Butter Block & Co.
Seats: 22 in café and 4 in bakery viewing room
Outlets: 8 in café and 3 in bakery viewing room
On the menu: Freshly baked pastries
Follow the smell of freshly baked pastries down the hallways of the Devenish Building to Butter Block & Co., a cheerful space serving coffee from Canmore’s Eclipse Coffee Roasters and incredibly flaky pastries made in the bakery (complete with a viewing room) across the hall. Indulge in double-baked sesame croissants, chocolate banana bread pudding, sausage and kimchi Danishes, Portuguese egg tarts and more.
Suite 111, 908 17 Ave. S.W., butterblockyyc.com
Alforno Eau Claire
Seats: 60 inside, 25 outside
On the menu: Everything from brunch to dinner, plus desserts and baked goods
This local bakery and café chain has eight locations across Calgary, but its original Eau Claire location is the biggest in both size and number of food offerings thanks to its in-house kitchen. Along with an Italian-inspired coffee program, the chef-driven menu includes brunch dishes like berry chai French toast, pizza and pasta for lunch and dinner, and a variety of house-made pastries. Enjoy it all in the skylight-filled space near the Bow River.
222 7 St. S.W., 403-454-0308, alforno.ca
Alenn Sandwich & Coffee
Seats: 57
Outlets: 12
On the menu: Made-to-order sandwiches and both classic and creative coffee drinks
Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite with a friend or a spot to relax with coffee and a book, this Varsity café strikes just the right balance. Classic coffee drinks are complemented by more creative offerings like the iced chocolate cream banana coffee cloud or hazelnut honeybush tea latte. And along with pastries and other snacks, there are 14 made-to-order sandwich options ranging from a BLT breakfast sandwich to the popular turkey cranberry brie.
120, 5403 Crowchild Tr. N.W., 587-317-2791, alennsandwichcoffee.com