If you’re wanting to go out and find a local morning coffee or tea at after 8am in Nelson, there are quite a few options. But, if your favourite day-time spot isn’t open yet, you might be asking “where can I get a coffee in Nelson this early?”.
Here’s a list of all the cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants in Nelson that open before 8am. They’re ordered from earliest opening time to latest, and if you’re only in town for a quick visit, we’d recommend you try these three coffee shops first!
Earliest Coffee Spots in Nelson
Empire Coffee
This coffee shop in the Adventure Hotel wins as the coffee establishment that opens the earliest in Nelson. It’s the only place we found that opens at 6am during the week! Your baristas here woke up super early for this – now that’s worthy of a tip☕💰
Why we like it: Their muffins are really delicious, and the glass-enclosed patio is a delight on sunny days.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 6 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 6 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 6 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Friday | 6 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7 a.m.–6 p.m. |
| Monday | 6 a.m.–6 p.m. |
Location
Website
Oso Negro Café
Why we like it: So many coffee blends with beans you can purchase to take home. Their beautiful garden patio makes you forget you’re in the middle of downtown. Their open wood-accented seating area is a genuine community hub, and a tribute to the mountain town they call home! It’s a quintessential part of any visit to Nelson. An absolute classic.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Friday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Monday | 7 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Location
Website
John Ward Fine Coffee
Why we like it: We’re big fans of the slushy cappuccino they keep on tap here, but for those who love hot drinks, John Ward offers a great menu of drinks and light bites to keep you going strong in those early mornings. Plus their location makes them a great spot to pop into while shopping downtown.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Friday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Monday | 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Location
Website
General Store Restaurant
~ Part of the Hume Hotel
Why we like it: The General Store offers something you can’t get many other places in Nelson: history! One of Nelson’s oldest and most diverse buildings, there’s no better place to get a taste of old-Nelson than the General Store. As a family-friendly establishment, bring your kids here for a tasty hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and soak in a piece of Nelson’s history.
The Hume is a huge part of Nelson. In addition to The General Store, you’ll also find one of Nelson’s best restaurants and one of the city’s most interesting bars!
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Friday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Monday | 7 a.m.–8 p.m. |
Location
Website
🔗 humehotel.com/general-store-restaurant/
Marzano
Why we like it: Amazing tea lattes that come with little biscottis, tasteful cozy decor, and a delicious (if small) breakfast menu make this a great place to start your day.
P.s. Save this one for later – it’s also a great spot to come for dinner and their gelato is not to be missed!
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Friday | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Monday | 7 a.m.–9 p.m. |
Location
Website
Sidewinders Coffee
Why we like it: Sidewinders has seating options for everybody, whether you’re catching a quick coffee solo at the wraparound wooden bar, settling into their cozy chairs, or hanging out on the second floor patio on a sunny day with friends.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Friday | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Location
Full Circle Café
Why we like it: One of Nelson’s classic style breakfast spots, Full Circle Café is smack in the middle of Baker Street life. A coffee and a breakfast sandwich for under $10? Perfection.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. |
| Monday | 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. |
Location
Website
Port 701 Marinaside Dining
~ In the Prestige Hotel
Why we like it: This is the best spot to view the lake in Nelson, hands down. Their patio is a popular hangout at any time of the day. If you’re feeling up to it, take your coffee to go with a walk along the waterfront.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. |
| Sunday | 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Monday | 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
Location
Website
Dominion Café
Why we like it: This heritage cafe right on Baker Street has such a charming quaint environment to enjoy a fresh muffin and sip on a beautiful latte. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get one of their many flavours of muffins as soon as they’re coming out of the oven.
Opening Hours:
| Tuesday | 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Thursday | 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Friday | 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| Monday | 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Location
Website
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/thedominioncafe/
That’s our list of places in Nelson to get a coffee early in Nelson! Did we forget one of your favourites? Send us a message, or contact us on social media and we’ll add it to our list.
Of course there’s many more amazing coffee spots in Nelson that open later in the day, such as these three Nelson coffee shops all visitors should try!
