Imagine this: You’re about to start your 8:30 a.m. lecture after studying late at night and you haven’t had a chance to eat breakfast. Don’t feel ashamed; we have all had those moments, and there are numerous cafés near campus to get a quick bite on your way to class.
The only question is, which one? There are seven cafés and coffee shops on Wilfrid Laurier University’s campus and a few less than a 10-minute walk away. The food, drinks and environment make each local eatery a staple for students and faculty.
Byte 75 can be found on the first floor of Lazaridis Hall. It is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, providing a wide range for everyone. However, it is closed on weekends. The café features an open dining space with high ceiling windows, which allow for natural lighting and an inviting environment to study or have a quick coffee date. Additionally, they have a vast menu with dairy-free milk options, pastries, soups and food selections that shift daily. One menu item that gets a lot of praise is Byte’s version of a grilled cheese sandwich – I personally find it delicious.
Another location on campus is Veritas Café, which offers a 25 per cent student discount and a menu that accommodates vegetarian and vegan customers. The café is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and closed Friday through Sunday.
The café is located on campus next to the dining hall and has comfortable seating and a homely essence. It is a popular location on campus, so seating is limited, but when an area is secured, it is a great place to grab lunch or dinner with friends or even study between classes.
Veritas also has a patio, allowing customers to enjoy the beautiful weather during the fall term. Vegetarian and vegan selections are highlighted at Veritas more than other cafés, which is crucial for those with dietary restrictions. They have a great vegan breakfast sandwich with vegan eggs, tomatoes, spinach and vegan cheese.
One of my final favourite spots on campus is Frank’s Coffee Haus, a small coffee shop located in the Peters Building. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. They are closed on the weekends. Unlike the other cafés, Frank’s does not have an allocated dining space for customers, which is unfortunate. However, it is next to the Arts Atrium, which has numerous tables to sit at.
Frank’s is great for a quick snack run before class, club meetings and study sessions. Frank’s is known for their customizable salad bar, alongside their hot food section and ready-to-eat pastries.
The Frank’s pastries are some of my favourites, ranging from chocolate croissants to muffins and cookies. Even without a standard dining area, Frank’s is still a great option as a quick pit stop for a snack, meal or tremendous but inexpensive coffee. They also sell fruit cups and granola bars.
Lastly, Café 22 is an off-campus café located a 13-minute walk or five-minute bus ride away from campus, great for those looking for a quick walk between classes. The food is a bit on the expensive side, but it has some diverse options, such as smoked salmon on a baguette for $17 or a beef roast wrap for $15, which I found delicious and filling. Other cafés, like Veritas Café, are more affordable, pricing their sandwiches between $10 to $15.
Café 22 has a beautiful dining area, comfortable lounge chairs and intimate table spaces. The café is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to –Saturday, and closed on Sunday. It can be used as a campus getaway for dinner or an after-class treat after a long week.
Laurier and the surrounding uptown area have some beautiful spaces that provide extensive beverage and food options and a great ambience. Byte 75, Frank’s Coffee Haus and Veritas Café are my go-to options for a great café experience and they provide such kind service and have extensive menus.
If I had to pick a favourite spot, it would be Veritas because of its rich and affordable menu options. Café 22 is my preferred space for an off-campus cafe spot (thanks to a friend’s recommendation). Even though it can be pricey, the environment and the well-thought-out food choices are reason enough to visit.
