Unpopular opinion time: I'm not a Tinderbox fan. Although it's a firm favourite among students and staff at Glasgow university, as well as those local to the West End, I guess I just don't get why. Probably I'm wrong because it's always busy but there are sooooo many great coffee shops and cafes nearby and I'm not sure why this one does so well. The hot drinks are good but hot drinks are good a lot of places. In some places the hot drinks are quite a lot better. The cold drinks are exactly the same as everywhere else. The food is average to poor. I was especially disapointed when ordering a latte (which was ok) and some noodles for lunch and discovered just how tiny they portion was. It was also served cold which was an unpleasant surprise - maybe I should have known they were going to be cold and I was being a bit naive but I really wanted a hot lunch. Given the price, I wish I'd taken it away and heated it up myself - it would have been much nicer. The price is really the main problem. It's generally more expensive to sit in than to take away (which is reasonable considering how busy the place is and that is true in most places these days) but neither price is especially reasonable. There's also no loyalty scheme or student discount which is almost unheard of among coffee shops in the West End. Every time I come in I wonder why I did. If you really, really must go I concede that they do a really nice chai tea latte, their friands are good and that there aren't many places where you can get a white hot chocolate. Maybe try those. Then move on - life is too short to revisit average cafes. read more

When Tinderbox first opened it was a godsend to the coffee-deprived West End, and the funky interior design was certainly innovative. I was surprised to find that they have another branch in London's Islington, decorated in the same style. I used to frequent both branches for a coffee and sandwich at lunchtime when I was passing. And yet... in recent years there have been so many other designer coffee outlets opening up that Tinderbox has become rather passée, and I stopped patronising it some years ago when their food menu took a turn for the worse with the introduction of rather carboard-y wraps. Yesterday I decided to give them another chance and popped in to see if things had changed. There was a fair number of folk there, although it wasn't lunchtime and I wouldn't say it was at its busiest. I'd ordered a small Americano and a tuna & olive roll. There appeared to be only one barista operating, and he clearly had a list to get through before my order, as it was almost 5 minutes before my coffee arrived, by which time another two staff members had appeared. I gratefully took my wee tray and perched by the window. The coffee was OK but I wouldn't rate it as particularly exceptional. The cup size was quite small, which I didn't mind as most places have vastly over-inflated cup sizes. The sandwich - again, the roll was quite small, but it came with a wee bag of crisps and a small tub of mayonnaise and was certainly better than I remembered. Overall, Tinderbox was OK and has improved since my last visit, but they're not the best value for money given the small size of cup and sandwich, and I'm not inclined to revisit them again in the near future. There are plenty of other options in Byres Road now and perhaps Tinderbox need to stop resting on their laurels and think about upping their game to match the competition. read more

An unpretentious coffee experience is to be had at Tinderbox. We ordered a couple of flat whites and a really lovely slice of cake which included ginger, but, as it's been a while since I was at TB, I can't recall what all else was in it. We ate it; it was very good. There's a dining area around the back of the counter, but I preferred to be up front at the window overlooking Byres Rd., so we opted for the stools at a narrow counter spot. It was fine for a short stay such as we had. Tinderbox is a bit more, sort of, chain-looking than, say, AR or Offshore, but, again, the service was professional and pleasant. We were glad to have stumbled upon it. read more

Tinderbox is one of those places where I always end up for a coffee. There are a lot of good coffee houses on Byres Rd, but Tinderbox is the one we always end up at; mainly because of its central location and because, well, let's face it: everyone knows where Tinderbox is. I do like Tinderbox, but it is always busy in there, so I guess everyone else in the West End likes it, too. My main problem is that I can never get a seat anywhere, but when I do, I always feel relaxed. My second problem with it, is that it's dear! The cheapest coffee on the menu is £1.40 for a small fairtrade filter coffee. By the way, if you're wanting something really impressive, get a hot chocolate. It comes in a very tall glass and makes you feel like you visited an ice-cream parlor from the 50's. Plus it's just ace. Outside seating has been added in recent years, as well as a walk-up window, which is highly convenient if you're in a hurry and don't want to battle the queue inside. The other great thing about it, is the support they give to surrounding businesses. In display cases, you'll find little window dressings from Pink Poodle, Elements, Glasgow Uni, and others. It's nice when a company recognises its surrounding businesses and does the mutual backscratch. Excellent atmosphere, almost like a family place. Enjoy yourself, but be prepared to have eyes like a hawk for the next available table. read more

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Expensive coffee and cakes with normal quality. I prefer other kind of coffee shops, smallers or less famous but with better quality or better prices. read more

Tinderbox - Hot chocolate with milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

Not for the faint walleted, Tinderbox is a king amongst coffee houses. Good cake, good coffee and good food, in a well designed coffee outlet - a scooter in the window - waaay! As much as I like the food/drink, however, it must be noted Tinderbox isn't really relaxed. The shiny metal/pale wood interior is quite sterile - quirky and retro, yes, but also somewhat... clinical? Comfy chairs, again yes, but, it all feels a bit like it's trying too hard...and the indie music a little too far above the audible level, is a far cry from the acoustic tones of Beanscene, or the Jazzy Starbucks music. You don't come here to relax, obviously, you come here to socialise, and drink coffee (duh!) Nice for a change, but I don't think my wallet can handle it. read more

Tinderbox - Tinderbox - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I'd never been in Tinderbox before, but had meandered past in on many occasions. The other day, it was chucking it down, I had time to kill, and it was the closest place to me, so in I went. For a Monday afternoon, it was really busy I thought. It didn't take me too long to get served, mind you, just a wait of a few minutes. I do love my coffee, but sometimes I have a an itch that needs scratched, and a good cup of tea is the only thing that will work. I ordered a cup of bog-standard, run of the mill tea - the type you'd drink in the house. A wait of around ten minutes from being served to actually getting me beloved tea. Ten minutes to put a bag in a small pot and pour boiling water in. I thought that was pretty poor, to be honest. Next up, the cost - £2+ for a cup of tea is too pricey in my book. Maybe I'm just not cut out for this West End living! Sure, it came in a pot, but it was a one-cup pot, so for me, that equates to grand larceny. Well, a wee bit of a rip off, more realistically. The tea was fine - but it's normal tea, there's not much to it. Unless a monkey has pissed in the pot, there's not a lot that can go wrong with a tea bag and boiling water. All in all, I thought the decor was pleasant, but the staff seemed rather indifferent and the price irked me, and for that (to paraphrase Duncan Bannantyne), I'm out. read more

If I love nothing else about Tinderbox it's that it generally has the best hours of any coffee place in the West End. Beyond that, the coffee is really good. While they don't do any seasonal drinks, the baristas are well trained and the drinks are always high quality. I do recommend the cappuccinos. The food comes from a few different local providers and most of the baked goods are really good. I'm always open to having the cupcakes or the brownies. I've never had the sandwiches and so can't speak for them. There is also a good selection of cold drinks. Prices are about average for the area, but the 20p off takeaway drinks is also a nice perk if you can't stay in. As for the few bad things, it does get busy enough where it can often be challenging to find a place to sit. There's not much they can do about this but it does make it harder to make it a place to relax and chat for a bit. One other minor flaw is there is a £5 minimum for credit card use, although this is certainly nicer than when there were no credit card processing machines at all a few years ago. read more

+ excellent coffee and cakes - grief stricken staff I've been here on several occasions, usually to meet someone who didn't know better, and on each visit, whilst the coffee is excellent, I'm always left with the odd sensation of having walked into the tail end of a domestic. Now, I'm not a regular, so it could just be a case of bad timing, but there always seems to be an odd atmosphere behind the counter. I wouldn't say the staff are rude, or, for that matter, particularly unfriendly: They just look so glum! You can't help feeling that you are somehow intruding on their anguish. I'm a huge fan of the indie café scene. There is no malice in my words. Perhaps a cuddle or some counselling may be all it takes. In the meantime, there are plenty of alternatives locally that seem a deal happier to accept my regular custom and unreserved recommendation. read more

Ever wanted a pretzel the size of your head? Or a cupcake covered in glitter? Look no further as Tinderbox has all of the aforementioned goodies. As it is situated on Byers Road it is usually crammed with students looking for a caffeine boost or a little sugar rush. Although Tinderbox isn't exactly cheap, it's no more expensive than Starbucks or other coffee and they have a bigger selection of cakes than most. It is nice and modern always looked fresh and it has a nice chilled out atmosphere and on sunny days you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Nice. read more

Yes ,I go in here every day.It has so much seating that they don't turn anyone away.What I do notice is that there is a certain aloofness amongst the staff as though they really don't want to get to know you.The place seems busy,busy all the time..The staff seem to move around to other branches...The toilets aren't great.They could do with being modernised...I think that I keep going back because they do great coffee.(Although last time there was two people sitting next to one another who were shouting at each other.The kind of thing that you get a lot of where someone's doing a project that they think everyone else should know about).Actually the whole of the West-end of Glasgow don't want to know about your project.It's a pile of excrement as far as I am concerned.Let me enjoy my coffee without your shrill tones. They also have a large amount of nespapers to read. read more

Went to the one in Princess Square, thought it was a bar. I was wrong. Had a coke to think over my life, then moved on. I suppose if I had visited for a coffee, maybe this review would be more worth your time. 4 word review? : tad pricey, nice seats. read more

Taking up a prime position on Byres Road, Tinderbox is one of the most established Coffee shops in this caffeine top heavy area. With a bright funky interior, plenty of seating and a range of coffee/teaa to keep every kind of caffeine junky blissed out, this place is one not to be missed. My only concern would be that it can get [pretty damn busy, making finding a seat a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, however, this just goes to show how popular the place is. Go NOW, drink coffee, eat cakes, watch world go by..... read more

Can't believe this is my first time in here, I'll definitely be back. Meeting a few people before we headed to the Vettriano exhibition I ordered a flat white and gave in to temptation and ordered a pear tart as well. I stood and watched as the barista took his time to prepare my drink, served in a small glass, perfectly. A nice rich dark roast (didn't get the name) made for a perfect cup of deliciousness, and the homemade pear tart was pretty good too, if a little on the small side. Around the table, other teas and coffees (two lattes and a pot of tea) were well received, and the pain au chocolat was good too, tellingly I wasn't offered any to try! On a prime location, the prices were pretty reasonable and certainly not any higher than any of the other nearby establishments but for me it was let down by the lack of any ambiance or atmosphere. As you enter there are stools at the windows but the rest of the seating is through the back, although there isn't much and what there is isn't the most comfortable. Probably ok for a quick coffee but it just wasn't very welcoming and I wouldn't want to camp out for very long I don't think. Admittedly I was on a stool and there were five of us crammed round a small table; that said, there didn't seem to be much more space to cater for anything over four at a table/small booth. It's an odd space to fill for sure but I think they could do something more with it and make it a lot more inviting. Mind you, if their main business is passing trade/takeaway then they've probably got it about right. All said and done, the coffee was good and I can see me popping in if I'm passing again in the future. There was a good range of home baking and the staff were friendly and efficient and certainly knew their stuff. read more

Logistics have decried that if I end up in Tinderbox, it's now usually the bigger quieter one in the Merchant City that grabs my custom, but there's still little doubt in my mind that the original on Byre's Road is the de facto king of the crop. It's that bit more bustling, and the location edges it a bit for people watching potential. The menu is still the same mix of expensive but high quality hot drinks, pretentious sandwiches and cakes, but it must be noted that the pretzls are just that bit saltier in here than they are at the Merchant City version, and all the better for it. Like most such coffee shops, there is an annoyingly high percentage of 30 year old teenagers in here pretending to work on their Macbooks, yet in truth just tweeting away various inane and self-absorbed details about their unfulfilling lives. It's a very small minus point, but par for the course in a place like this. read more

I have lots of issues with Tinderbox. Their mochas are too sweet, their cappuccinos too bitter, but at least you can get a strong couple of espresso shots in a flat white, as long as you don't mind taking a hot drink in a handle-less glass! I do like the option of putting either chocolate or cinnamon or both onto my cappuccino though. There's also usually some free newspapers to read with your cuppa. As for the food - the sandwiches are nothing more superior than something I'd throw together for a quick snack, yet they charge almost six quid for it. Their soups are OK and some of the salad boxes are rather tasty (including a nice meatball satay one), as are their large cake selection (as long as you haven't gone for a sickly sweet coffee). The clincher for me though is that the prices seem to be the highest in Glasgow - no wonder they wouldn't let me tip them! read more

I'm sitting in Tinderbox right now, marveling at just how big the "regular" hot chocolate is. Probably a good thing I didn't go with the large. I've passed by here a lot but never stopped in before. Now that I see how late they're open though, I'll probably come by more. It's nice finding a coffee shop that's open past 6 for when I need a break from the library. Price (£2.70) for my hot chocolate wasn't cheap, but not much more than most places in Glasgow. It might have been the best idea to pop in a few hours before going out to dinner (Banana Leaf), but I'll worry about that later. read more

Tinderbox - Chocolate Abyss - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Glasgow, GLG

I've long been in search for a perfect cappuccino, you know-the kind that are actually cappuccinos and not lattes? Yes, those ones. I gave up on the coffee chains because they don't seem to care what they put in their cups and people similarly don't seem to care what's in them, as long as they're proudly flashing the Starbucks logo. I stumbled in here one busy Saturday morning doing the walk of shame through Hillhead for a quick coffee. I came to tinderbox. I had vaguely remembered the name from somewhere about something so I ducked in. It was busy. I was taking away anyway, but still. I ordered a regular cappuccino and had to wait around ten minutes. For a takeaway coffee. I was a bit annoyed, I was also a bit annoyed having to walk around looking for the sugar packets and stirrers until I saw them behind the counter. Silly place to put them in my opinion, it would be better to put the sugar and stirrers closer to the front. It may also be a good idea to operate two serperate queues. A sit in queue and a take away queue. If I've got somewhere to be, I don't want to be waiting around for ten minutes for a coffee. So anyway, onwards I went to get my bus and I tentatively took my first sip of perhaps, the closest to perfect cappuccino I will ever have. There was so much foamy, coffee-y goodness in that little paper cup. It more than made up for the ten minute wait. I've seen on here that Tinderbox is expensive. For what you get, and compared to coffee chains, I think Tinderbox is on the whole, highly reasonable. And their cappuccinos are the closest to perfect you will get for cappuccino junkies. read more

Tinderbox warms my heart. It's one of those coffee shops that make you feel cozy and relaxed the moment you step in the door. I like to stop in here on my way to class for a cappuccino. I like mine strong so I always ask for an extra shot of espresso and that usually does the trick. Otherwise I find it too milky. They have pastries and cookies and I've seen people eating lunch but the menu doesn't list what they have. They also have free wifi and a small outside area with picnic tables. The baristas are friendly and work fast. read more

Love tinderbox and a lovely warming cup of coffee. Tonight that's especially true as it's freezing outside. I'm also thankful for the amazing chocolate cheesecake, which is delish. As always it's busy inside and the window seats are taken too. There's always a real mix of people in here and I like that. Reasonably priced, my coffee and cake was £5 but I feel it's worth it. Staff are always lovely, which is why I keep coming back. read more

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Their cakes are amazing!!! When I first passed this place back in 2003, they had an actual scooter as a window display so I'm not quite sure what they have up now... This place is usually packed with all types of folks: businessmen, moms with tots, and students. I initially went inside to order coffee since I wanted to avoid starbucks and try out the neighborhood shops. However, once inside, you're sidetracked by all the delectable cakes dancing in your face. I usually opted for this decadent chocolate mouse cake and ordered it along with a cafe mocha which was topped with whip cream. (Can we say diabetic inducing coma anyone?) I would situate myself on the window bar which looked out on the street where I would watch the people walk by in the Glasgow rain. Great place to hang with a book and let the hours pass by. read more

Hmmm. I like the look of Tinderbox, and the staff are usually quite friendly, but I can't help but note how hyped up it is. If I could three and a half star it I would, but I'll four star it for long term tea service to the community (and it is pretty good in its own merit). Reasons it gets its gold stars - - Its classy, diner exterior, formica tables and cool but practical layout. - Its place in the community. - It's family friendly. - The staff are generally friendly. - Prompt service. - Nice tea and cake. - A universal familiarity and appeal without going down the corporate road. My reasons for being cynical - - Occupied by loud students and louder trendy mums who seem to want to include everyone in their conversation by the way they PROJECT their voices over the store. - Due to its popularity, it's liable to get busy on a Saturday. - Maybe I've been in Glasgow for too long but the staff turnover seems fairly high. Saying that, if students end up working here they are bound to move on to pastures new so I would neverjudge a place on that factor alone! So there you have it from a veteran (sort of) tea drinker. I'm a bit irked that Tinderbox got more stars than Tchaiovna since I prefer the laid back vibe of the latter, but I appreciate sitting on the floor and sucking on some flavoured tobacco isn't for everyone. Tinderbox is really rather lovely, and has a universal appeal that means you can bring just about anyone here and they'll like it. It's also been around for years and they let you sit in here for hours reading a book without badgering you to buy some more. So I'm going to shut my whining mouth- I actually love it a bit. read more

Tinderbox is kind of a fixture in the West End for me now, after many family visits, days out in the west end and quick cups on my way to class. I love the atmosphere, although it can be a bit cramped and awkward if you're sitting inside. Coffee is good, although the mochas can be a bit too sweet. The waffles are amazing. I love a good waffle. Another upside for me and many students is the proximity to university (aside from coffee you can get inside uni at student unions.) I think the one thing that is swaying me towards trying something else is the prices, as I'm pretty sure I could find cheaper. read more

A West End institution of epic proportions, Tinderbox on Byres Road is the place to be if you're after a cup of coffee. The cafe itself is comfortable, stylish and futuristic - and even had a moped in the window (you never know when it may come in use....). Although a little on the pricey side, I have to say that their coffee is probably worth it. Those of you who follow my reviews will know that I'm a big fan of places that do a decent Chai Latte - and this place is quite possibly the best of the best in that respect. In fact, it is in this very shop that I tried my first CL. I've never looked back.... This place is filled with fond memories for me, including queuing at 7am for some waffles to take back to bed for my boyfriend's 21st birthday. I'm not sure I even bothered to get dressed properly - but those professional Tinderbox baristas never even batted an eyelid! read more

I'm really torn with my rating on this one. I am a fan and I will come back, but I think I must stick to 3 stars on this. I like their menu and I like that they have lots of alternatives to normal milk, when my friend and I came here, post-Dumplings, we ordered a chai latte with soy milk and I was delicious. Have you ever been to McDonalds and had one of those apple pie things? (I have strong memories of my mother liking them) If you have, then that is what the chai tastes like. It's great! I wasn't a huge fan of the glass it came in, and it went cold exceptionally fast. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the location mid-Byres Road, but even so, I wish the prices were lower. It's usually always buzzing when I am there, and so it can be quite the fight to get a table, and i personally believe the chairs and benches could do with some reupholstering, as the leather is ripping and the seats are flat. The decor is funky, the view is good and the baristas seem to know what they're doing. Based purely on the location, I will come back, but there are places that serve better, and more reasonably priced coffee. read more

Tinderbox was my saviour several years ago when 9am lectures were the norm, so I'll always hold it in high regard. In the Byres Road area, this really is the go to place for a good quality coffee. Tinderbox have quite a few places dotted around the city, and even have a to go spot in Hillhead subway station. This one is on the junction with University Avenue at the lights. I've found the consistency between venues perfect, you always get the exact same quality. The coffee itself is one of the better ones in the area. As a black coffee fan, I appreciate a coffee made with great espresso, and that's exactly what you get here. I've had other drinks as well which are good, though I find with the latte, an extra shot wouldn't go amiss, though most latte drinkers probably aren't a fan of it being too strong! The service is always quick and efficient, considering how busy this place can get, to be honest I've never really seen it quiet! The only downside I find is the food, I've only really ever had cakes, and considering they often cost more than the coffee, I find the quality quite a bit on the poor side. So in short, coffee- 100% yes, food- go to M&S and get a cookie read more

I am a bit... erm... keen on coffee. OK, let's say really fond of. ALRIGHT! Addicted it is... *twitch* On this stretch of Byers Road, there are literally loads (or hunners, if you're of the Glaswegian vernacular) of places that will happily sell you a cup of coffee. Some are big chains, some are littler chains, some are local independent places. I would usually try my best to go and support local business - 'mon the Glasgow! - but sometimes it's fine to dip your toe in corporate waters. Glasgow's Tinderbox has a few locations, but remain a bit out there with their drink choices and decor. This is the first Tinderbox that I ever tried out, and I can't believe I haven't reviewed it until now. It was here I discovered the joy of the cinnamon latte, one of the greatest things man has ever done. Never mind men on the moon, or penicillin, it's the cinnamon latte. Location wise, it's on a busy street corner in the heart of a university area, so people watching at the counter seats at the big glass windows is a wonderful way to pass the time as you sip your drink. The drink? I've never had a bad drink from any of the Tinderbox locations, being honest. I had a cinnamon latte (DUH!) and it was as glorious as I remember. Spicy, warm, and absolutely perfect for a cold and wintery afternoon. The staff behind the counter were quick, friendly and I was served pretty quick for how busy it actually was. There's why there's no 6th star - it's inevitably busy, and there's not a lot of space to sit in. Seating is a premium here, and it;'s not uncommon to see people hovering, waiting for a seat and pouncing like an over caffeinated cheetah. But hey, if you can find a seat, or are taking away, go and grab your cinnamon latte and float away on a spicy coffee cloud of goodness. read more

Tinderbox café is urban cool meets city chic with stainless steel and pine wood interiors, preppy waiting-staff and funky tunes keeping students, mums, dads, toddlers and professionals happy as they sip cappuccinos and work/chat/play. However, having lived in the West End of Glasgow for some time now, I have developed a love- hate relationship with Tinderbox. I love the 'smoke-free' section in their outdoor seating area; I hate the traffic as you sit at one of the city's most congested cross-roads. I love their creamy, sweet chai lattes; I hate their extortionate price. I love the late opening hours for that evening caffeine fix; I hate that they charge THREE POUNDS an hour to use their wireless internet. I do like Tinderbox; I've been several times and I will go again. You get a good cup of coffee and selection of treats in a very pleasant, lively surrounding. I just wish it wasn't so over-priced. read more

Nothing in the world is more filling than the white chocolate cheesecake from in here. Absolutely nothing. Popped in here today when Maria and I were looking for somewhere to just sit and have a coffee, and unfortunately Artisan Roast had shut (insert sad face...). We popped in here, but did struggle to find a seat as it was incredibly busy with students who'd just finished uni. I ordered a latte and a cheesecake, and Maria ordered a hot chocolate and strawberry tart. Food was of a good standard but not as good as I've had elsewhere in other cafes. Daily soup was chicken noodle so I wasn't really feeling that. Probably wouldn't come in here again unless I was really pushed for places to go, but for a one of visit it was an okay one. Satisfied my coffee craving! read more

Having successfully reviewed the wrong Tinderbox yesterday, I have now relocated my review to the correct venue. I blame Thursdayitis, a debilitating condition where it's Thursday but one thinks it's Friday.... "Nice coffee - usual judgement method - is sugar required? No, says I! My favourite west end location for a cinammon latte (even if I do feel like an excerpt from an american TV show asking for a tall, skinny, cinammon latte...). Good location for a morning bagel also - open at 7.45am." read more

Tinderbox is a great coffee shop and a bit different as it is owned by the Matthew Algie coffee company, the UK's leading independent coffee roaster; an independent family run Glasgow business that goes back more than 140 years in the coffee trade. Essentially the first of a very small chain of three coffee shops, one in London and the most recent in Glasgow's Merchant City, opened to function as a testing ground for coffee and coffee making equipment. The coffee here is usually very good: a deep, smooth, seductive, velvety flavour; not the coffee milkshakes you get elsewhere. They also carry the usual tea, hot chocolate, smoothie and juice selection as well as some snacks such as sandwiches and cakes although these can be a bit pricey. This branch is in the ideal location to pick up a takeaway as you wander along Byres Road or is a fantastic place to people watch from the window as the world goes by outside. read more

Positives - great coffee, great cakes, friendly staff Negatives - wifi seems broken 90% of the time which is a complete pain, tables not cleared often enough, lack of decent range of hot food read more

They have a proper 'large' cup to hold whatever you desire. If I need a big caffeine injection, this is the place! I have never had their pastries, but they look good and the cafe is always hopping, so they must be doing something right! read more

Their wifi doesn't work with Mac products. They know this and don't care to fix it. Maybe that's not a dealbreaker for you; it is for me.

Tinderbox is where my coffee love lies at the moment. Finally made it to the Byres Road location on a very wet day. I think everyone had dived in for cover as it was mobbed with every kind of person. I typically take busy to be a good sign though. When you go in it doesn't seem that big but there is plenty of seating at the back, although they have some little wooden stools that aren't the most comfortable things to sit on. This is definitely a good spot for enjoyable coffee, people watching and letting the world go by read more

There are plenty of other decent coffee shops in the west end to avoid the overpriced produce served at Tinderbox.

I leave disappointed more often than not with Tinderbox. What frustrates me the most is their wifi. They always have their wifi on but only rarely has it actually worked for me. I am aware it is free so I would never expect lightening fast internet. However in the past I have tried to send an email on my iPad or do a quick Google search, and even after waiting for around 45 minutes, still no success, seems a little ridiculous. This seems to be a common problem but they have done absolutely nothing about it. At the risk of sounding patronising: perhaps it is time to admit defeat and call your supplier? The food at Tinderbox is hit and miss. Often guilty of style over substance but sometimes not bad. Their main draw is the coffee which I am quite impressed with. Also, I have found the staff to be really nice, especially the manager (I think?) who has a cheerful disposition. (But please sort out the wifi by my next visit or I think I might cry) read more

One of my favorite coffee shops on Byers. Always buzzin with people with great coffee. Brewed or espresso I always enjoy it here. I like to sit by the huge window when I have some notes to take care of at a table. Can get a tad bit loud since it's always bustling with people and beans grinding down but has good energy ;) I'm a fan, but one star short since there's limited wifi here. read more

Atmospher in Tinderbox is a bit like a pub without the alcohol! Full of students and trendy westendy types. Great to get a window seat and watch the Byres Rd world go by and see people attempt the 'diagonal dash' across the traffic lights at the junction. Great selection of coffees and snacks. read more

An upbeat coffee house. The place is always busy (the side effect of being in the heart of the West End). I prefer this store in comparison to their one in the Merchant City, possibly because I have nice memories visiting it with my family when i was a teenager. Their coffee and food is of a high quality. read more