Exploring Top Halifax Coffee Shops 2025
If you’re on the hunt for some great Halifax coffee shops, I’m going to share my favourites with you. I also include ones that are on my bucket list for my next trip to Halifax.
Dilly Dally
Dilly Dally is hands down my top pick for coffee shops in Halifax. They serve coffee in actual mugs (my personal favourite thing) using beans from a local Nova Scotia roastery and my husband who’s a self-proclaimed ‘coffee snob’ thoroughly enjoyed the coffee.
A few other things that make this coffee shop awesome are:
1) The super friendly employees. We visited this coffee shop a few times and on our last trip we went there pretty early in the morning (they open at 6:30am) and we were met with big smiles and “Good Morning!”.
2) The eclectic decor. As you look around you’ll likely notice or be reminded of items you’ve seen in your grandparents house or your great Aunt but for some reason, Dilly Dally is able to make it look cool and funky. Maybe it’s the mix of vintage decor pieces with pink chairs and turquoise tables that adds the cool vibe. Either way it’s a great mix of nostalgia with modern accents.
3) They have a huge patio. If you’re visiting Halifax in the summer months and the weather allows for it, grab your coffee and head to their huge patio. It’s got hanging lights, lime green umbrellas, flowers and lots of seats.
4) Fresh baked goods, breakfasts, sandwiches and soups. They have an awesome collection of food available that’s all made in-house. So not only is this a great spot for a coffee, you can grab breakfast, lunch or a treat.
5) Another thing that makes Dilly Dally Cafe in Halifax awesome is that they sell a small buy mighty collection of products from local artisans like candles from Lawrencetown Candle Co., Made With Local protein cookies, and fresh flower bouquets.
One thing to note is that Dilly Dally is laptop free from 9am to 3pm. As someone who works in coffee shops everywhere I go, I don’t mind when cafes make this request and I’m starting to see it more and more. It allows me to enjoy sitting in and taking a break without constantly working on my business.
All in all, I was thrilled that we discovered Dilly Dally at the start of our trip so we could go there a few times. It’s definitely a must-visit coffee shop in Halifax.
Weird Harbour Espresso Bar
If you’re an espresso lover or want coffee made by expert baristas, you’ll want to head to Weird Harbour. Not sure what to order or want to try something new – ask the baristas for some help choosing.
The space is bright, clean and has the modern coffee bar vibe.
One thing to note is that there aren’t any places to sit and it’s a fairly small space. So you’ll have to grab your coffee to go. I recommend heading to the waterfront (it’s only a few blocks away) to sit and enjoy your coffee.
Please note: Weird Harbour Espresso Bar in Halifax does not have public washrooms.
Annie’s Place Café
If you’re looking for a true local Halifax experience and delicious home-cooked breakfast, head straight to Annie’s Place Café. When you first walk in, you feel like you’re walking into your Aunts house for breakfast. You can see the kitchen and everything is out in the open. Annie greeted us as we walked through the doors from behind the counter in the kitchen. It immediately created a very family-like vibe and that’s exactly what we were looking for.
Annie’s Place Café is definitely a favourite among locals. While we were there, there was a group of older men who gathered and it was obvious they do this often, mostly because one of them got up to grab coffee from the fridge, like he owned the place. If that doesn’t show you that he’s a local, I don’t know what will.
Our breakfast was delicious. I ordered my usual omelette and it totally hit the spot. It’s the perfect place for a traditional home-cooked breakfast and unique local Halifax experience.
Café Byron
Café Byron is a definitely a cute coffee shop in Halifax serving delicious coffee. It has simple, minimalist decor complete with garage door that’s open during the summer months, and surf boards leaning against the wall.
The inspiration from Byron Bay, Australia is very obvious and I’m totally happy about it. It immediately creates a very hipster, chill vibe.
There’s plenty of seating outside on the patio out front and lots of tables inside, with people working away on laptops. If you need to get out of the house and get some work done, this is a great option.
