot beverages! Unlike the other Balzac's locations, the seating here limited and it can get noisy on weekends (for those who like working in cafes) when lots of people visit the Distillery. However, its a perfect spot for a date or to catch up with some friends. 10/10 would recommend you to check it out!

Very good coffee! We stopped here for an afternoon pick me up and were not disappointed. We ordered an iced latte and a frappe. Both were super good especially the frappe. It wasn't too sweet like you find at other coffee shops. The atmosphere was great. The inside was super welcoming and "artsy" which was nice. There was patio seating outside which on a nice day like today was perfect. If you need coffee and are in the area, come here!

Coffee is coffee and I love coffee. This place is super cute, warm, inviting and spacious. Just like an other coffee shop around. Lots of varieties of drinks and treats to pick from.

This coffee place is huge and has so many antique designs and signs. I fell in love with this place as it offers nice spacious seating outside and also on the second floor. Not only was the place aesthetically pleasing I fell in love with the drinks. They were quality and I got the matcha latte. The rest of my family got iced coffee, mocha latte, and iced tea. Even though it sounds plain the taste was very different than other coffee places. How they brew and make the drink is unique as it comes out of the taste. I was very pleased with the aroma and just the sweet experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who stops by the St. Lawrence market in Toronto. If it is nice outside I would get a nice seating place outside! Also take a lot of pictures...because picture are a snip bit of your memories! Tip: try something new or your favorite drink at a normal coffee place because this place this Amazing

Nice place with several options to choose from and always tasty drinks. Love going there and when the weather is colder their hot chocolate is really good. For warmer days the classic lemonade is a great choice.

Beautiful coffee shop located in one of the nicest areas in Toronto. It's located in the corner of a building next to a beautiful architectural piece. The inside has been kept rustic and old like the previous decoration was. I like that a lot, I believe it's a nice continuity to the whole building it's located in. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is huge and extends on a second level as well. My friend and I were there as tourists, but we saw a lot of people studying since it's next to Georges Brown College and I believe that it is a perfect spot to study since the music isn't too loud and the seating area is huge. As for the coffee, it was absolutely delicious. I ordered an iced coffee with soy milk and a vanilla pump. It's not too pricey, especially for an independent coffee shop located in a nice area. My friend had a hot chocolate and she said it was very good, not too sweet, not too heavy. The staff is very nice, very helpful and patient. Definitely would recommend!

This place has a character. I loved the atmosphere and decor. Very relaxing coffee shop. I guess being located in Distillery it makes it very popular and over crowed so it was a challenge to find a place to sit. But I always loved the taste of Balzac's coffee and that is a must for me if I pass by a Balzac's coffee shop!

A nice semi pretentious coffee house in the heart of the most definitely pretentious distillery district. For a place that used to distill all of Torontos hard spirits, there is a lack of historic dives around here. As for Balzac's, they have nice historic style decor, Okay coffee and Decent coffee alternatives like chai teas and London fogs. Its an okay place to while away an hour.

Being a coffee addict, Balzac's uses quality beans which are roasted just right to bring out the coffee flavour, the strong smell and the taste. The decor is rustic, high ceiling, wooden furniture and it's located inside distillery district so there's no parking in front of the shop.

I wouldn't have found out about this cute coffee shop if I weren't to stumble upon it while walking around Toronto's Christmas Market. It was really cold that that day so I wanted to get a drink to warm myself up. When I walked inside, it gave me the old school coffee shop feels. They offer seating on their upper level which is great. I came with my boyfriend and we ordered the hot apple cider and peppermint mocha. Both drinks were amazing and greatly satisfying for the cold weather. The apple cider tasted like real apples instead of some places where they use artificial flavoring. The peppermint mocha was rich and so much better than the one I usually get from Starbucks! Even though there was a really long line, we did not have to wait long for our drinks. Upon ordering, the staff at the register was really friendly and patient when my boyfriend and I were deciding what to order. When your order is ready, they call your names out. Definitely one of the better coffee shops I've been to!

I was waiting for a doctor and a lady in the waiting room commented that Balzac's coffee is good. Hence I decided to check it out after my appointment. I got a medium sized caramel latte. From me to you, the latte is good (sips latte). It's light and not too sweet compared Second Cup. Compared to Starbucks it is tasteful. Compared to Tamp Coffee it is still tasteful. I didn't try their baked goods but I will next time. The vibe and aura of the shop is great! I would definitely come back again and try another drink. Maybe an Americano. Price is appropriate to the size of the drink. Getting here is via walking. It's in the distillery district so no parking spots in front of the store.

Review solely based on the coffee in a cone. The coffee in a cone costs around $5.35. You get to choose between four flavours I think. They have Macchiato, hot chocolate, cold brew and one other option. Your choice of drink is put into a chocolate lined cone. You have 10 minutes to drink your drink before all the chocolate melts and the cone starts leaking. And you must hold your cone on a 45 degree angle to prevent it from spilling. The. Coffee in the cone is extremely little. You get about 3 sips of coffee from the cone. I got the Macchiato. The flavour was strong but not sweet. The cone was pretty good. But it's nothing special because it's just a regular waffle lined with dark chocolate. Overall, it's nice for pictures but not worth it.

I got an iced cafe canadien and they used maple syrup for their sweetness and it was delicious!

This is my 2nd attempt to drink Balzac's coffee in their Instagram pretty stores and .... yeah I can't. I drink my coffee and flat white without sugar. So when I have to add sugar or push away the unfinished drink, it's really terrible. The pro is the incredibly obvious atmosphere. You're in the stunning Distillery District and amazing 2 story space that draws your attention in every direction. You cannot ask for a better coffee space... it's arguably one of the best ones in Toronto. Many many people take pictures here for the obvious reason that it is just gorgeous. Service here isn't bad... it's efficient and nice but they don't know how to make a good espresso pull. Price here is expensive for acidic water. Flat white - Just... no. Undrinkable. It was so acidic that I abruptly pulled away from the cup immediately. I rarely have this reaction and the last time I had this was at ... the other Balzac's. You'd have to make this a TImmy's double double to make this drinkable 2/5 Chai Latte - Using the very good Kusmi tea leaves, I was hopeful and not sure if these are just very very aged. The tea was watery and very light on flavours. Chai is supposed to be a very strong black tea with bold spices like cardamom and cinnamon. This was so far from it. 2/5 Overall, there is an AMAZING coffee spot just down one of the lanes... if you want a good coffee, Arvo is your spot. It's no where as big but at least you'll enjoy yourself and not feel like you threw your dollars down the drain.

Balzac's Coffee Roastery yes is oh so neat! I was so in awe when I see that huge chandelier right when I step inside the shop... (Phantom of the Opera Style! :P) Hey I even have the urge to just jump and swing on that! (Must me from the sugar overloaded from Soma earlier!) The rustic design, the huge mirror behind the espresso bar gave me a sense I been transferred back to the Western Salon... hey where are those cowboys! Upstairs though is a totally different theme of space. More relax and more artsy and more quiet! This place was so busy on this particular afternoon and the line up for a chance to purchase a cup of coffee was just too long! I guess I have to be back again to try out their coffee. But the uniqueness in the set up and decoration of Balzac's Coffee Roastery does worth a repeat visit!

Located in The Distllery District it accomodates indoor and a few outdoor seats. Large vaulted ceilings that's draped in stylized coffee posters of all their location(s) about Canada. One of their famed menu items is the coffee in a cone. Their version of affagato served in a chocolate covered cone. Non coffee drinkers can be pleased as well with offerings of a few types of lemonades. Ordered a iced latte = delicious especially since almond milk was offered.

I've been to Balzac's many times, and I like the coffee. Consistently good drip coffee, and seasonal drink specials if you want to try something new. The distillery district location is my favourite, given the architecture. Otherwise, good coffee all around.

Balzac's is probably one of my favorite Ontario coffee chains. Founded in Stratford, Balzac's now has locations all throughout the province. I've now been to a few locations. This one in the Distillery District stands out simply because it's located in the historic neighborhood. Balzac's serves the standard menu of caffeinated beverages. Their selection of beans at this location is much bigger than that of other locations. There is plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. Great place to take a break!

The setup is gorgeous for this cafe. Old historic building with a super high ceiling and the rustic furniture make for a nice ambiance. I ordered a double shot cappuccino and requested I be allowed to take my mug out as I was planning to enjoy it with a cigar on a nice day like today. Kudos for the staff to accommodate that. I asked my drink have sweetener added in first no problems there. They had a mix up though and made my drink in a to go cup. I guess it was due to them training a new person, no problem I was offered a new drink. The drink itself was OK. No latte art to speak off (maybe due to someone new under training) The espresso shot itself was decent and was somewhat mellow. 2.5 Stars and if you add half a star for the ambiance I would bump it up to 3. Something that needs to be rectified there is no WiFi!!

We were at the Distillery district in Toronto. The Balzac has one of the most interesting the decor and spaces for a coffee shop. A soaring ceiling, funky decor and friendly staff makes for a great place to enjoy the well-made Flat White I ordered. I would recommend searching out Balzac Coffee shop if you're in Toronto.

I'm thinking the flagship Distillery Balzacs is Toronto's answer to Les Deux Magots in Paris? The venue alone demands a visit because of how beautifully the cafe has merged into the brick and stone 19th century gin fire pump house. Then there are the lattes (always topped with latte art) and the croissants and and the muffins and and and the cookies that my daughter begs me to buy at 8:15am...speaking of which, my daughter had a meltdown right at the counter, slowing down the coffee line. The staffs' reaction? Don't worry about it, and also, here are some cool little craft things for her to play with. Amazing. I'm outside on the patio with the funky clientele and overflowing window boxes right now. We'll be back at Christmas market, when I'll probably buy yet another beautiful winter coffee mug. I'm SURE there's a suitable Boston location for a Balzacs-all-things-Toronto coffee shop if management wants to go fully North American. The US really could use more Canada at this point in time.

Ok I tried the machiatto in a cons cup and parting over 5 bucks isn't worth it. The cone is way too sweet and the drink has no taste. The cone up is good to get that instagram photo and that is all it's good for. Too pricy for me and not worth the price.