City Cafe Bakery - West Ave.

City Cafe Bakery on West Ave is a true hidden gem in Kitchener. Their fresh, wood-fired bagels and croissants are incredible—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and always fresh. I love the honor-system payment setup—it gives the place a nostalgic, community vibe. You just grab what you want and drop cash in the box. Seating is limited, so it’s more of a grab-and-go spot, but the staff are super friendly and everything I’ve tried (including their sandwiches and tarts) has been delicious. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for simple, high-quality baked goods in a laid-back setting. Just be sure to come early and bring cash!

I really loved their bagels! They’re slightly fluffy rather than dense, with a generous topping of sesame seeds that smell amazing. You can pair them with butter, peanut butter, cream cheese, or different jams—such a simple yet satisfying breakfast. Their croissants are more like a bread-style croissant, but personally I still think the bagels are the highlight. Next time, I’d love to try their sandwiches, which are only available after 11:00 am.

This is one of those hidden gems you only find by living in the city and listening to the locals. No flashy social media or photoshopped pictures; just the real thing. It’s more than a bakery. It’s history, culture, and life all packed into one cozy spot. The moment you walk in, it feels like stepping back into the 90s. You can smell the charcoal before you even get out of your car. Every corner and every item on the wall tells a story. It honestly feels like a live museum, with the baking happening right in front of you. Even the staff uniforms match the old-school vibe. Ordering can be a bit confusing the first time: grab a tray, pick what you want, and line up to pay. Cash is preferred, but they also accept e-transfers. Definitely try the bagels and butter tarts; they’re amazing. But the real standout is the sandwiches made in the charcoal oven. We had the turkey sandwich, and it was next level. Smoky, fresh, full of flavor, and only $11 for a generous portion, served with coleslaw and pickled cucumbers. Total steal. Everything on the menu is fairly priced with solid portions. The staff are incredible. The lady who worked there even came to our table to chat and share some of the bakery’s backstory. We also met the owner, a truly kind and lovely man. They both offered us a treat on the house, but we said we’d save it for next time. All in all, a one-of-a-kind experience. You can’t buy this kind of vibe; it’s built over time with love. I’ll definitely be coming back whenever I’m in the area and will keep recommending it to everyone. Please support this beautiful little bakery.