These five best cafes in Edmonton are the perfect places to go if you’re looking to escape the bitter temperatures of a northern Canadian winter. In a city where winter can feel like it lasts forever, we certainly do have great cafes where we can escape for all the warm, cozy vibes that we crave. With the winter season creeping in on us, now is the perfect time to check these spots out.Â
BLOCK 1912
By far my favorite cafe in Edmonton, Block 1912 is the place to come for a warm and cozy space. With plenty of seating, comfy couches and books galore, you might just find yourself in here for much longer than expected. The string lighting creates a dimly lit glow, secret notes can be found folded within the cracks of the brick wall and they have 28 flavors of gelato.Â
Things to try at Block 1912: lavender fog and dessert (any dessert will do, they are all fabulous)
Parking: Paid parking nearby, some free residential 2 hour parking or free parking on Saturdays until 3PM in the parking lot across from the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market.Â
Mandolin Books & Coffee Company
Gracing the streets of the historic Highlands community, Mandolin Books is a small bookshop cafe. Paintings from local artists line the walls and hundreds of books pave the way to create the perfect setting for any literary lover. Pick something from their small food menu, order one of their exquisite lattes and snuggle into a corner with your nose in a book while the snow falls outside.Â
Things to try at Mandolin Books & Coffee Company: a strong Espresso or a frothy Chai latte paired with a scone.
Parking: There is free street parking.
Remedy on 109th Street
With a few locations throughout the city, Remedy on 109th is by far the best choice if you want an ultimately cozy and comfortable cafe to kick back in. The colors are earthy and warm, the decor is an eclectic mix of homey comfort and they have a seemingly endless menu of delicious warm drinks. With a menu featuring Indian and Pakistani dishes and their specially brewed chai tea, you could come back again and again without having the same thing twice.
Things to try at Remedy: samosas and a chai latteÂ
Parking:Â Remedy on 109th offers free parking behind the building, just register your vehicle when you come inside.Â
Little Brick Cafe and General Store
Located in the Riverdale community, Little Brick is a cozy cafe nestled in Edmonton’s river valley. This restored brick heritage house has firepits inside and out, creating the perfect atmosphere to escape a chilly winter day. Come here to enjoy their hearty brunch menu and browse the store while you catch up with old friends.Â
Things to try at Little Brick:Â roasted pear winter salad and the Riverdale sangria or baked french toast and a london fog.Â
Parking: neighborhood parking available
The Woodrack Cafe
The rustic charm and soft lighting of Woodrack Cafe creates an inviting space to sit down with a steaming mug of coffee in your hands. They pride themselves on their locally sourced ingredients and efforts to be environmentally friendly by ensuring compostable packaging. Woodrack is currently in the process of moving to a new location on 83 Avenue which I am sure will continue to be a great cozy space here in Edmonton.Â
Things to try at Woodrack: homemade banana bread with your coffee
Parking: residential or street parking
Whether you’re a YEG local or just visiting, a visit to one of these cafes should be on your list of things to do. After all, they are the best cafes in Edmonton! And if you’re looking for me this winter? You can find me in one of them with a book and a latte until the snow melts.Â