Whether you’ve been using Covid as an excuse to avoid getting back into the dating game for the past year and half, or Covid put your dating life through the ringer and you’re back on the market, it’s probably time to start getting back into it. They say it’s like riding a bike, but really it can feel more like riding a unicycle. With a flat tire and no pedals. But – you got this!
To make things a little easier, and so you can spend more time focussing on who you’ll be going on these dates with than where; Here is a very helpful list of our favourite local cafes for first dates.
1. Analog Coffee
17th Ave SW + Mahogany
Located right on 17th ave, this is a Calgary staple! Their coffee is hot – the vibes are just as hot with the bustling downtown street and the vinyl tunes.
2. Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
East Village
Come for the coffee, but stay for the insanely delicious baked goods and house-made food! Grab a coffee from Phil and Sebastian and stroll by the river, or take a seat and enjoy their all day breakfast or sourdough sandwiches.
3. Higher Ground Cafe
Kensington
Kensington is a perfect location for a first date! Start with a coffee, or amazing tea misto and baked treat at Higher Ground for the initial vetting process. Their cafe is the perfect balance of cozy and casual. Just make sure you get there a few minutes early if you are hoping to sit down with your date – spots fill up quick! If your date passes the initial first impression, there are many other locations and activities in the neighbourhood to extend the date!
4. A-OK Cafe
Chinook Mall
A-OK is located right in Chinook mall, and is as picturesque as Instagram says. We know you’re already there for your mid-shop caffeine hit, so why not squeeze a little first date action in there as well?
5. Neighbour Coffee
Marda Loop
If you are familiar with the deliciousness of Our Daily Brett and Actually Pretty Good, then you already know this cafe brought to you from the same team is about to be your new go-to. Sit down for a quick latte, or bask in the sun while enjoying their delish menu. Regardless of what you pick, you won’t go home fully disappointed, even if the date doesn’t go quite as you had maybe hoped it would.
6. Purple Perk
Mission
Purple Perk has a first date staple in Calgary since 2005! They are located right in mission, just a couple blocks from the river! They have an amazing beverage and food menu for both the quick coffee date to assess your initial conversation compatibility, or a longer ‘sit back and share a dessert’ type of date.
7. Gravity Espresso + Wine Bar
Inglewood
Whether you are craving a hot cup of joe, or a glass of buttery chardonnay, this is the place for your first date. Live music, yummy treats, casual vibes and in dreamy Inglewood? Need I say more?
8. Vendome Cafe
Kensington
This is another location that is a dreamy cafe moonlighting as a chic cocktail lounge. Perfect for a yummy latte to-go, or a seat in the window with a fresh pastry, the vibes are romantic and the people-watching is stellar. Just what you need for a successful first date setting.
9. Calgary Heritage Roasting Company
Ramsay
Want a casual first date in a historic building, where you can sip on some coffee that’s been roasted in the same building? Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. is making waves in the Calgary coffee scene, so you do not want to sleep on this gem. Plus, they often have sweet treats, including Ritual Doughnuts. Yes please.
10. Mari Bakeshop
East Village
Mari Bakeshop is a beautiful French-meets-Japanese inspired bakery and cafe. Their choux are unreal, as are their rollcakes, breads, sandwiches and tarts. Everything is almost too stunning to eat, but everything tastes too good to not. They are moving to a new location soon, which is bound to be just as beautiful as one can imagine.
11. Deville
9 Locations across YYC
With 9 locations in Calgary and counting, Deville is a must-try Calgarian cafe, especially for a first date. They are starting to spread the love by expanding to BC and soon – Edmonton! Their coffee is great – hot, iced or blended, the baked treats are delicious, and the Nutella latte is a must.
Been to all these local cafes? Or coffee dates really aren’t your thing? Check out our list of 17 fun first date ideas that will spark some excitement and connection – here!
