Beans around the block: A coffee guide to downtown and the Exchange District

Exploring a new city always calls for a great cup of coffee –– and central Winnipeg is packed with fantastic spots to refuel!

Whether you’re catching a concert or sports game at Canada Life Centre (opens in new window), exploring history at the Manitoba Museum (opens in new window) or Canadian Museum for Human Rights (opens in new window), or admiring the art at the WAG-Qaumajuq (opens in new window), you’ll need a caffeine boost to keep up with all the activities.

From hidden gems to trendy new cafés, this guide will lead you to the best coffee shops in downtown and the Exchange District.

Downtown

Muse Café (opens in new window) | 200-185 Carlton St.

Tucked away in the skywalk between Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg and the RBC Convention Centre, Muse Coffee Shop is an ideal pit stop during your downtown adventures. Hyper local Muse serves Manitoban roasted coffee from Brandon’s Forbidden Flavours Roastery and a curated selection of teas from Cornelia Bean. They also offer vegan breakfast sandwiches and high-protein oatmeal from local maker Seriously Oats, with plans to expand their menu soon. Seasonal favourites, like the brown sugar cardamom cold brew, are made with gourmet syrups from Manitoba’s own Gourmet Inspirations. If you’re looking for a quick coffee to fuel your day of exploring, this spot has you covered!

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Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m

Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters (opens in new window) | 250 Kennedy St.

For those who appreciate the finer details of coffee, Thom Bargen in downtown Winnipeg is a must-visit. Owners Graham Bargen and Thom Jon Hiebert prioritize direct trade relationships with farmers, often travelling to the farms to build personal connections. Their beans are roasted onsite at the Kennedy St. location, guaranteeing that their coffee is as ethical as it is delicious. Thom Bargen’s menu also features some of the best tea lattes in the city –– don’t miss their London fog or hojicha latte, perfect for a quiet break in your day. Pair your drink with a pastry or sandwich baked onsite, and soak in the airy, laid-back atmosphere of this downtown favourite.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
See their other locations (opens in new window).

Lavanda Café (opens in new window) | 185 Smith St., Unit 3

Just steps from the RBC Convention Centre, this trendy restaurant and café opened in 2023, offering an entirely plant-based menu featuring gourmet toast and sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. Their drink menu is impressively varied, with all your coffee and tea favourites, a fun rotation of seasonal specials, and a unique selection of superfood lattes — choose from beet ginger, lions mane cacao, açai blueberry, and lucuma turmeric. Lavanda also boasts a large patio with outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching or catching up on emails while enjoying some fresh air.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Urban Bean (opens in new window) | Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg, 350 St. Mary Ave.

Located inside Delta Hotels Winnipeg, Urban Bean provides an easy spot to grab a quick coffee before heading out to explore the city. Serving Starbucks coffee and a selection of breakfast and lunch options, this simple café is perfect for travellers looking to fuel up before a day of sightseeing or shopping.

Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Katita Café (opens in new window) | 300 Memorial Blvd. (located inside WAG-Qaumajuq)

Katita Café (opens in new window)(which means, “let’s get together” in Inuktitut), offers a simple, fresh and approachable menu that features great coffee, colourful plates and the must-order side dish––delightfully crumbly bannock with rhubarb butter.

Run by WOW Catering, which is helmed by award-winning celebrity chef Luc Jean, the casual café is located right within Qaumajuq, just past the entrance with its eye-catching massive Visible Vault that holds hundreds of sculptures from nearly every community in the Arctic. The dining room itself is a work of art, featuring the massive work Nēhiyaw (Swampy Cree) by local artist Peatr Thomas. Plus, there’s also a little outdoor patio too that provides a nice setting for an al fresco lunch.

Hours: Wed-Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stella’s at Plug In (opens in new window) | 460 Portage Ave.

Locally owned breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is a favourite for everyone. Local ingredients, house-mades breads and jams and a classic locavore breakfast menu draw crowds every day of the week. Curries, hearty soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as a varied selection of entrées make this lively spot a great go-to for everyone at the table.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. everyday

Oh Doughnuts (opens in new window) | 326 Broadway

Craving something sweet with your coffee? Just a short walk from the RBC Convention Centre, Oh Doughnuts has you covered with a decadent lineup of gourmet doughnuts, made fresh daily in dozens of mouthwatering flavours like pistachio crullers, French toast, everything bagel, and banana chocolate chip fritters. You’ll also find fresh coffee, along with gluten-free and vegan options, plus savoury stuffed breakfast doughnuts in three varieties. Oh’s offerings change daily, so be sure to check their website or Instagram for the current lineup. And get there early! These doughnuts are so popular they often sell out by the afternoon.

Hours: Mon-Sat: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Or until sold-out)

Fête Ice Cream & Coffee (opens in new window) | 300 Assiniboine Ave., Unit B

A coffee shop that doubles as an ice cream parlour? Yes, please! Fête Ice Cream & Coffee is located next to Bonnycastle Dog Park, so you can grab your coffee and ice cream and enjoy some puppy-watching while sipping on seasonal specials like a toasted coconut mocha or hibiscus blue matcha iced latte. The lunchtime combo (a Bagelsmith sandwich, iced coffee, and ice cream for $16) provides a pretty nifty midday pick-me-up, or if you’re in the mood for something smaller, baked goods are made from scratch and oh-so-delightful.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun noon – 10 p.m.

Harrisons Coffee Co. (opens in new window) | Various locations

Harrisons Coffee Co. is a local favourite with three locations, each within a short walk of downtown. Known for its freshly roasted beans and unique drinks like the Canadiano (a fun twist on the Americano) and Gibraltar (equal parts espresso and steamed milk), it’s the perfect stop for coffee lovers looking for something different. Harrison’s coffee shops are bright, welcoming and perfect for enjoying a leisurely coffee during your travels.

There are three locations and hours vary by location:

• Johnston Terminal at The Forks (opens in new window): Mon 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tues-Thurs 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sun 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Waterfront Dr (opens in new window): Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Modern Electric Lunch (opens in new window) | 232 Main St.

Located on a hip strip of Main Street, Modern Electric is a jaunty natural light-bathed licensed brunch joint that slings seriously good coffee and delicious nourishing dishes (that are sometimes a little naughty). If you are eating in, the all-day breakfast menu features musts like peach cobble French toast and a vibrant hash made with creamed corn mayo, crumbled chorizo and pickled red onions. If you are getting one of its many coffee drinks to go, there is a tidy little selection of pastries and cookies at the counter to take with you.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cloud Coffee (opens in new window) | 85 Israel Asper Way (inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights)

If you need to take a break midway through your visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Cloud Coffee is the perfect spot to savour a coffee or a Cloud cappuccino. You can also enjoy locally sourced baked goods in uplifting surroundings. Cloud Coffee is operated by WOW Hospitality (who also have a lovely little cafe beside 529 Uptown in the lobby of 201 Portage Ave) and is located on the 5th floor of the museum.

Hours: Tues–Sun from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and is located on Level 5.

Exchange District

Rosé Coffee & Wine (opens in new window) | 474 Main St., Unit B

Rosé Coffee & Wine effortlessly transitions from a cozy café by day to a chic wine bar by night. This beautifully designed spot in the historic Exchange District (thanks to @firesidedesign (opens in new window)) offers everything from simple americanos and loose-leaf tea from nearby Amsterdam Tea Room to pink vanilla foam-topped lattes and Ferrero Rocher-inspired drinks. Stay a little later, and you can enjoy oysters or a charcuterie board paired with an espresso martini or a glass of wine. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after a long day of meetings or conferences.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Passage Cafe (opens in new window) | 474 Main St.

Previously known as Parlour Coffee, Passage Café opened up this super chic and artsy café located on Main St. in the Exchange District. The rotating selection of premium beans, brewed to perfection using Chemex and Hario methods by their talented staff, keeps both locals and visitors coming back. Grab a seat for some prime people-watching while you sip your coffee.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kopi (opens in new window) | 91 Arthur St.

Kopi is Winnipeg’s first Korean-Pilipino Coffee and Matcha Cafe. You can find Kopi inside Aarkibo (opens in new window), a vintage clothing shop located in the Exchange District. This cafe is smaller so it’s best to shop till you drop and reward yourself with a sweet treat!

Hours: Tues-Thurs noon – 7 p.m.; Fri noon – 6 p.m.; Sat noon – 7 p.m.; Sun noon – 6 p.m.

Más Coffee Co. (opens in new window) | 70 Arthur St.

Más Coffee Co. is Winnipeg’s first Honduran café. Owner David Pinto was born in San Pedro Sula and has made it his mission to develop a sustainable relationship with small coffee producers in Honduras. Since opening in 2022, this Exchange District gem has attracted a loyal following, thanks in part to its signature drink, café con miel (coffee sweetened with wildflower honey sourced from their own Winnipeg hives). With a handful of outdoor tables perfect for soaking up a summer day and a bright, open interior where you can watch the coffee roasting unfold before your eyes, Más is a must-try.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

East Exchange

Saintuary (opens in new window) | 123 James Ave.

Saintuary is a cafe, lounge and event space which offers an open and bright space to catch up with a friend over coffee or grab a table upstairs in the loft to lock in for a study sesh. They are open every day and do regular pop-up events.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Thurs 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Fri 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Little Sister Coffee Maker (opens in new window) | 171 McDermot Ave.

Little Sister Coffee Maker is the newest coffee shop that opened in the Exchange District. This spacious and bright café offers plenty of space to bring your laptop to work all day or catch up with a group of friends while sipping on an iced latte. Going alone? Grab a seat by the inside window where you can watch them roast their coffee beans right in shop! It’s open every day of the week so you can always get your caffeine fix in!

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sam’s Place Coffee (opens in new window) | 140 Bannatyne Ave., #100

Sam’s Place is “coffee with a cause,” a social enterprise run by the Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba that helps youth overcome employment barriers. Every coffee, snack, and local retail item you purchase directly supports the youth program’s initiatives (even your tip!). Located in the East Exchange, this spacious and bright café features a large, fenced-in patio and plenty of room to relax, work, or catch up with new conference friends. Plus, you can learn about MCC’s important work while enjoying your coffee thanks to a large window that offers a glimpse into their material aid centre.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Colosimo Coffee Roasters Café (opens in new window) | 145 Pacific Ave. (inside Sport Manitoba)

Grab a coffee from Colosimo Coffee Roasters Café (CCR Café) in the East Exchange and take a scenic stroll along Waterfront Drive to enjoy some fresh air and explore the area. Owner Jay Colosimo, a seasoned coffee roaster, opened this friendly café to share his love for high-quality coffee with the community, and he’s since expanded with four locations throughout the city. With a passion for treating coffee like wine, Jay and his staff can tell you all about the origins, roasting, and brewing processes behind each cup. You can expect to leave with a great cup of coffee and some serious coffee knowledge to boot.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit their other locations. (opens in new window)

Empty Cup (opens in new window) | 365 Main St. (underground, Richardson Building)

If you’re staying near Portage and Main, Empty Cup is tucked away underground in the Richardson Building and accessible via the skywalk. It’s a no-frills coffee counter with no seating, making it a quick pit stop. They serve their own locally roasted coffee––including their branded canned nitro cold brews––while the menu also includes pastries and sandwiches from La Belle Baguette. The staff is both professional and super friendly.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit their other locations (opens in new window) throughout the city.

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Not a coffee fan? Check out our Matcha Guide (opens in new window) for downtown Winnipeg and the Exchange District.