ENJOY LOCAL COFFEE, CAUTIOUSLY
There is no shortage of excellent coffee in Cochrane. Our town is full of cafés that brew cup after cup that is often sourced and roasted by the very companies serving it. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a change of scenery to sit with your laptop, these cafés are all worth spending some time in.
With restaurants, cafés and bars cautiously reopening, many are open only at half capacity and observing stringent sanitation protocols. Always check online to confirm opening days and hours.
Much more than a coffee shop, the http://czechinthekitchen.com/2014/11/30/vanocka-czech-christmas-sweetbread/ Hub Café and Wine offers plenty to eat, and is also a great place to hang out and have a hot drink. The bright and spacious interior is a relaxing spot to enjoy a full range of espresso drinks, drip coffee, specialty tea, Saturday morning enchiladas, gelato and plenty of snacks and light bites.
Ernesto tells us that he is excited to reopen but knows it will be a slow return to normal. He pivoted the Hub’s business model to meet the needs of his clients during the pandemic lockdown. “I noticed that many isolated seniors and those who were self-quarantining needed a hand with day-to-day errands,“ explained Ernesto. “To keep busy and be a good neighbour, I was ready to serve clients by completing grocery shopping, errands and pharmacy delivery.”
Ernesto will stop his delivery service on May 25 however, when the Hub Café and Wine will reopen at half capacity, Mon-Sat 8am-5pm (closed Sun). Freshly-baked bread and buns will be available for takeaway.
A local community hub, buy the stars lyrics Good Earth is a top spot for physically distant meet-ups. It’s spacious and comfortable, the coffee is expertly brewed and food (quick meals like paninis, flatbread and soup) hits the spot. Owner Gisella tells us that they have an app so customers can order pickup or delivery. They have opened with limited seating Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-4pm (closed Mondays).
One of Cochrane’s best known coffee brands, Cochrane Coffee Traders set the bar for what a cool, rustic café could be in town. Coffee Traders makes distinctive tasting coffee that they roast themselves. Fresh beans are available for delivery along with their melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon buns. Cochrane Coffee Traders is open with limited seating inside and on their patio.
Mezzo Caffe is a fun and lively place in the commercial plaza in Fireside. The coffee — espresso drinks reign, obviously — is rich and satisfying and cappuccino and Americano drinkers can also order from the shop’s deli or a pizza from PZA for added sustenance. Mezzo is now open at half capacity and sister shops Pza Parlour and The Stump are offering takeout and delivery.
Guy’s Café and Bakery is the place for great food, specialty coffee, a full meal or a delectable treat. Guy’s is known for his extensive selection of sandwiches and soups and since the beginning of the pandemic, he has been offering weekly takeaway dinner specials. Guy’s is open daily for takeout, curbside pickup and delivery.
You probably know Cuore Di Mamma for their Italian deli and pizza kits, but this independent locally owned coffee shop also stands out for making authentic Italian cappuccino. Stop by after 2:30pm for this special taste of Italy. Why not add some freshly-prepared tiramisu to complete the experience? Check their Facebook page for store opening and pickup hours.
In a hurry? You can also pick up a fresh brew at one of the chains. Starbucks, Tim Hortons, A&W, McDonalds all have their drive-through windows open. The Gentry Espresso & Wine Bar is currently closed, but is looking forward to reopening soon!
