The Colombian Coffee Bar & Roastery- Glenora — Restaurant in Edmonton

To many of us, coffee is life... That first cup in the morning is heavenly, and for some of us, can make the day better.

"Born and raised in Colombia, Santiago was surrounded by coffee culture and hardworking farmers. Fast forward to today, Santiago's family now owns a coffee farm of their own and asked if he would bring the family coffee to the Canadian coffee connoisseur. He went one step further and together with his partner in crime, Kristin, threw himself into the world of coffee. Multiple trips to Colombia to tour farms, and to meet the producers and the families who pick the coffee, inspired Santiago and Kristin to start a micro coffee roastery right at home in Alberta!"

This project has been one of passion for this couple. They have had a lot of roadblocks that they have had to overcome to bring YEG their family's best. Previously only available at farmers markets, handmade shows and through their website, they now have a brick and mortar shop with "Vi's For Pies" as their neighbour.

Santiago and Kristin are warm and inviting and will teach you everything that there is to know about coffee. From the growing of the beans, to managing to get the beans shipped back to Canada, and to the whole roasting experience. Quite a lot of work goes into your morning cup of coffee!

The coffee is grown ethically/fair trade; the surrounding farms think that the Santa Rita Farm in Colombia has got a great thing going. Happy farmers means a great product.

Santiago loves his beans, and it shows! He will proudly show you the different types of beans that come in for roasting and how each one is different. The aromas that were in the air during my visit were heavenly.

I was surprised by how short a roasting session actually was. It was only a few minutes!

Technology does take its effect on roasting as well. Temperature, humidity, outdoor weather and many other factors go into how the end result will taste. And the taste...

The Santa Rita Colombian roast is my favourite so far. I normally like anything from Ethiopia because of the complex flavours that the beans can present. The Santa Rita is bright and flavourful, and will make you want a second cup!

I am beyond thrilled to be able to grab a latte made with some of the best beans I have ever had the pleasure...

I try to support local and had not heard of this coffee shop so decided to try it The space is quite inviting however my experience was a complete disappointment I ordered hot chocolate It was barely warm. The most frustrating thing for me was when I asked for a receipt I was told that they refuse to provide a printed receipt. They would only provide a text or email receipt. I said I prefer a printed receipt - she refused to provide one I am not interested in giving my personal information just to get a receipt. I don't know if it is even legal for a restaurant owner to refuse a written receipt. I will be checking with revenue Canada as I need receipts for tax purposes I am ok if the owner is a tree hugger in their personal life but I am not ok for them to impose their position on me As a customer, I should be able to get the receipt in the form that works best for me. I do a lot of business coffee meetings and was hoping that I could find a mom and pop shop in the area I will need to keep looking as I can't support this establishment Most...

You like coffee? This place is the best in the city.

Scratch that—best in the province.

Scratch that! dare I say—best in Canada? Seriously.

My wife and I have lived in 4 different provinces and routinely travel to many urban hubs in Canada and have been part of too many coffee subscriptions to count. We LOVE coffee. Usually Toronto has the best offerings—simply because of volume—but...read on.

I have no idea what frickin’ secret sauce these folks use to roast their beans—but it sure works. It’s ruined us. I could gargle any one of their fine varietals. Everything else tastes like brown swill now —as I shake my hands in the air (...oh except maybe Rogue Wave and the occasional transcend).

I am sure the mochas, cappuccinos, and whatever puffed up liquids are equally delicious, but bottom line: this places does coffee better than any place I could imagine. I have no financial stake in this company—but maybe I should get one! Bravo...