Although midterm season has come and gone, I did not want to finish the semester without completing my romanticizing midterm season series, and risk leaving out some of my favourite cafés I studied in during exams. With finals season now in full swing, it is also a great time to check out some of these cafés to finish the semester strong and reward yourself with a sweet treat during those long study sessions. Be sure to check out parts one and two, where we went to some of our favourite spots in Lasalle and Amherstburg. In part three, we combined some of our favourite spots in Windsor and Tecumseh to give you a glimpse of what the area has to offer so that you can stay locked in this finals season. Here are some of our favourite cafés in Windsor that also double as great coffee spots:
- Lolo Café
One of my most frequented cafés in Windsor would have to be Lolo Café. Between the pink and floral interior, Gilmore Girls-themed lattė, and friendly owner, I never say no to a study date here. Located in Little Italy, this vintage café with indoor and outdoor seating is most definitely a fan favourite. Any time I bring a friend there for the first time, they are always impressed by the endless array of menu items, especially the pastry options. Be sure to check it out if you are looking for a cozy study spot with incredible coffee, matcha, sandwiches, desserts, and more.
- Toto Café
Another fan favourite is Toto Café. Located on Riverside Drive, it’s another great place to get work done while sipping on premium coffee or enjoying some of their delectable breakfast, lunch, or late-night meals. It’s spacious and open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer unique and customizable drinks, this is the place for you!
- Café March 21
Just 10 minutes from the university, you can find Café March 2—a warm and inviting coffee shop that also offers some of the best ramen in the area. This café is the perfect place in the downtown area to catch up with friends, enjoy specialty coffees, or try delicious Korean dishes that are perfect during the cold weather. I recently stopped in to try their new seasonal Matcha Cheesecake Latte, and it did not disappoint. I also recommend grabbing ramen or dumplings if you decide to stop by.
- Mosaic Lounge and Café
A newer café in Windsor is Mosaic Lounge and Café. Their slogan, “Your Third Place between office & home,” is not an understatement. After trying their Iced Tahini Latte, I knew I would be coming back. The classy interior, friendly staff, and endless menu options make it one of my favourite late-night study spots whenever a deadline is approaching fast. Along with the lattė, I recommend any of their cheesecakes. They pair perfectly with coffee or matcha, and their zero-calorie pistachio cheesecakes are one of my guilty pleasures as a gym girl.
- Camp Coffee
Ever wondered what a Christmas crack lattė would taste like? Look no further, as Camp Coffee offers extremely unique, flavourful coffee and matcha options with monthly specials that never disappoint. From their adorable logo, monthly book club and wonderful owners, this is one of my favourite places to stop to grab a pick-me-up before class. This month’s features include the Christmas Crack Latte, Candy Cane White Chocolate Latte or Matcha, Candied Orange Iced Mocha, and Eggnog Latte. Their drinks are top quality, and I am always open to trying any of their unique flavour combinations, since it always surprises me how delicious the flavours can be.
- Café Amor & Art
This family-owned business, with locations in Windsor and Belle River, is my favourite spot in Walkerville to grab lunch and coffee. The warm and inviting atmosphere, amazing owners, and delicious sandwiches make it one of my most frequently visited cafés during exam season. Be sure to immerse yourself in Mexican art and culture with their cozy and artsy gallery sections, as that will brighten up your day. Café Amor & Art is a great place to feel inspired, connect with friends or family, and enjoy coffee, tea, matcha, as well as breakfast and lunch options. I recommend the grilled chicken or adobo pork sandwich with tamales, but everything on the menu is flavourful and made with love!
- Kufiya House
Open until 1 a.m. on weekends and 11 p.m. on weeknights, Kufiya House is one of my favourite late-night study spots, especially during midterm or finals season. Kufiya House is Windsor’s first Palestinian Café, which is another reason why I love supporting everything they do. It has been one of my favourite spots in the area since they opened because of their authentic flavours, traditional menu items, and welcoming staff. I recommend their lattės, karak, or their knafeh.
- Pure Fruit Café
If you live in South Windsor, you should add Pure Fruit Café to your list of places to try this exam season. This chic and Parisian-inspired spot is aesthetic, spacious, and has something for everyone. Between the fruit cocktails, acai bowls, sandwiches, and salads, this is one of my go-to spots anytime I need a bite to eat during a long study session.
- BeiRoot’s Café
One of the newest cafés I have been to recently is BeiRoot’s Cafė on Dougall. They just opened their doors in a soft launch mode and are ready to bring the flavours of Beirut to Windsor. They are open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Their cozy interior and expansive menu make it the perfect place to relax and unwind during this busy season.
- Anchor Coffee House
Everything at Anchor Coffee House is made from scratch in-house, using high-quality ingredients in both their lunch items and baked goods. That explains why their scones are one of my favourite sweet treats. If you want quality coffee, tea, and affordable quick bites, be sure to stop by Anchor Coffee House when you get the chance. Their coffee, scones, and cookies never miss, and since they’re open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, it’s an ideal place for early-afternoon studying.
- Taloola Café
Another one of my most-frequented cafés in Walkerville is Taloola Café. If you’re looking for a quirky, memorable, and cozy café, Taloola is the place for you. They have something for everyone, whether it’s their breakfast anytime options, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or drink items; their vast menu never disappoints. If you are more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker, Taloola is where you’ll find a wide array of unique teas and coffee drinks as well.
- The Naked Cup
Anytime I am in Tecumseh for the day, I make sure to visit The Naked Cup for a coffee or specialty treat. This boutique cafė has a chic interior and offers both fresh and organic lattės and food to satisfy cravings, especially during a stressful exam season. For the holiday season, their specialties include a Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Lattė, or Toasted Marshmallow Lattė, along with the rest of their year-round coffee and tea selection. The café also serves as a restaurant, featuring cocktails and an exclusive menu after 5 p.m.
- The Coffee Exchange
Last but not least, if you’re in the downtown Windsor area, The Coffee Exchange is the perfect place to study or spend time with friends. If you’re looking for fast service, affordable coffee, and a friendly atmosphere, I would try this coffee shop. They are open late Thursday through Sunday, and their matcha and lattės never fail me during exam season.
While these thirteen spots are some of my favourite cafés to study in or catch up with friends during a busy semester, that is not to say there aren’t other amazing coffee shops to explore in the area. It’s more important than ever to support local and small businesses if you have the means. Remember to give yourself grace this exam season and know that you are more than capable of finishing the semester off strong despite how daunting it can sometimes seem. Best of luck with exams!