Em's Cafe

I had to go to coldwater for an event. The whole town is really charming, with lots of quaint shops on the main street. I was looking for a comfortable cafe to sit and kill some time. I found Em's, and bottom line I really wish we had Em's in our neighborhood! it's decorated like a lot of these coffee shops are - almost trying a little too hard to be quirky - but it didn't feel fake at Em's. There was a mix of tables and couches, and the over all feel is much more like you're at a friend's house than a store. The had a variety of fresh baked goods, I had the apple blossom and it was great, though I wish I'd thought to ask them to warm it up. They also had a menu of lunch food that looked really tasty, though it appears like they don't offer that menu during certain hours, and I can imagine that could prove real frustrating if I was a regular customer. The best thing about Em's was the atmosphere. You could hear the staff talking and laughing together the whole time they were working. They clearly loved working there, and really that tells you all you need to know about how a business is run. They also really knew their customers, talking with them about their day and showing familiarity. Yes, that's to be more expected in a small town, but it's not automatic. Even in a small town, that whole feels-like-family atmosphere only happens if you make it happen, and at Em's they clearly do. I did take off one star for service because, frankly, I'm getting really tired of these presumptuously pushy tip prompts on the debit machines. I'm sorry, but tips are simply not automatic for counter service especially when I also have to mix my own coffee. That's probably just me being grumpy though, I'd go back to Em's in a heartbeat.

December 8, 2024 on Google

A lovely spot with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor and indoor seating options, lots of menu options and reasonably priced yummy treats and breakfast/lunch options, along with small assortment of gift ideas and seasonal decor etc. Quick and friendly service! Overall a great spot.

October 22, 2024 on Google

We had mocha with whipped cream. It was really good. Probably the best mocha I've ever had! Also the location is really good; I guess centre of the town. All the nearby stores had quirky and really cool decorations. We stopped only to pick up a coffee but ended up spending 2 hours in the town. Thrift store in front of Em' Cafe is also really nice, they have some nice variety of train models, antiques and a lot other stuff.

October 13, 2024 on Google

A great place to stop in for food and a break if cycling the Simcoe County Loop. Friendly staff, fresh and delicious food, a lovely spot.

September 18, 2024 on Google

Em's is a gem! We stopped in Coldwater, Ontario for a bite to eat while making our way north to Georgian Bay, Ontario. Em's has a tasty selection of baked items (the apple blossom tart with fine pastry dough is my fave) and soup sandwich options (love the egg salad with hearty wheat bread). The indoor seating is complimented with a new small cozy outdoor patio overlooking the Coldwater river. The cafe has a wall of gift ideas items. The young staff are attentive and hardworking. We return to Em's as often as possible.

August 1, 2024 on Google

Cute cafe in the area! The hazelnut iced coffee (wished there was a bit more coffee taste here) and strawberry vanilla scone were delicious (really moist)! They have a great indoor seating area, and patio in the back with a creek. The alley patio with the umbrellas was a Really cute touch

July 30, 2024 on Google

Dropped by. Not planning to be there. End up hazelnut ice coffee, dark roast and a tuna sandwich. Tuna sandwich has slices of apple in. Nice and filling. Good atmosphere as cozy and warm small town style. Service is awesome. Serve with smile and bring my order over as I sit down right after.

April 21, 2024 on Google

Nice and clean, no table service, but I tip anyways. Order a Coffee dark roast and multigrain meatloaf which come to $15 which is fair. It was a good size sandwich, lots of meatloaves and took half of it to go. The meatloaf was a bit on the dry side and could use a bit more sauce. Skimpy on the potato chips and no free refills on coffee.

April 1, 2023 on Google