The 14 Best Cafes in Calgary

Source: Pixabay

By Lucas Hebert

If you’re looking for a place to catch up with your friends or with your backlog at school or work, the best cafes in Calgary can be your safest bet.

With some strong yet flavourful brewed coffee and a conducive atmosphere, a cafe might just give you a jolt of energy to awaken your productive self. Cafes are also the perfect places to sit down and enjoy the company of your friends.

Here’s our list of the best cafes in Calgary to help you find a safe space for relaxation sessions and productive work hours.

1.  Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar

Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is the best cafe in Calgary for its drinks and food.

You can have some quiet alone time in this cafe with their selection of coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. But if you want to meet with friends, this cafe is also great for that, what with their assortment of wines and gourmet cheese.

Gravity has two locations to accommodate its customers in Beltline and Inglewood. They also have live music on weekdays, so check on their schedule before going there for productivity.

Highlights

• Live music
• Coffee and wine
• Sandwiches, pastries, and cheese
• Good parking space

Customer Reviews

With its assortment of food and drinks, this cafe is a versatile meeting space. If you want to know more about their services, read up on these reviews from their customers.

” Great cafe with delicious coffees, teas, smoothies, baked goods and sandwiches/paninis. The best pumpkin spice latte I’ve had so far.”—Samantha Lemna

“A very versatile space. Great spot to get work done, relax or socialize. They have drink specials, warm and cold food options, good coffee, fast wifi and lots of seating options. They play live music sometimes so you might want to check in advance before coming to get work done.”—Elise Vogels

2.  Hexagon Board Game Cafe

Hexagon Board Game Cafe has coffee, pastries, games, and even coffee equipment. It is the best cafe in Calgary for groups of friends looking for a place to chill out and catch up.

Hexagon has about 600 board games, and they also have the latest games released. You can check their site to know which games they have in their library.

Hexagon prides itself on its coffee, games, and community, so you can be sure its spaces are excellent for group activities. You can also book tables for you and your friends before visiting the cafe.

Highlights

• 600 in-house board games
• Coffees and pastries
• Online orders

Customer Reviews

Hexagon Board Game Cafe also has the best staff to help you pick which games are best for your group. Here are the reviews to verify their excellent customer services.

“Amazing games, their drinks are absolutely amazing, especially the London fog and hot chocolate, and so many games to play and buy! Plus the staff are super friendly!”—Karli Irvine

“I love Hexagon! Only costs $3/hour to play board games there, which I think is more than a fair price. Basically every board game you could ever want to play is there.”—Stanton Thai\

3.  The Roasterie

The Roasterie is the best cafe in Calgary for its broad coffee menu and in-house film screenings.

You can choose any cold or hot blend of the best coffee beans from around the world. They have decafs and dark blends you can choose from and purchase for your home brewing.

The cafe is relatively small, but you can enjoy a good movie here while being surrounded by friends and the smell of ground coffee beans.

Highlights

• Small and cosy place
• Around 40 coffee beans and five flavours
• Coffee beans for home roasts
• Film screenings

Customer Reviews

The Roasterie can give you what the best cafe in Calgary should—superb coffee, a calm ambiance, and warm customer service. These reviews will make you want to visit this family-owned cafe as soon as possible.

“One of Kensington’s local gems.  Great coffee, friendly staff.  Awesome spot to hang out or a quick stop at the walk by window on the street to get your coffee on the go.”—Sasha Stoudenikina

“It is my favorite cafe in Calgary.. It’s cozy and it has this vintage look to it. And I love the music they play.. It’s unconventional and goes well with a warm cup of latte and an interesting book to read !”—Chandni Sinha

4. A Ladybug Bakery and Cafe

Ladybug is a European influenced cafe where you could enjoy breakfast & brunch or afternoon tea. They have a wide selection of coffee and baked goods that you will surely enjoy. 

They like to keep everything fresh and local and they are proud that they support local businesses by purchasing ingredients from them. Come and visit them to witness their top quality products and services yourself.

Highlights

• Good food
• Great service
• The interior is clean and bright

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of A Ladybug Bakery and Cafe’s clients:

“Truly great food!  Best Eggs Benedict I’ve ever had. I keep coming back for it. Crepes are delicious too.   Lots of interesting menu items.  Bread is amazing and other bakery items are wonderful too.  Owner Christine is  very welcoming,  so nice and offers great  customer service.   If you haven’t yet been,  add this place to your breakfast or lunch spots.” – Ellen Gasser

Here’s another one:

“OH MY GOD!!!  This is by far, the best breakfast/brunch restaurant in the city.  My husband and I love going out for breakfast dates and we have a couple that have been tried and true.  We decided to go to A Ladybug today, and it far surpassed every other place we frequent.  They make the only proper lobster roll I have seen outside of Maine, and every single bakery item is beyond compare.  Go here every chance you get.” – Valerie Pierce

5.  Société Coffee Lounge

Société Coffee Lounge surely has the most relaxing ambiance in town. They have a variety of coffees and pastries to help you enjoy your time at the cafe.

With its peaceful atmosphere, you can surely be productive even while sitting on their comfortable and cosy chairs.

What makes Société the best cafe in Calgary is its generosity for its place. You can rent the cafe for special events so you and your loved ones can drink their top-notch coffee and pastries.

Highlights

• Warm and cosy ambience
• Flavourful coffee selection
• Venue rental

Customer Reviews

Société Coffee Lounge aims to provide its customers with good coffee, good life, and good vibes. Here’s what their customers have to say about their services.

“Cute little place with great coffee! This is a good place to come if you want to get some work done. Very nice and peaceful atmosphere with friendly staff! My cappucino and my friend’s flat white were excellent!”—Laura 

“I like the laid back atmosphere and how ppl are just studying there. Not too huge to cause anxiety. Cosy enough and great food and drinks !”—Jennifer

6. Higher Ground Cafe

Higher Ground was established in 1982, and was in the long time promoting community & sustainability on a local and global scale. Ensured with their products of coffee that is 100% organic, fair trade & rain forest alliance certified.

They are able to support farmers abroad through fair trade and by also partnering with local organizations to promote local artists, we are passionate about enhancing our community.

Highlights

• Live music
• Coffee and pastries
• Online orders

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Higher Ground Cafe clients:

“They have a cozy ambiance and a relaxing place where you can enjoy good food and coffee. They also have computers where you can rent and play.”

Here’s another one:

“This is a great place to spend on if you are looking to burn some time or do work that needs reliable and fast internet connection. If I recall correctly, their internet speed reached up to 200mbps, which is more than what we usually need in casual surfing. Should you feel hungry, you can order food from your workspace and have it served to you. I’d recommend the continental breakfast. And yes, it is open 24 hours.”

7. Velvet Cafe

Velvet Cafe offers delicious coffee, tea and meals for you to relax and enjoy. Their food is made only with best and quality ingredients, ensuring you not only tasty, but also healthy meals.

They also offer meals to go for those who just want a quick snack in your school or work. Packaged in microwavable containers, Velvet Cafe meals and drinks bring you the relaxing cafe experience wherever you may be.

Highlights

• Meals are available for takeout and free delivery of $50 or more within a 5km radius.
• Offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options depending on your diet.

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Velvet Cafe’s clients:

“Best coffee in Calgary. The smoothest & richest americanos I have ever had.Top that with fresh made meals, soups and snacks daily, this is a must visit for anyone passing by. If you live in the area, do yourself a favour and make this your new regular coffee shop!”

Here’s another one:

“Came for the first time today and was pleasantly surprised with this little cafe! Lots of vegan and vegetarian options as well! I got their pumpkin spice latte half sweet (puts Starbucks to shame) with a vegan dahl (big portion- I took half of it home!)
Would definitely recommend and come visit again.
Also customer service was great she offered to try it just in case I wouldn’t like it :)”

8. Café du Centre

Everything in Café du Centre was created to give you the best cafe experience in Calgary. Their delicate interior fits perfectly with their menu, giving you the perfect relaxing ambiance. 

They ensure their food is fresh, as it is all made to order, bringing you only the best quality coffees, desserts, brunch and more. They also offer their space for rentals for your special events.

Highlights

• Offers dine in and take-out afternoon tea.
• Has a space for rental, along with catering services

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Café du Centre’s clients:

“Amazing little spot for dessert and hot drinks. The dishes are amazing looking and taste as great as they look. They cafe is a little small,  so I recommend calling and setting up a reservation.  They offer a tea party which comes with a tray of desserts. I highly recommend this spot!! Prices were reasonable.”

Here’s another one:

“This little café is just an absolute gem. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the decor and atmosphere is really delightful. All of the coffee’s are beautifully made and very delicious, it’s really hard to pick which coffee creation to have. The menu also has light lunch options which are simple yet very well made.”

9.  Angel’s Cafe

Angel’s Cafe offers herbal teas, espressos, and boozy drinks as well as burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes. Angel’s Cafe also has a kids menu to cater to all types of customers within the community.

They also have a lovely outdoor patio to provide guests with a breathtaking view of the Edworthy park and river.

To add to their cozy ambiance, they also have live music. Additionally, they have special events now and then, such as open mics for which any customer can participate.

Highlights

• Live music and open mic events
• Breakfast and kids menu, burgers, sandwiches
• Outdoor patio for a view of nature

Customer Reviews

With their outdoor patio space, Angel’s Cafe also welcomes customers with dog companions. Here are some Google reviews from some of their satisfied customers:

“This place is amazing..been coming here for years. Great atmosphere, people (staff and guests) and food! The Friday nights open Mic. Is a great evening spent with family (kids included) and Cathy/ Dale along with her family are wonderful owners.”—Jullie Caron

Here’s another one:

“The recent renovations are spectacular! Angels now has a welcoming and cozy feel at its perfect location right by the river. The food and coffee was good. Best of all, they allow well behaved dogs on the patio!!”—Shannon Tabor

10.  Patisserie du Soleil

Baking for Calgary since 1999, Patisserie du Soleil is a family owned business that guarantees the tastiest pastries for you. Their specialty, traditional and signature French pastries, are authentic and freshly baked.

They pride their pastries for being made from scratch with absolutely no preservatives, or artificial additives. These wonderful foods are also available for catering, and they deliver everywhere in Calgary.

Highlights

• Specializes in catering to the Downtown Core for business meetings, training classes,  etc. You could also choose between the original menu or pick from our catering menu
• Variety of cakes in different flavors and sizes can be ordered for any special occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate functions 

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Patisserie du Soleil’s clients:

“Stopped in this morning because we’d heard they offer cronuts.  Oh my goodness! My son had the raspberry and green tea, and I had the moose tracks. Perfectly flaky, tons of flavor, the vanilla pastry cream was divine, and I love that the chocolate was rich but not too sweet.  We will definitely be back!”

Here’s another one:

“We had lunch catering for our office by Patisserie du Soleil. Ala was very attentive and helpful. They had everything packaged individually so we could maintain social distancing. We have received so many compliments on the food! We will definitely be using Patisserie du Soleil more often. Thanks Ala!”

11. Cornerstone Music Cafe

Cornerstone Music Cafe is an innovative, creative, and happy place for music lovers. They offer quality music lessons in Calgary. Whether you want to learn to play a new instrument or want to advance your skills, they have lessons for all your music desires. They are a community-driven and family-oriented place where people not only visit to make music but to enjoy it as well.

Their teachers are professionally educated in music and believe in creative freedom. Unlike traditional music studios, they focus on encouraging students to experiment and explore their individual styles. At their music studio, they go much beyond just teaching the basics. Whether you are a parent, retiree, stay-at-home mom, entrepreneur, or a music lover, they have music classes for all. Their instructors teach music to people of all age groups – 18 months to 70 years. Aside from the music studio, they also have a licensed cafe where they serve delicious food from a wide range of cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, Thai, and more.

Highlights

• Delicious glutten-free food
• A wide range of cuisines are available

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Cornerstone Music Cafe’s clients:

“Great local cafe with absolutely delicious and wholesome foods. They use local, quality ingredients and are active supporters of the community. On top of that they also have great music and provide music lessons.”

Here’s another one:

“A nice little place to hang out and enjoy a coffee & a sweet snack!”

12. Caffè Artigiano

For more than 20 years, Artigiano has taken pride in every single in-house product it creates. Proprietary unique blends produced at its own roaster in Burnaby, BC, deliver consistent and a perfect cup of coffee – every time. Artigiano is committed to social responsibility and sustainability by brewing the highest quality coffee in a way that positively impacts our local community, suppliers, team members and those who share it.

All 16 locations and 2 coffee bars in Vancouver and Calgary are locally owned and operated, with a commitment to local and organic ingredients for all products, wherever possible.

Highlights

• Sustainability commitment
• Organic ingredients
• Spanish Latte
• 15 branches in Alberta and British Columbia
• Offers artisan locally roasted wholesale coffee beans

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Caffe Artigiano’s clients:

“Fave place to be 🥰 to think, to stay, to relax.. 🤎” – Georgina G.

Here’s another one:

“One of my favourite coffee spots is Caffe Artigiano! My ultimate favourite and go-to drink is their Spanish Latte. So good! I also recently tried their Pumpkin Spice Latte and that’s a good one as well (MUCH better than Starbucks’ PSL, imo).” – Jurn

13. Barrow Coffee Roasters 

Ryan Wenger, the founder of Barrow Coffee Roasters, is training as a licensed heavy duty mechanic in addition to his extensive experience working in coffee shops.

They believe that great coffee is a result of sustainability and social change. They buy directly from Chica Bean, a women’s cooperative in Guatemala who produce green coffee beans, transport this product to their Calgary Roasting.

Highlights

• Made to Order
• Quality Ingredients
• Proudly Canadian

14. il caffe 

Roasting coffee transforms the chemical and physical properties of green coffee beans into roasted coffee products. The roasting process is what produces the characteristic flavor of coffee by causing the green coffee beans to change in taste. il caffe is intimately involved in the process from:

Farm to roast and extraction! They source ‘the farm’ where it starts! They can’t deliver quality without quality beans, and it is therefore essential that they source the best beans.

Highlights

• Uses Giesen Coffee Roasters equipment
• Calming ambience
• Friendly staff members

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of il caffe ’s clients:

“I’ve always had a great experience at this coffee shop, the owner is extremely personable. I’ve mentioned to quite a few people to visit Il Caffe. Unfortunately during the pandemic I haven’t been able to visit, however I ordered beans in which the order arrived promptly and the price was very reasonable. I will definitely be placing another order in future.”

“Superb coffee at resonable prices. The owner is a true artisan and a precise technician. He even controls the temperature that the beans are ground at! One taste and you will experience the difference. Menu choices are varied. Summer favorite: affogato (ice cream drowned with espresso). Recent addiction: cortado – low temperature steamed milk cappuccino which has slight sweet taste. Their bakings: italian spiced (& spicy) cheese scone and the croissant are pure decadence.”

All of these can be the best cafes in Calgary, and you only have to choose one to fit your needs. We hope we helped you find the perfect place for you to be productive and, at the same time, relaxed.

But if you’ve been working hard far too long, a cafe may no longer be enough to relax you. Try out the best acupuncture specialists in Calgary to help alleviate back and shoulder pains caused by hours of labour, in that case!