All coffee aficionados will love the local Edmonton coffee roaster, Ace Coffee Roasters. Their beans are used in most local coffee shops. When you walk in here, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Edmonton anymore.
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 2pm. Friday – Sunday: 8am – 4pm. Check their Instagram for opening hours updates.
The Vibe:
Located near Edmonton’s trendy Whyte Avenue, in the historic area of Old Strathcona, the crowd reflects the neighbourhood—mostly hip young artists and tech types. But since it’s a little out of the way, it’s location is a bit more peaceful than the sometimes crowded and buzzing popular street. Although parking can still be difficult in this area, you are bound to eventually get a free parking spot either on the same street or adjacent.
Included in their new space is a dedicated retail area for Caffe Tech, a shop boasting my dream coffee machine plus others from commercial to residential options.
The Coffee:
The coffee is excellent. The beans are roasted on site and are used in cafes across the city such as Lock Stock and Coffee Bureau (both on Jasper Avenue); Pip (off Whyte Avenue). All their coffee is served using organic milk from Rock Ridge Dairy.
You can take their beans home too! We often purchased the classic espresso No. 2 and loved being able to drink it at home. They’re also currently working on an eco-friendly way to implement an optional “bag-free” program for purchasing their beans that we’re so impressed with.
The Food:
The coffee is the main attraction here, but they do offer a small selection of doughnuts - one recent addition that is vegan! Unfortunately, there is nothing on offer for those needing something gluten-free.
The Location:
Who do you think would most enjoy a stop at Ace?
Locals who already enjoy coffee at hotspots like Lock Stock, Coffee Bureau, Pip and Wilfred's will enjoy Ace too, since they serve Ace at those local cafes. For travellers that need a good cup of coffee, and would prefer to skip the chains, I'd make the trek and visit it while on Whyte Avenue.
Read: Our Top 10 list of Coffee Shops in Edmonton.