Maybe the best endorsement an Edmontonian can give Credo is this: It might just be the worst place in the city to meet for coffee. Why? Because, no matter what time you set for your meeting, whether it be early morning, mid afternoon, or near the end of the day, it’s a crapshoot if you’ll be able to find a table. That’s because Credo has a steady lineup for its coffee and coffee-related offerings. And, despite the bustle, its customers stay loyal to the 104th Street hotspot. Proof? Roast, which opened in the Mercer Warehouse, has vacated its premises. It simply couldn’t crack Credo’s domination of the 104th strip. Credo serves Intelligentsia Coffee; the fair-trade harvester provides a wide variety of quality blends, but the real art is in how the coffee is prepared. Credo’s attention to detail means that every cup of cappuccino, espresso or Americano is created slowly, and that every drip matters. As well, the selection of fresh-baked muffins and cookies makes for some truly decadent additions to the coffee break. That’s why the lineups are so long. That’s why it’s hard to find a table. And that’s why 104th Street belongs to Credo. -Steven Sandor
10134 104 St., 780-761-3744, credocoffee.ca
Duchess is known for its desserts –The National Post once wrote that it could possibly be the best patisserie in Canada – but the owners also know their coffee. Using a specialty roast developed by Matchstick Coffee Roasters out of Vancouver, Duchess aims to provide coffee that complements its pastries. “Developing the roast was a lengthy process whereby we would taste-test, and then request something different and they’d keep going back to the drawing board,” says Duchess co-owner Garner Beggs. It’s a blend that Beggs says is accessible and enjoyable for most people. And a visit to Duchess is a testament to its popularity – the spacious sitting area is often full of coffee-drinkers enjoying a latte paired with a pastry. -Caroline Barlott
10718 124 St., 780-488-4999, duchessbakeshop.com
Its name references royalty, and there is no question why – the desserts would be at home at Buckingham Palace’s high tea. The coconut macaroons are sweet, fluffy mountains, crafted with egg whites. There are also intense chocolate brownies. A moist brownie centre is covered with Valrhona dark chocolate ganache, meant for serious chocolate lovers only. Those who prefer sour to sweet will enjoy the lemon coconut squares, made with freshly squeezed lemon juice. No visit is complete without one of the cafe’s vanilla almond milk lattes. The whole bean vanilla syrup is made in-house, meaning it’s not too sweet. Dauphine is the perfect place to socialize, especially with friends who envy the Duchess of Cambridge. -Sydnee Bryant
10129 104 St., 780-421-4410,
