Little Brick — Restaurant in Edmonton

Feels like this place is running out of fuel.

I’ve been coming here for years now. More than I can count really. Seen so many transitions happen. Been to events in the evening…ate many brunches, probably had too many coffees, you name it. It’s been a staple and go to spot in my life. It’s a cute little historical home in the middle of a cute neighbourhood so there are many draws to it. Within the past year or two I have noticed another transition, and unfortunately it’s not a good one. I’ve slowly watched the quality slip away…in every regard. Cleanliness. Customer service. Food. Coffee. Surroundings. It’s like this place is on the back burner. Perhaps because the focus has shifted to their other businesses? (Dogpatch and Bread & Butter) I’m not entirely sure…what I do know is that it doesn’t feel like there is a professional running this business anymore. It feels like the parents have left and the kids have taken over. The customer service is mediocre. For example, just the past two times I have been in…the first, a group of three girls behind the counter gossiping as we step inside, not directing their attention towards us, or greeting us, but continuing their conversation until we did the awkward “mhmm” throat clear. The second was a barista on her own, completely unorganized with horrible time management skills, taking over ten minutes to get to me (one person in front of me) and disappearing to the kitchen for another 5 once it was my time to order. (I understand if you have a lot going on, but if that’s the case communicating with a customer is so necessary and helpful). Cleanliness is down the tubes. Stained surfaces, collecting dust, spider webs, food spatter. Broken down couches. Definitely doesn’t look or feel like a deep clean has happened in years. If there is enough time for three staff members to stand around gossiping, there is time to clean. The coffee has been inconsistent as well, within the last year of me coming in I have not had a single coffee taste the same way. The only consistency is overly extracted (bitter) espresso and overly steeped milk (Burn your face off). The food is trying, but it’s average. It lacks imagination and flair..a menu you can easily find somewhere else. Little Brick has gone from one of my top choice…bring your friends, don’t want to go anywhere else spots, to the bottom...

This place is cute, has history, tons of outdoor sitting and is a quaint find in the quiet neighborhood of Riverdale. Parking was surprisingly available right in front, but I was there at 10:15, and the place quickly filled.

The food is good, great ingredients, properly executed and plated. I had the eggs Benny which was reasonable @$15, and my brekkie mate had the scramble platter, which came with two thick slices of toast. His appeared to be better priced at $19, but he added sausage and with two coffees (mine a salted caramel latte) the price quickly shot up. That can happen in finer fair eateries-which this is.

Downsides - this is not a coffee refill place, and I am not asking them to be, which is why I had the special latte. I knew this when paying for our food first and quickly doing the morning math. There are other fine breakfast establishmentsr that do not offer refills (I just don’t frequent them).

Enough on the coffee. In viewing my Benny (as I slowly stretched my eating pace) my brekmate mentioned “they could have gave you a hash brown” alluding to a smaller plate. We laughed a little and had I took the time to view the menu more closely, I would have seen that “extras” are a la carte (I did say the Benny was priced “reasonable”).

I am sure that this will not hurt their business though, the crowd overall appears well to do. If you are a trucker looking for a hearty breakfast and refills on the coffee, this place is not for you, stick to outer roads and stops in the city. Your ride will likely not fit in the neighborhood anyway.

All in all, this was a special treat and a very special...

Nestled in the heart of Edmonton's river valley, Little Brick is a cozy and visually stunning café that offers a unique and welcoming ambiance. With a delightful combination of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, this café is a true hidden gem that captures the essence of a perfect hangout spot.

Upon stepping inside, I was immediately captivated by the enchanting atmosphere that Little Brick exudes. The eclectic furnishings, exposed brick walls, and warm lighting create an inviting and comforting environment that makes you want to settle in and savor the moment. The outside patio is equally enchanting and a wonderful hangout place for those with furry friends.

One of the highlights of my visit to Little Brick was their delectable bagel and London fog. The bagel was freshly baked, boasting a perfectly chewy texture and a golden, slightly crispy crust. It was topped with a generous amount of flavorful cream cheese, satisfying every bite. The London fog, a classic British beverage, was expertly crafted with a harmonious blend of velvety steamed milk, aromatic Earl Grey tea, and a hint of vanilla, creating a comforting and soothing experience.

While the food and drink at Little Brick were undeniably delightful, one minor disappointment was the limited availability of pastries. I arrived a few hours after opening, only to find that all of the pastries had already sold out. It would have been wonderful to have a wider selection to pair with my beverages. However, this does demonstrate the popularity of their pastries, indicating their quality and...