Coffee houses are places to sip on the most delicious thing known to mankind, while finding inspiration or just simply wanting to relax. Many of these tucked away places feel as if you're sitting in someone's living room, with no pressure to leave anytime soon for fear you've outstayed your welcome. Here are a few of my favourite coffee houses that I think are the full package:
Philosafy Coffee
632 17 Avenue Calgary, AB
www.philosafy.com
This little coffee house popped up a short time ago on 17 Avenue SW and it's a fabulous place. I love everything about it, from the atmosphere, flavour of their coffee, to the delicious baked goods supplied by Manuel Latruwe Belgian Patisserie and Bread Shop. If I could have an apartment that looked like the inside of Philosafy, I would be thrilled, with its rustic décor of wood, metal, cement and marble that gives it a loft type feel. I enjoyed a large latte, that was smooth and delicious which I paired with one of their tasty cheese and garlic scones.
My friend just started a new beauty business after being laid off from the oil and gas industry, and each Friday morning in the summer we'd pick a coffee house and brainstorm together. When we visited Philosafy for the first time, we didn't want to leave and ended up spending three hours there here while regularly topping up on coffee. We both commented how much we loved the ambiance, brightness and modern feel, as if we were sitting in a space out of Architectural Digest.
I highly recommend trying this relatively "new kid on the block" coffee house, as you won't be disappointed.
Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar
This little coffee house popped up a short time ago on 17 Avenue SW and it's a fabulous place. I love everything about it, from the atmosphere, flavour of their coffee, to the delicious baked goods supplied by Manuel Latruwe Belgian Patisserie and Bread Shop. If I could have an apartment that looked like the inside of Philosafy, I would be thrilled, with its rustic décor of wood, metal, cement and marble that gives it a loft type feel. I enjoyed a large latte, that was smooth and delicious which I paired with one of their tasty cheese and garlic scones.
My friend just started a new beauty business after being laid off from the oil and gas industry, and each Friday morning in the summer we'd pick a coffee house and brainstorm together. When we visited Philosafy for the first time, we didn't want to leave and ended up spending three hours there here while regularly topping up on coffee. We both commented how much we loved the ambiance, brightness and modern feel, as if we were sitting in a space out of Architectural Digest.
I highly recommend trying this relatively "new kid on the block" coffee house, as you won't be disappointed.
Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar
909 10 Street SE, Calgary, AB
www.cafegravity.com
Gravity is a funky and contemporary coffee house & wine bar, mixed with the flair of an unpretentious art house. This is my usual place to go when I head on long bike rides in the summer, as they have a fabulous patio that gets sun all afternoon. My go to drink is an iced almond latte with a pump of dolce syrup, which has to be hands down one of the best iced coffees I've ever had. All the food is homemade, hearty and delicious, from their curries, soups, salads to baked goods. If you want to enjoy a wine or beer, that's also an option as they're licensed.
They offer live music, host numerous charity events as well as local art and photography shows. Each time you go, you'll also see new art and photographs on their walls that can be purchased from local artists.
I love everything about Gravity and the fact that they have become a driver for local artists & charities, as well as en established community coffee house & wine bar for the locals of Inglewood.
If you are in the neighbourhood, stop by for a delicious coffee and while you're there, I highly recommend taking an hour or two and touring around the whole community of Inglewood, as you'll find eclectic shops from record stores, clothing boutiques, music venues to independent eateries sprinkled throughout.
Bumpy's Café
Gravity is a funky and contemporary coffee house & wine bar, mixed with the flair of an unpretentious art house. This is my usual place to go when I head on long bike rides in the summer, as they have a fabulous patio that gets sun all afternoon. My go to drink is an iced almond latte with a pump of dolce syrup, which has to be hands down one of the best iced coffees I've ever had. All the food is homemade, hearty and delicious, from their curries, soups, salads to baked goods. If you want to enjoy a wine or beer, that's also an option as they're licensed.
They offer live music, host numerous charity events as well as local art and photography shows. Each time you go, you'll also see new art and photographs on their walls that can be purchased from local artists.
I love everything about Gravity and the fact that they have become a driver for local artists & charities, as well as en established community coffee house & wine bar for the locals of Inglewood.
If you are in the neighbourhood, stop by for a delicious coffee and while you're there, I highly recommend taking an hour or two and touring around the whole community of Inglewood, as you'll find eclectic shops from record stores, clothing boutiques, music venues to independent eateries sprinkled throughout.
1040 8 Street SW, Calgary, AB
www.bumpyscafe.com
If you're looking for a coffee house that provides delicious homemade comfort food like your grandma used to make, along with locally roasted organic coffee, then look no further than Bumpy's Café. Their motto is "Feel at home" and that is definitely how you feel when you enter through the doors, as they've created a warm & inviting space with a flare of retro throughout.
Each time I go here, I'm amazed by how the owner remembers all her regular customer's names along with their coffee and food orders. She greets them by saying, "Hi (insert name), so will it be the blueberry muffin and a large latte again for you today?" I have yet to see her get it wrong.
As for the food, you'll find homemade muffins, granola, quiches, meat pies, chili's, and panini's on their menu along with an array of coffee and tea options. In the morning, you'll see Grandma whipping up homemade muffins in the open kitchen by the coffee bar. When you pick up your latte from the counter, you'll be treated to coffee art, with a beautiful leaf, heart and various other designs. Everything they do is thought out, once again adding to the ambiance of "home".
So if you happen to be downtown, make sure to stop by for the delicious goodness and warm environment that Bumpy's has to offer, you will enjoy every moment of it.
If you're looking for a coffee house that provides delicious homemade comfort food like your grandma used to make, along with locally roasted organic coffee, then look no further than Bumpy's Café. Their motto is "Feel at home" and that is definitely how you feel when you enter through the doors, as they've created a warm & inviting space with a flare of retro throughout.
Each time I go here, I'm amazed by how the owner remembers all her regular customer's names along with their coffee and food orders. She greets them by saying, "Hi (insert name), so will it be the blueberry muffin and a large latte again for you today?" I have yet to see her get it wrong.
As for the food, you'll find homemade muffins, granola, quiches, meat pies, chili's, and panini's on their menu along with an array of coffee and tea options. In the morning, you'll see Grandma whipping up homemade muffins in the open kitchen by the coffee bar. When you pick up your latte from the counter, you'll be treated to coffee art, with a beautiful leaf, heart and various other designs. Everything they do is thought out, once again adding to the ambiance of "home".
So if you happen to be downtown, make sure to stop by for the delicious goodness and warm environment that Bumpy's has to offer, you will enjoy every moment of it.
