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Insomnia Coffee Company
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 7 am - 5 pm
Thu-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Insomnia Coffee Company
Review Highlights
16 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Insomnia has beautiful architecture. It is also a great place to sit and avoid work on a chillyTuesday afternoon, and sit at a table enjoying a latte reading Leonard Cohen and pretending to write something insightful. If you're lucky, you can also catch the conversation of some downtown working folk about how much of a turn off tattoos are, and then roll up your sleeves if you happen to have some yourself, and make them uncomfortable.
There are all sorts of types that come into this central, downtown coffeeshop, but Insomnia's hours reflect that they cater mostly to the 9-5 crowd. Which is fine. By mid afternoon they seem to be a little less busy, but there is still a consistent flow of customers moving in and out.
I very much enjoyed what it is referred to as a "red tea" latte with soy milk while here avoiding work the other day, but two things drive me crazy about "red tea espresso" (which I am actually just going to ramble about for a second, this won't affect my overall rating of Insomnia):
a) This is just Rooibos, and having a "red tea" americano is pointless when you could just brew the rooibos in boiling water for 5-10 minutes like you should.
b) Every coffee shop (not just Insomnia) really needs to learn to call this something else, because Rooibos is not even a tea, but a tisane. There, I SAID IT.
The staff are great, the owner is kind, and they have wireless internet. Longer hours would make this cafe perfect for me, as I don't always like being out at the same time as the suits.
(16/30) -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
4/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Insomnia is a great spot for a good cup of coffee on Stephen Ave.
Nice and relaxed and kind staff. -
Review from Marc K.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good coffee in a hard to find place when you arrive from the +15.
Need to try more coffee variations in the near future... -
Review from Mia T.
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I read the good reviews for Insomnia on yelp and decided to check it out after waiting in line forever at the passport office. It's an small, odd shaped cafe, with large windows looking out to Macleod. I didn't see the "suits" that have been mentioned, even though it was a Friday at lunch, but what struck me as interesting was the four people who worked there were all guys.
Anyway, I ordered a cappuccino and a sandwich. They dont have the list of what kinds of sandwiches they offer, so one of the guys named them out. Placed my order and had my drink within 5 minutes, but had to wait another 10 for a sandwich that looked like it could have been slapped together in a few seconds. I had the veg&goat cheese grilled sandwich. It was alright, but I could've gone somewhere else close by to get something more substantial for 9 dollars. The cappuccino was awesome. It was made to sip right away, no need for sugar to tone down bitterness, which can sometimes happen if not made properly.
All in all, i didnt find this shop very cozy. not a bad spot if you're in the area, but I can't say I'd make the effort to go back. -
Review from Miss J.
Calgary, AB
11/10/2011
I've visited Insomnia countless times because it's the closest coffee place near my work. I find some of their coffee a bit strong, but now know what I like and dislike there. They also have red tea americanos which are a great alternative when I'm wanting something a little lighter.
Their baking is great. Before I went gluten-free, I was addicted to their scones. They bake up some g-free cookies once in a while, which are decent. I've also tried their paninis - my favourite was the pulled pork with coleslaw.
They always have daily soups which are normally quite filling and tasty, although once in a while they miss the mark and they're bland and lacking protein. -
Review from Wendy P.
8/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Tucked into the corner of the EPCOR Centre, and right across from City Hall, you'll find a little coffee shop called Insomnia. With nice big windows on two sides, a cozy number of tables, and a coffee and food offering adequate for a mid-morning or afternoon snack, or a light lunch, Insomnia's a great place to meet a friend for a gab, or hunker down with your laptop for an hour or two.
The counter top with stools along the front window work well if you're hanging out by yourself, or grab a table. You'll find plugins along the west wall.
The staff are friendly, the coffee's good, my only complaint is that the last couple of times, the wifi hasn't been working. This has happened to me at a couple of other coffee shops as well, so I'm not sure if it's my computer, or their networks. At any rate, something to double check when you're in. -
Review from Kait K.
Calgary, AB
I decided to try out Insomnia Coffee Company because it was one of the cafes listed on the YYC Disloyalty Card and it was located not too far from my work. On first impression, Insomnia has a great downtown location and is located in an absolutely beautiful building and space. Huge loft ceilings, comfy seating, and friendly staff.
They had freshly baked Peanut Butter Cookies and they were Gluten-Free! Incredible! It is pretty rare to come across any sort of GF baked good in the downtown area so I was majorly impressed. The cookie even had a delicious glob of strawberry jam on the top, making it PB&J!
The coffee was great too. I just had a regular Americano and it was perfect -- but that also has to do with the barista because I know he has worked in some of Calgary's top coffee shops already.
All around great place to go for a business meeting or to hang out before hitting the theatre.Listed in: Coffee Addiction, Gluten-Free YYC
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Review from Geoff B.
Strathmore, AB
I love Insomnia. I went back here again and was treated to more great customer service and another fantastic drink. The fact that they broadcast on Twitter what baking and soup they're serving that day just goes to show how committed they are to their customers.
Don't pass by Insomnia without stopping in for a drink/soup/whatever.Listed in: Calgary and area, Creme de la crema Calgary
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2010
Imagine a beautiful cafe with massive windows on two walls and loads of artwork on the other two.… Read more »
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Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
4/8/2010
This morning I felt like death. I forced myself through my regular morning workout but then needed to sit for a bit. I happened to be passing by Insomnia and it looked like the perfect place for a breather.
I REALLY like the atmosphere of this place. Contemporary, cool and clean, Insomnia had me impressed the minute I walked through the door. Their snacks looked delicious (I didn't have one because I was high enough off them gym endorphins) but I can tell you firsthand that their drinks ARE delicious. Their coffee is fresh, potent and perfectly brewed, and the service was excellent.
This morning it wasn't too busy (I was there right when they opened though), so I took full advantage of leisurely drinkin' my cup o' joe.
I still don't feel 100% but thanks to Insomnia, I do feel much better.
Thanks Guys! -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 1/6/2010 5 photos
I have returned to this coffee house several times after writing my past review to see how things were faring since my initial visit. I purposely did this with intervals of time between visits with the hopes of better customer service and a cleaner condiment station.
Well let me just say I have been thoroughly convinced that Insomnia has woken up and smelt the coffee because the staff on every occasion have been both attentive and friendly. And the coffee shop has been spotless!
My drinks of choice have been perfect and now I could really take in the spectacular views of the park, the Christmas trees and the amazing archetectural design of the place.
Today I met the owner Shelly who is so nice and was extremely pleasant to talk to. According to her, Insomnia is the only one of its kind but with the aspiration of perhaps opening other locations.
This place has definetly won me over and perhaps I will have the pleasure of visiting it's newer incarnations.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/22/2009
Don't expect to stay up nights thinking about the spectacular service and cleanliness standards in… Read more »
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Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2009
Insomnia serves up some of the best coffee I've ever had...anywhere. This place just recently opened up and has a deal with an excellent roaster and is the only place in Calgary serving this specific coffee.
The cafe has an cozy yet modern atmosphere on the cool 8th ave. In addition to the the best coffee anywhere, they also have the best cupcakes I've had in my life...no joke! When I was here, I tried out the Oreo cupcakes and it was a religious experience. Please give this place a try! -
Review from Colin S.
Calgary, AB
4/9/2010
It's great to stop into a little coffee shop that always has the same friendly staff. I realized I forgot my wallet after ordering this morning and the cashier didn't hesitate for a second to say "this one was on us".
Insomnia is good people! -
Review from Ryan T.
Last Monday had a beautiful Americano at Insomnia. Wherever they are sourcing their blend of beans, it made for a very flavorful coffee drink. The next morning, my last day in Calgary, I had to come back again, this time trying the non-caffeinated alternative of the "red" Americano (made with rooibos tea) along with blueberry and cinnamon apple muffins. I really enjoyed rather large pieces of apple in the muffin--so much flavor, and the apple kept the whole thing quite moist.
Visiting Calgary within the first two weeks of July, it was inevitable that I would experience Stampede without even going to the fair grounds, to some extent, and even a bit odd to this Californian see many Stampeders in full regalia stopping in for a cup at this establishment (which was also in full Stampede decor along with the country music tunes. Nevertheless, what compelling evidence demonstrating how deep the Calgary culture runs.
Also not to be forgotten is the strong wifi here--I was able to sit here and do a few things online in those two mornings I visited. Great location next to the EPCOR Centre, among other downtown venues. Good service as well--I'm missing my visit to Calgary for more personal reasons, but Insomnia has added to these. Hopefully a visit for me again soon. -
Review from Lonnie T.
3/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice decor, lots of natural light and free wifi. The tea selection is decent. Good launch pad into other things around the core.
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Review from John M.
Calgary, AB
7/31/2009
This place oozes atmosphere in a gorgeous remodel of a historic storefront on Olympic Plaza with coffee and treats to match. They brew Fratello's Competition Blend Espresso, the first cafe to offer this one regularly, and french press single-origins as well as the delight of single-origin toddy brewed iced cofffees. Great people, space, coffee!
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Review from Ann C.
Calgary, AB
10/25/2009
I love this place. I stop by for my chai and muffin every day. Sometimes twice a day. The staff is super friendly and always greets me with a smile. I have told all my friends about this fabulous spot and not a one has been disappointed. My only complaint is they are not open Sundays - so I can't get my fix then. Oh well - Monday to Saturday will have to do.
