Balzac's Kitchener — Restaurant in Kitchener

"Go for the coffee. Stay for the atmosphere. Keep going back for the people." I say!!!!

This is the best coffee in town and is staffed by a team of great people! I can't say enough about how much I love this place!... I have not written this much in a review before but it's well-deserved, so here goes...

First... I love the coffee here, and I went there for that reason... I've enjoyed their espresso, Americano, machiatto, cappuccino, house blend, light blend, winter blend, and the variety of non-dairy options to add to my drink too. I have yet to try a flat white. ... Their baked treats are delicious too. My favourites are the cashew cookie, ginger cookie, and the seasonal gingerbread muffin.

Second... I sat down for a while and enjoyed the comfy feeling of being out with a friend for coffee in a laid-back and warm environment... Balzac's at the Tannery has an open feeling thanks to natural light, two-story ceilings, and layout. The mix of vintage, industrial and reclaimed decor is interesting and cozy.

Last... I will keep going back because of how well they treat me. Each time I return, I'm greeted by friendly, efficient staff who care about customers and now remember what I like!... Going there always puts a smile on my face and make my tummy happy!...

There are so many other places where the product and establishment are "nice" but the staff don't make it feel very welcoming... Not so here: this Balzac's always feels welcoming, plus I love the coffee and the atmosphere, so I will always go back for more 😁🤓❤️

A final note on when to go: best time to go is anytime you want good coffee!!! ... It's quieter on weekends and evenings, when they have "coffee house" type background music that is loud enough to hear but not so loud that it disrupts your chat. ... It's busier during the day on weekdays because it's so popular with staff from the tech companies that share the Tannery building with Balzac's. But don't let that stop you... Even during these busier times, it's my favourite place to chat, write, or work on my tablet or laptop (using their free Wi-Fi)... It is always comfortable. (In warmer months, they also have cafe...

The good? The peanut squares are off the hook. Seriously awesome.

The bad: Customer service on Aug 20 was terrible: -Had to wait for two Balzacs' cooworkers to finish a long private conversation so I could order. -They continued chatting during order, while completing the order, and when I was paying. Had to interrupt to ask a question. -They got the question wrong (Q: 'Do you sell apple juice'? A: ''Yes'. When I went to collect my purchase from the fridge, it was "Pomegranate Cherry'. "Oh sorry. Thought we sold apple juice"). -They didn't want to stop chatting, so they assumed a) I was takeout, and b) I did not want my receipt. -Cashier was seriously multitasking with the trash, and had garbage bag in one hand while taking my money and giving change. ...all in, not a great experience. Step up your...

I had an almond croissant, which was really lovely, and a juice of some kind, that was nice.

We did not interact a lot with the staff, but what interaction we had was impeccable. We did not have coffee, so can't comment on that.

The atmosphere was disappointing, mainly because of the acoustics. It's not a big place, and though it was busy most of the time, it wasn't that many customers that were eating there. It felt very noisy though! The walls are too bare, they should add some sound dampening panels somewhere to absorb sound, so you can actually hear the person sitting next to you clear.

For that reason I'm not sure if I will eat in again, but judging from my croissant, worth to take...