Fair Grounds has been the go-to coffee spot on the University of the Fraser Valley campus for students and neighbours since it opened in 2012. Known for its relaxed campus café vibe and consistently excellent espresso, Fair Grounds stands out for sourcing Fair Trade, organic beans and serving them fresh from a compact 350-square-foot counter right in the Student Union Building. If you want reliably good coffee between classes or a calm place to work, this is the place I’d tell a friend to try first.

Their menu covers more than just coffee. Expect classic espresso drinks made with a Lavazza blend, pour-over single-origin options on select days, and seasonal specialty lattes like maple brown sugar in autumn. They also offer loose-leaf teas, cold brew on tap, and grab-and-go bakery items baked locally, including vegan muffins and seeded sourdough sandwiches. The café manages weekly batch roasts and posts the origin of the beans on a chalkboard, so you always know what you’re drinking.

What makes the experience pleasant is how the team works. Baristas are students and staff trained in manual brewing, latte art, and food safety, with many holding barista certification through local training programs. Service is quick but friendly, and there are plenty of power outlets and communal tables for studying or group work. Orders can be placed in person or by phone, and the line moves fast during class changeovers.

Fair Grounds is more than a coffee shop for Abbotsford’s UFV community, it’s a small hub where students meet tutors, neighbours pick up lunch, and campus events start with a round of coffees. People choose it for consistent quality, thoughtful sourcing, and a warm, familiar atmosphere you don’t find in chain cafés. Phone: 604-864-4613. Website: https://ufvsus.ca/fair-grounds.