Pumpkin spice latte is made of real pumpkin. Considering that Balzac is one of the first cafes to use real pumpkin in pumpkin latter(*ahem* Starbucks), it is definitely one of the best place to get this specialty drink. Their baked goods on the other hand, are not as great as their drinks. It’s likely sourced at a great place, however, I felt the croissant and scone can be fresher. My companion and I both agreed it may have sat there for more than a day. Regardless, it was a positive experience. The rustic décor, multiple charger and large tables make it a great spot to recharge your phone, work and meet up with a friend.
Muhanad N.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Richmond Hill, Canada
I came to this place to grab a coffee. The place is very nice and organized. This is the best feature of the place it got a unique environment which it provide with the special chairs. The place is pricy for the quality for the coffee they serve. The coffee is strong but when I asked for caramel shot the guy said we charge 1 dollar for that which pisses me off it is just one shot why does it have to be so expensive. I will suggested to go to Starbuck or second cup for coffee this place is good to have a seat and relax.
Kiri K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
I love this café. The staff are friendly, the Parissiene Fog is delicious(and they’re happy to make it with almond milk which wins extra points for me), and the big tables are perfect for meeting/studying/people watching. I’m so happy I work nearby and can take a little stroll down to Balzac’s for a late afternoon pick-me-up.
Lianna P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
The coffee here is fantastic. I especially love the maple latte, but anything is a great pick-me-up. Obviously, considering the location, it is frequented by Ryerson students, so keep that in mind. But there is plenty of seating, with a lot of natural light, and staff is super friendly. Very easy environment conducive to doing work. The only downfall, in my opinion, is that the snacks and baked goods are not great. I find them too greasy/they make me feel like I need to go to the gym immediately.
Alex V.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
I can’t really pinpoint one thing that I LOVE here. It’s kind of a go-to in the winter months if I am out getting groceries and want something hot. The service is never great here. Always lacklustre.
Guinivere S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vaughan, Canada
I really love the feel of this place. Even better then the last time, apparently. It’s very spacious and comfortable and I love the large communal tables. Everything is clean and well laid out. There are many coffee options and food options as well. Today’s was popping in for a quick jolt of caffeine and so o ordered the noisette… Basically a flat white. It is nice and hot and just enough coffee and milk. Recommend and would return.
Hao Y.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
Ice coffee is great, décor is great, coffee by the pound is great. Lovely old-time vibe … perfect spot for studying
Charlee K.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Nice dark roast, the environment is really great, I lobe the set up of their café, I had a turkey sandwich and it was more like a mayo sandwich yuck. Not impress with food.
Jezika V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
Great location for Ryerson students and a pleasant, bright place to study with a coffee. The drinks and food are great — the ham and mustard pastry is my favourite — and the staff are for the most part friendly. The only reason I haven’t given five stars is because some items can be quite pricey.
Diana D.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
I never went to Balzac’s when I was a student at Ryerson. It was always busy and packed with students and non-students. I’d rather go to other cafes where I had more space. Recently I caught up with a friend at the café who was still a Ryerson student and worked by Yonge and Dundas, making it a convenient meeting place. I arrived sometime at 2PM and as expected, it was crowded. I was lucky enough to grab a seat when a table freed up just in time. I decided to try the Parisian Mist because it sounded interesting. I liked the drink because it was sweet on its own if I recalled correctly. Balzac’s is a lovely café and each location has its own vintage designed poster(which you can check out here). However, expect the Ryerson location to be constantly busy for most of the time. I don’t recommend trying to meet up here during peak hours.
Fahim M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Toronto, Canada
Good coffee & patio! The only down fall would be their WiFi connection sucks. It was hard to browse websites or do any online research :/
Joan T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Markham, Canada
Amazing smalls and delicious drinks! I have the harvest spice latte which was absolutely the best autumn themed latte ever! And I had it during winter, muhahaha! It’s super cozy in here and a great place to grab something to go or to sit and even study with friends. :) it does get busy so don’t expect it to be quiet!
Linda H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
First time at Balzac’s Coffee! I like that it’s not overly crowded, very spacious. My boyfriend and I tried the organic hot chocolate, it was delicious! We’re fans when it comes to organic beverages. I wish their bakery selection were better, which is why I’m giving them 4 stars instead of 5.
Helena H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Yonkers, NY
Beautiful muffins, great coffee, lattes and teas. Gorgeous café, décor is different and has a really nice vibe. Baristas are generally nice and friendly. Free wifi and charging. Definitely recommended!
Isabel M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
Came here today — absolutely loved my Americano. Definitely one of the best I’ve had in the city. The staff were just lovely and it was fantastic how they offered to pour the hot water for my Americano in for me as I watched, so I could direct them about how strong or weak I wanted it. There was a great selection of drinks and baked goods, and prices were good. I already can’t wait to try another of their Americanos — I’m devastated that there’s no Balzac’s location close to where I live or work :(
Stanimir C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
I think that would be my go to spot for the weekends if I want a good coffee and to get away from the crowds downtown. I like the environment. It has a certain… style. It’s not perfect, but it’s not bad either. They have a decent selection, but their espresso is fresh, and way better than most other places I go to. I also love the fact you can sit outside without cars passing by. It reminds me of Europe in that aspect. Their staff is friendly, too! Like I said, it might not be the best overall, but it’s certainly a hidden gem in the heart of downtown.
Jack R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
I’ve been a regular customer of Balzac’s since they opened their doors some 12-odd months ago. They offer up a nice selection of drip coffees, including organic and fairtrade options(note: fair trade is widely acknowledged as nothing more than a feel-good scam), and best of all they provide good quality organic milk for their self-serve jugs. Their prices are reasonable, and they give a discount for reusable mugs. Their staff are friendly and they also have a wide selection of hipstery-brand foods(I have not tried any, so I can’t comment on that). Unfortunately they make terrible espresso-based coffee. Everytime I’ve bought a cappucino from here it’s been horrible; they don’t appear to train their staff in how to use the espresso machine. But, since it’s impossible to get a good cappucinno from any chain store in Canada, I can’t really hold that against them. You come here for the drip coffee.
Meena A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Toronto, Canada
I’m a fan of the Balzac’s chain. So naturally, this spot tugs at my heart strings. Wish we had something like this at UofT. The space is huge and has got tonnes of diversity in terms of seating. There’s a communal table for working on group projects, raised seats bordering the windows for solitary studiers, and stations with charging stations if you want to power up your laptop or mobile. They’re great about accepting the Balzac’s card even if it’s from another location. The coffee and specialty drinks taste yummy. Great consistency in quality of drinks. The young staff are lovely and kind.
Ksenja T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Toronto, Canada
Some of the reviews for this place are totally uncalled for. So who cares that this is located on a student campus? If you prefer watered down coffee and long line-ups that will surely stress you out before class – be my guest and go to the nearest Tim Hortons, or the campus Starbucks station. They surely don’t change their prices based on location. Balzac’s Coffee Roastery is a beautiful coffee shop, with plenty of seating and plugs for your computer/phone charger. It feels very parisian and I love the atmosphere. The lattes are not my no. 1 in the city, but they are good. I love the bourbon vanilla red tea and the gluten free almond cookies. Beats studying at the library any day, and if you’ve been to the Ryerson Library – you know exactly what I mean.
Bradley F.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Toronto, Canada
Good, but unremarkable. It’s unfortunate that such a prime campus location is occupied by a mediocre coffee chain. I’ve given this place a few chances because I wanted it to work out between us, but the drinks and the vegan baked goods are too disappointing for it to be recommended. Good size space if you like to sit and study in a loud public place though.