By Mark Hamilton
When juggling one’s Stampede obligations, it’s easy to forget to schedule in sleep amongst the pancake breakfasts, work parties, and Midway riding. Thankfully Tim Horton’s isn’t the only coffee peddler operating across Calgary to provide the necessary caffeine jolt to keep one’s tanks full through to the end of the fest. Here are the best spots to refuel your energy reserves to get back up on the Zipper for another go.
Analog
Analog is Calgary’s hipster haven café right on 17th Avenue, perfectly placed to start the day with a caffeine injection – and open late enough to return for a refuel. Handy access to 17th’s bars and restaurants mark Analog as the perfect Stampede waypoint.
740 17 Ave. SW, fratellocoffee.com/analog-coffee
Phil & Sebastian
As Calgary’s resident homegrown coffee masters, Phil and Sebastian’s beans have made a reputation for themselves as far afield as Montréal’s hipster hot spot cafes. With a choice location in Mission, P&S is the perfect place to stop before heading back to the Stampede grounds. The carefully-curated selection of booze on the menu means getting the party re-started after your last drop of espresso – without even leaving your seat.
2207 4 St. SW, philsebastian.com
Caffe Beano
A coffee fiend institution, the drinkers at Beano take their caffeine absorption seriously. The active seating right out front is always worth an eavesdrop, and the large lush lawn across the street is the perfect place to stretch out.
1613 9 St. SW, caffebeano.ca
Gravity
If you want more of a break from Stampede madness, head further afield across the railway tracks into Inglewood, one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods. Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar offers expertly made java, a selective wine list, and tempting snacks. In the same building as the Esker Foundation gallery, you can enjoy one of the city’s finest art locales while you rejuvenate.
909 10 St. SE, cafegravity.com
Blackfoot Truckstop Diner
Last but certainly not least, the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner is one of Calgary’s most beloved spots, recently celebrating it’s 60th year. Founded by Edna Taylor — there’s a window painting in her honour following her death in 2011 — it’s deservedly famous not only for its 24 hour fresh-brew coffee, but for the customers and staff who keep the place busy all hours of the night. If Calgary were the setting for a 1970s sitcom, it would most likely take place here. Best of all, the coffee here is fantastic, especially when coupled with a massive towering slice of pie.
1840 9 Ave. SE, blackfootdiner.ca
