We’ve all felt that pre-conference panic — where’s the coffee?!
Finding a caffeine fix between meetings or sessions can feel like a race against time as you shuffle through hotel lobbies and meeting rooms. Luckily, downtown Winnipeg is packed with cozy cafés and trendy spots that brew a mean espresso while offering a calming escape from the convention hustle. Whether you’re in need of a quick drip coffee on your way to the next session or craving a quiet nook to unwind with a latte, this guide will lead you to the best coffee shops near the RBC Convention Centre.
Downtown
Muse Café | 200-185 Carlton St (inside Launch Coworking)
Tucked away in the skywalk between Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg and the RBC Convention Centre, Muse is the ideal spot to grab a coffee without stepping outside. Nestled inside the vibrant Launch Coworking space, Muse serves locally sourced coffee from Forbidden Flavours Roastery in Brandon and a curated selection of teas from Cornelia Bean. Its food offerings include vegan breakfast sandwiches and high-protein oatmeal from local maker Seriously Oats, with an expanded menu on the way. Muse also features a fun rotation of seasonal favourites — right now, the brown sugar cardamom cold brew is a must-try — made with gourmet syrups from Manitoba’s own Gourmet Inspirations.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m
Fools & Horses Coffee Company | 242 Hargrave St (Hargrave St Market)
Fools & Horses has long been a local favourite, with two of its three locations conveniently near the RBC Convention Centre. Whether you're grabbing a quick drip coffee on your way to a meeting (they regularly rotate their beans, and the staff are happy to guide you to the perfect roast) or taking a moment to savour one of their seasonal specials — like a cinnamon hearts or Terry's Chocolate Orange-inspired latte — Fools & Horses is a great stop for your morning or midday pick-me-up.
The team at Fools & Horses puts a lot of time, passion, and care into researching, designing, and experimenting with different flavours to make their feature drinks as delicious as possible. Plus, their sustainability focus means you can sip your coffee knowing you’re supporting eco-friendly practices. They’ve partnered with Canada Green Company to offer compostable cups and packaging.
Hargrave St Market hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*They also have a location at The Forks Market hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters | 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.
Lavanda Café | 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. If you’re in the mood for a post-conference drink, swing by on Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to close for ‘Joy Hour’ cocktails, where you’ll find coffee and tea-inspired creations like hazelnut espresso martinis, matcha sours, and pomegranate margaritas.
Hours: Mon: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tues-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. – 4 p.m.
Urban Bean | Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg, 350 St. Mary Ave
Conveniently located inside Delta Hotels Winnipeg, Urban Bean is perfect for a quick pick-me-up before heading back to the conference. Serving Starbucks coffee along with quick breakfast and lunch bites, this spot is a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time. You can’t go wrong with this simple yet reliable café!
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Katita Café | 300 Memorial Blvd (located inside WAG-Qaumajuq)
Katita Café (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-Thur: 11:00 – 4:30 p.m.; Fri-Sun: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stella's Plug In | 460 Portage Ave
Locally owned breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is a favourite for all demographics. Local ingredients, house-mades breads and jams and a wickedly divine 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. – 10 p.m. everyday
Oh Doughnuts | 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 | 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) is ideal for a 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 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Harrisons Coffee Co. | Various locations
Harrisons Coffee is a local favourite offering freshly roasted beans onsite in the Johnston Terminal at The Forks, focusing on bold, rich flavours. Known for its unique drinks, including the Canadiano, a fun take on a classic Americano with two shots of espresso in drip coffee, Harrison’s is perfect for those looking for something a little different. All three locations are within a 10 to 25-minute walk of the RBC Convention Centre, and each shop is bright and sunny with plenty of seating.
There are three locations and hours vary by location:
- Johnston Terminal at The Forks: Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri-Sun 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Waterfront Dr: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- West Broadway: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Modern Electric Lunch | 232 Main St
Locally owned shop on Treaty 1 Territory. Seriously good coffee and elevated comfort food that nourishes. This downtown spot would be notable for the savoury waffle alone, which comes with a rich, zippy and Dijon-forward smoked gouda sauce that will have you moaning. Plus, at $5 it is one of the best bangs for your bucks in the city.
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cloud Coffee | 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.
For those looking for more than coffee, there is also Bistro Boréal, located on the first floor which operates Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. –4 p.m.
Cloud Coffee is operated by WOW Catering and located on the 5th floor of the museum.
Hours: Tues to Sun from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.