The Milk Maid in Owen Sound

947 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5, Canada

★★★★★
(139 reviews)
Categories: Cheese shop Beer store Bistro Gourmet grocery store Wine store

About

The Milk Maid is a fine cheese & gourmet food shop and bistro in downtown Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. A unique combination of both a retail business and a restaurant in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. We have a wide selection of cut-to-order local and international cheeses, cured meats, gourmet pantry items, chocolates, wine, beer, and more. We also offer fully licensed table service for cheese & charcuterie boards, sandwiches, salads, soups, baked goods and other light fare. We offer custom made gift baskets, gift cards, and have a variety of gorgeous charcuterie boards to order for your next event. Dietary restrictions? We have you covered with vegetarian, vegan, & gluten-free options in both our retail selection, and dine-in menu.

Website
themilkmaidcheese.com
Address
947 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H5, Canada
Plus Code
H384+PW Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday
10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday
10 AM–6 PM
Thursday
10 AM–6 PM
Friday
10 AM–8 PM
Saturday
9 AM–6 PM
Sunday
Closed

Services

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Kerbside pickup Delivery In-store pick-up In-store shopping Same-day delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot

Photos

Reviews

4.8
★★★★★
139 reviews

Most Mentioned

coffee (14) atmosphere (10) scones (8) charcuterie (7) selection (7) gem (7) prices (6) gourmet (3) platter (3) sourdough (2)
5 stars
116
4 stars
15
3 stars
6
2 stars
1
1 stars
1
★★★★★
October 2, 2024

We had a wonderful lunch at the Milk Maid. The ciabatta meat sandwich was so fresh and so flavourful. My husband and I shared that and a mini (one person) charcuterie board with cured meat. With so many cheeses to choose from, we let the staff pick for us. The portions were good sizes. We couldn't finish everything. Nice selection of local craft beers. I bought an extra bottle of the sparkling apple-cranberry juice. While we waited for our food to be prepared, we got a little carried away looking at and grabbing pesto, aiolis, jams and other spreads. After exploring a few places in the area, we went back to buy cheese before leaving Owen Sound.

★★★★★
September 6, 2024

In addition to cheeses and other gourmet products, they offer delicious artisan soups, sandwiches, and salads. Service is great and the food does not disappoint! Great lunch spot to share with a friend.

★★★★★
August 27, 2024

Very nice atmosphere to start with. Super friendly staff. Very very clean kitchen. Bakery 10/10 Food quality 10/10 Carrot cake 1000/10 Proposal: add a professional coffee machine

★★★★
August 12, 2024

Mmm... mixed feelings about this. The selection of cheese was neat, and they carry Crust & Crackle Sourdough. I appreciate the availability of sandwiches, teas, and coffee. I like the seating area, decor, and little patio outside. The person on cash was very good. It has so much potential, but execution was wth?! We ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, and a lox with cream cheese on a bagel. There was no one else being served. It wasn't busy, at all. There were at least 5 staff people there, yet it took 20 almost 30 minutes to make the grilled cheese sandwich, and the lox on a bagel. They also weren't prepared to make tea, and had to use a coffee pot to make it. The long-awaited sandwiches were okay, not at all worth the prices nor the wait. We'd go back for cheese and bread, but we wouldn't have food there again.

★★★★★
August 1, 2024

We recently found out that The Milkmaid had a second location located within The Cook's Cupboard. We had hoped to sit at a table and enjoy the atmosphere, however this location is for takeout or catering. But never mind, when we suggested we'd like to takeout a delicious box was assembled and off we went to my friend's back deck. Great charcuterie fixings and the two ladies made our first experience a memorable one.

★★★★★
March 8, 2024

Finally tried this fine place out for lunch and my wife and I were totally delighted! Food quality was excellent, service and atmosphere very welcoming and homey. Retail and deli assortment was excellent as well. Left completely satisfied and for sure plan to make this a regular stop!

★★★★★
January 2, 2024

We were gifted a charcuterie board by (Toronto) friends. We confirmed our order for New Year’s Eve and added meat to our gift board. Our board was suggested for four people, but with the added meat would have easily served 6-8 people for a special occasion. Please see our photos. We’re happy to recommend and we’ll be back and will consider as a gift in the future.

★★★★★
September 9, 2023

Finally made it into this lovely cheese shop for the first time. Such a wide selection of delicatessens and of course cheese! Jarlsberg Swiss and Cambozola are no brainers for me. The shop keepers also spoke highly of the drunken goat, so I’ll be giving that a try. Can’t wait to make this my regular spot.

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Went Saturday, Seprember 21 afternoon, loved it, will definitely recommend and will be back. Lovely spot in downtown Owen Sound.

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Great selection and friendly, down-to-earth service.

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Haven t been? Considering visiting? Stop thinking and GO! Milk Maid is one of my favourite places to stop in for some lunch or catch up with friends. I have never had anything but a pleasant experience with both staff and the food. I highly recommend visiting :)

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Got a charcuterie board during the holiday season. It was absolutely incredible, I will defiantly be going back!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Love this place! My daughter and I go for lunch every week! Great food, people and atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Good selection of cheeses!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

This place is a delight. Not only does it have amazingly delicious cheeses & excellent, friendly service, a great variety of foodie treats for sale, fantastic wines & gifts~ it is also a fabulous little restaurant. I ve only tried the grilled cheese (one of the best I ve ever had, on homemade sourdough bread) & the very yummy French onion soup. But look forward to going back with my husband for some wine & cheese pairings. On my way out, I got a caramelized onion scone. This is what they serve in heaven! So light & fluffy- the best I ve ever had. You must check it out. Get the Brie that s kept under the cloche to go. It s fantastic. So many delicious cheeses. I wish I could give them 10 stars.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

We arrived at Milk Maid to buy some cheese but were thrilled to stay for a fantastic popup seafood lunch. We followed our delicious seafood shared platter (best oysters ive ever had) with an amazing charcutrrie/cheese plate. We enjoyed it all with a wonderful Coffin Ridge white wine. Friendly servuce. Great ambience. A must visit destination in Owen Sound.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

The best assortment of specialty cheeses in the area. And their sandwiches are great. The staff are a pleasure to deal with as well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

One.of the best cheese shops we have visited in Ontario. Their selection is smaller than some other stores but the quality is beyond what you can imagine. Everything from their one year old cheddar to my personal favorite Tomme de Chevre aux Truffes is exceptional. By the way the latter is so good. I have never tried anything like it before. Buy it. Trust me you will not regret it.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Good selection of Canadian and imported cheeses. Please ask the guy at the counter for recommendation. I tried three different cheeses made locally all paired well with wine and French bread I got from the store. If you re in the Owen Sound area, take the time to visit this store if you like the best accompaniments for your wine or any other favorite drinks. In addition to a good variety of cheeses, they sell sausages, olives, nuts, crackers, and locally made jams and honey.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

A cheese lovers heaven!!! So many local and worldwide cheese options to choose from. Really appreciate that samples of cheese were available upon request. Ended up walking away with $40 of cheese and a new favourite place to visit when visiting Owen Sound.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great staff that is very knowledgeable x prices a little high but also very high quality cheese so you get what you pay for. Andy is the absolute best!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

What a gem in the heart of Owen Sound! The charcuterie selection is top notch, and the owners Sara and Robin are very kind and generous. Juanita (on behalf of the Emancipation Festival)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Omg the best cheese shop in the entire area. Run dont walk.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

My absolute favourite place to enjoy some local goodies! Not to mention the staff are super friendly and so knowledgeable, so happy they brought back table service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I had a really good experience buying some smoked applewood cheese today. The staff were very helpful and I found a beautiful piece to bring to a Christmas party on Saturday. I look forward to coming back to buy more or eat in.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

My Saturday morning routine is not complete without a stop here at my favourite shop in Owen Sound/ ever? The selection is incredible and the staff are kind and extremely helpful. They are extremely knowledgeable and help me explore new cheeses. My current fav is Abbots Gold!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

What a gem in the heart of Owen Sound! Lovely, welcoming staff with a great selection of cheeses, both local and international.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

The cheese, the staff, the accompaniments and boards all make this place the best shop to treat yourself in the area. Everyone is so kind and helpful and make sure you have the best experience and the best cheese! Would recommend for everyone as they have something yummy for anyone.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Lovely atmosphere and delicious products. Incredibly knowledgeable staff - and very frequently the owner - are on-hand to help curate a unique, crowd-pleasing board for those of us who are sometimes intimidated by charcuterie.

★★
December 22, 2022

The cheese is good. Decent selection. The staff are awesome. However I ve heard some nasty things about the owner and how she treats her employees that makes me not wish to support the shop.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing spot with amazing staff!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

My family and I visit Bruce Grey once a year and stopping by the Milk Maid has become a tradition for us. We enjoy and love everything about the shop and staff. A few things stand out for us: the Milk Maid supports local businesses - we always find new and tasty locally made gourmet products to try. The owner and staff also really know their cheeses. One year I came with my sister who has never liked cheese, and the awesome staff person chose a great selection for her. She now says she s a cheese convert! Finally, we always feel welcomed and if the owner is there, she will personally greet us as we have visited over the years. We look forward to our visit every year!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

If cheese is your jam then run, dont walk to The Milk Maid. The superb selection of gourmet cheeses, and accompaniments, the customer service/staff knowledge and of course the absolute deliciousness of everything makes this a must stop for me every time I come to Owen Sound.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent service, and wonderful selection to build the ultimate charcuterie board. The duck sausage has some explosive flavour big fan and can t wait to come back for more Note: originally wanted to stop by here for lunch, but as of my visit in Feb 2022, they are more of a cheese/charcuterie store

★★★
December 22, 2022

Thank you for giving the people to choose mask or unmasked. You stated your opinion that you wish to have people masked (which is you opinion and thats fine). However - you also said unmasked are welcome. Freedom of choice. Thank you.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Loved the luncheon, cheese and scones!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Very knowledgeable and helpful.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Best owners. So kind and lovely. Same with the staff. Best selection of cheeses and charcuterie around Owen Sound and Georgian Bay. Ive had the pleasure of having a wide selection of The Milk Maids products and theyre all amazingly curated and so damn tasty. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing customer service, really lovely cheeses, and an amazing baguette from Montreal that you can also buy frozen.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Over 70 cheese varieties on hand in this expert store.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The Milk Maid offers a huge variety of quality cheese, meat and preserves (and even wine!) as well as charcuterie trays that weve ordered several times (theyve always been beautiful & delicious!). Always great products at a surprisingly reasonable prices. Despite the sophisticated atmosphere: the staff is very approachable and friendly... Always make us feel welcome to shop, even if were just stopping in quick for some in for some parm. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great customer service, lots of cheese and other items to choose from. Really beautiful store. Really loved the fact the milk maid staff knew alot about the cheeses they sell.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Even if cheese isnt your thing, this shop has so much to offer! Lots of unique culinary finds & the staff are so knowledgable. A must-visit during gifting season.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Would have liked a larger selection of cheeses and I was disappointed that the payment system is set up to ask for a tip

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Had a great experience at the Milk Maid picking out some cheese and crackers for our weekend off. Amica was helpful to help us choose some delicious french Brie, Beemster, and a spicy cheese I wish I remembered the name of. Paired beautifully with our cannadrinks! Will definitely be coming back!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Highly recommend the cheese and meat board, it was a big hit with our group of friends. Great selection of cheeses, meats and other delicious items!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Very helpful and knowledgeable. Great products

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great spot. Excellent selection of cheese.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Amazing selection of cheese! A hidden gem in Owen Sound. A must go to stop any time Im in the area.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great selection of cheeses and the best scones youll ever taste!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

You have to go here

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

First time being here and LOVED it! I ordered a cheese advent calendar and it brought me to this local business. What a gem! Staff is so king as well. and Knowledgeable!

★★★★
December 22, 2020

Very nice shop. No longer serving coffee, or any food inside.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

We received a lovely basket as a gift. Everything was wonderful - a delicious treat!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Had lunch here and the sandwich was fantastic. Great selection if cheeses of course and reasonable prices.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great cheese, charcuterie, coffee

★★★★
December 22, 2019

I love the place nice wines and great cheese oh yes good people running it helps too.just wish they had some soft I for got my teeth

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Delicious coffee.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Such a lovely latte.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

I was at this lovely establishment on Friday and was very pleased with the service I received. The staff were very knowledgeable about the cheese and able to guide some members of our party with dietary restrictions towards cheeses they could eat. The decor is lovely, the staff attentive and the atmosphere impeccable! Can t wait to try more cheeses! Ive already encouraged some friends to seek this little gem out to enjoy! Oh I almost forgot! Great local wines!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Stopped in today for help with cheese we needed for an Italian recipe. They were able to tell us what we needed. Enjoyed a delicious baguette sandwich and a delightful latte. Very relaxing atmosphere.

★★★★
December 22, 2019

Good spot for a quick bite.

★★★
December 22, 2019

Nice little cheese shop. Good selection.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Fantastic cheese. Highlight of our week to visit. They should consider offering gluten free or just cheese options on their various menus for those of us with dietary restrictions.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great cheese platter. Sensibly priced coffee. Amazingly knowledgeable staff!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wonderful spot for coffee and a scone. A great selection of cheese as well.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

One of downtowns hidden gems. Great coffee and espresso drinks, lots of healthy sounding options too. Great selection of cheeses, mostly local creameries it seemed. Cozy little place with good service. Must go back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Came for a late evening snack with a buddy. We felt extremely welcomed when we got there and the food was delicious. A great place to go for a cheese board and wine or a coffee and a sandwhich.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

The Milk Maid in Owen Sound is just the best! Great food and great coffee! Thanks to Cody and her wonderful staff!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Very friendly and cheese board and drinks were excellent. Will gladly return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Hidden Gem indeed wow the chesse board was amazing and baguette sandwiche was outstanding cant wait to try out other things

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Amazing selection of cheeses. Great dry blue cheese and jalapeno sausage.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great variety and atmosphere !

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Best place to get gourmet cheeses

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Coffee, Cheese and Scones, always a fabulous experience. Great service great atmosphere

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Helpful service. Great food. We had a cheese plate. It was amazing!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Awesome baked goods, amazing cheese and top notch staff!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great cheese and meat selection. Good beers.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Is there anything better than a Saturday afternoon at the Milk Maid with a cheese platter and a half litre of wine? I dont think so.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Amazing cheese platter and service! Taste is unreal and highly recommend to go as a appetizer for another place!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Great service. Amazing coffee. Just wished they opened before 10am....

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Really loved this place. When on a Friday night with a group of friends and ordered several cheese boards and drinks. The cheese boards came with a varied of cheese and olives and ordered a side of carved sausage. They also retail cheese of all kinds along with some other foodie type items.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Great lunch, friendly service! Will definitely return!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Nice cheese plates. Nice atmosphere.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great cheeses shop, friendly staff, good selection and decor

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great atmosphere. Service and coffee are great.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

More of a restaurant than a cheese shop. A modest selection of what frankly are cheeses chosen for their hipster cred and not strictly for their flavor. Good quality food prepared well. Concentrating more on the actual quality and flavor of the cheese as opposed to how expensive it is will absolutely improve the dining experience. Edited to add, lest anyone be confused, I do not consider this to have been a bad experience, hence 3 Stars. I spend a great deal of time in restaurants around the world. My reviews always reflect my honest opinion.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Amazing coffee and to-die-for scones, excellent service. Wonderful selection of gourmet delectables. Highly recommend!

★★★★
December 22, 2018

The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Delicious selection of cheeses and wines.

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

Awesome for Owen Sound!! Everyone should check it out:)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Amazing cheese and scones! Great food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Deee-lish!!

★★★
December 22, 2017

Was good. Not outstanding

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Great food. Beautiful presentation. Great service!

★★★★★
December 22, 2017

The caramelized onion and garlic soup was awesome! Nice place with good prices.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Great scones.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Really nice cafe and cheese shop in Owen Sound. The service was excellent, and their sandwiches delicious. Great selection of fine cheeses too!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2017

Amazing cheese!

★★★★★
December 22, 2016

Excellent food, staff and service!