Came here with my friend to study as it was publicized as a good study space and ordered a sandwich and drinks. Food was overpriced however it would be worth if I could stay there to study. About two hours in, the manager passive aggressively started hinting at us to leave by rudely taking our dishes and turned off the wifi. I noticed it was a frequent thing that happened in the past in his attempt to get people who were studying to leave. He then singled us out and said “How long have you guys been here for? You cant stay here forever.” in a rude tone even though there were other students who have been studying for a while as well. I have been in multiple cafes to study for a few hours and found it to be a normal setting but have never received this kind of service before. I do not recommend as a study space and food and drinks are ok but overpriced.

I ordered a coffee and muffin to sit in. I thought they would give me the coffee and muffin immediately, but instead I was given a number placard and told they would bring it to me, so I found a table and waited. I waited about 15 minutes and during that time the server passed me several times, glanced my way repeatedly and would've seen that there was still a number placard at my table, but ignored me each time and went on serving other customers. Finally I went to the counter and asked for my coffee and muffin to take away. The server apologized but I am unimpressed with this Williams cafe and won't be returning. Poor customer service. How hard is it to serve a simple drip coffee and already wrapped muffin?
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 2

Came here to study and ordered drinks and food. After around 2 hours the manager started being really passive aggressive by pacing around our table over and over and picking up our dishes aggressively (we ordered food and drinks multiple times over our stay). After about 3 hours, we noticed the wifi had been turned off, it seems like he turned it off in an attempt to get us to leave. Shortly after he singled us out and asked "How long have you been here? You can't stay here forever." It didn't seem like he had a problem with any other tables for some reason, possibly because our table was two young female students. Food and drinks were okay but this place is supposed to be a Café... didn't expect to get kicked out for studying in one.

Food: 5 stars, service: 2 stars. The guy at the counter didn't seem to be fully awake. I've never been there before so didn't know that I had to get the purchased bottled water from the cooler myself. Our table, although cleared of dishes, was dirty. The waitress who dropped off our order didn't even look at us. I needed ketchup and had to waive her down. Again, she didn't even look at me and run off before I could finish my sentence (I was going to ask for something else). I gave up. And no, it was not very busy at all. Having said that, the food was delicious. Fresh, appealing and tasted great. I would go back just for that and hopefully will get a better service next time.

Bought multiple things, both food and drinks (spent over $30) was sitting and studying quitely with a friend, the owner comes over and tells us we need to leave because we have been here too long. Claiming the establishment is a "restaurant", It's not a restaurant, it's a cafe, says so in your store title "Williams Fresh Cafe", infact, there were other students sitting in the cafe longer than us. If I keep buying stuff and don't bother anyone, what is the issue? I'll put it this way, definitely not going back and I wouldn't recommend this Williams to anyone until the ownership changes. After reading some reviews below, I know I am not the only one who has had this experience.

Great coffee shop, but be super careful about parking your car. If you leave the lot for even a minute to go to another store before you leave (doesn’t matter if you’ve been at Williams for minutes or hours) parking enforcement will swoop right in to make sure you get ticketed. I’ve watched parking enforcement stand in the car park and threaten a young woman that if they saw her leave the lot they would immediately ticket her. And they weren’t kidding. They stood there and waited. Of course, this is no reflection on Williams but something to be aware of if you’re thinking of stopping in for a muffin and then grabbing a prescription from shoppers or a coffee from Starbucks.

If you’re looking for a good cafe experience, go to the Starbucks on Main St as you won’t get it here. First of all they switched from metal to plastic utensils, increasing plastic waste for our planet. Also, we had asked a server to wipe down a booth for us and at first she said a minute and then she told us it would be 10 minutes. Then, another server wiped down a booth right away for another group. Very disappointing. Only reason I didn’t give 1 star is because their food is still generally good. Great waffles and great soup. Other than that, it’s a terrible consumer experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Do not recommend visiting this location. I went recently and was told I cannot bring outside food into the cafe - which is fair so I put it away. However, after I ordered food and a coffee from Williams even though I had my own, he said that he didn’t like that I was studying at the cafe and told me I had to sit at a small table or leave. Ok first of all, it’s across from a university so smart choice on location there (despite the insane business you probably get...) and second of all, why do you have free Williams guest wifi if we’re not supposed to use it... mind you I was only studying for an hour and a half and he told me to move.

William's is my current go-to coffee shop to study or chat. The variety of food is great and everything taste delicious. Not only that, but the service is great. Food is out in under 20 minutes, staff are friendly and give good recommendations. I love the booths (sometimes hard to catch one during the day) and the ambience. However, it is hard to get access to an outlet as they are only located against the back wall of the café. Customers are usually nice enough to let you leave your laptop/phone with them to charge, but can be an inconvenience to your workflow. Open until late at night, so you can study for long hours. Love!

I’ve stopped here twice, the last time to grab something quick before heading to the airport. The manager and staff were nice, the food was good and reasonably priced with good portion. The AC issue mentioned by another review has been fixed. My sandwich was well packaged when I told them I needed something to bring with me to the airport that wouldn’t spill. In addition to the sandwiches, I also highly recommend the chai tea latte, banana berry smoothie and especially the summer berry cake.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

My friend and I were sitting in the cafe and the manager was very rude to us and told us we can't be sitting in a booth with our laptops to do work, even though we had both purchased a 5$ latte, and we were just quietly talking and doing work. Not sure why just because we had laptops we were being told to leave... I was planning on buying lunch too. Its ridiculous to not allow students to eat and work in a cafe that's literally across the street from a University, we provide the store with business we purchase food and drinks, I don't know why should we be spoken to rudely by the manager just because we had laptops.

The owner is not the kindest person. My friend and I came to Williams for lunch and to study together. We got here around 1:45 ate lunch and then got coffees. Just over an hour later the owner comes up to us and asks how long we’re planning to stay and says “like 10 hours?” As if he was trying to make us leave. Really rude especially how we are customers and have a right to stay and study if we’d like to. Not to mention my friends coffee is still half full and he’s trying to make us leave. Not happy at all, and probably won’t be giving business to someone that rude and disrespectful to his customers.

I had visited this cozy cafe and really loved the vibes. There are ample breakfast and beverage options. Being a vegetarian, it’s very hard to find a place that serves food of your taste pallet. I had ordered funky monkey waffle with vanilla and chocolate icecream. It was a really filling option and tasted very nice. Second was the roasted veggies panini served with dill that tasted very subtle and delicious. Highly recommend this place for your delicious yet filling breakfast under budget.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

I love William cafe for a long time, but since covid hit, they have gone downhill in quality. The chicken quesadilla was not super hot, and the cheese was barely melted, and the chicken mac & cheese was either all cheese or a little bit of chicken. Also, I wanted an iced cappuccino, but what I got was basically a milkshake. I'm just not a fan of fake full-packed sugar, and as well they got rid of the quiche, which was one of the best items on the menu. I am rooting for Williams to do better but got to make some changes when things open up more or won't last.

We went to this location in our lunch from work. We ordered our food and got served with a bunch of mistakes. My quesadilla was supposed to have chicken in and and didn't, my friends wrap had rotten lettuce in it and when we told the waiter he said "I don't know what would you like me to do about it" & the girl taking the order forgot to charge me for my drink which I had to do a second transaction for and then forgot part of my dessert to go. The waitress and waiter were talking about us behind the counter, also giving dirty looks. I won't be going back!

I was studying at William's with a Starbucks drink and the owner came up to me and told me "I don't want to see that drink here". I then explained that I usually purchase food while I'm studying at William's despite my drink from Starbucks and he still told me to quickly finish my drink and get rid of the container. This is not a good way to make business as customers look to William's as a safe place to study. Therefore I will not be going to this location in the future and therefore will not be purchasing the food here either. Terrible experience!

I can't believe when you have a customer always come to have breakfast and a drink and been treated like this. I have my breakfast here and ask to leave my car in the lot just to pick a paper from the hospital cross the road and the answer was "we don't usually do that but we'll let you half an hour" it might take a bit longer due to crossing the road and reaching the department. You should look better for a customer always come to you when he is around. I was disappointed. Never come back. Good treatment is way better than good food. Thanks

Ordered a vegetable wrap on uber eats and a completely different wrap came without any warning. This wrap had meat on it. I am both vegetarian and allergic to seafood and I bit into the wrap thinking it was the vegetable wrap. What I ate was tuna :( I am very disappointed. Tried to contact on uber eats but to no avail. Didn't even get enough of a refund to order any other food. Won't be ordering from here again unfortunately :-( don't want to accidentally eat something I'm both allergic to and have not been eating for years.

It's alright. Good place to have a comfortable conversation and catch up with an old friend. I ordered a bagel and added bacon and tomato for an extra 2 dollars. The bagel was not even your regular grocery store bagel size, it's much smaller. Tomato was skimpy and the bacon was so thin, you could practically see through it! 4 half strips of nothing. I'll try this place again, order something else and hope for the best. To put it in perspective, $8.50 for a chintzy bagel and bottled vitamin water.

Good: A lot of their menu items are exceptional, especially the waffles (get the strawberry!). Coco is great. Milkshakes are to die for! Wait time is usually good, food getting time is good to. Atmosphere and things to do is amazing. Great crowds and feel. This location uses less hot chocolate mix in their drinks and is uniquely different than the Pier 8 one. Not bad, just different. Waterfront is best. Mediocre: Staff can be good one day and bleh the next. Usually on busy days. Bad: None.

AfgAf waiting 10 minutes for an older couple to place their order, just as I got up to the front cashier table doesn't a cockroach go crawling across the table. It's all good though, the store owner killed it with his hand and proceeded to act like it was just another day. I eat here all the time, so that was disheartening to say the least. I'm a gross human being however, and the food is great here so I still ordered. Just be forewarned, if you're not a gross human being like me.

The place is quite comfortable and I really like the way they have built up the booth with glass to help with social distancing. The service was quick. The food was all pre-fab as far as I can tell, no real cooking. Not bad, but nothing outstanding. The only reason it didn't get 4 stars is that the internet is very unreliable. It's slow. It drops. When I ask about it, the staff has no idea. For a coffee shop serving the university crowd, this is something they really ought to fix.

Had a rueban sandwich. Was absolutely amazing. The portion size however was terrible. Left hungry still hungry, which sucked considering the price. The grilled cheese sandwich was about 10 dollars with a slice of tomato and bacon that looked like something from weight watchers. Very thin bread, and tomato slice. A tablespoon of coleslaw and a pickle.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Way too overrated. The food is mediocre at best, and I can't remember how many times I've sat there waiting upwards of 10 minutes just for an iced coffee to be made. I will avoid this place like the plague. On top of this, apparently they have been taking customers phone numbers from the contact tracing list and adding them to marketing lists. I will say however it is a good place to study if you like to study at cafes, and the people who work there are kind.

We went here this morning and we were disappointed. Eggs only one style, scrambled and the bacon is the boxed kind very small. Coffee was good. Will not be going back. I like my eggs over easy, never liked scrambled eggs. I think the eggs were in a carton, tasteless. Nice atmosphere and staff but that's it. Also having to order at counter??We reserved for 13 people will not be returning.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Great study space! Staff are nice and friendly, the atmosphere is pleasant and the wifi is decent depending on how busy the cafe is. Great seating options, lots of booths, lots of natural lighting, but only a few have power outlet options for if you are bringing a lap top. The waffles and sandwiches are good, the caffeine is great! Right across the street from McMaster and so is a great option for breakfast/lunch before or after class

Great spot for coffee and breakfast, conveniently located across from McMaster Children’s Hospital. This is my go to spot when my daughter and son-in-law have her ultrasound appointments. Plenty of parking. They have a healthy menu options. I was fortunate to be served by Kaitlyn, very pleasant and friendly, thanks Kaitlyn!!
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

ordered a small tomato soup and bagel with spinach, egg and avacado. got the soup, however, ended up getting a pesto, tomato and chicken sandwich instead? the worker also told us the order was a bagel and tomato soup while handing us the takeout bag but once we got back it turns out that wasn’t the case. please double check when ordering from here.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

For breakfast, this place is expensive for what you get. The bacon flavoured paper and orange slices are cut with a microscopic laser. Only option for eggs is scrambled. Mostly you just fill up on carbs. You would expect to only have to pay $6 tops for this meal. I paid $14 with a tea. Might as well get these standard prices elsewhere but get a much better breakfast.
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

Not a big fan of ordering as you enter the restaurant, often many people jammed up reading menus posted high on the wall.After you order and pay you find a table take your # sign and wait for your food to be delivered the choices are good, food good, not a fan of sitting with 10 or more students with computers open doing ?? many for hours and a coffee.. Staff friendly clean, just not my choice.

If you're looking for a big breakfast and a good price, this is the place. But if you want real fresh homemade breakfast definitely it's not. Bacon and potatoes are frozen food and the eggs are scramble from a box without flavour. In the other hand, the staff is friendly, the environment quiet and there is a parking
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

I usually drop by in the morning to break a bill for parking, get a coffee, maybe some food. The croissant's are good, the service is questionable, and the amount of times there was an issue with my coffee was concerning. Was not impressed. If you are paying Starbucks prices, I wouldn't mind the same consistency and service that Starbucks offers. Disappointing.

I came in for a sandwich and was told that I couldn't use your washroom. That it was a $10,000 fine. This seemed very odd so I called public health at the City of Hamilton and this is absolutely not true. You are allowed to open your washrooms to your customers. Please educate your staff and learn how to treat customers like guests rather than vermin.

We live 2 hours away and I wanted to grab a coffee and use the washroom while my infant granddaughter got tests at the hospital. They were very rude about using the washroom. I hope the owner realizes that many of their clientele are there because they have loved ones across the road and maybe they could be a bit more human to their customers

This is the only Williams cafe I have been to and I have to admit, it's because of the location. It's situated right at the waterfront so you can take a nice stroll before or after you visit the cafe. They have good patio seating in the summer right by the skating rink. The food and beverages menu is good however the service could be better.

Had bought a drink and was studying. Owner came up and told me that I couldn't stay to study. This is a coffee shop across from a university, this is what these kind of coffee shops are supposed to thrive on. I come here often, and spend money while studying. Telling your customers to leave is a great way to have them not want to come back

Grilled cheese tasted good but pretty disappointing ..so small and simple for the price. Same with the tomato soup, I expected more, and they were also all out of garlic breadsticks. Generally I would rather go to the Burnt Tongue for both. But the restaurant has nice seating and wifi and we also got free brownies for downloading the app.

A quiet, cozy cafe that serves breakfast lunch and dinner. You order and pay before sitting down and the friendly staff will bring it to you when its ready. Lots of booth seating, some tables... Lots of parking. Good food, great prices. Service was quick, friendly... Was a nice spot for a first date, mother's day, or just a quick bite...

Friendly service. Parking lot is small and sometimes quiet busy. Since it is across from McMaster University there are many students meeting or studying there. At times it was noisy but the booths help block the noise. Good variety of muffins to choose from to have with your coffee.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Food was good, had the turkey club with wedges and an ice coffee. The drink was quick on to deliver. The food was prepared in a manner that took time and commitment to be properly satisfied also to input taking 1 hour to complete and forgotten the order itself until reminded of what it was. Thank for your services, much appreciated.

The woman working this morning was so kind and helpful! My baby was at McMaster hospital, we are from out of town and she gave me directions (to where I might find an open bathroom- stupid Covid) while I waited for baby and husband. She made my breakfast and probably didn’t know she was making me feel calm and less anxious.

Got a quick breakfast and dined in with my partner. Food was typical breakfast food and pretty good. Waffles were delicious and crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside. Waffles made the breakfast really good. Pricing isn’t too bad either for the amount you’re getting.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

You know what? A lot of people go to the nearby Starbucks, and I dont get it. Yeah, Starbucks is good, but the food and coffee at William's is just as good if not better - especially for breakfast food. Low key, William's has the best breakfast wrap in the game. Try the cheesy egg and bacon wrap and thank me later.

I'm new to Hamilton and I can say with full confidence that it has become my favourite place to work and study! Their food is always delicious and I love their lattes! Service is always super friendly and I really love how they ask if we need anything else when they serve our order! Overall extremely impressed :)

Breakfast was really good Coffees were amazing
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Classic Breakfast
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot
Parking
Has parking area
Kid-friendliness
Yes

Nice cafe, not cozy or particularly friendly staff, ok food, great coffee. Good place to study or have breakfast food. Not super cheap for what you get. Staff does the job but not particularly pleasant. Breakfast deals good, otherwise pricey for students. Coffee at Williams is best on or near campus.

My daughter and I always enjoy a meal at Williams Fresh Cafe. Food prepared to order and some of the best coffee in town! Staff are friendly and efficient, and we're never disappointed. The menu is always expanding and it's a great place for a full meal, an afternoon snack or delicious desserts.

Favourite cafe. I graduated from McMaster a year ago but I still come here all the time when I am in Hamilton. The food may be expensive but it is healthier than a bunch and has a different variety. The staff is always kind and give great service. It is also a great place to study!

It wasn't the best experience. The service and drink I got were fine but it was hot last week and they had no AC! It was muggy and humid inside so I left the moment my meetings were done.
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 1

Good staff and good location to the University. However, the Wifi is crappy. It disconnects for every couple of minutes!! "Action needed for William guests 2"..... for every few minutes! It sucks. Also, hygiene needs to be upgraded as flies hang around that distract me.

Good place for breakfast and lunch options. A variety of coffee and teas. French onion soup is really good. Popular with the university crowd as a cafe to study and get work done. Reasonably priced for most items on the menu and there is usually something for anyone.

The manager will get upset if you bring in any outside food so be weary. However it is a great place to come and study or get some work done. It does have a tendency to get a little too loud at times. The staff is also very friendly. The food is pretty good as well.

Had a great lunch experience here when I visited McMaster University. We got the chicken pesto sandwiches and some hot beverages- peppermint hot chocolate and gingerbread latte. The sandwiches were very good. I liked this place way more than a Starbucks. …

Too many choices and you have to order at the counter then find a place to sit. Food was good but didn't get everything we ordered at first and by the time they brought it we were almost done our sandwich..
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

When I first moved to Hamilton Williams had good food at reasonable prices. My favourite item was crepes. They replaced the crepes with waffles. While the waffles are good, the crepes were better. Also, the prices are high considering it's a big student area.

Love this place! Always friendly and great environment. Enjoy the healthier food options. Williams power bowl salad is my favorite and would recomend. Coffee is yummy and great place to study or hang out with friends for a bite to eat or coffee.

Lattes were good , waited nearly 30 mins for a simple black coffee and they ran out of water bottles. Not a good food selection as everything was sold out and we went on a Saturday at 1pm ..
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Typical coffee shop lunch. Nothing special. Place looks very tired. Dimly lit. Windows needed cleaning.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2

The food as nd coffee was amazing, Mariam the staff was so friendly and helpful
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Classic Breakfast

Good coffee place in Hamilton…love that they have a huge space and can accommodate 50+ folks. With COVID restrictions, finding a coffee place who are not already at full capacity is a challenge… thankfully no such challenge here.

Very clean location. I had my usual cheesy bacon & egg breakfast wrap and it was great as always! Hot and fresh food. The service was fast & friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

Friendly service. Very clean washroom...great cup of coffee at a reasonable price. Also enjoyed a Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin(lightly heated)...it was delicious...would choose this place again with family and friends.! …

Just visited the cafe and was pleasantly surprised! Good food, decent prices, and friendly staff. Perfect place to chat with friends/family with over a coffee and food.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good place to have a casual chat and coffee. The menu has extended and lots of opens for casual meals and treats. Some of my potatoe wedges were under cooked but other then that friendly service and nice soda options.

If you need internet, find another restaurant. Besides being very slow, it drops constantly. All I'm trying to do is access my email and that's not happening here. Quick and useful response from Williams! Thank you.

New menu and board since they reopened. We went for breakfast today and they brewed a new pot of coffee for us. Food was hot and fresh. Service was reasonably fast and they were friendly and attentive.

amazing frappe and good study spot with plugs to charge your laptop
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Just an amazing place! Friendly staff, great service, great food, reasonable price. It's been 9 years that I have been going to this cafe and loved it every single time. Definitely recommended! :)

Delicious food and drinks every time. Very clean and friendly staff. A little on the pricey side but nice once in a while. I like how there is table service as well and a wide variety on the menu

Good cappuccino and great place for doing some homework or work.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Unfortunately, a really noisy blender that disturbs conversation for eat-in patrons; or it's just badly placed in the food-drink prep area.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

The staff are cheerful, and helpful. They are efficient and do that little bit extra to ensure you're going to enjoy your food or drink.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It used to be a good place to go work but recently the food has gone downhill. This is the perfect example. This is supposed to be a side salad. It actually looks bigger in the picture...

Waffle was great for kids. Classic breakfast tasted like poorly heated leftovers. Sat with empty plates on table for over 40 minutes. Maybe this is their style of service. Good coffee :)

Young and very friendly staff. Good food and lots of choice. Some things seem like they came from central prep straight to the microwave...otherwise a really nice experience.

Soup is always great here, and the atmosphere is nice. Sorry I physically can't bring myself to give it 5 stars because of the whole playing Christmas music in October thing

Bagel wasn't buttered all the way, eggs were bland, and service wasn't anything special. Coffee lacked taste, but was nice and hot. Decent atmosphere. Booth was comfortable.

Dawg they give you coffee in a soup bowl . like you expect Ramen but it's just caffine. Unbelievable, check it out
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

The only problem with this place is that the WIFI is terrible and unreliable. More often than not it doesn't work.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Servers were lovely, I’d recommend a latte and a carrot muffin (super moist and tasted lovely). Less busy since students aren’t there as much in the AM/late spring.

Decent spot for a get together with friends or a spot to get some work done. The bowl I had was filling and healthy. You get a good portion for what you pay for.

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, it's a chain owned store so don;t get all fancy when you want to add a cup of fruit to your breakfast order. Powdered eggs :(

This place has been a consistently good place to get a cup of tea with honey and a slice of lemon. Good service. Fair prices. Good place to read and think.

My friend and I always prefer this café. Whether it is waffle, toast, wrap or just a single coffee ☕️ they always do amazing job. Loved this place. …

Boyfriend bought me an ultra rich, schmancy hot cocoa when I moved in with him from Scarborough. The hot choc was fabulous & totes sealed the deal.

Worst breakfast out in 2 min not what I asked for...staff uninterested in making it better
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Went here for lunch ended up with a $55 parking ticket for parking in the parking lot
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

XD I’m a big fan of this Café btw. Their Hot Chocolate, whatever white or dark, it’s aweeeeesome. Nice cashiers

The staff was very nice and the service was great. It was a nice atmosphere to relax and have a conversation

I had a great server, very polite.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4