By Jana Lee
Edmonton’s coffee scene is revolutionizing coffee culture with a host of local cafes to satisfy brew connoisseurs. Navigate YEG’s modern java scene with the low-down on craft coffee, direct trade beans and a guide to Edmonton’s best coffee joints. [Image credit: iStock.com/Rawpixel Ltd]
What does craft really mean in the coffee world? It may be the precise application of skill or attention to detail at various stages of production, or simply the latest catchphrase in coffee terminology. Whether the craftsmanship is in roasting or brewing, you can expect a lot of heart and soul went into curating the perfect cup of java.
2. Direct Trade
In direct trade coffee sales, roasters purchase directly from growers and eliminate third-party buyers, sellers and certification organizations. Purchasing directly from farmers enables roasters to choose high quality beans and pay the farmer directly. Because the roaster is directly involved with the farmer in the selection process, it’s a more accountable and socially-conscious method to purchase coffee beans.
BRU Coffee and Beer House serves carefully curated beans to brew, as they say, “the best coffee you will ever taste.” They use a state-of-the-art espresso machine, La Marzocco Strada EP, which allows the barista to produce the coffee as an espresso.
Cozy, bright and cute – Coffee Bureau serves artisan coffee from ACE Coffee Roasters. Deviating from the popular acidic coffee blend, find a smooth and balanced blend at Coffee Bureau, where beans are sourced from Central America, South America and Africa.
Proud to serve Intelligentsia DirectTrade coffee, Credo prides itself on socially-conscious practices that focus on the quality of a grower’s product. Located in the upscale 104 Street area in the downtown core, Credo is more than a place for coffee – the relaxing atmosphere invites customers to unwind and connect over high-quality goods.
Whether you’re on your way to the office or taking time to relax, District Coffee Co is there to provide a warm, inviting space along with comforting crafted drinks. Located just off Jasper Avenue and 109 Street, grab freshly-baked goods, artisanal coffee and other locally-sourced goods from this spacious shop.
Talk about minimalist – Elm Cafe sits in a 200 square foot space and is brought to you by the creator of District Coffee Co. Pop in for a direct-trade brew and sample their freshly-baked goods. Though the space is small, you’ll come back for their constantly-changing menu and cute location west of downtown.
Grab an excellent cup of joe at Iconoclast, an independent coffee roaster and koffiehuis in Edmonton. Housed in a minimalist brick building with garage doors, Iconoclast features a rumpus-room of sorts, with a ping-pong table and dart-board area. It’s as much of a venue as it is as coffee shop.
Another place to find a cup of ACE Roasted Coffee is at Leva, where they serve it up Italian Style. With its open space and ample natural-lighting, make a date out of visiting the café, tucked away in the heart of Garneau.
Located on Jasper Avenue, attached to Red Star Pub, Lock Stock Coffee proudly serves specialty Danesi coffee from Italy. Matching its underground location is its rustic vibe. And, to top it all off, they feature Edmonton Creative Writing Collective snippets on their coffee sleeves.
Boasting three cafe locations in Edmonton, Transcend truly manifests the seed-to-cup mentality of working with coffee producers. With in-house craft-roasted beans, it’s no wonder why Transcend is a favourite on the Edmonton coffee scene circuit.
Rounding out the list is Farrow Sandwiches, a tiny shop just off of Whyte Avenue that serves fresh sandwiches and even fresher java. A rotating roster of fresh-ground beans, prepared in a goose-necked kettle via single-cup pour-over will make you appreciate their dedication to good coffee.
The places revolutionizing Edmonton’s coffee culture are just what mass-production isn’t – farm-to-cup, hand-picked, involved and socially and environmentally responsible. It’s not just about coffee; the vibes of ambience, coziness, quirkiness and modern living contribute to the complete coffee experience that resonates with connoisseurs of what might be the world’s most addictive drink.
