Stacks Coffee House & Bistro in Highland

The food on offer at 1pm was pitiful, two sandwiches on display with no suggestion of what was in them, croissants with a bit of cheese and ham, sausage rolls, quiche which looked like rubber and soup. We opted for soup which was tomato, and a sausage roll and two cups of tea. It came to £16. We left the sausage roll as it had clearly been in their heater for too long and the soup was I suspect made from a mix. The sugar content was astronomical. All in all a disastrous visit given that the car parking was £4

At last it's good to see Stacks reopen and under new management. Went there yesterday and we think it was the second day of new management but it was OK. The place has potential to succeed but must have regular opening days and hours. In the past it seems to have been closed on a whim. The lady who served us yesterday was very nice so good luck.

On a cold and windy day we ducted in for a warm lunch. Saw some delicious sandwiches in the window, but despite a full kitchen out the back, they wouldn’t toast them. So we chose a soup and a warm cheese scone. We offered to pay but we’re told to take a seat and pay at the end. The soup was kept warm in single use paper bowls in a warmer, barely warm. Our meals were brought over and put on the table but the different staff member insisted we leave our luke warm food on the table and accompany her to the till to pay before she would give us single use cutlery to eat! The bamboo spoon was so shallow it was useless with soup and the scone was dry and tasteless. Coffee wasn’t bad.

I stopped for a coffee however the sausage rolls were too tempting. The coffee and sausage roll was really tasty. The staff were super friendly. I have a Jack Russell which was also made very welcome. Highly recommended

We scored soo lucky with the weather that we got a seat outside but could see that the place was dog friendly inside. What a selection of cakes! And I honestly had the best coronation chicken sandwich I’ve ever tasted. Then my other commented that his steak pie was immense! Happy tummy’s all round!

Called in here for coffee and cakes with our dog, when on the NC500. Easy parking at the door in our MH and the cakes and cheese scones were unbelievable ! Shop lovely with different local produce and the toilets were modern and super clean! They apparently do an online ordering service for their cakes that they set up in lockdown ! Well done Ladies- it was all a credit to you !

We were last here in April 2023. At the time we were thrilled to find a high quality deli on site. As our last visit the food and drink has been fabulous and it’s nice to see they remain open throughout the year. We hope business continues to grow and look forward to seeing you again in the spring.

Absolutely adorable! So quirky, beautiful food, lovely staff and the best coffee. Had a lovely time looking around at the little shop and the tastiest bacon & cheese turnover. The staff were all so friendly and so welcoming. A little gem

We enjoyed a quick pit stop here. The coffee was great! A proper coffee as I call it. I got the mac cheese and my partner got the sausage roll, both were great. We also got cake to take away which was also amazing.

Fab coffee shop and amazing deli with a sense of humour! Doggy visitors wall of fame, quirky food gifts and good coffee ! Service with a smile

What a lovely cafe! We stopped for refreshments (soft drinks, coffee) and shared one of their delicious tray-bake cakes. The staff were so friendly, and what a treasure-trove of delicious foods in the retail area. Highly recommended.

Lots of space and right beside the parking this place has the loveliest staff and selection of cafe items and local produce. We chose the haggis pie and a cake both of which were lovely. My wife doesn’t normally interfere with my review but wanted me to express her praise for how clean the toilets were and that they had free sanitary products available. The place was spotless, the food was lively but all this was a mere shadow to how great the staff were. You can even get free doggy treats.

Super dog friendly and awesome coffee! This coffee shop was a wonderful find early on a morning. So dog friendly, every member of staff came out to say hello to Doug, our dog. We sat round the back in their secret garden which is beautiful and sheltered. We had some freshly made croissants that were still warm from the oven 😍 Simply the best find here at John O’Groats

Delicious soup, coffee & paradise slice! Great friendly service & environmentally conscious take away cups, napkins and cutlery.

Great, quick service but coffee was lukewarm and weak, not worth the trip to be honest. Can’t see myself coming back anytime soon.

Great food, great service and lovely shop. The staff were great and it was just the perfect little place to warm up when visiting the sign post. Very dog friendly too which is great!

Das Gebäck und der Kaffe war super lecker. Das Ambiente mega nett und herzog, nur etwas kalt war es leider....

Stopped here for an amazing sausage roll and coffee lunch.which we walked off on the John O' Groats Trail before returning a couple of hours later for a fabulous cake and coffee. The deli has some fantastic food and is well worth a browse. Definitely...

The food was delicious but I couldn't get a seat so opted for a take-out option. Very expensive for what it was which is a shame. Great coffee and cheesecake though!

I didn’t expect such a beautiful deli , two fantastic lady’s amazing food , a convenience that won awards ( no surprise best public toilet ever ) Teresa & Rebecca you have amazing business I wish you ever success. We will be back . AMAZING

Super friendly, lovely latte (lavazza), freshly baked cheese scones and delicious clotted cream and jam scones x lovely wee shop too, glad we listened to a passer by recommending it

What an incredible place! Exquisite cakes, stunning sausage rolls and by far the best gluten free brownie my wife has ever had! The people who work there are SO friendly and helpful. The environment is relaxed, with lots of local things to try and buy...

Really fantastic little place, home baking delight, cheese scones, blueberry cheesecake, scone with jam & fresh cream……….I could go on and on, the coffee and service is great too, local young people, lots of choice @ JoG but head to the top of the car...

I had found this place when planning our NC500 trip, I had been following them on Facebook for nearly 2 years, today at last we visited. I chose the mint aero brownie & my husband had the plain brownie, I had tea & he had...

I heard that this place was meant to be a good place to stop for food. However, I was slightly disappointed. Firstly, it advertises outside that they sell pies, wraps, sandwiches and salads but none of those options were available. There was a good selection...

We were recently driving & camping along the NC500 and discovered the Stacks bakery after a night in John O'Groats. We stopped in for a light lunch after walking out to the Duncansby Stacks and... What a highlight! Firstly, the place is dog-friendly, which is...

Such an amazing place! I visited 2 years ago and remember how good their cakes were. Today they were even better! We had a sweet scone with cream and jam - delish! Coffee is great too! Staff are super friendly. The toilets… wow. There’s a...

We had already eaten when we got to Stacks but went in to see what was available as a takeaway for supper or the next day's lunch. We spoke to a friendly member of staff called Elaine who explained that in the three years since...

Had the artisan ‘local butchers’ sausage roll, it was not too my taste at all. Very limited hot food available although it was mid afternoon however nice setting. Suggest less artisan and lower cost, nearly £4 for a sausage roll! Good luck with the costly...

We recently had a Gluten Free lunch in this cafe, and were not disappointed. The staff were very welcoming and helpful, the service was good and the food was piping hot and tasty.

They have a fabulous selection of takeaway foods perfect for a picnic. Alternatively, they have nice picnic benches in the front. Super friendly and helpful staff. Cute indoors and dog friendly.

After a long drive we were in need of refreshment. Pleased to find they are dog friendly but a rather limited menu. Had a pork and Haggis scotch egg and 2 pieces if paradise cake. Scotch egg was OK but could not taste any Haggis,...

Always a delight to visit. Lovely fresh coffee, delicious homemade cakes and savouries. Staff v friendly and helpful. Dog friendly inside with special treats just for them. Well stocked deli and nick nacks. Don't miss going outside to the beautiful sheltered garden round the side......

Our first visit was for just coffees. These were good quality and a tray offered to take to the tables outside. We returned later for lunch. The menu is somewhat limited for choices for lunch. We all four chose various items. We explained we had...

What a find! After a few days of some frankly dodgy coffee while travelling around the area Stacks came up trumps. Reasonable prices, great coffee, some delicious and unusual cakes - and dog friendly too! Very friendly staff. Excellent deli shop as well as the...

First visit with Luna my dog, lovely friendly welcoming staff. Loads of lovely good quality items to buy. Had a takeaway tried the cheese scone, croissant, and home baking all were delicious and fresh. Also brought a few bits from the shop, good value for...

Friendly service. Tasty bites. Great location. Good toilets. Interesting things in the shop. We arrived for a late lunch on a Sunday the weekend before Easter. No problem getting a table. There are more tables outside, and just a few inside, so we were lucky....

Homemade soup, jumbo sausage rolls, pastries, cakes. All tasty. Only a few tables so presumably will be busy at peak times but extra seating outside for summer weather (not today as blowing a gale!!) Dog friendly

Warm welcome and a huge range of products. Cakes were lovely and a great view to. Would recommend to stop for a coffee

You can't go to John O'Groats and not stop here! It is such a beautiful place, warm welcome and fabulous food! They also have a lovely gift shops. All around: fabulous! We hope to be back very soon:)

We Ave found a place where quality, friendly service seem to be their aim. Delicious home made cakes and pastries and an excellent choice of deli items are on offer. The fittings are high quality and different too and therefore restoring our expectations of John...

Lovely little cafe that offers fab hot chocolate and lovely cakes. Perfect after a cold day outside!

Welcoming and friendly staff, wonderful home made cakes (including vegan/veggie/gluten-free) and excellent coffee. Lovely atmosphere inside, and Covid secure. Our 9 month old puppy Newfoundland loved it too!

One of a couple of cafes at John O'Groats. Was fine for a coffee and sandwich which was take-away. Cakes were good too.

A friendly place that has a passion in their venture. I highly recommend the coffee. It also had a excellent range of gifts and craft foods. Well worth a visit.

Almost at the farthest northern point of the Scottish mainland you come across this amazing delicatessen which not only serves brilliant coffee, superb cakes in substantial portions, and a lovely choice of foods, but also stocks some beautiful, unusual, and great quality gifts. In other...

Good food and friendly service, thanks. Really enjoyed ourselves and will come back again with our family.

Entered the shop and very nice lady said don't forget to pay! Bit odd! Very disappointed. No menu up to chose from for food asked while queuing what we wanted but didn't know what they had. Soup was sweet potato coconut with chilli. Why not...

Popped up to Stacks as it is a little bit away from the central hubub. It was worth it. Great scones. Other food looked nice. Friendly staff. I has a nice garden and tables around the back. Something a bit different from the rest of...

Small but excellent coffee shop at John o groats. We bought ( to take away) some excellent cheese scones and harissa hummus. Also had courgette and orange cake ( v good). Their brownie recipe book is amazing-can’t wait to get home and try them. Definitely...

Finally arrived at John O’Groats after my long walk North. Had a couple of hours before the bus took me back to Wick, so stopped for lunch at Stacks. Great selection of hot and cold snacks and excellent coffee.

One of few places in John O'Groats to grab something to munch and drink. Place does not offer any hot food but sandwiches and snacks are of good quality. Coffee up here is very good and possibly could be called as the best in this...

Very nice lunch with friendly staff and lovely food and coffee. Decor is fun, upbeat and amusing. They had a great vibe and good service.

We had fantastic flat whites and a lovely coconut/pineapple/lime cake. The decoration and atmosphere was great. Staff were very friendly and it all felt very COVID safe.

We visited with my parents yesterday day, very welcoming, lovely service staff were really kind and helpful. love the environment clean but interesting things to look at and a relaxed atmosphere. Best of all was the food, being vegetarian it's often hard to find anything...

We stopped for lunch whilst visiting John O Groats, and this was the highlight in an otherwise very touristy area. It was warm and welcoming, including our 2 dogs who got a welcome treat and plenty of pets and fuss. The food was so tasty...

Stacks is a family run cafe that would cause a buzz in St John’s Wood let alone John O’Groats. Great coffee, delectable bakes and friendly service make it an unmissable stop if you’ve made it to this famous destination. Soon to be the best Deli...

So happy we went to this place! We were in John O'Groats for a week for Orca Watch and tried every single cafe and restaurant in the area, and this was the one we came back to time and time again. Excellent choice of veggie...

Lovely cafe. Staff were so friendly and helpful. I was, sadly, too late for lunch (sad because the menu sounds amazing!), but I had a delicious cake and coffee, which was just what I needed before resuming my drive around the area. I really valued...

This place is faultless. Wonderful service with equally wonderful homemade baking. I can’t ever imagine visiting John o’ Groats without popping in.

What a really lovely cafe with the best staff. We stopped here for tea/coffee and a snack. They were out of their famous brownies but the fruit loaf we had was delicious. We returned to buy their wonderful little book on baking brownies (full of great tips as well as the recipes) and were able to buy a brownie that they had found. It was amazing! Forget the signpost, this is the reason for going to John O’Groats.

Amazing home made scones and Hot Rubens!! Traybakes and much much more. Absolutely delicious my only disappointment was that it didn’t have more breakfast items on as the car park was full at 10am and this little gem was the only place open. Poached eggs, Stornaway Black Pudding Bagels? Just a suggestion definitely NOT a criticism as what we had was amazing x

Very nice. Good for lunchtime, lots of flavoured coffee options. Not much to see in John O Groats so this cafe is good to visit. Prices proportionate to location.

Excellent friendly service in a lovely quirky environment. The chocolate caramel slabs are highly recommended! Love what is happening in John O’Groats!

Someone described this cafe to me as "lots to look at" and that was the best description, hah! Funky decor but more important tasty lunch and coffee. Really appreciated the variety of options to suit dietary requirements. We enjoyed the Mediterranean board, halloumi bagel, hot chocolate and a flat white. Service was friendly. We were too full for cake but there was tons to choose from, will have to come back on our next visit.

Sitting here now. Fantastic flatbread with all kinds of fillings. Lots of flavour and nice rich hot chocolate. Good atmosphere, nice staff, definitely get lunch if you can while visiting the sign.

Popped in to Stacks Bistro 2 days ago for lunch after building up an appetite by walking out to the cliffs to have a look at the actual "Stacks" of Duncansby. The staff were very freindly and welcomed us into this warm and cozy bistro.My wife and I both opted for the special which was melt in the mouth braised beef served with tasty garlic polenta and cabbage. The food was superbly cooked and tasted absolutely delicious. Feeling rather full after our main course we had to share some sticky toffee pudding with ice cream, which was also fabulous.I would highly recommend anyone who goes to John O'Groats to head to Stacks Bistro, you will not be disappointed.

Popped in for a coffee and was delighted to find they had a gluten free option - their chocolate brownies. These were so good I bought the brownie cookbook and will now try to produce my own delicious bites. Excellent service from very pleasant staff made this the perfect afternoon break.

Popped in without a booking and managed to get a table for 5 straight away. Quick and attentive service and great choice for lunch. Our group consisted of 2 vegans a vegetarian a picky 11 year old and a hungry me, We all enjoyed our lunches and was lovely and full to continue our adventures. Coffee was great and the staff was friendly and helpful. Will definitely return next time I’m back in the highlands!

I enjoyed an impromptu lunch here and the team went out of their way to accommodate my GF requirements. Most enjoyable food and friendly atmosphere at reasonable prices. Take away a Brownie - to die for and perhaps the best I have ever had. Definitely go and enjoy

Lovely place for lunch on our NC500 Road trio. The menu is very good and I just the goats cheese bagel and my husband had the mac and cheese. We are not big cake fans but the selection looked great - locals were buying to take out.

Awesome food, staff and venueWe were seated very quickly very good Covid practices in placeFood was amazing we had soup (spicy lentil and chorizo) with a cheese scone (OMG) and we then decided to stay for coffee and cake too (I had a coffee and walnut brownie to die for)Very quick service by the lovely staff well done highly recommend a visit

Went in for lunch and a coffee. Food was really good and a bit different, staff were really nice and created a great atmosphere. Well payed out and managed for Covid. Great addition to John o’groats.

Very helpful staff, and although when we visited it was a reduced menu, there was a range of tasty food and drink available. Good gluten free options, and well maintained garden in the back. Would prefer their full menu available for longer in the day but we understand the logistics of that may be difficult given the location.

A lovely little find... friendly staff, very helpful with providing vegan choices. Really nice food (pulled jackfruit in bagel/flatbread with freah salad garnish, iced gingerbread square), great coffee & a nice warm welcome. Thank you.

Visited Stacks whilst on a brief visit to the area. Due to current social distancing we had to queue outside for a brief period. You were called forward by a door bell playing the Overture from William Tell. Quite amusing. The social distancing and precautions taken within the Bistro were very good. We were told they couldn't supply the normal lunch menu, alas, no problem as there was still plenty choice. We chose to eat in the garden area towards the side and back of the building. If ever back in the area we would would not hesitate to return. Staff working well under the current circumstances. Well done.

Nice stop on a drizzly day. They are doing a good job with the COVID precautions. Had a cappuccino and cheese scone. No hot food until 11:30. Friendly staff.

The service was good but the take away food is pretty mediocre. If you’re going to serve a baguette with chicken and herbed cream cheese you best actually put some cream cheese in it. Super overpriced for what we got.

I visited here for the first time to catch up with a friend. The decor was lovely, atmosphere very relaxed, service quick and efficient, food and beverages lovely and reasonably priced. I noticed they also allow dogs in which many places don’t. Will consider taking my dogs with me for a bite to eat next time. Great selection on the menu, variety of cakes/sweets to choose from. Staff were friendly and welcoming.

Lady at hotel had recommended this cafe and we loved it. We had carrot and orange soup with a cheese scone, yummy. Soup was very tasty and a lovely cheese scone, served warm. Very interesting decor using recycled materials.

Love this place. The staff are friendly and the food is first class. Everything made fresh for you. Definitely worth a visit.

Visited the restaurant on two occasions and both times the food and the coffee were excellent. It was a real haven from the winds and rain. Definitely somewhere to visit if your hungry. The Mac wrap is to die for 🙂

We were originally not going to pop in here as we were not quite ready for lunch so decided on coffee and cake. We were very glad we did. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and the decor original. Loved our waiter's outfit for Halloween too. We thoroughly enjoyed our coffee (mine with soya milk) and gluten free chocolate brownie (which had been nicely warmed up for us). Thanks to all concerned for staying open all year for us out of season travellers and their dogs.

While visiting John o groats we popped info stacks and had a choice of tables, the cafe had a lovely warm feeling staff were friendly and decor was quirky and cool. I had the mac & cheese flatbread served with salad and slaw which was utterly delicious..my partner had the burger served with slaw and salad and said it was one of the best burgers he had ever tried. Another great point was we were aloud to take our little Jack Russel in with us. Would love to visit again some time. Well done stacks excellent 5 stars from me.

Very welcoming staff, dog friendly and great food! The pumpkin pie cake is a must!!! Best place to go after a long walk in John o’groats

A very homley spot on a blowy cold October day. Very nice staff... wonderful looking cakes (which I was too full to try unfortunately) and a very hearty bowl of soup. Their cheese scones were out of this world... top drawer... make sure you stop in

Had Curried Carrot Soup and a flatbread with roasted root veg and walnuts. My wife also had a chai latte. Great for all.... carnivores, vegetarians, vegans. Food tasted really fresh and the menu was inventive and interesting for the area. Well priced too.Staff were helpful, friendly and polite and the place looked good, was cosy and clean.Gutted it wasn't open for evening meals but maybe not the demand at this time of year.Loved it!

Good food at a small establishment in the most remote place you can imagine. Not haute cuisine but very good selection of home made products. Soup and Sandwich is signature dish. In high season you should book a table in advance. Ample car parking but disabled parking provision is not clearly marked. Stacks is in an accessible building with disabled toilets. A short walk to the John O'groats sign post.

Stopped in for a simple lunch of soup and bread. Chose the cheese scone bread option and it was fabulously tasty. Soup was fresh and good also. Prices seemed reasonable and atmosphere was friendly.

Siamo arrivati alla nostra destinazione finale proprio all'ora di pranzo. Qui abbiamo mangiato un buonissimo salmone affumicato e una zuppa con una fresca birra locale. Il paesino, composto da poche case, alcune colorate, è davvero carino. Servizio rapido, personale gentile.

We were recommended by two people to have lunch here. We turned up at peak time, and were happy to wait the 40 minutes for a table, as the food looked and smelt delicious. I ordered the soup and a sandwich (with flat bread). After a few minutes a rather sullen teenager said the soup was finished. So my meal came with what looked like half a sandwich for almost the same cost as the full meal. After I had eaten my sandwich the food board was updated to say soup was back on. Why could the server not have just told me to wait a few minutes...

Bel localino a due passi dal porticciolo di John O’Groats, ci fermiamo per caso a siamo piacevolmente colpiti! Abbiamo mangiato un ottimo toast con salmone affumicato e pane di segale, fantastico nella sua semplicità . Molto buoni anche i dolci . Ho apprezzato il bagno, attrezzatissimo ad accogliere i piccoli ospiti

Loved this place. Great food and lovelly friendly atmosphere. Dog friendly so my dog loved it. Lovelly view into the harbour. Very relaxing

Only had coffee (very good) and scones (recommend the cheese). If their other offerings are as good I could easily improve the rating to "Excellent".

After scanning previous reviews - the good, the bad and the ugly - it's clear to me that people don't understand how to properly review restaurants. Just because a dog-friendly restaurant had a dog in it, you're mad? Grow up. There is an entire wall dedicated to doggie visitors inside. If you're one of these people who don't like dogs, go eat somewhere else.

Durante il nostro tour in Scozia, non poteva mancare una tappa a John o’ Groats e qui abbiamo deciso di pranzare in questo delizioso locale a conduzione famigliare, dove tutto è fatto da loro e che ci ha subito fatto sentire a casa.

This lovely coffee stop was the best part of John 'o Groats. Good coffee, proper cheese scone that tasted of cheese and shared a mint slice, also to be recommended. We were served at the table by a very polite member of staff.

We hadn’t booked in advance for dinner and were lucky to get the last table as the restaurant was full. Would recommend booking. Very friendly and homely atmosphere with good food. Felt it was a bit expensive but assume the location warranted the amount charged. They had also ran out of milk so we couldn’t order lattés or the like (not fans of coconut or almond milk which were available). We would probably return to sample a cake or two.....

We had home made mushroom soup which was very tasty and came in a very large bowl. An interesting range of 'sides' was on offer eg roasted onion. Good tea and coffee and good service

Nous avons fait un stop dans ce petit café sur notre chemin pour Duncansby Head Lighthouse. Très sympathique. La nourriture est faite maison, tous les produits sont frais, le service super agréable. Rien à redire. Les chocolats chauds sont ultra gourmands