Perched on the northwest fringes of Edmonton, the charming city of St. Albert, Alberta, boasts a vibrant coffee culture that has been brewing steadily for years. With a rich history woven with arts, culture, and community spirit, it's no wonder that St. Albert residents have a keen appreciation for high-quality coffee and the inviting spaces where they can enjoy a cup or two. The coffee scene in St. Albert is characterized by independent local businesses offering a blend of global coffee traditions and local Alberta flavours. From quaint cafés that double as social hubs to trendy coffee shops where you can work in peace, there's a spot for every kind of coffee enthusiast.
How We Selected the Coffee Shops
We've based our selection on the following criteria:
- Quality of their coffee: We gave preference to coffee shops that source high-quality beans and brew their coffee with exceptional care.
- Online customer reviews: We looked at what people are saying about these shops online.
- Online customer ratings: Shops with higher ratings got preference.
- Environment of the space: We factored in whether the shop has a conducive environment for work or socializing.
In this article, we shine a spotlight on the top coffee shop in St. Albert - La Crema Caffee. Known for their locally made coffee and tea, this popular spot offers a variety of sweet and savory treats to complement your beverage of choice. With free parking provided, it's a hassle-free destination for both locals and visitors.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
La Crema Caffe
La Crema Caffee is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering an array of delights from delicious lunches to satisfying coffee concoctions. La Crema Caffee has a relaxing and chill vibe, perfect for sipping your favorite drink, reading a book, or catching up with friends. The cute decor, big windows, and art from local artists create a warm and inviting atmosphere that's praised by regulars.
Whether you're a coffee lover or a food enthusiast, La Crema has something for everyone. Coffee choices range from London Fog to cappuccino and mocha, all receiving high marks for taste and presentation. The flavor of the coffee shines through, and the larger cup size is a definite plus. Their food menu is equally impressive. From the homey and flavorful blueberry muffin to the delectable quiche, sub, and Caesar salad, the options are both scrumptious and satisfying. The mocha and croissant sandwich is a favorite for many, and the gluten-free options ensure that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy their time at La Crema.
Situated near a public library, cool boutique shops, and a trail perfect for walking, running, or biking, La Crema's location is ideal for a relaxing day out. During the summer, the patio becomes a big hit, and the Saturday farmers market right in front adds to the appeal. Plus, the 2-hour free parking is a handy perk that's worth noting.
La Crema Caffee isn't just a place for a quick coffee grab; it's a destination to enjoy a leisurely meal, soak in the vibrant ambiance, and connect with the local community. Whether you're going in for an early cappuccino or indulging in a leisurely lunch, you won't hesitate to go again. It's a great place that comes highly recommended for anyone looking for quality food, refreshing drinks, and a dose of local charm.
Good Earth Coffeehouse
Good Earth Coffeehouse, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, is known for its exceptional coffee sourced from Costa Rica’s Central Valley, showcasing seasonal roasts like Naranjo. They commit to sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices. The coffeehouse recently expanded into partnership with Indigo, a leading book and lifestyle retailer in Canada, opening their first outlet in Calgary's Indigo location in November 2022. The move aligns Good Earth’s community-based approach and quality offerings with Indigo's customer base. Good Earth invites successful business individuals and groups interested in multi-unit franchising to seize market opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. For caffeine lovers, Good Earth offers gift cards, which can be checked at any location and online if you're a rewards member. Customers are also encouraged to give feedback to help enhance the coffeehouse’s services.
Whisk Bakeshop & Coffeehouse
Whisk Bakeshop & Coffeehouse is a popular spot nestled in the heart of St. Albert, providing a relaxed environment for a quick coffee run or a cosy meet-up with friends. This local place is unique, serving locally made Roasti Coffee and tea from The Tea Girl. Their menu doesn't stop at beverages, turning out a variety of sweet and savoury treats daily from their kitchen - think fresh pastries, their in-house sweetline cakes, delicious cupcakes, and much more. They are known for their ever-changing variety of pastries and generously filled showcases.
Their drink menu is quite extensive with options for London Fog, Mint fog, Matcha latte, and a range of tea and coffee that you can customize with your choice of milk, including whole, 1% fat, almond, and oat. There's also an array of sandwiches available, which feature options like Focaccia Panini Sandwiches and a selection of croissant sandwiches.
Additionally, Whisk offers free parking across three lots and also street parking, ensuring a hassle-free visit for those intending to stay a bit, enjoy their coffee or food. If you're on the go, you can also order their baked goods to take home - a perfect reminder of this charming place.
Italian Bakery's Mercato
Salisbury at Enjoy
It seems the reviews provided are specifically related to floral services at Salisbury/Enjoy, focusing on experiences with planter courses and wedding floral arrangements. Since there's no mention of coffee or café-related services, I'm unable to provide a traditional coffee shop review. However, I can summarize the exceptional experiences described in the provided reviews:
Planter Course Experience:Lana at Salisbury/Enjoy offers a phenomenal planter course that stands as a highlight for those seeking to expand their knowledge in gardening and planting. Her insightful, friendly, and knowledgeable approach made the experience delightful, especially as a Mother's Day treat. Those who have attended her course are likely to come back for more, praising Lana's expertise.
Wedding Floral Services:Ashley's floral team at Salisbury/Enjoy is a go-to choice for couples planning their wedding. From bridal party flowers to arch and table bud vases, their creativity, flexibility, and kindness have impressed customers. The 2023 wedding that featured the Wildflower florals is a testimony to their exceptional service, with adaptability to changed plans and careful selection of flowers that withstand July heat. The team's commitment to visiting the venue ahead and making the wedding unforgettable garners the highest of recommendations.
Final Thoughts:Although information about coffee or café services is lacking, the reviews indicate that Salisbury/Enjoy provides extraordinary floral services, whether for personal learning or special occasions like weddings. Their expertise, creativity, and customer-centric approach make them a preferred choice for those in need of exquisite floral designs and guidance.
If you're looking for something beyond coffee and are interested in floral experiences, Salisbury/Enjoy appears to be an excellent option. If more details about the coffee shop aspect of Salisbury/Enjoy become available, I'll be happy to include them in a more comprehensive review.
Fun Facts About St. Albert
As the second largest city in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, St. Albert, Alberta, is rich in history and teeming with life. Initially, it was a Métis community and now it is home to a population of more than 66,000 residents. Among its notable historical facts are:
- It was founded by Father Albert Lacombe, a French-Canadian Roman Catholic priest, back in 1861.
- It was incorporated as a village in 1899 and later as a town in 1904.
- It's often referred to as "The Botanical Arts City" due to its commitment to building and maintaining green spaces.
- The city has been recognized as one of the best places to live in Canada, based on its low crime rate, affluent economy, and superb community services.
Espresso, Latte, and History
St. Albert's love affair with coffee dates back to the early settlers' times when warm beverages provided a comforting respite from harsh winter days. Over time, coffee consumption evolved from a survival strategy to a social and cultural tradition.
This city now boasts a vibrant coffee scene, where coffee shops aren't just places to grab a quick caffeine fix but a setting for community bonding, intellectual exchanges, and artistic performances. St. Albert's coffee culture is deeply intertwined with its commitment to arts, community, and history, resulting in an experience that’s not just about the coffee, but the atmosphere and camaraderie.
St. Albert's Coffee Hotspots
Every corner of St. Albert is brimming with places that serve great coffee and even better ambiance. Here are some popular areas where locals and visitors converge for a delightful cup of joe:
- Downtown St. Albert: Known for its picturesque streets lined with unique shops and eateries.
- Perron District: Home to several cozy cafés and the renowned St. Albert Farmers' Market.
- Erin Ridge: A bustling neighborhood with a variety of dining options, including coffee shops.
- Grandin: A historic neighborhood, with coffee shops that offer a charming blend of old and new.
The Last Drop: Wrapping Up
Immersing in St. Albert's coffee scene isn't just about savoring delicious brews. It's about enjoying a community experience steeped in tradition and unity. So next time you're in St. Albert, don't just take a tour of the city. Experience its coffee culture.
Meet the expert
Amélie has a dual Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Literature. She wrote a Master's Thesis on the importance of blending scientific knowledge with the arts to create a healthier culture. She also has a Bachelor of Education and has been teaching Biology and Language Arts since 2016. She is happily addicted to coffee and constantly learning.
