The Java Jibe; Looking for Great Ottawa Coffee Houses

A guest article from Ask Around member Michael Di Lauro

Given that I work from a home office, I often sorely need a change of scene. Not only during those dreary winter months when cabin-fever strikes and the outdoors are just too uninviting, but even more so now, in the late spring, when trees are blossoming and the animal kingdom (including we, the human race) is enjoying a renaissance of sorts. I don’t know, maybe there’s something about the nature of spring that makes me want to head out and share it with others.

And so, it’s at times like this that I take my briefcase, stuff it with the necessary documents and the de rigeur laptop, and head off for a coffee house. And not just any coffee shop, mind you. No, what I’m describing is a café with the right mix of comfort, music and, of course, excellent coffee. What I’m after is the whole package; the environment; the atmosphere; the java jibe as it were.

And while, for most people, just about any multi-national, franchised, corporate outlet could fit the bill, I usually find that there's an extra measure of personality and ambiance in those small, independent locales that seem to be sprouting up all over Ottawa. Maybe it’s just me, but the joy of discovering a previously unknown gem of a place—with great coffee, good music and just the right measure of subdued surrounding conversation—inspires me to settle in, fire up the laptop and stay for a while. A long while.

So, if you’re looking for a comfortable place to idle away a few hours, read on for just four examples of my favourite coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for someplace to meet a friend, finish up that report, or finally start working on your memoirs, I’m sure you’ll be pleased with any of the shops listed below. And, if you’ve got a fab place of your own, then please don’t do anything else until you tell us about it.

Steamers Coffee House 3570 Strandherd Drive.
Something of a tried and true staple, tucked away at its own end of a quiet strip mall in Barrhaven, Steamers serves up its assorted coffees with an accompaniment of wonderful jazz music. When you go, head for the back where you’ll find comfortable chairs to go along with that café latté.

Bridgehead Coffee
Not exactly unknown and not exactly small, Bridgehead, nonetheless, offers up some mighty tasty java. You’ll find them scattered throughout the greater Ottawa area and the ones I’ve frequented have all provided a warm, welcoming environment. But still, my favourite is at 1172 Bank Street (near Grove). Great coffee, great environment and great staff. What more could you want?

Two Monkeys Coffee & Tea House Cedarview Square at Strandherd and Cedarview
Only recently opened, my wife and I just happened upon this shop one morning after a lengthy walk. We had a bagel and a wonderful Caffè Americano (with exactly the right amount of froth), we chatted with the co-owner (whose name I unfortunately forgot), and then resumed our morning stroll. If you’re a parent with young tykes, head to the back where a play area and lots of toys await you. If there are no wee ones accompanying you, grab a seat at the front of the shop and you’ll not even notice the buzz going on back there.

The Bohemian Kitchen 39 Robertson Road.
In business for maybe a year, this is, as of this writing (I know, I know, call me fickle), my favourite spot. Fantastic coffee, nice surroundings and a pleasant, hospitable hostess with a great sense of humour all make for a rewarding coffee experience. Don’t forget to have a peek at the artwork that’s for sale too.

So there you go, four coffee houses and four wonderful experiences. And remember, if you know of a great undiscovered café, let us know. Sharing is a good thing.
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Michael Di Lauro, when not lurking in coffee houses, is an Ottawa-based QuickBooks advisor, trainer and writer. He’s just completed his soon to be published first novel The Net Present Value of Life and you can find out more by visiting www.dilauro.ca or by following his tweets at www.twitter.com/MichaelDiLauro

Find the locations for all Michaels favourite coffee houses here:  Where is your favourite; let us know; leave a comment.

Comments

[faraz]

Hey, I also work from a home office and I also really need a change of scene too. actually I desperately need a change of scene. Most of the times, I just kind of feel depressed just being alone with a laptop.

The bad part is that I dont have such coffee shops near my place. Therefore, when I require a change of scene, I just go and play some tennis at my club.
it helps lift my spirits.
Anyways, nice idea for a blog.

Faraz

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there are so many coffee houses but the Ottawa is the best in that particular area , i invited you to go to this coffee house and to drink this great coffee.

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I agree with you by not going to a corporate locations as they lack personality.

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Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one