Balzac's UP Express

I recently moved to Canada from the UK, where I was always a loyal Café Nero customer. Here in Canada, I discovered Balzac’s through a recommendation, and honestly, it feels like the perfect alternative. The coffee is rich, smooth, and full of flavor – it really reminds me of the quality I used to enjoy back home. I tried it for the first time and absolutely loved it! Balzac’s has definitely become my new go-to coffee spot in Canada.”

Balzac’s is well-known for its coffee, I have to say the matcha latte here is the best in Toronto. It’s smooth, rich in flavor, and perfectly balanced – not too sweet and not too bitter. It has quickly become my go-to whenever I’m at Union Station. The location is convenient, seating is comfortable, and the menu offers a nice variety of drinks and baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix, a quiet spot to relax, or the best matcha latte downtown, Balzac’s Union Station is a must-visit.

I’m sorry to say, but this is the worst coffee I’ve literally ever had. They’re definitely true to their name, if you know what I mean. I feel bad because the customer service was actually kind of nice, but they do not know how to make coffee. I totally got scammed and literally wasted over eight dollars for a latte. I feel the remorse of having spent eight dollars on my morning ride to the train. I am now just depressed because I was so excited to have a good coffee after spending that much money. I wish there was some justice for me.

In the UP Express station, great spot for a coffee and snack before hitting the airport. Friendly staff. Try the caramel apple latte!

Always a satisfactory experience with any balzac’s location This one was no exception. On my way to MTCC for a conference and used the path / skywalk and came here on my last day and just like any location, very quick. I tried the new cookie crumble latte and just delicious. A good drink for people who like their coffee and espresso drinks a little sweeter but still want that espresso taste still. Service was great. Employee saw me come up, stopped what she was doing immediately and helped me out. Barista got my drink and by the time I sat for a minute, drink was all ready to go. Great turnover with minimal wait times. A nice location too. Like the fact that you kind of have a view of the trains as it is right by the up express. So with that, there’s a lot of natural light coming in too. Great job overall

Balzac's Coffee truly lives up to its name, providing a superb experience without the wait. I stopped by this morning for a flat white, and the espresso quality was outstanding—rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with the steamed milk. Despite being busy, the baristas were incredibly efficient and cheerful, managing to keep the line moving without sacrificing the care put into each drink. This is my reliable go-to for an artisanal coffee when I'm on a tight schedule. Highly recommended if you need a quick, high-quality caffeine boost that never disappoints on flavor or speed

I had a great coffee experience at Balzac's! I got one while I was rushing to UP Express Train. The maple syrup-flavored coffee was absolutely exceptional - a must-try for anyone who loves unique flavors. I also tried their oat latte, and it turned out to be delicious, with the oat milk adding a nice smooth touch. Overall, a fantastic spot to grab a quick, quality coffee before catching the train. Highly recommend!

Always a great experience visiting balzacs. On this visit, I got their limited edition mini eggs latte. Definitely a sweet treat in the form of a coffee but still very delicious.

Awesome spot for good coffee (especially when visiting). Welcoming atmosphere and the pastries were delicious as well.

This Balzacs is located next to the UP Express platform at Union Station. You can get here by following the signs to the Skywalk or, well, the UP Express lol. It's a pretty cute set up with some café tables that are separated by a low wall so you feel cozier. There's also some Balzac's x UP Express art on the walls to jazz things up. If you really wind up liking the coffee, you can get some to brew at home as well. The coffee and drinks aren't cheap. They kind of Starbucks level + without the consistency. I've gotten 2 iced lattes at different times. The first time it was super creamy, so much so that it was holding these air bubbles inside with all the cream lol. The second time it wasn't as thick. I also have to say that the lids for the clear plastic style sippy cups are awful. It's really hard to even walk down the street without getting drops all over you. The pastries though, are pretty good! The ginger cookie I had was big and had a very intense ginger flavour.

2.75 plus tax for regular size coffee. (I believe 20 cents more for a large). They had Balzac's or Farmers blends for drip coffee option. I asked for the one with more caffeine and the barristers said it's the Balzac's blend. Tasted watered down. Better than Tim Horton's and McDonald's but I would prefer SB. Last time I had the turmeric latte. It was overwhelming in flavours, wish it was more subtle in turmeric and ginger. Location have limited seating and an area where you can add your own sweetener and milk/cream, like Starbucks pre-COVID style. Great for on the go drink and treats before hopping on or off the UP express. Located on the UP express platform.

Its a decent seating coffee shop inside the UP Express waiting area. Their coffee standards are good and maintain the same at every location. Its the same here when compared to any and though the price is on the higher end for a café - they deliver the quality and standards are always achieved

Conveniently located in the platform area of UP Express. Best place to pick up a drink before getting on the train to the Airport. Seating is limited but most people seems to have it to go. I was never there during rush hour so there was never a wait for anything. This Balzac's Coffee location is good also to stop by while walking from or to Union Station to CN Tower/Metro Convention Centre. I usually make this my pit stop whenever I am in the area.

It's located at the platform of the train that goes to the airport. I'm happy that I found this hidden nice coffee shop here. They serve decent drinks with decent customer service.

Pastries are amazing. Get them all. It is genius of Toronto to have this cafe here right on the train platform while you wait for the UP express. The UP express is itself also amazing. Every 15 minutes. You can bring your food on the train or there are a few tables here. Bright space, surprisingly not loud, clean. Had the light roast which wasn't my favorite, tasted a bit burnt but next time I'll try a normal medium or something else. They had 4 types of drip coffee available which was cool. Scone was excellent though I really should have also gotten 3 more pastries to reward myself for the hell of airport security and customs. Accepts credit cards. Special shout-out to the staff here who must be so patient and do very quick work for travelers with just seconds left before the next train. If you have extra time at the beginning or end of your trip stop here and enjoy the scene of international travelers, pastries and coffee!

Quite possibly the worst coffee we've ever drank, and at $6+ per drink. Both got the iced lattes and they tasted like watered down milk, no espresso flavor whatsoever. I have pretty low standards for coffee since we drink dunks, but this place was unbearable.

I ordered a plain croissant and hot coffee. The coffee was kinda water down. My boyfriend ordered an espresso. He said the espresso was decent. I think there's better coffee out there. This is the Union station location. We passed by this coffee place after getting off the subway. It's also next to the UP express to airport. We were heading to CN tower and aquarium that day. This location is bright and there's plenty of sitting area. There's not much options in the morning(before 9) except Starbucks and Tim Horton. If you don't have other choices, I guess it's not too bad to keep you away from the cloudy head.

This was one of the best cappuccino's I've had and I'm not an espresso novice. Cool sunday antique market nearby too

First off: they're located inside Union Station. Kind of confusing, but totally worth the hard work to find them. BEST COFFEE EVER!! Blown away!! I'm a coffee snob and seek out local roasters and organic coffees, and this place was outstanding. Also, TONS of vegan options: KIND Bars, premade salads and chia pudding. Lots of milk options including oat milk, my personal favorite! And the cherry on top: super friendly Barista

As a regular here I'm very surprised at all the negative reviews!? Since my work is a five minute walk from here, I'm lucky to not have to resort to Starbucks as my only choice for caffeinated drinks. I feel extremely privelaged to have this nearby on the otherwise dry South financial core cause believe me... It's all standard food court fare otherwise. The location is a bit awkward though as it's besides the UP Express platform so if you happen to walk up as the train arrives, get ready to wrestle for walking room going against the massive crowd that's getting off! I usually ritual my order as I'm always in a rush to grab coffee but honestly that only enhances the experience for me. Bonus points as they let you pick larger cups when ordering so you can add more milk like I usually do without having to pour out any of my precious Americano! Love how the barista always draws something cute on the cup alongside my name. Thankful to have this little gem around.

For all those like me, a good cup of coffee is badly needed first thing in the morning. I was walking about in Union station when I accidentally found Balzac's at the UP direct train to Pearson. At first I thought you couldnt get in there without a ticket... turns out ANYONE can get here! Compared to the Timmy's and other offerings downstairs, this Balzacs have more interesting espresso drinks at a fair price. Compared to the other Balzacs I've been to (Distillery), this one has a similar menu with ZERO waiting. We walked in and we were greeted with a smile. There is an open little seating area and it's a good way to grab a decent coffee before heading to Pearson. I got their Roasted Almond Espresso drink... it was hard to choose as they had lots of interesting combinations. This in particular didn't get the same artistic quality as Distillery but for the taste, it's similar. The Roasted Almond is a touch sweet but nothing as cloying as Starbucks. It's definitely a step above. if I ever have to go to CN Tower, Ripleys, or Union, I'm taking a quite little stop here to grab a good coffee before running off to wherever I need to go. I like Timmys for it's quaint Canadiana but I love better coffee @ Balzac's more.

Excellent little shop, excellent service. Nitro Cold Brew cans and quality teas. Whole bean coffee, also available.

Balzac's Coffee Roasters is located on the platform at the UP Express. They have plenty of coffee options to choose from, including a number of delicious-looking sweets. Seriously, every time I'm there I am always eyeing the sweets. Coffee is made quickly, unless the train just arrived and there's a lineup. I usually order a mocha, which comes out kind of mild. Wifi is free, but you have to log in with your Facbeook account, which is annoying. There are a few two-person tables nearby if you're waiting for a train.

As I was about to jump onto the UP express I found this quaint little coffee hut conveniently located on the platform area. Within the 10 minutes it took the next train to show I managed to get a tasty iced coffee and lemon scone. Price-tag is a little high but you're in Union Station after all! Fast service, tasty treats. Definitely worth it for those going to and back from Pearson Airport or any stops along the way.

Stopped here while picking up a friend at UP station. Sat with a good coffee and people watched for a little while! Overall a good spot to grab a coffee while passing by union station, there is a separate entrance so you don't have to walk through the maze that is union station. I found the coffee was very good, I asked for a medium blend and the woman serving was very helpful and recommended one she thought i may like. One thing to be weary of if you're planning on sitting with your drink: people waiting for the station may randomly take a seat at your table as they wait for the train. I had 2 different people join me at my table which was a bit unexpected.

Best chocolate chip cookie in the area. Coffee was good, better than Starbucks and hotter than most places.

This location is on the 2nd floor of the UP Express station platform (behind Mill St). I've always loved their drinks and desserts (although I'm not a coffee person). Also, this location is not as busy as other locations which is great! Got my iced cafe mocha and small coffee almost instantly. Another nice touch is that they sell Canadian/Ontario merchandises on the side which was design-y yet approachable to buy as souvenirs and gifts.

This location of Balzac's Coffee is so convenient if you use the UP Express. Being a regular user, Balzac's has become one of my go-to's. The lattes are strong in taste, the pastries, cookies and brownies are amazing and they have the friendliest, most welcoming staff. I personally recommend the Oat Milk Cookie Latte, it tastes great both hot and iced.

My matcha latte tasted like dirty tap water...as someone who drinks matcha and matcha lattes daily I was extremely disappointed. The service was excellent otherwise of course!