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    Balzac's - Up Express

    3.8 (22 reviews)
    Closed • 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    BALZAC'S - UP EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

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    Regular size
    Kim N.

    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.

    Sreekar K.

    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

    Jennifer K.

    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.

    Matcha Latte

    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.

    Near the cafe on the UP platform
    Leslie K.

    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!

    Mandy Y.

    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.

    Suor K.

    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.

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    4 years ago

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    22 days ago

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    2 years ago

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

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

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

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    9 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Balzac's - Up Express

    “I was walking about in Union station when I accidentally found Balzac's at the UP direct train to Pearson.”

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Le Génie Bakery and Espresso - Smooshed take-home Butter Croissant

    Le Génie Bakery and Espresso

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    Dropped by yesterday morning since I was in the area. When…read morewalking in, I was greeted and ordered a Butter Croissant and Latte made with oat milk. While cashing me out, they asked if it was for here or to go. I said to go, so they put the croissant in a paper bag for me and made my drink. Liked that they didn't put the lid on right away for me and let me know I could add my own sugar if I wanted and indicated where it was. Unfortunately for me since I shoved it in my work bag which was packed, the croissant ended up getting flattened instead of staying as full and fluffy as in the display, but it was still delicious when I got to eat it later. Flaky exterior, soft inside, and super buttery. There's a few small tables inside if dining in (and one just out front). The walls could use a facelift as the paint is not looking great, but other than that, the display area looks pretty modern. No parking onsite, but plenty of paid lots in the area.

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    Balzac's - Up Express - coffee - Updated October 2026

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