The Only Cafe

Stopped in for a bite before a long drive back to Toronto after reading great reviews. It did not fail to disappoint. Really great service and seemed like the place where they'll remember your name after a few visits. At least the person serving me seemed to know everyone by name when I was in. The guy making my incredible canadian club sandwich was meticulously clean (which was awesome to see) and honestly one of the best clubs I've had. They were playing an album I haven't heard since it came out and I feel like this would be a great spot to find a new band to love as well. The manager and I had a quick chat and she was so kind to even point me to a great spot to enjoy my banana bread and coffee to go down by the lake.
This was a quick stop but honestly it was a much needed little break this week and made my day.

You can't afford to miss this cafe when you visit Peterborough.

The British Breakfast and the Cowboy Breakfast are good. The potatoes are meticulously fried. Not oily. Not overdone. Well balanced between soft and solid. Prime eggs are used and rich in taste.

The coffee is rich in flavour.

The attendant is friendly and diligent. Very impressive that the attendant is sensitive to first time customers. The washroom is also clean.

The cafe is unique in the way that the chef dresses formally with a long sleeved white shirt and a tie and that the photos of different singers / bands of different ages are posted. The former makes you believe that the chef respects his mission. The latter may prompt you to recall different memories. These factors add a special layer to the dining experience.

You never feel cooler than when you’re at the Only. Incredible drink selection, lots of seating, best patio (a total hidden gem spot tucked behind trees).

Come during the day for great sandwiches and well made fresh coffee. The World’s Best is really the World’s Best sandwich.

Only downside is the small kitchen means a bit of a wait during peak hours - like weekend brunch. But the food is so good, as long as you’re patient, it’s 100% worth it.

The sandwiches are amazing. Artisan bread toasted to perfection and the fillings are fantastic. Be sure to grab some napkins cuz its gonna be messy.

Overall would highly recommend Jeremy's Jerk Turkey

If you're looking for a high-class five star dining experience, then The Only Cafe is not for you. This place is a five star experience, a dank bohemian cave that pulls in the artists and musicians of Peterborough as if it has its own special kind of social gravity. You come to The Only for the incredible music. You come to The Only to interact with the best, friendliest bartenders and staff in the City Of Peterborough. You come to The Only to engage in pseudo-intellectual rhetoric with the barflies and denizens that are as regular as the light fixtures, and the sun-bleached portraits that festoon its eclectically busy walls. You come to The Only because you want to become part of the ambient magic that permeates the incredible atmosphere.

There is nothing else quite like this place in the entire world. Many days, you can find me writing my poetry as I hold up my end of the bar, drinking cinnamon-spiced coffee and waiting for a conversation to make its way into my personal bubble. I'll be a regular here until the day they put me in the dirt, and bury me with the Pisces mug.

You can read by yourself, sit on the patio catching up with an old friend, meet a bunch of people, dance until close to great music, in the middle of it all realizing you are having so much fun just being yourself and leave more full than when you arrived.

An awesome spot to have a chill evening with friends. Cozy and relaxed. There's music, but not so loud you can't have a conversation. Love the collage decor. They offer a selection of canned and very basic mixed drinks - nothing fancy.

Loved the breakfast, we were visiting Peterborough for the Sunday and we found this gem of a place. Even though the cafe is close to the down being a Sunday morning we found places to park close to the cafe. The Cowboy Breakfast was so good. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great breakfast while at Peterborough.

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. I was there with some friends and their kids. Everyone had a good time. I had Jeremy’s Grilled Jerk Turkey sandwich and it was just spicy enough to get my nose running but the heat was well moderated by the fresh tomato and lettuce. The pickles were wonderfully garlicky. My friends had vegan sandwiches that looked very tasty.

Classic bohemian bar and cafe in Peterborough. Food took a little bit but was damn tasty when it arrived. I would be here too much if I lived here!

Good food but it would be nice if they had more options. Great place to hang out.

Came here since 2000 being a Trent green horn. Glad they are still around and survived the covid plague times

Great patio. Great indoor atmosphere, it's a pub with awesome grease loving menu of awesome and the servers know their local brews etc to offer.

Fantastic!! Went for brunch with family. It was great. Delicious food, friendly and helpful service, and so many pictures to look at!!! Will definitely be going back.

Cozy and lovely coferestaurant. The walls, every where is covered by singer, writers and artist's photos. The beer and food is yummy, music that was playing, was adorable. I highly recommend it.

There is not much that you can put into words that will describe this place adequately. More than just a cafe or a bar, The Only has an broadly-appealing aura that turns strangers into friends, a quaint patio that will free you from oppressive summer heat, and a surprisingly well-featured menu of sandwiches and soups that are reminiscent of the comforts of home.

And did I mention they are always playing the best music in town?

Don't hesitate to stop by this spot, I can all but guarantee it won't be your only visit

Can be a little loud but that's to be expected when you visit a bar with great music and solid conversations happening. One of the best spots in town for a casual drink with friends - great atmosphere. The bartenders are just great- always looking out for you and super friendly! Havent tried much from the menu but both times I've gotten a sandwich at lunch its been surprisingly flavourful and inexpensive. Day or night, you've gotta check out the only cafe/bar!

Amazing place. Love the decor and service! Visited this place for just a couple of drinks! Would definitely visit again when in the area!

Super chill and beautiful environment, love all the art on the walls! Will be coming back!

I've been here a number of times over the past couple years and I cannot recommend this place enough. Especially if you are looking for a staple in Peterborough's bar/café scene. A kitschy and cozy bar/café in the heart of Peterborough's restaurant district. They have an average menu, but the ambience, staff, and community here sell it for me.

Mack is by far our favourite bartender of all time!! He’s introduced my friends and me to all of our new fav bevs! He always has the best recommendations & he pulls off a hat really well! Returning to hangout with Mack 7 days a week! The other staff are also dope, we love Ryan too! And Rudy is cool as heck!