Bohemian Beans

Sometimes enjoying a cup of coffee is all about the experience. You would be lucky to find a cafe where experience and quality are both substantial, but that's exactly what The Roasterie is all about. Quality coffee and a unique experience.

The Roasterie is located in the heart of Kensington and has been a fixture in the surrounding community for the past 21 years.

Walking up to the shop is daunting for some. On a beautiful autumn day, the benches in front of the cafe and the adjoining plaza are filled with dogs, gutter punks, musicians and various eccentrics. The Roasterie is the perfect hang out for all types of people and a great place to people watch if you don't mind walking through clouds of marijuana smoke to get in the front door.

The Roasterie has a small seating area inside, so it is best to nab a stool around the giant coffee roaster or take your coffee to go. For easy access for to-go beverages, The Roasterie has a side window along the street that you can order from. The interior is always filled with local art and a whole bunch of retro coffee grinders.

The service at The Roasterie is beyond phenomenal. There are only a few employees so chances are you will get to know some of them if you make The Roasterie part of your regular stomping grounds. The baristas are beyond friendly. They are willing to share almost anything with a customer to provoke a few laughs or to make the atmosphere a little more relaxed.

And the most important thing, the espresso is to die for. It is perfectly creamy and smooth. I would recommend getting an Americano and adding some molasses brown sugar in it to for some more magic. If you are looking for a vanilla latte, this is not the place, as they do not have special syrups. Just the basics. The Roasterie roasts all of their beans in house, so on particular afternoons, coffee wafts through the air in Sunnyside. They also sell beans and have a large variety to pick out of if you would like to try something a little different.

The Roasterie is one of the most welcoming and accepting shops in town. Dogs are welcome and fawned over outside and inside. The owner and employees encourage local arts and culture which makes The Roasterie the perfect Bohemian coffee haven.

The Roasterie is located at 314-10 St. NW, Calgary, AB. For more information call (403) 270-3304 ‎or visit The Roasterie Facebook page here.