By Sonu Purhar
Nothing beats a caffeinated pick-me-up, especially when paired with a tasty treat or three – and at New Westminster’s bustling waterfront, you’re spoiled for choice. The colourful district boasts a deliciously distinctive array of cafés where depending on the weather, you can lounge on sun-soaked patios or cozy up for some raindrop watching while indulging in fancy coffees or refreshing iced drinks, then continue onward for more. Read on for five stops that’ll hit the spot for coffee and culinary fans alike.
Old Crow Coffee Co.
655 Front Street
A cozy haven bursting with coffee and comforts, Old Crow pours Instagram-worthy brew enhanced by decadent pastries (check out the café’s social accounts for the eye candy otherwise known as “Donut Day”). The funky yet laid-back vibe is supported by rotating artwork to ogle while you sip, as well as regular events and a cute patio where you can soak in the public art along Front Street.
Our pick: It may be summer, but Old Crow’s creamy hot chocolate makes us happy every month of the year.
Hive Café
609 Front Street
Carefully renovated to preserve the historical character of its 1890’s-era building, Hive Café is a bright and airy space perfect for catching up with friends old and new. The coffee – courtesy of Vancouver-based Pallet Coffee Roasters – is strong and delicious, though we’re just as gaga over the summertime specials.
Our pick: Try the cappuccino freddo (a bold Grecian-inspired brew with honey-milk foam and dusted with cinnamon), or the satisfyingly fizzy lavender lemonade.
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Hideout Café
716 Carnarvon Street
True to its name, Hideout Café is discreetly situated across from the New Westminster Law Courts. The café serves organic, fair trade coffee sourced from Vancouver’s Continental Coffee, though visitors are also tempted by full breakfast and lunch menus catering to vegan, gluten-free and other dietary preferences. In summertime, the sun-drenched patio bustles with customers.
Our pick: Opt for a specialty tea, such as the Alpine Caramel Slope (alpine berry tea with caramel steamed milk) or Almond Rose (Red Rose tea with almond steamed milk).
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Tre Galli Gelato Caffe
810 Quayside Drive
Tre Galli Gelato Caffe’s owners are Italian-born, so naturally the eatery pours perfectly brewed espresso – in fact, the coffee beans are sourced from the Old Country. Visitors invariably follow their noses to authentic thin-crust pizza and pressed paninis, though we also enjoy lounging on the patio with a simple latte and watching the action on the quay.
Our pick: We never say no to gelato, so marry the best of both worlds with an affogato (a scoop of ice cream drowned in hot espresso).
Truffles Fine Foods
33 Eighth Street
Located inside the Anvil Centre, Truffles Fine Foods offers a spacious café to complement its renowned catering services. Sip a steaming cup of coffee while noshing on house-made chocolate chip pecan cookies or buttery croissants; healthier fare includes avocado toast with sprouts, vegan soups and flavourful salads.
Our pick: When you’re in the mood to indulge, afternoon tea always hits the spot. Truffles’ selection includes French macarons, scones with honey and clotted cream, chocolate truffles, coconut macaroons and rotating sandwich options, among other sinful delights.
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