Jan 12, 2024 By Sean William
Calgary's coffee culture is vibrant and ideal for various occasions - from casual gatherings with friends to intimate dates or professional meetings. Each coffee shop in this bustling city offers a unique experience with multiple coffee varieties. These cafés are ideal for individuals seeking quiet and warm coffee. Many lesser-known yet attractive cafés in Calgary make it easy for locals to locate these peaceful settings.
Canadians are world-class coffee drinkers. In a ranking by CBC, Canada stood first among 80 countries in terms of coffee consumption. While the Canadian coffee shop scene may not be as extensive as that of the United States, it showcases a remarkable blend of dedication, skill, and passion. Coffee enthusiasts in Canada take great pride in coffee making, from selecting the beans to the final cup. Calgary was crucial to Canada's contemporary coffee industry.
The top coffee shops in Calgary's upmarket areas provide a peaceful place for stimulating coffee. These best Calgary coffee shops provide a distinct coffee experience that is unlike anything else in the city.
One notable example is Phil & Sebastian. This coffee shop has expanded to five locations, each offering a different ambiance. The Marda Loop location (2043 33rd Ave SW) features a bright and spacious cafe with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant offers an extensive beer and wine selection and tasty food options. Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb, two engineers with a shared passion for specialty coffee discovered during their travels, established the roaster in 2004. They aimed to bring their coffee experiences from abroad back to Calgary, and their cafes have since become some of the best in Canada. Visitors can enjoy a classic drip coffee from their Fetco or explore various by-the-cup options from their constantly changing menu.
Monogram Coffee is a unique addition to Calgary's coffee scene, which began as an innovative pop-up in 2014. The brains behind Monogram are Ben Put, Justin Eyford, and Jeremy Ho, who initially crossed paths while working at Phil & Sebastian. Their shared vision led them to establish Monogram, which now operates three distinct cafes, each with its character. They've also partnered with Transcend Coffee for roasting. Their newest cafe in Brittania (800 49th Ave SW) stands out as a special "concept" store, hosting guest roasters for limited periods. Here, the focus is on providing a personalized experience, with roasters guiding customers through their bean selections. Monogram is also known for its exciting seasonal menu, but be warned – popular items often sell out quickly, so it's best to visit early!
Rosso Coffee Roasters is another must-visit spot in Calgary, boasting seven locations. For a genuine Rosso experience, the original cafe (803 24 Ave SE) is a great choice. It's a cozy space with a 12-kilogram Probat roaster and a retail section. The cafe has a laid-back vibe, complemented by freshly made baked goods and sandwiches from their commissary. Rosso takes their coffee seriously, brewing batches in-house with a Fetco and consistently delivering excellent espresso shots. If available, try Torode's lactic geisha coffee, a choice selection for the World Barista Championships.
Analog Cafe, powered by Fratello Coffee, brings over 40 years of roasting expertise to Calgary. Fratello, one of the city's oldest roasters, launched Analog Cafe to directly engage customers, offering a space for coffee education and enjoyment. Situated in the bustling 17th Avenue, Analog is known for its skilled baristas who craft exceptional shots, particularly their Instagram-worthy lattes. The cafe, flooded with natural light from numerous windows, is a haven for those looking to capture their coffee moments for social media.
Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar has a cozy, friendly atmosphere for any occasion. Gravity might help you relax with a book and coffee or enjoy a cheese dish with friends. This family-owned restaurant serves diverse tastes in Beltline, Inglewood, and Eau Claire, Calgary. They serve great coffee, sweet and savory appetizers, and a wine bar. Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar is used for peaceful reading or boisterous socializing.
Alforno Bakery and Cafe is a charming coffee shop in Eau Claire and the vibrant First Street Market. This spot and other locations are renowned for their bakery delights, including artisanal bread and freshly baked cakes. At Alforno, you can enjoy a variety of coffee options that perfectly complement their offerings. The cafe's bright and spacious setting creates a welcoming environment for enjoying a drip coffee or cappuccino while indulging in their delicious breakfast pastries. Try their irresistible Nutella croissant or the signature Alforno cinnamon bun!
Sought x Found Coffee Roasters, situated in NE downtown Calgary, stands out for its commitment to delivering top-quality coffee. Established by Caleb and Kitty Leung, this local coffee shop and roaster is dedicated to providing pure, refined, and ethically sourced coffee. Their expertise in tasting, roasting, and brewing guarantees an exceptional coffee experience. Besides their superior coffee, Sought x Found offers a unique coffee subscription service, allowing customers to enjoy exclusive coffee blends delivered directly to their homes.
Calgary's Deville Coffee has great espresso and delicious meals. This popular coffee establishment uses directly traded coffee beans to assure quality and build customer loyalty. Deville Coffee's dedication extends beyond coffee; they also provide a mouth-watering food menu featuring items freshly baked regularly. A chocolate ganache latte and a BLT on a brioche baguette will make your morning delicious. Deville Coffee offers several locations throughout Calgary, making it simple to discover one near you.
Visit one of these great Calgary coffee cafes. If you're looking for artisanal coffee, a latte talk, or a Monday morning boost, these cafés will impress. Calgary coffee is a social encounter that energizes the day. Choose your favorite from this list and prepare for a unique coffee experience.