Edmonton is home to many cute, cozy, and inviting cafés. I’ve slowly been visiting more and more establishments when I visit the city, and would like to share some of my favourite cafés with you. They are spread out around South Edmonton and Whyte Ave.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to study or a spot to meet friends, one of the cafés on the list is sure to fit your preferences. Each of these cafés is a local small business (and their food and drinks are delicious), so you can feel good about where your money is going.
1. Libérta Coffee Lab
Location: 6547 99 St NW
Accessibility: The entrance is accessible with a gentle ramp; however, there is not an automatic door opener.
Libérta Coffee Lab is a cute café offering signature lattes along with other coffee and tea beverages. While there, I tried their lavender London Fog and my partner had their tiramisu latte. I also had the Summer Korea Street Toast sandwich and he had the Basque cheesecake.
In addition to our selections, Libérta also offers bagels, croissants and latte art classes you can sign up for.
2. Anvil Coffee House
Location: 6148 90 Ave NW
Accessibility: Anvil has an accessible entry with a doorbell to alert staff if you need assistance with the door.
Anvil Coffee House is located in the Ottewell community. They are locally owned and focused on supporting community and inclusion. The café serves breakfast and lunch options, along with both coffee and tea drinks. They also have lots of art and items from local makers for sale. Their coffee is sourced from Chronicle Coffee Roasters based in Calgary.
I got their smoked veggie wrap and the Anvil fog, both which were delicious, and my partner got a flat white and the Cuban panini. We also shared a chocolate chip cookie, which was perfectly chewy.
3. The Woodrack Café
Location: 10324 Whyte Ave NW #102
Accessibility: Although labelled as accessible on Google Maps, both the front and back entrances off Whyte Ave and the alley have steps.
The Woodrack Café is tucked off Whyte Ave, with entrances on either Whyte Ave or the alley behind it. The café has a cozy vibe, with flowered plates and fun mugs. They offer great breakfast sandwiches and lots of baked goods, along with their wide menu of coffee and non-coffee beverages
4. BE Coffee
Location: 11015 26 Ave NW
Accessibility: The entrance is wheelchair accessible, although there is no electronic door opener. Parking may be an issue, as there is street parking only in the area and curb cuts available at the edge of the block.
BE Coffee is an adorable, bee-themed café in Century Park. The coffee menu includes affogatos, espressos, pour overs, and more. They also offer tea lattes and iced teas, various honey-based lattes, and a full menus of baked goods and breakfast or lunch options. We had their coffee cake, a cinnamon bun, and a bagel sandwich, all of which were delicious.
5. Block 1912
Location: 10361 Whyte Ave NW
Accessibility: Block 1912 does not have an accessible entrance, with a step up to the door.
Block 1912 on Whyte Ave is a large, rustic café with dozens of beautiful pastries and treats. They have a decadent ganache hot chocolate that’s perfect after an evening skating at Victoria Park, or caffeinated beverages if that’s more your style. They’re open 9 AM to 10 PM (and midnight on weekends), making it a go to spot any time of day. They even offer sandwiches, lasagna, chicken pot pie, small plates, and cocktails.
6. Urban Plant Cafe
Location: 9261 34 Ave NW #18A
Accessibility: Urban Plant Cafe has a slight bump to their door but should be okay for most mobility aids. There is no electronic door opener, so you may need assistance from staff.
Urban Plant Cafe offers coffee, tea, bagels, sandwiches, waffles, and bingsu. We ordered a matcha latte, cafe latte, and shared the tiramisu bingsu. Everything was delicious, although we found even the small bingsu was more than the two of us could eat.
The cafe lives true to its name, with dozens of large plants around the space. They also have signs banning large screens, including laptops and tablets, so this is a great place for a cute coffee date, but not a study hub.