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| - #140
My friend, Steven N., calls it hipster (and I guess it is though my version of hipster is likened to the J.J. Bean chain in Vancouver which he probably knows about since he is from Vancouver). Even with all its alleged hipsterness, it's still an old school coffee shop to me. It's the decor that reminds me of a couple of places I went to in Amsterdam and Brussels. See Rebecca C.'s and Ryan H.'s reviews for great shots of the interior.
I cannot think of why I have not reviewed it before now; I am there enough. It is like my 2nd home (tied with Kensington's Higher Ground despite the fact this was the first coffee shop I visited when I moved to Calgary in 2012). I remember discovering Analog Coffee accidently in 2012 February during a (sunny) heatwave (it was in the -20's °C) as I walking from London Drugs on 8th along the 17th Ave SW side of Tomkins Park (which at the time, I did not know its name). I assumed it was a record store (you know, that place where that those round black circles are sold). So, you can imagine my surprise when I find it's a coffee shop with fresh baked goods.
I remember my first mocha there; large, warm, and chocolaty; just like the my last mocha there (two days ago) (and the God knows how many in between). My 2nd drink of choice is usually hot tea. They have a nice selection of sandwiches and such but my weakness (and staple) is the cookies, especially the peanut butter cookies since I am like the only one it seems not allergic to nuts (that is why I usually get two). Apparently, the Sidewalk Citizen Bakery had supplied Analog with its bakery goods (I found this out because another friend, Wanda B., had left that info in a tip (now, I have to go that soon)). I think now the goods from Corbeaux. You can also get a glass of water if your tea or coffee is too hot (that's located in the back of the shop).
It's a small corner shop that, weather permitting, does have some tables and chairs outside (people watching).
The shop, facing south towards Tomkins Park [(between 17th Ave SW (east), 16 1/2 Ave SW (west), 8th St SW (south), 7th St SW (north)] and the Public Toilet (on 7th St SW) and east across the street towards BMO and Shoppers Drug Mart,
attracts all kinds of patrons from all walks of life and apparently, all over the world. It is not uncommon to French, German, and Russian conversations and throw in some Chinese.
While you are there, try to get a window seat on the Tomkins Park side (7th St SW) (because like the Tomkins Park, this is a great area for (more) people watching). If the coffe shop is too busy, you can try the Corbeaux Bakehouse which is a couple of doors down (also owned by Analog Coffee) which has an outdoor patio, weather permitting, as well as windows seats (even more people watching). On any given evening, it is pretty crowded as many of us bring our computers and tablets and work, so electrical outlets can be at a premium. There is free wi-fi as many other reviewers and tippers have pointed out. The music varies from late 60's and well, apparently, anything. It's never a dull moment and in the summer, they are open an extra hour to midnight. As Wanda B. also mentioned, there is another one at Calgary Farmer's Market (the one off of Blackfoot near 77th, not far from IKEA and Costco in the south).
The staff are always nice, friendly, with a sense of humour, and if you are recognized as a regular, they often tell you of new drinks or food they think you might fancy. Add to that, even Car2Go gives you a 10% discount Monday to Thursday (as long as you show your membership card); how cool is that?! I have been begging Analog to put one in Deerfoot Mall (or Deerfoot City as it wants to be known now; it would go great with the Cabela's, if they ever finish that).
Parking in the area is free after 6pm and from 6pm Friday to 8am Monday as well as holidays but that being said, that part of 17th Ave SW is always busy! You can park on the side streets or a couple of blocks away. Best bet would be take a taxi or take a walk down 17th Ave SW!
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