Browse a wide, curated selection of used books across fiction, non-fiction, and rare editions in a cozy, well-organized space.
Enjoy expertly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and specialty teas made with high-quality beans in a comfortable café setting.
Indulge in fresh, delicious baked goods like brownies, lemon squares, and chocolatine to complement your drink.
Spend time exploring our extensive collection with helpful staff available for personalized book suggestions and assistance.
Relax in our cozy interior with seating options, ideal for studying, working, or enjoying a quiet moment with a book.
Lovely spot! Coffee is good and the baked goods are as well. Would love for more seating to accommodate the high volumes at times.
I visited Black Squirrel Café while I was in Ottawa. The coffee was really good, and the café itself has a nice, cozy interior, making it a comfortable spot to sit and study. The staff seemed a bit unbothered and not very approachable, with a somewhat low-energy or unhappy demeanor, though service itself was fine. The brownie was a bit stale, which was disappointing. Overall, it’s a cozy place with good coffee, but the experience could be improved with warmer service and fresher baked goods.
The bookstore is such a delight. The drinks and pastries were very good, I got an elderberry iced tea lemonade, chocolatine, and a lemon square. Service was quick, friendly and pleasant. It's a great place to sit and work or to peruse their selection of books, as there are so many, I would suggest planning for a lot of time spent browsing. Exploring the selection in the well lit basement section was actually so peaceful and quiet. Loved the place and will visit again!
This is my favourite used book bookstore in Ottawa. They have lots of books, often in multiple formats and editions, conveniently organized and very well curated. Prices are more than reasonable. Staff are very pleasant and are willing to give book recommendations. I’ve never left the store empty handed.
Lovely book store cafe. Friendly staff and safe use of covid-19 protocols. No seating at the moment, but coming soon. Best to browse first and take the Coffee to go as we did. Mini cookies were also delicious. Thanks! If you found this review helpful, please like! 🙏🙂 Thank you!
Your cozy corner for books, coffee, and community in Ottawa.
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Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar is a beloved Ottawa gem combining a curated used bookstore with a welcoming café. We offer a vast selection of books across genres, including rare finds in our peaceful basement section, alongside expertly crafted coffee, teas, and fresh baked goods. Whether you're browsing for your next read, enjoying a study session, or grabbing a quick espresso, our cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect spot to unwind. Located at 1073 R. Bank Street, we pride ourselves on being a community hub for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
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