Brewin’ It Up: Your Caffeine & Craft Beer Fix in Charlottetown

Charlottetown’s coffee and craft beer scenes serve up just a pint-sized taste of what’s to offer- but boy, do we have brews.

Whether your preferred brews are of the java or hops varietal (or both), the city’s independent roasters and locally-loved taps have a fix for every preference, no matter the time of day. Check out these unique gems that’ll ‘fill yer boots.’

Charlottetown’s Coffee Scene:

1) RECEIVER COFFEE CO. | 178 WATER ST, 128 RICHMOND ST, 15 MILKY WAY
Best place(s) for a cozy lunch date (indoors or out!)

Head to one of Receiver Coffee Co.’s three locations on Victoria Row, Water Street, and Milky Way where their goal is to provide transparently sourced coffee that’s roasted to highlight natural characteristics in each coffee. Cozy-up with their menu filled with breakfast, lunch and dinner indulgences for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.

2) THE SHED COFFEE | 99 POWNAL ST & 97 QUEEN ST
Best place to try a Vietnamese specialty coffee

The Shed is a specialty coffee roastery that provides unique coffee and local treats. Awarded as Canada’s Best Roastery by Reader’s Digest in 2022, they strive to add a little extra love into each cup they make and help to tell the stories behind the beans they use.

3) THE 5TH WAVE ESPRESSO & TEA BAR | 181 QUEEN ST
Best place for ethical & sustainable beans

Along the historic Currie Block on Queen Street, you’ll find The 5th Wave Espresso & Tea Bar, Charlottetown’s newest beverage bar serving up organic and sustainable sips.

4) BAR1911 | 113 LONGWORTH AVE
Best place to plug-in or unplug just outside the city centre

Just beyond the downtown core is bar1911 on Longworth Avenue, a remote worker’s haven serving up beans, brews & snacks. Many enjoy gathering here to simply escape the bustle of everyday life in a warm & welcoming atmosphere.

5) THE GALLERY COFFEE HOUSE & BISTRO | 82 GREAT GEORGE ST
Best place to soak up some sunshine and inspiration

The Gallery boasts delicious food and coffee served in a historic space, complete with exposed brick walls, high tin ceilings and art-covered walls. It’s a local’s favourite for all the right reasons!

6) LEONHARD’S CAFÉ & RESTAURANT | 142 GREAT GEORGE ST
Best place to pair your brunch with a mimosa

Not only does Leonhard’s offer a wide variety for all of your coffee cravings, but they’ll have you sticking around for food that is always delicious, made with locally sourced ingredients, and extremely satisfying. Having all of the above served to you in the relaxing atmosphere (reminiscent of European cafés) is really just the cherry on top.

7) COFFEE PLUS | 170 GREAT GEORGE ST
Best place for a cappuccino and panini

Proudly serving you with a cozy environment, fresh coffee, homemade pastries, and kid friendly menu, Coffee Plus is the perfect place to pop by while exploring the city.

8) TIMOTHY’S WORLD COFFEE | 154 GREAT GEORGE ST
Best place to read in a window nook

Cozy up to a light breakfast and hot cup of delicious coffee in the haven that Timothy’s has created for themselves. Discover an abundance of java, great food & open-minded people.

Charlottetown’s Craft Beverage Scene:

1) THE GAHAN HOUSE | 126 SYDNEY ST
Located within The Gahan House in historic downtown Charlottetown, the Gahan Brewery blazed the trail for Charlottetown’s latest rejuvenation of craft brewing. Extremely popular amongst the locals, this gastropub has got you covered with a diverse food menu and rotating selection of Gahan and PEI Brewing Co. craft beer GALORE.

Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble deciding which beer to try, the beer flight is perfect – a sampler of beers that can be customized to your liking.

2) UPSTREET CRAFT BREWING & CRAFT BEER CORNER | 41 ALLEN ST & 156 GREAT GEORGE ST
The uptown drinking oasis of this craft brewery features craft beer, vodka seltzers, and a taproom with Neapolitan style pizza. The original creators of the rising non-alcoholic craft beer, Libra, Upstreet Craft Brewing is sure to welcome you in with open arms.

Within the downtown core, Upstreet’s Craft Beer Corner is the beating heart of the local music & craft brew scene. Offering over 20 taps and a folksy feel, it’s a fan favourite for a good ol’ nighttime hang. On your way out, grab some cans to-go.

Pro tip: check out The Corner’s washrooms for a snazzy surprise (just trust us).

3) LONE OAK BREWING CO. |  15 Milky Way & 167 Kinlock Rd

Lone Oak’s hip brewpub offers their craft beer & food, friendly service, stunning river views, and one of the nicest sun-soaked patios in Charlottetown. From an approachable sour to a full-bodied stout, these craft brews are well-known (and loved) across the Island.

Pair your brew with a golf day at the all-new, year-round Lone Oak Fox Meadow restaurant, located within Fox Meadow Golf Course’s clubhouse.

You can find the original Lone Oak brewery & taproom at Gateway Village. And soon, you can expect to find a fourth location in Cavendish!

4) PEI BREWING COMPANY | 96 KENSINGTON RD
Make your way up Kensington Road from downtown and you’ll happen upon the Island’s largest craft brewery, the PEI Brewing Company. Walk in on any given day and you can look forward to an on-site beer and merchandise store, tours of the brewery, over 12 beers on tap, and a delicious pub menu, yet this is just a taste of what the venue has on offer.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye online for events happening at the PEIBC, including trivia, live music, comedy, and more!

4) RED ISLAND CIDER | 101 LONGWORTH AVE
Not feeling a beer? You know what they say about an apple a day… get your midday cider fix with the crisp, refreshing, and rotating selection of craftsmanship at Red Island Cider– PEI’s coziest (and cutest) taproom. Created 100% gluten free and with local apples, we can whole-heartedly say it goes down veryyy smooth.

Local Features

There are a variety of bars & pubs around the city that feature many local craft creations on tap, including (but not limited to):

Hopyard, Cedar’s Eatery & Baba’s Lounge, The Old Triangle, bar1911, The Local, Olde Dublin Pub, and Peake’s Quay Restaurant

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on where to get your daily caffeine fix and craft brews, you’ll want to map out a plan to hit ’em all up during your visit!

Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.

Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the city love!