I chose to work out of Calico after seeing this cafe pop up on Instagram. It's a locally-owned spot with a few tables and booths that are well-spaced apart. The cafe had better vibes for chatting rather than for working / studying. I was hoping there would be more of a baked goods selection (they seem to carry the Donut Run's baked goods sometimes), but when I got there later in the afternoon, there was only one type of cookie left and it wasn't very appealing to me. I ordered a decaf gingerbread latte (seasonal special) which, aside from being a little too sweet for my liking, was a good latte in other regards. read more

Calico Coffeehouse - Gingerbread Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Thunder Bay, Ontario

I didn't even know this place existed until Anlina suggested we go there a couple nights ago. I hadn't lived in Thunder Bay for a bit and all of the old Seattle Coffee Houses have closed down for the most part. So I was very excited to see that the Thunder Bay tradition of very cozy coffee places where you could come and study, read or catch up with friends still existed. The waitress at the counter was very friendly and very professional. She told us that we could go sit down anywhere and she'd bring our drinks out to us. I ordered a vanilla cafe latte. It came out in a nice large mug and was really tasty, better than what I've had at Starbucks and Second Cup. They had a large selection of other hot drinks and cold drinks, and some tasty looking snacks on the counter (which I proudly managed to ignore this time around). I had a medium latte, which was priced around $3.50. The decor was very nice and relaxing. I loved the warm dark colors that made for a really nice, seclusive environment. My only complaint is that there were only three booths in which to sit at. All three were occupied when we arrived; two of which by one individual each. It'd be a lot nicer if they had a couple more booths on the opposite wall since I much preferred sitting at them than sitting at the individual tables. With really wide table-tops, it looks like an awesome place to go to get some work done without interruption. I'll definitely go back here next chance I get. read more

When it comes to coffee in Thunder Bay, there is nobody in the same league as Calico. From the chalkboard menu, to the fireplace, this place is cozy. The walls are adorned with local art, and the baking is all done daily, and locally! The have a great selection of brewed coffee, including the cult favourite, the dark roast. I can attest to the fact that (after probably hundreds of them) the soy mochas, are wonderful! read more

A hidden gem Pros- good selection of coffees, local, friendly staff, can sit as long as you like and not feel pressured to give up table, free wifi, tasty local desserts, competitive pricing Cons - limited selection of green teas, limited seating, one door ( cools entire place in winter when it's opened) I'm there a lot and recommend it. read more

This little shop was my caffeniation oasis while I was up in T-Bay for work. They have a nice machine with faema e-61 brew heads with a girl behind the bar who knows what she's doing. If it wasn't for this place (and Hoito for pancakes next door) I would have not enjoyed my week nearly as much. If ever I'm back in T-bay I will come back here... many times a day. read more

Absolutely love Calico coffeehouse! The drinks are delicious and the staff are great love visiting this little gem in downtown PA

After walking around Thunder Bay we were looking forward to a quiet sit down before heading back home. We fell in love with Calico, not just for the perfect-sized menu but because of the environment. As I always do, I got the chai. And what no one has ever done for me Stateside was add cinnamon on top. It was a great topper and got the chai's flavors to come out. We were well impressed by the environment, too. It was laid back and diverse of seating options -- that sounds weird, but there were tables, booths and a couch area. It was like being in someone's nicely-appointed basement. All around an excellent find. read more

I had a cranberry cookie it was amazing the taste was the best cookie you have tasted also the staff was very kind will be back you should try it when in the area read more

Cute place, good coffee, but the staff is rude regularly. Every time I go I feel like I'm bothering the barista in making a coffee.

This is a really lovely independent cafe. It has a comfortable, laid back vibe to it with mostly comfortable seating (some couches & chairs, three booths and some tables.) There's art on the walls by local artists which I think might be for sale - it seems to be rotated periodically. My tea came out with a charming mismatched bone china cup and saucer, which was a beautiful touch. Funky, independent, artsy. Drink selection is decent, including a moderate selection of loose leaf teas (mmmm orange peppermint rooibos), and is reasonably priced (cheaper than Starbucks.) They also have a selection of desserts, though no more substantial fare. Counter service was nice and friendly and she brought our drinks out to us. It can be a little loud in there while they're preparing drinks, but generally the noise level is comfortable. They're only open till 10:30, so no late night coffees here, but it's a great place to hang out and relax with a drink. read more

this is a great little coffee place in downtown PA, right in the heart of the bay & algoma shopping district. the staff are super friendly and made our drinks right away. the coffee is wonderful, it's genuine, strong but not overpowering; it's "the good stuff". The lattes in particular are delicious, they have a generous amount of thick and creamy latte foam. I would highly recommend this place, the baristas know what they're doing and the environment is very comfy. read more

Calico Coffeehouse - the caramel latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Thunder Bay, Ontario

Does not even deserve one star. These people don't know coffee. They are unfriendly and have attitude. Lattes are bitter and over steamed. Don't BOTHER!! read more

A great dark roast coffee. Reminds me of our last trip to the Caribbean. The service was good too.

So just some background info on me, I'm a student in Thunder Bay however I've worked as a barista in Ottawa. I can confirm that yes the baristas here are not the most friendly but do a good enough job. Espresso quality and taste is not the best but I'd blame the roaster for that not how it's being pulled here. It has a weird molasses taste to it, but it is served hot! Barista knowledge of coffee drinks is okay but could use some improvements. This is northern Ontario mind you! Maybe I should open a coffee shop in thunder bay and show how it's done ....hmmmmm ;) read more

Great coffee, fast service, nice booths, and a warm atmosphere. Awesome music overhead, but not so overpowering that you can't have a conversation with friends. All around - a perfect independent coffee shop. Nicely done! read more

I've been a couple of times just buying a coffee to go. I can't understand the insistence of the staff to putting in your cream and sugar... for this you want a tip?? I can do that myself. Last time I bought two coffees and two cookies to go. Same routine... when no tip was forthcoming the cookies were pretty much flung across the counter. Somebody needs to readdress how essential their "service" is. read more

Love love love this place. Coconut cupcakes are so good and the tea is freshly brewed. Only downfall is there isn't very much seating.

This is one of my regular locations. Great selection of coffees, teas and expresso's etc. Excellent local made pastries with free wi-fi. Very cozy and usually packed during the evening. I love the ambiance and chai tea is extra flavorful. read more

Really friendly staff and nice decor and atmosphere. I LOVE their chai, and all of their pastries and desserts are delicious. read more

Perfect spot for relaxing with some friends, or on your own. Beverages are great, and service is of course friendly.

Delicious sweets and coffees/teas/lattes. A vibrant atmosphere. Lovely presentation. There is just something wonderful about drinking tea out of a pretty china tea cup. read more

Although this place is a cute little coffee shop and has a great location, I avoid visiting often. I do not like the coffee here, there is just an off taste. My latest (and last!) visit here was shockingly awful. We had just put our order in when the baristas friends walked in. Instead of making our drinks, she began chatting with them. We waited, and waited. Finally her friends ordered their drinks. The barista proceeded to make their drinks first. We waited about 10 minutes until she finally began making our drinks and when she handed them to us and did thank us for waiting. However, my patience was running really thin at that point. It was an awful experience and it won't be forgotten. The staff here have never been friendly and typically have a bad attitude, but this experience was a tad worse than others. I'd like to support local but when the coffee doesn't taste great and the service is bad, I'd rather go to Starbucks. read more

Calico is very chill and has awesome art on the walls. I also like that its fair trade

Delicious! Got several different drinks with my mom and sister and they were all very good.

The brewed coffee is fabulous, but the lattes are not so great. They don't know how to properly steam their milk or calibrate the grounds for the espresso. Do NOT offer a cappuccino! read more

Nice place , good coffee, lousy seating, usually the booths that seat 4 are occupied by one guy with his laptop and homework, so much potential but falls short. read more