Huddersfield punches above its weight in beer. Magic Rock Brewing, founded in 2011 in the town, became one of the most respected craft breweries in Britain within a few years — their taproom on Willow Lane is the best place in town to drink. The older pub culture is still intact too: the town has several Victorian pubs with intact interiors, and real ale has deep roots here.
The student population from the University of Huddersfield keeps a decent cafe culture alive in the town centre. For a morning coffee or a working lunch, the area around Queensgate and St George's Square has several independent options worth seeking out over the chain alternatives.