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Three Bananas Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Three Bananas Cafe
Review Highlights
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"...bit of room and a summer patio overlooking Churchill Square." In 8 reviews -
"...a high ceiling and floor to ceiling windows which make it..." In 3 reviews -
"I also indulged in one of your paninis." In 4 reviews
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Lara O.
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Americanos here are so good! I also love free wifi and cheap delicious breakfast! I had the breakfast sandwich on a bagel which was fresh and tasty and very resaonably priced! The service was good, nice clean place!
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Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
3/22/2012
I hate to be the guy that ruins Three Bananas' sterling Yelputation, but I have to be. This review is not of Three Bananas as a place which serves coffee, but as a lunch spot, at which it failed today.
To start it off, the woman at the counter wasn't especially adept at taking our order. I was with Sarah and her Auntie Jill. All three of us ordered, but when it came time to pay, the woman at the counter forgot to include Sarah's order until I reminded her. This was an omen of things to come.
My Ham and Brie Panini was the first item to disappoint. While the flavor profile was good, the brie didn't melt. And to top it off, the top of my sandwich appeared to be the top of a ciabatta roll, but the crusty side was facing the sandwich filling, rather than appearing up top. It was like they had run out of their normal panini bread and had to make do with something else.
But the most disappointing aspect was that Sarah had ordered a Veggie Quesadilla. Only after eating one full wedge of her quesadilla did she realize that the restaurant had prepared a chicken quesadilla for her. This is unacceptable. As Sarah has been a vegetarian for almost 20 years, it's tough to know how her stomach will react to meat. And during our labourious ordering process, Sarah stated she wanted the Vegetarian Quesadilla at least three times.
As Sarah and her Auntie needed to get back to the office, Three Bananas kindly gave us a refund, but I don't think we'll be heading back here for lunch. Perhaps I'll give it another try for coffee. -
Review from Ngina K.
Edmonton, AB
9/15/2011
(an open letter)
Dear Three Bananas Cafe:
When I first walked in the door to your lovely little space, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was on my way to the library with a group of kids and feeling a bit run down (the usual afternoon blues, I think). I just knew I wanted coffee and I wanted it now. Upon the suggestion of a friend, I popped in.
The vanilla latte I then ordered proceeded to blow my mind. Being the smoothest tasting concoction my taste buds have ever encountered, I cannot get it off my mind and keep meaning to go in for another just as mindblowing experience.
In other words, I'm in love with your espresso. Keep doing what you do best.
I also indulged in one of your paninis. Also excellent, but I enjoyed the coffee more.
Warm and caffeine-filled regards,
Ngina -
Review from Lea A.
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place. As a freelancer, it's one of my go-to places to work remotely or have client meetings. Why? It's literally just outside the Churchill LRT station entrance, smack dab in the middle of downtown, so it's incredibly accessible for a car-deprived person like me. I also like the glass walls, where I can discreetly or blatantly, people watch as they wander around Churchill Square.
Also: they have great large group tables where I can comfortably place my laptop and other items while still having room for one of their great paninis (I often order anything with proscuitto and cheese) or pizzettes (a baby flatbread pizza). And, then there's still enough room to have a client chat with you on the same table -- the noise level is also decent that we actually can HAVE that meeting properly.
I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't comment on their cappucinos, but I do enjoy their green tea.
Service is swift and friendly. And best of all: Free (and FAST!) wi-fi!
The only thing I don't like is that I have to ask for a bathroom key; kinda like asking permission to go to the bathroom in school which is a bit annoying. Also, the reality is it IS downtown, so that's possibly why the key exists, and you may be inclined to have... er... interesting patrons walk in that the barristas try to shoo away. Whatever. It's downtown.
I also wish there were more spaces to plug in the laptop; currently, I have to always make sure I sit at the back of the cafe by the window where I know they have a power bar.
Still, Three Bananas Cafe is a solid spot for a internet warrior such as myself. :) -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
2/22/2011 5 Check-ins Here
My soy latte was quite the nice steamy and frothy concoction. It came out quickly and I settled into one of the cozy oversized arm chairs and pulled out my laptop to rock out some caffeine-fueled yelping. It wasn't too busy - 9 AM-ish on a Friday morning - so I scored a seat near a plug-in (one of few at this cafe).
Sipped the coffee, opened my laptop, and bam - no internet. I restarted, turned my airport off and on, restarted again. No luck. The staff kindly reset their router for me, still nothing. I had some internet-free work to do, but not much, so I gulped the java and jetted outta there.
I'll be back for a hot coffee or cold treat next time I'm at a festival in Churchill Square or passing by, but I'll wait until the wireless is fixed before making it a sit-in spot. -
Review from Aditya R.
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times now and haven't really had a bad experience. It's a lovely cafe with quite a bit of room and a summer patio overlooking Churchill Square. They serve up some awesome coffee, either Intelligentsia beans or Transcend beans being the source. Both those sources are certainly a very high standard. Nice latte art work, nice ambience, lovely artsy three bananas sign.
While there's the ever so slight touristy feel to it, that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially since Edmonton doesn't have the largest tourist pull to it. I've had a panini just once out here and I enjoyed it quite a bit. They try to serve up something modern, semi-authentic yet delicious. I believe they serve pastas as well, but haven't tried them. Quite a few teas are available for the tea drinker.
The ambience is very nice, though I find that their music needn't be as loud as it should be. Furniture is comfortable but not necessarily cozy. You need a key to get into the washroom - another touristy thing, I feel. Good cafe overall. Decent food, good coffee, interesting creations of drinks and a few italian sodas are available too. Worth coming here to get some work done, given that they have free wifi. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you're thinking of hunkering down for any length of time, this is a great spot. Large windows fill the space with daylight. Tables (high tops, four tops and loungy chairs) give social gatherings or solo workerbees a choice for their cabooses. Plugs might be on the stingier side, the only one I could find was in the farthest corner, but the plush arm chair it was tucked in front of made it a primo place.
I didn't think I'd love the Italian Wedding Soup that was the daily feature as much as I did... but woot woot! It was good. And the strawberry smoothie blended with rooibis tea was very berry indeed. Big points on the coffee front: they brew Intelligenista beans, one of my faves.
Three cheers for three bananas, and why don't we just throw in a barrel full of monkeys for fun!Listed in: Where to Eat in Edmonton
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Review from Bridget C.
Edmonton, AB
This is one of my favorite cafes in the city, and my must-go-to spot on a rainy day. Across the street from the library, I regularly settle in to one of Three Banana's chairs to read after picking up my usual rounds of books. It's a perfect location, and the glass walls are my favorite to peer through when it's pouring outside. Their lattes are big & delicious, and food isn't bad either -- actually, the pizza is pretty amazing! Unfortunately they stop serving breakfast in the morning, which doesn't really cater to my unmotivated days when I don't make my rounds to the library & coffee shop until mid-afternoon. Nevertheless, the staff is always there to cheer me. Friendly & gracious, and excellent baristas, I love visiting Three Bananas as one of Edmonton's gems as far as local businesses go!
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Review from Paula K.
10/27/2008
I adore the coffee here. It has a rich, deep flavour that I have rarely experienced elsewhere. The lattes (both hot and iced) are excellent. The coffee itself is freshly brewed and also delicious.
For light meals or snacks, Three Bananas is ideal if you are strolling around the Churchill Square area. There is a variety of cakes and pastries - I recently had a fresh granola bar that was bursting with fruit and nuts. You can also get grilled panini sandwiches and personal-sized pizzas.
The coffee here is Direct Trade, which ensures that farmers are paid a fair price for their product. The cafe is large and spacious, bright, and has WiFi. After picking up a book at the Milner Library right across the street, this is an ideal place to relax and do some reading. -
Review from Kerri W.
Banff, AB
10/18/2008 3 photos
Barrist-ific! The cappuccino served here is a piece of art!
Three Bananas is located right in Sir Winston Churchill Square, directly across the street from the downtown public library. They serve Intelligentsia coffee which is Direct Trade (meaning strict guidelines for ensuring the coffee farmers are paid fairly for producing the best coffee). The cafe has a high ceiling and floor to ceiling windows which make it nice and light. They offer free wireless internet for those who bring a laptop.
Their specialty is certainly coffee and espresso beverages but they also have a great selection of teas - bagged and loose leaf. They serve alcohol and soft drinks - they had tiny glass bottles of Coca Cola and a peach beverage called Yoga. They serve pannini sandwiches, soups and thin crust pizzas called pizzettes. To the right of the entrance once you go inside, there is an ice cream counter featuring Chapman's Ice Cream. There's a patio outside for the summer and a fireplace inside for cooler weather.
Check out the window mural on the Winspear side where the cozy chairs are! -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
1/23/2010
This is a great little cafe located right across from the public library in downtown. You can order more than coffee. If you are hungry go ahead and order a meal because they have a full menu.
The coffee is really good though. They probably have some of the best in town. It is rich in flavor and freshly brewed. You can relax and study here, read a book or just hang out. They have all windows surrounding you which provides great lighting. It allows you to people watch if you get joy out of doing that. -
Review from Justyna K.
Edmonton, AB
1/23/2009
Date visited: Jan 23, 2009
Three Bananas has three great things going for it: location, service, and value. I was very tempted to exclaim "location, location, location" but it wouldn't have been fair. This restaurant is not just about real estate, although this location is pretty sweet - right in the middle of Churchill square, across from the Stanley Milner library. And had it not been a chilly lunch-hour, it would be a great place for people watching, with floor to ceiling windows and a summer patio.
The friendly cashier suggested stopping there after an outdoor skate by the City Hall, which we agreed would be a great way to spend an afternoon (they are open till 5 on weekends). Yes - the cashier was actually chatting with us, suggesting a return visit! I don't know about your experience, but in the last few years, I've found personalized service to be less than trendy. So that, and an inquiry about the quality of the food from the cook who packed my doggie bag, get them the "service banana". And there were smiles too.
The food is tasty and a great value. A simple menu of paninis, personal sized pizzas, and soups. I had a combo of generously sized panini and a (properly rich and thick clam chowder) daily soup for only $10. And my companion shared a slice of her (also delicious) Hawaiian pizza that was only about $9. And it appears coffee is their specialty and pride. They take it seriously with a big sign explaining the factors that make for a "Free Trade" label, and a fancy espresso machine. Next time, I'll have to break one of my New Year's resolutions and have something caffeinated. -
Review from S V.
Edmonton, AB
4/22/2010
Fantastic location right on Churchill Square with delicious coffee - I am addicted to their cappuccinos, which can only be described as sublime. The service is usually very good, and it's a great place to people-watch during the day. However, I don't eat here as often as I used to just because I started to get a little bored with the regular menu. Still, I'm happy to see a good, independent coffee house in that location instead of another generic shop.
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Review from Joel K.
Vancouver, BC
9/4/2009
3 Bananas has my favourite coffee in Edmonton: good beans, an excellent machine and people that know what they're doing. Can get crowded at 10 am when everyone has their coffee break, and closes frustratingly early during winter hours (can't really blame them, but it would be a nice place for a drink before or after a downtown event). Other than that, it's perfect.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
11/11/2008 1 photo
First off, I love the name of this cafe. Itâs so whimsical. Itâs not easy for cafes to make a go of it right downtown unless theyâve got character and value. Otherwise people just hits Starbucks or Second Cup because itâs close and they know it. I was dubious about a cafe succeeding right in Churchill Square, where it always seemed so empty and abandoned. I few places have not lasted, but Three Bananas seemed different. I loved the ambiance right when I walked in. It was bright, cheerful with eye-appealing art on the walls, an open, airy feel and very friendly staff ready to accommodate you. The coffee, as stated, is excellent. They never use beans that have been roasted more than two weeks ago. The service is fast and the food options here are appealing: paninis, salads, thin-crust pizza. Iâve just grabbed a muffin and cappuccino from here and they were both good. But Iâll have to come back and work on my laptop here sometime, because thereâs free Internet for customers and the windows are floor to ceiling and let in a lot of day light. I do think these guys should put a triple-scoop banana split on the menu though.
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Review from Maria F.
12/29/2009 2 photos
Not only is the location of Three Bananas café fantastic, the menu here is equally great. You can either order a cup of coffee (and believe me, you will be content with just that), or you can go ahead and have a full blown meal here. On the menu there are soups, salads, Panini and pizzas. I have tasted personalized Pesto Pollo pizza (grilled chicken, pesto sauce and feta cheese), and it was delicious. The coffee, however, is the real star of the show. Three Bananas brews some of the best cups of coffee in town. Whether you go for a latte, cappuccino, macchiato or a cup of French press coffee, you will experience wonderfully smooth taste. For such great coffee, the prices are very reasonable. Without a doubt, the guys and gals who work here know how to make a perfect cup of coffee. As you indulge yourself, you can work on your laptop, read a book or just people watch as you look out the floor-to-ceiling windows. The staff here is friendly and frequently don't mind engaging in a quick and easy chat.
