Sipping Serenity at Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters: A Cozy Green Oasis in Kitchener, Ontario
Tucked away by the VIA Rail Station in Kitchener, Ontario, Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters proved to be more than just a caffeine haven for our recent escapade. Accompanied by our friends Matt and Ysabel, Katrina and I embarked on a cozy get together in this eco-friendly oasis, where greenery meets exceptional coffee. Join us as we unravel the charm of Smile Tiger and its commitment to sustainability, great coffee, and an inviting space.
Exterior Shot Courtesty of Yelp!
Ambience - Industrial Exterior Meets Modern Interior: Upon entering Smile Tiger, we were immediately struck by the refreshing and vibrant atmosphere. The cafe's green focus was evident in every corner, with an abundance of plants lending a touch of serenity to the space. From reclaimed wood furniture to abundant greener abound, the cozy interior provided a perfect escape from the sudden snow and freezing temperatures we are currently experiancing in Southern Ontario. The blend of industrial chic and botanical charm created an inviting space that beckoned us to unwind and enjoy the coffee oasis with a great balance of “shared” spaces and intimiate tables. We thought the balance was a great idea to cater to those wanting a meeting/date space and those wanting a quick get together (we were the latter). Additional kudos for the inviting counter with information galore - luckily, there is enough distance from the ordering area to the door to allow for some hugs with friends. 10/10
The Coffee - Quality Beans + Great Technique: Smile Tiger takes its coffee seriously, and the carefully sourced beans are a testament to their commitment to quality. Each sip revealed the craftsmanship behind their roasts, leaving us thoroughly impressed. The diverse coffee selection catered to all preferences, from bold and robust to delicately nuanced blends. The aroma alone was enough to transport us into a realm of pure coffee bliss. For Katrina and I? A decaf latte (here belly was a bit upset) and the usual Oatmilk Cortado. Matt and Ysabel? Black Coffee (typical Matt) and the feature a Blueberry Pancake Latte. The coffee did not disappoint - 9/10
Latte Art: Two out of three cups featured impressive latte art, showcasing the baristas' skill and attention to detail. One basically had a white dot - unclear if this was intentional or the barista just stopped caring. The intricate designs added an artistic flair to our coffee, transforming each cup into a canvas of caffeinated beauty. While one cup displayed a more basic design, the overall latte art experience contributed to the aesthetic pleasure of our visit. +1
The Cups: While Smile Tiger excelled in many aspects, the cup choices were a standout feature. However, Matt, with his affinity for chunky mugs, was slightly disappointed by the handles' petite size…or perhaps, I would argue, his ogre-ly large hands. Despite this minor gripe, the diverse cup selection added a personalized touch to our coffee ritual, allowing us to choose vessels that resonated with our individual preferences while also appealing to the stylistically modern enviroment. 4/5
Accoutrements - Plentiful snacking options, but not a location for a meal (or vegans): The cafe's menu boasted a delightful array of both sweet and savory accoutrements. The cheddar chive scone left our taste buds dancing with its savory goodness, while the moist carrot cake was a sweet revelation and serious dive into decadence. Smile Tiger's commitment to flavor diversity ensures that there was something to please every palate, making our coffee experience even more memorable. That said, we would have liked to have seen some larger plate options, more vegan friendly choices (we did not note any) and - unfortunately for Matt, his breakfast sandwich was under-heated. Since he is firmly in the “too nice to ever send anything back” camp we tried not to let it influence our score too much. 7/10
Ecofriendliness - Green Oasis with Effort: One of the standout features of Smile Tiger was its unwavering commitment to ecofriendliness. From reusable cups to compostable materials, the cafe embraced sustainable practices without compromising on quality. The focus on reducing environmental impact added an extra layer of satisfaction to our coffee experience, making Smile Tiger a guilt-free indulgence. While the space is a bit large, it was mostly full during our time there which to our surprise made it feel mostly “right sized”. Kudos to the owners for the abundant use of greenery, sustainable practices, and reclaimed furniture. 9/10
Value - Great Value Prop: Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters was great. They could easily charge extra for the vibe they are cultivating but you can have a great time there with minimal damage to your wallet. Between Katrina and I we had: A Decaf Latte, An Oat Milk Cortado, Carrot Cake, a Brownie, and Texas Toast for 26$ after tax and tip, not bad even if there aren’t full meals in the place. Great space, good coffee and a full wallet? Cant complain.+3 points
In conclusion, our visit to Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters was a harmonious blend of green ambiance, exquisite coffee, and thoughtful eco-friendly practices. This Kitchener gem has etched its mark on our coffee-loving hearts, leaving us eager to return for another sip of serenity in this sustainable haven. Total Score - 43/50
