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Higher Ground
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1126 Kensington Rd NWCalgary, AB T2N 3P3
(403) 270-3780
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 11 pm
Fri 7 am - 12 am
Sat 8 am - 12 am
Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
51 reviews for Higher Ground
Review Highlights
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"Butternut Squash And Basil Bisque." In 3 reviews -
"...Ground is promoting a global vegetarian night, and based on..." In 5 reviews -
"Spiced Pumpkin Tart With Candied Pecans." In 3 reviews
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan J.
Edmonton, AB
3/25/2012
One of my favourite spots in Kensington to pop down and do some work or meet up with friends. The ambience gives off great vibes with loads of tables and chairs filled with people chatting or clicking away on their laptops.
The "dirty chai" is my favourite drink here: it's a chai latte with a shot of espresso, yum!
One piece of advice: the wifi is good and free but ain't the fastest so do your time sensitive work before comingListed in: YYC Coffee
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Review from Jackson C.
Calgary, AB
3/13/2012
One of my long time favorite coffee shops. Not for the coffee but for the Dublin Mist. It's similar to a London Fog but with Irish Cream. Irish breakfast tea, steamed milk, and Irish cream. The Dublin Mist is my go to non asian milky tea drink. Sooooooo good.
Their London Fog is very good as well but I pretty much always order the Dublin Mist over it. Sooooooooooo good. :)
Ever since the renos, the place has been a lot noisier and busy so we often get our drinks to go and wander Kensington or find a bench if it's not too cold outside. If you do happen to be there when it is more quiet, it is an awesome place to chat or read a magazine or such. Very warm and cozy. But don't be a poser and drink there just to be cool. :)
5 stars because it's the only place I can get this drink. -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
2/16/2012
Really, does Higher Ground need any more reviews? Definitely not, but I'm writing one anyway. I love fireplaces and a naturally bright atmosphere. As soon as I walked in for the first time yesterday, I was sold. It's a busy place with good energy, which I like. Lots of people were discussing business.
If you want to work here, good luck getting an adequate table. I had to grab a small one and ended up putting stuff all over the floor and on chairs. This is not necessarily a good place to spread out or have private conversations if you care about having enough space and/or privacy.
I tried the white hot chocolate beverage called Winterlust and even though I'm not normally a white chocolate fan, I thought it had a nice and mild, yet sweet enough taste and would order it again.
I don't often stop in Kensington but I'd not hesitate to return to Higher Ground. I prefer it to other coffee shops in the area. -
Review from Jenn D.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
On a calm, quite Friday night, I decided to head to Higher Ground to escape from "life". I didn't want to socalize with anyone this night but still wanted to be out in public with a good book and an upbeat vibe...and I found it at Higher Ground! I grabbed a nice warm americano, a delcious cookie, a seat by the window, and got knee deep in a good book. The place was about 80% full and exactly what I needed that night.
I read that this place does speciality themed nights such as vegan and vegetarian dinners, plus they have live music. Both of these ideas sound very interesting to me so I can't wait to try them out!
There is literally nothing to complain about at Higher Ground. It's like a sancturary of peace! Actually ok, only one complaint...the bathroom was a tad... icky... but I looked past it! -
Review from Mia T.
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
So many great reviews for Higher Ground..Why? Because its amazing. It has a lot of space, a fireplace, WIFI, and a casual vibe. They're even open late on weekdays (till 11pm) Tons of drinks on the menu, alcaholic and non, decent food, and they hold all kinds of events that involve the community. Even with its larger than usual size for a coffee shop, it manages to maintain a cozy feeling.
They tend to be busy pretty much ALL the time, so patience is needed when looking for a spot to sit. -
Review from Sarah B.
11/28/2011 ROTD 4/13/2012
I think, if I owned a coffee shop, that I would put electrical outlets every metre along the wall. Higher Ground could do with a few more. When the bar is full, there are only a few in the place.
If you get in here early enough in the evening (or late enough...), you'll find a lovely place to sit and drink/munch your faves from behind the counter. I've been here a few times (my husband and I even wrote our vows here because we didn't have interwebs at either of our houses!)
Anyway, pretty standard coffee shop - you won't be disappointed, but if you're just there on a regular night, you're not going to be carefully crafting a letter to the president about your experience.
If you live nearby, definitely make it a regular occurrence. -
Review from Dan D.
11/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have had a number of "downer" experiences at Higher Ground, and I think it's about time I voiced my feelings.
So many times I have visited, I have been met with an unwelcoming attitude of disdain. Any cordiality has felt forced and disingenuous.
I dunno, maybe it's something about ME that just doesn't fit in with the vibe here, but I always sense an attitude of condescension or resentment.
On my last visit, I noticed a check-in offer for a free drip coffee or tea and thought, "Y'know, maybe Higher Ground isn't so bad after all!"
I clicked "redeem" and headed to the counter.
The cashier, who met my request with an annoyed "smile," squinted to read the "coupon" on my mobile device and said "You can't use this. It's only for WEDNESDAYS [you idiot]!"
Okay, maybe she didn't say "you idiot," but still! C'mon!
It's a DRIP COFFEE or TEA!! That's basically flavoured water and you can't comp it just this once?!
Sorry to be such a negative nancy, but Higher Ground is such a nice space and location that it is a shame to me that there is not a "higher" standard of service and quality to go along with that.Listed in: Coffee, Coffee and ... COFFEE!
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Review from Sabahat N.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 11/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I took my boyfriend here last week. I had talked about this place and he wanted to check it out too.
Anyway, he had a cappuccino-ish fancy beverage and I had a rooibos tea. I love rooibos tea, so their little pot full of it so I could keep refilling my cup is genius. My boyfriend's coffee bevvy was good too.
But let's be honest here: the service is atrocious. I have been to Higher Ground a few times, and every single time the guy taking my order looks bored out of his mind, almost to the point that he looks like he's going to yell at you if you ask him something. They never even look at me when I'm ordering. If I do happen to ask questions, they look clearly annoyed.
I'm not asking for valet service here, but at least look at me when I'm ordering. Its pretty ridiculous how bad the service is honestly. You might as well just have a drive through and bark through the little microphone/speaker thing. But then we wouldnt get to sit down in the uber-buzzing cafe packed with students on their Macs, every one of them either mooching off of the S-bux internet or choosing to pay the $5/hour, somehow.
Ah Higher Ground. *shakes head*
10/301 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/14/2011
As much as I wanted to "love" Higher Ground, my last experience was not that remarkable.
I headed to… Read more »
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Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
10/30/2011
Awful awful awful. The coffee is awful. Ohhhh buuut they have a fire place, and some glass ceiling...it's so cozy! Fuck. It's awful. The "barista" said that she had "no clue" what type of beans they use as she "made" my espresso (with pre-grounded beans no less) through an automatic espresso machine. I'm not going to waste any more time going through this watery instant coffee tasting crap. If you want comparable coffee, go to Timothy's where you will save money as well.. For proper coffee in k town, hit up House.
Maybe in Grand Prairie this place would pass... -
Review from Mitch P.
Calgary, AB
1/11/2012 13 Check-ins Here
I love Higher Ground.
The place is always bustling and fully of energy.
Great location in trendy Kensington.
I like that it is upstairs so you can look out the windows and enjoy watching the world go by outside.
The food is always good.
I have yet to make it to their famous Wednesday night vegetarian dinner - it's on my list for this year for sure!
Great cookies and treats so make sure to walk there - lol
Go for the ginger creme cookie - you will be hooked.
I always have an Americano and it is always perfect.
My only very minor negative is that it needs a quick update/reno. (chairs and tables)
Otherwise, a totally cool space!
The staff are always nice and cheerful.
Higher Ground is my go-to place. Make it yours too. -
Review from Devon B.
Higher Ground- how I love the. Let me count the ways.
While most coffe shops at leat one glaring issue, Higher Ground seems to escape that trend. The food is all delicious. Simple, but delicious. No huge meals, but a large menu for a coffee shop.
The coffe is quality, and although I havent had all the beverages available, the price and quality of their coffe is hard to beat.
Best of all, it is spacious and not at all pretentious. The giant numbered spoons you place on your table to indicate to the server where to bring your order is a sign that they don't take themselves too seriously. the staff are friendly and fit the atmosphere incredibly well.
Needless to say I'm a fan. -
Review from Kenny M.
9/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Its a cool place for sure! Nice hangout joint after a good meal in hipsterville (Kensington) it's a got a cozy vibe and isn't super noisy. Real estate can be an issue when hipster students come here and "study" (Aka update their status on Facebook every five minutes) but it's usually fairly easy to find a table for a quartet.
The coffee? Mediocre at best. In my opinion you would have better luck getting a decent coffee at Sta... You know that cooperate Souless monster coffee place.
All in all I would come here if I am in kensington and need an after spot to chill at but I would never go out of my way for the mediocre coffee or dessert items which look better than they taste.Listed in: The coffee list to end all…
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Review from Wendy P.
10/7/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Higher Ground, you've officially fed me my first entirely vegan meal. And I'm happy to admit I haven't turned into a rabbit eating anti-meat fanatic. In fact, I feel quite full and content. I swear they knew what the weather would be before they posted the menu last week. Tonight we had squ-utternut ba... I mean butternut squash and basil bisque, vegan shepard's pie w/ red wine gravy and spiced pumpkin tart with candied pecans. It was a three course meal for $19.95!
The deal for Global Vegetarian Night: make a reso, space is limited and I'm pretty sure they don't do walk ins for the meal. Look for the table with your name on it. Claim it, then head up to the counter and pay for your meal (if you're going soon, don't forget to check in! They've got a check in deal for a free brewed coffee or tea with any 3 course Wednesday dinner purchase). Then crowd around your table with your wooden spoon number and wait for yumminess to come to you.
The only downfall is that the tables are a wee bit small to properly hold meals, teapots and mugs. But what are you gonna do? It's a coffee shop.... -
Review from Heather I.
Calgary, AB
11/7/2011
My usual HG experience takes place on Friday's when my co-worker is kind enough to pick up our weekly 'treat coffees' on his way into work. I always get the Cafe Calypso - basically a coconut latte. It works, it's different, my Friday is off to a good start. The smell or taste of coconut also transports me to the beach which is where I hope I'll be after the Friday night Lottomax draw.
Today I went to HG to play Scrabble with a friend and it was only ok. It was packed with tables filling every available space. If I wanted the delightful experience of strangers in my lap and uncomfortable seats I'd rather spend $300 flying economy to Vancouver.
I can see why it works for some, but today, it just lacked a certain coziness. Perhaps if I was in the mood for people watching, I would have liked it more. Though I did win at Scrabble so maybe I owe them another visit.
6/30 -
Review from Danelle W.
Calgary, AB
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Like Wendy, Tiffany and Sarah Louise, I attended a Global Vegetarian Night in October at Higher Ground. Unlike Wendy, Tiffany and Sarah Louise, my meal was NOT vegan as I had a coffee with my meal :s Oops. Which just means I need to go again, right??
This aside, the experience was great. We reserved ahead of time and the table was waiting for us. We were a little confused about the process to start but after asking the server, we were well on our way. The table was a little small at times for 4 of us but we managed to make it work.
The food was phenomenal. I wasn't sure what a vegan meal would be like and I was pleasantly surprised. For $20, definitely a great deal. Plus, there's a Yelp coupon with check-in at Higher Ground!
I had a specialty coffee, which was yummy - I need to try their more traditional drinks (Americano, Latte, etc).
I'll definitely be back.
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Review from Patricia M.
Edmonton, AB
10/5/2011
Higher Ground is in a perfect location with an amazing range of food and drink.
Good:
The environment is relaxed and the service is average.
The food is delicious. We had a butter-nut squash soup with a cheese sandwich along with mac & cheese. The portions were perfect and the quality of food was wonderful.
Bad:
The drinks were not as good as they could have been. They were good but the mocha was too watered down and the peach smoothie was was clumpy.
The price was above average but we prefer to pay more to support a local place.
Overall:
The perfect alternative to the green corporate chain (ahem ... Starbucks). -
Review from Cameron R.
Calgary, AB
2/21/2012
Coffee tastes like paint.
Nice atmosphere but too many minuses for how angry their coffee make me.
On my top ten list of reasons why Calgary will never achieve greatness. -
Review from Eric B.
Calgary, AB
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Higher Ground is usually a good place to go, have some food and watch people. We have found that it's not really a great place to work or try to have a conversation as it's usually it's packed back to back with people. But watching the hustle and bustle (and variety) of Kensington denizens this is the place to go.
The food is reasonable, and they put some twists on those coffees we all love - you know the ones that taste so good, but are so loaded with calories. I've never had stellar food there, and only a few times have had speciality coffees that I really liked. I would definitely say Higher Ground is a destination location rather than a culinary location.
But if we are in a hurry, or want a few quieter minutes we are sacrilegious and visit the Green Mermaid down the street. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 10/6/2011
Dear Dan,
Thank you for the delicious vegan noms you and your staff provide every Wednesday night. Last night, I was finally able to try them! I follow Higher Ground on twitter and salivate every week when the Global Vegetarian Night menu gets posted. Then cry a little when I check back again moments later and it's booked solid! But that also makes me happy, because it makes me realize just how open to new things Calgary really is. A full house for Veggie Nights in a Steak Town? Madness!
Last night, Sarah Louise, Wendy, Danelle and I got to try out a lovely three course menu that included:
Butternut Squash And Basil Bisque
Vegan Shepard's Pie With Red Wine Gravy
Spiced Pumpkin Tart With Candied Pecans
The soup was the perfect thing to start off with, as Calgary's fall weather is in full swing. I never have the patience to deal with Butternut Squash at home, so this was an awesome treat. Then the shepherd's pie came, and OMG that gravy. Who says you need gizzards and animal fat for gravy?! All you need is wine! My one lament is that the shepherd's pie didn't come with a little biscuit or some type of bread to sop up all the gravy on the bottom of the bowl. Instead, I attempted to scrape it up with my fork and watched as the other three ladies tried the same thing.
But the pièce de résistance was definitely the Spiced Pumpkin Tart. Oh man. If I could have that every day, I'd probably weigh 200 lbs. I almost hardly ever get to have Pumpkin Pie during Thanksgiving, because they always have eggs, so every bite was like savoring childhood memories. I'm not waxing dramatics, it was really that good.
I went home fat and fancy, a giant box of Yelp mints tucked under my arm and full of warm, happy feelings. Good food for under $20, good company; you can't ask for much more than that!
Thanks again!
- TiffanyListed in: F, F, D, HK, Delightful WPF, Calgary 1Ups
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2011
Went here after the GPS had me going in circles while trying to find a friend's house (wound up… Read more »
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Review from Alyssa A.
Calgary, AB
5/26/2011 ROTD 6/5/2011
This place always seems to be the place where I go to catch up with friends. I don't know why, but it's just a go to place for me. Actually let me correct that, I DO know why this is.
First of all I like that they serve their tea in those little metal pots, it's like your own personal tea pot, which they'll refill with hot water for those extended conversations.
Second of all, I feel like it's just an over all cozy place to be, especially on the abundance of chilly days we have in Calgary. If you're swift and quick enough to snag a seat by either side of the fire place then you're set, otherwise I prefer to sit in the nook of the windows and people watch if flying solo.
And lastly, it's my favourite place to play some cribbage with my boyfriend. It's relaxed atmosphere makes us feel like we're at home in a way, with no where to be and no reason to rush anywhere. The staff and its clientele compliment the Kensington area and help fulfill my dream of being a hippy.
Favourite drink: Banana Magic (half sweet and no whip when I'm being "good") -
Review from Angelo T.
5/4/2011 17 Check-ins Here
Anything I say will only reverberate the appreciation many previous reviewers have shared about this place. It really is Calgary's true COFFEE HOUSE.
I've been here on several occasions, either out with friends, dates, or the more frequent days when I need to study. Despite what appears to be a small place provides much opportunities to socialize as well as room to think and work. I like how theres no wasted space and even if I had to maneuver my way around people, I never had trouble finding a place to sit down. The scenery is just great and the vibe high ground has INSPIRES.
Oh yeah I forgot to say that their coffee and food are also great. In fact Higher Ground's americano always feels like a racing kick to the head every time I drink it. -
Review from Andrew D.
Calgary, AB
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
not too shabby...had the mini egg mocha which was delish since i do love my coffee oh so sweet. I would definitely like to try some of the other drinks and food on their massive chalk board menu.
I was just about to comment on the decor but for the life of me can't remember. (note to self: be more observant).
Other than that it was definitely a charming little place to hang out after a night gallivanting in Kensington. Also I don;t know how anyone can study here with people, such as myself, cackling away like hyenas. But I guess it is comforting to be close to a source of caffeine when pulling an all nighter cram sesh.
yeah........ -
Review from Peter A.
Ottawa, ON
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Calling this place a true coffee-house is accurate. Higher Ground is licensed, open-late, and serves a nice little menu. I would argue that it's not Calgary's only TRUE coffee house, because Kawa on 8th St is actually a much better option.
That said, I like Higher Ground, not least because of the free coffee I got there for checking in for the first time on Yelp. As for everything else, well, the coffee was pretty good. Honestly, I don't have the vast sensory capacity needed to differentiate between different roasts at different cafes around the city. The dessert fridge (is there an official name for such a fridge?) was pretty empty when I got there, around 9:00 pm, and what was in there obviously wasn't too fresh, but I seem to remember enjoying a delicious apricot cake or something. Once again, not nearly as good as the baked goods at Kawa, but still nice.
The place was a bit messy, probably because this seems to be a pretty popular hang-out place for the UofC residents of Kensington. Lots of study groups, and pretentiously existential conversations going on. Ah, the nostalgia. -
Review from Erin D.
2/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Mediocre coffee and sometimes disappointing service, like the time I ordered a cafe-au-lait and the surly counter girl snapped "You mean a latte?" to which I replied "No I mean a cafe-au-lait", which of course followed by me being served a latte.
I don't hate it, the space is beautiful and it can be a great place to study. I haven't tried any of the food there which always sounds really great. All in all, I prefer the Roasterie for this gentrified pocket of Calgary. The coffee is better there and the clientele is like a circus sideshow. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am updating my review in order to reflect upon my experience at Higher Ground's Global Vegetarian Night this past Wednesday!
I attended with Tiffany, Wendy, and Danielle, lovely company. Tiff has already listed the menu on her review but I feel inclined to do so again, mostly to keep myself on track. Over the course of the night, we enjoyed a bisque of butternut squash and basil, a vegan shepherd's pie in adorable ramekins w/red wine gravy, and a spiced pumpkin tart with candied pecans and coconut creme.
I have to confess, I LOATHE soups that are mostly just blended yams, squash, carrots, etc. I find them too sweet, and a soup cop-out. My preference lies within hearty soups with flavourful broths and all the chunks of vegetables I can shake my disgruntled old lady fist at. However, the soup tonight at Global Vegetarian proved that a butternut bisque could be rather enjoyable if prepared with care, and I actually ended up finishing the whole bowl!
The vegan shepherds pie was pretty delicious, especially the gravy and potatoes on top. I do agree with Tiffany about all of the gravy at the bottom- but ended up appreciating the lack of bread, as by this point I was already soooo full.
Between our main course and dessert, I managed to sneak over to the counter and get a free pot of Organic Darjeeling by checking into Higher Ground on the Yelp App. This is a really awesome option, and I'd like to thank Higher Ground for offering this.
As I returned to the table our tarts turned up, and the presentation was dead perfect for a coffeehouse. At this point I wish I would have had a spoon as opposed to a fork to include the coconut creme (which was really more just delicious coconut milk at the bottom of the bowl) in every bite, but I certainly managed. This was absolutely delicious. I love pumpkin everything in the autumn, and this little tart was no exception!
This was more food than I ever eat in one sitting, and I was so full and satisfied, I could barely move. Examining the menus for the next few vegetarian Wednesdays, I wish I could make it to one every week.Listed in: vegan friendly in calgary, tea (and coffee) list
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/24/2011
I dig Higher Ground. While the coffee isn't completely remarkable, the loose leaf teas can be beat… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany N.
9/22/2010
I spent the better part of a day in Higher Ground and while I'm usually nervous to do this in coffee shops because I don't particularly like dirty looks from baristas I had a most enjoyable time here. Everyone was so friendly and no one minded that we stayed for coffee, then breakfast, then more coffee, then lunch, and ended our day with another coffee. In fact they even started a tab for us to do so!
As I mentioned I had both breakfast and lunch - a yogurt parfait and then a veggie wrap. Both were tasty as was the coffee so I can't imagine picking a better spot to get some studying or work done, or just to hang out and enjoy a cup of java.Listed in: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Review from Sam F.
Calgary, AB
4/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like to get to Higher Ground...especially if there is flooding 'round.
Har Har
It's a treat to get to Higher Ground; each time I have gone I have left satisfied and looking forward to the next visit.
The raspberry mocha, which is actually called something else (can't remember what) is my favorite! The only downside is that the place is always busy and people like to sit and chat in the inviting atmosphere, so getting a table can be a bit iffy sometimes.
All and all this is a great place for a delicious coffee treat! -
Review from Joanna F.
12/28/2010
My favourite coffee shop in Calgary! I started going here in university and then it became my local hangout when I moved to Kensington.
This place has an amazing atmosphere, comfy seats, well-spaced tables, toasty-warm fireplaces and terrific drinks. They make a great London Fog and my best friend nicknamed The Great Divide (espresso, hot chocolate & raspberry) the 'Better than Sex Drink'. They also have a monthly drink which is usually more than worthwhile if you try it! The desserts are routinely great, but I haven't had much of the food - what I've tried is decent but a bit too expensive for my budget. The staff is a good bunch as well and really friendly and helpful (and really apologetic every time they have to kick you out when you're still there past closing).
This is an absolutely terrific place to hang out with friends in evening over a cup of coffee, tea or wine, and it makes a great meet-up point at the beginning of a night out or road trip (it's amazing how much you can sweeten up your driver with a Higher Ground coffee or hot chocolate).
Although I've gone several times to work on projects with people, but I've always preferred to use it just as a relaxation place. It can get noisy when invaded by students, but at most times is a mellow place to chill out and enjoy a good book or a good conversation with friends.
This is definitely a place all Calgarians should check out at least once! -
Review from Ernest B.
Calgary, AB
8/29/2010
One of my favorite places in Calgary to do a bit of work in outside of the office. Environment and the atmosphere is great and since they expanded the seating area recently, there's lots of room as well with comfy seating.
It's a great place to meet, for either business or hanging out. As for beverages and food, I find the selection more then adequate for a coffee shop and have had great lunch there more then once.
In regards to an internet connection, if you sit in the East corner of the place, you can catch great reception from the Starbucks a couple of doors down. Other then that, there is a free wireless router you can connect to. With that said though, i find the connection a bit lossy sometimes and tend to tether from my iPhone anyways.
Overall, great place to meet and do some work in. For some of you, parking can be an issue.Listed in: My other office is...
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Review from T R.
Cochrane, AB
5/18/2011
as a comfortable place to hang out for a while, it is okay -- but crowded. The real issue here is the lousy coffee. It tastes to me like coffee flavoured water (even the espresso). For serious coffee go to Kava or Phil and Sebastians.
The other problem with the place is that it can get very crowded and noisy. The free wifi and computer hookups allow people to hang around for a long time -- which means it can be hard to get a table.
I used to come here but it has lost its allure. -
Review from Harry V.
Edmonton, AB
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is what independent cafes should aspire to. The building is really cool and in a prime location. Inside you'll find a very homely atmosphere, fun and friendly staff, and lot's of nice corners to sink into. The menu is diverse and plentiful. Whatever you're feeling you can probably find it here. I could tell that the ingredients were fresh and well prepared. If there was something they could improve upon, it would be to open a location in Edmonton so I can have a deserving go-to spot.
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Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
7/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
As a self professed internet junkie, it is sometimes hard to go to coffee shops and just enjoy a great cup of coffee.
The Higher Ground is that place.
They do have wifi, but it will cost you. And really, who pays for the internet nowadays? The Higher Ground also has a docking station for laptops if you are desperate, but plugging in your computer just to get internet? Embarrassing.
So when I want to do some reading, catching up with a friend or just enjoy some pretty solid people watching, I always head to The Higher Ground first!
If that isn't convincing enough, they also serve wine and beer! How can you not love that? -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/26/2009
As a local coffee shop to meet up in, I love Higher Ground. It is open late, the complex drinks are sweet and delicious and most of the staff is pretty cool. It's fun to have chats with them when they aren't crazy busy, and they are usually happy to help. The selection of cheesecakes that they offer is super delicious and the other goodies are pretty tasty too.
So why the three stars? Well, Higher Ground has a few problems. One of the biggest is seating. It is always super packed, and if you come in with more than two other people you are basically required to spread out and wait until you can grab a table.
The coffee is good, but the lines are long and the wait for your drink is longer so there is no point in taking your coffee to go. There are places with better, cheaper coffee and shorter lines if that is what you're truly searching for. Basically, the Higher Ground encourages people to sit and chat and stay as long as possible. I'm all for hunkering down in a coffee shop, but the lack of places to sit gets really frustrating.
I love the atmosphere so I peek my head in to check to see if we can grab a spot. But, I'm sick of having to pounce the moment a table becomes available, so more often than not you'll find me resting elsewhere after my Kensington experience. -
Review from Queenie M.
Calgary, AB
9/4/2010
Food: ?? (never tried)
Atmosphere: 5/5
Service: 3/5
Overall experience: 3/5
(1- Terrible; 3- decent; 5- Fantastic)
To be honest, I'm not into the whole hanging out at coffee shops, paying for overpriced coffee and pastries, etc. My first time here was for a club meeting after one of the execs mentioned we should check this place out.
It's been awhile so let's see what I can remember about the food and drinks... The coffee and tea was a little too expensive for me; then again i'm kinda cheap when it comes to buying hot beverages haha). I remember getting one of their green teas which came in a nice individual teapot. I love green tea and it's mediocre here - the typical stuff you can get at other places. One of the other execs got a hot chocolate which was topped with a large portion of whipped cream and he said it was great (it certainly looked delicious). I didn't try the food, but there is a variety of unique things to try and the prices are typical of coffee shops (baked goods at around $3, sandwiches/paninis/ soups and salads at about $7-$9).
Overall, I wouldn't come back here unless I'm close to the area and want to catch up with an old friend (i'm a moderate coffee drinker). However, I suggest a visit for anyone who does enjoy sitting around with a nice cup of coffee/tea or a nice place to hang out. The environment is very casual and chill, wonderful place to go and chat with a friend, do some work, or read a book, etc.. There are nice comfy couches and small tables scattered around, and seems like 'the' local hangout. -
Review from Greg S.
Fonthill, ON
9/29/2009
So, I'm wandering through a strange town, desperately needing three things: food, wifi access, and a place to recharge my trusty notebook's battery. (I guess you could say we both needed feeding.) I see Higher Ground. Works for me. The stations just inside the door were all plugged up, unfortunately. (Not every seat, nor every plug, was full, but the people who were there rather inconsiderately spread out their possessions to take up as much room as possible.) No matter: I found a table near a plug in the wall, and it was all good.
The sandwich I had was surprisingly good, although it didn't come with any extras to make it a full meal. (Fries would probably have violated somebody's religious sensibilities, but surely they could have managed a salad, or a pickle, or something.) I'm not a coffee drinker, but the green tea was definitely better than I've found in most places.
Most importantly, the place wasn't crowded, or noisy, and the staff were friendly without being pushy. I could see myself getting to like this place. If I ever go back to Calgary. -
Review from Gabe A.
4/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nightcap to a very Irish night after carousing at Molly Malones. I had heard much hoopla about the place, and forgoing my usual coffeehouse test of ordering a latte, I got a Dublin Fog (Irish breakfast, vanilla, something else). I was not unsatisfied, it had good flavor. Kat, Kyla and Ken (or the KKK as they were on this night) all ordered different pastries, and all were very rich. A little nibble nearly sent you into a sugar struggle. The atmosphere was cozy, with lots of people on laptops and headphones, either studying for finals or writing the next Infinite Jest. A decent location that I wouldn't go out of my way to revisit, though I haven't tried the food, and Kat tells me that her experience with it was quite good.
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Review from Elle C.
5/10/2010
Higher ground is an awesome hang out spot. Things I love about HG:
Open late
Cozy cabin atmosphere
Noise levels are relatively low so you can have conversations with the person across from you
Great lattes, even better teas
**Free internet** although I connect wifi through starbucks
Chill counter service
Good food, great price and good portions
Massive cork board at the back with lots of community events notices
Easily a regular hang out spot, plus there's plenty of parking in the area. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 2/3/2010 3 photos
I haven't returned to this cafe until just recently and my friend who took me for coffee today is in fact friends with the new manager Dan.
Let me just say that Higher Ground has gone through more than renovations, the menu has changed, the portions as well as the ambience.
There is now another area where the patio used to be for sitting under a bright atrium ceiling, there are lit fireplaces and uber comfy lounge chairs giving this place a much homier feel and radically alleviating the line up problem.
I had a great chicken pita sandwich here accompanied with a delicious cauliflower soap at under 11 which was a far bigger and more tantalising meal than the last one I got here.
Service was really hospitable and warm today too and all in all I have now added two more stars to my rating. Kudos to Dan and Higher Ground for the reno improvements all around.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2009
I was invited to meet a friend I hadn't seen for many years and she suggested Higher Ground for our… Read more »
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Review from Lesli K.
Calgary, AB
10/3/2008
This is a central place to meet up with someone for a drink in Kensington. It's in a great location to do some shopping or to go after watching a movie at the Plaza Theatre across Kensington Road.
The coffee served is fair trade and organic, so that's a plus. Go for breakfast and try the Breakfast sandwich - ham, eggs, cheese, it goes good with an organic americano.
They serve wine, too. (Maybe not for breakfast...) -
Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/10/2009
Open til midnight on weekends! That's worth 4 stars alone.
Higher Ground is a fave. I've been here on dates, to meet friends for chat, to play chess, after ever Zombie Walk, to do some writing, to work on my laptop. I almost always order the Nut 'n' Honey Espresso with extra hazelnut. I loved when they had giant latte cups. Getting the wingback chairs near the fireplaces is the ultimate goal. Always get a good view of the door to scope on the incomers. I've had their breakfast burrito. It's not bad for a coffee house. They often have original art. They have a great newsletter. And the location? Well, who doesn't love the ever-charming Kensington. On a snowy night, it's a delight to sit in the window with a warm latte and watch the snow fall on the lit trees.
Though HG has recently undergone some reno's to expand their seating, they are in dire need of recovering their chairs. They're starting to look a bit ghetto. It's ok tho HG. I'd never break up with you.
