Hot Urban Hideaways...Coffee and Tea Houses
By Mike Fisher
A great cup of coffee jolts your senses. Tea’s a bit lighter; it seeps into your soul. Both coffee and tea encourage rituals beyond just grabbing a gulp to go. Calgary and Edmonton offer great choices for coffee and tea aficionados who want to sit back, relax and soak up the vibe of wherever it is they find themselves.
We can’t include every coffee and tea house, but here are a few hot urban hideaways where you can duck in from the cold for a winter respite and a cuppa.
Edmonton : Jolt, Java & Jive
Remedy Café - 8631 109 Street (Garneau area)
Here you'll find laid-back, friendly staff in a casual and warm atmosphere. Close to the University of Alberta campus, it has welcoming couches, and it’s a great place to chill out. You have to try the Vietnamese coffee - it's strong and cold, and it keeps you from hibernating at home on a dark and snowy day.
They serve a wonderful Chai tea latte with real Indian spices sprinkled on top and you can grab some tasty Indian fare including butter chicken and panak paneer, as well as a great selection of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are two levels and the steel furniture gives off a bit of a modern industrial feel. However, the comfy couches make it quite cozy! You’ll find local artists’ work, including paintings and photographs showcased on the walls. Side Trip: Nearby, you can go to the Garneau Theatre on 109 St. for a movie, and return for coffee or tea and a post-movie discussion.
Sugar Bowl Coffee & Juice Bar- 10922 88 Avenue
Here you'll find university intellectuals and a style that can be described as British rockstar/Mod Kats. The vibe is inviting, funky and unique, as it is housed in an old garage.
The Mochas are grand mochas, so go big or go home. They're chocolatey smooth in grand, pastel coloured mugs – yum!
There are amazing Chai lattes here, too, and you’ll find laid back, casual service with a unique menu that includes a fusion of flavas. There's also a wonderful Sunday breakfast featuring massive cinnamon buns.
Side Trip: Whyte Avenue is nearby, so you can go shopping (well, maybe buy some mod gear). Out of shape? Wake up and smell the coffee. Nearby is Defining Eve, where you can get fit.
Others:
Muddy Waters – 8211 111 Street (Garneau area)
A hot spot to check out local artists' exhibits, particularly photography. Look for the work of photographer Ferdinand Maingat, who exhibits there. Enjoy great sandwiches and Americanos.
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Jeffrey's Cafe & Wine Bar - 9640 142 Street (Crestwood area)Unique, colorful and full of life - this cafe has a wonderful selection of teas, coffees and...wine! You can also enjoy live music every weekend from talented local musicians and singers, such as Christina Schmolke. Sit back, relax and listen to the music...
Tea Cottage - 10588 100 Street (Chinatown)
Go for the refreshing and delicious bubble tea! And there are great Asian magazines, so while you are waiting for your bubble tea, you can check out the latest Hong Kong fashions, including leopard prints and faux fur hats and jackets. (And the signature colour this winter season, if you must know, is red!) Enjoy milk and tea blended together in exotic flavours and colours: lychee, durian, taro with sago, among others.
Cargo & James Tea – (locations include Whyte Avenue, City Centre, St. Albert)Step in to try one of their soothing rooibos teas. Rooibos tea has a high content of anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins - you'll love the taste and the health benefits! Try different fruit flavours too, including mango and apricot. And it’s a great place to buy Christmas gifts for the tea lover!
Calgary: Power Perks, Patios & More
Steeps Urban Tea House (880 16 Avenue S.W.)
The environment at this Steeps can be described as 'art student meets eclectic, curious shopper in the Mount Royal Village area.
Step through the arched doorway and a black chandelier overhead helps light a kind of laid-back art house smack in the heart of 17th Avenue’s shopping and restaurant row. The friendly staff oversees bright tins of stacked tea (lime green, aqua, peach and more) where you can pick your flavours. Try the Matcha, a rich Japanese green tea filled with antioxidants (70 times that of orange juice, so they say!) and it looks great served in a red bowl. Or get the Chai Tea latte (choose from skim or rice milk among others). The tarts are delicious: apricot is good, chocolate is even better.
You’ll also find Steeps in Edmonton, at Glenora, College Plaza and Sherwood Park.
Side Trip: Explore 17th Avenue SW, which is great for people watching and shopping.
The Purple Perk Coffee Market
(2212 4th Street SW)
The impression here is just as strong as the coffee - hard drive heaven gone wireless, tempered with casual, friendly service.
Nestled in the heart of funky and historic Mission, The Purple Perk offers a haven for travel weary, laptop-laden professionals, and those seeking a bite to eat or an excellent cup of joe. The vibe is casual, with soups, muffins and light meals (try the Thai Chicken wrap) drawing steady traffic, especially over the lunch hour. An onsite baker makes sure the offerings are both tempting and tasty. The free wireless Internet access adds productivity to the menu, for those trying to cram more into their day as they down their caffeine fix.
Side Trip: Great restaurants, bars and shopping nearby. Try Antonio’s Garlic Clove for everything garlic, including jumbo Pongy Prawns.
Others:
Good Earth Café (various locations, including downtown Eau Claire Market and Glenmore Landing in the deep southwest)
A Calgary institution that features revered coffee along with healthy food. If you go to Eau Claire, enjoy a stroll in nearby, postcard-perfect Prince’s Island Park.
Bumpy’s Cafe – 1040 8th Street S.W.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff serves up great coffee and tea, including espresso that’s acknowledged as among the best in the city. Shop nearby at various outdoor adventure stores including MEC.
Heartland Café – 940 2nd Avenue N.W.
Minutes from the shopping district of Kensington, Heartland’s earthy vibe attracts all kinds of people, including cyclists who sip coffee on the outside benches as the sun shines during warmer winter days.
Kaffa Coffee and Salsa House – 2138 33 Avenue S.W.
A wonderful patio and intimate inside, Kaffa serves up freshly brewed coffee along with light fare and yes, salsas. In the heart of the Marda Loop district with great shopping and strolls nearby.
