Nicely located south of Spring Garden in the comfortable student annex between Dal and SMU, this location of Uncommon Grounds offers a bit of a New York’s Grand Central Station vibe, wholly unusual for coffee shops or cafes in Halifax. The Manhattanite quality extends to the comfortable seating and the free wifi. Maybe it’s an illusion, but in this environment, you feel a little more anonymous, which is a delicious perspective in a town the size of Halifax. So, hang out. You never need see the inside of a study hall again, grazing the web with your laptop or palm while sipping that dark roast and chowing down on a soup, sandwich or muffin. 1030 South Park, 431-3101, coffeesoldhere.com
1st Runner-up: Starbucks (Queen and Spring Garden)
2nd Runner-up: The Wired Monk