Calgary's coffee scene is buzzing with the arrival of three new cafes that are quickly becoming the talk of the town. Each of these spots offers a unique experience, from Instagram-worthy aesthetics to delectable treats. Here’s a closer look at MIK Coffee & Shop, Cafe 417, and Seoul Cafe, Calgary's newest cafes.

MIK Coffee & Shop

Located on the bustling 17th Avenue, MIK Coffee & Shop is a new Korean coffee shop, and it might just be one of the most adorable places in the city. From the moment you walk in, the aesthetic charm of MIK is evident, with its beautifully presented drinks and pastries.

The menu features a variety of hot drinks like matcha and coffee but with unique twists. One standout is the Americano served with a huge hashtag-shaped ice cube. Alongside these delightful beverages, MIK offers an array of pastries including Korean-style macarons, croffles (a delightful mix of croissants and waffles), and croongees (flattened croissants with various toppings).

But MIK Coffee & Shop is also a place for fun and creativity. The shop has a photo booth for capturing cute moments with friends and a customization station where you can create your dream phone case with an abundance of adorable charms in various colours. Whether you’re there for the coffee or the crafts, MIK is a must-visit.

Cafe 417

Situated along Riverfront Avenue, Cafe 417 is a unique collaborative space that brings together four distinct businesses under one roof: Cuties Café & Shop, Lylas Jewelry, Hunny Ice Cream, and Particle Coffee. This diverse mix makes Cafe 417 a perfect stop for those looking to enjoy a variety of treats and shopping options.

Cuties Café & Shop, started by local market organizer Tricia Nguyen, offers a charming selection of Vietnamese snacks and drinks, such as banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee, alongside cute, colourful goods from local vendors.

Hunny Ice Cream is known for its small-batch, Asian-inspired flavours, such as miso caramel, cereal milk, and black sesame. The shop also serves house-made mochi and creative ice cream drinks, such as the Matchagato and a strawberry milk float.

Lylas Jewelry provides a range of customizable jewelry options, from bracelets and necklaces to wedding rings. They even offer permanent charm bracelets and custom jewelry workshops where you can create your own unique pieces.

Particle Coffee focuses on meticulously sourced specialty coffees from around the world, served as pour-over and milk-based drinks. The rotating menu ensures there’s always something new to try, and you can also purchase beans to enjoy at home.

Seoul Cafe

Opening its doors in Kensington, Seoul Cafe offers a unique blend of Korean-inspired drinks and treats in a setting that feels like stepping into a 2D cartoon. The entire cafe is designed in black and white hues, creating a whimsical, hand-drawn atmosphere.

The drinks menu at Seoul Cafe features brightly coloured concoctions and a wide selection of coffee-based beverages, including lattes, espressos, and cold brews. For those with a sweet tooth, the cafe offers an assortment of gorgeous cakes, including slice options and adorable cupcakes.In addition to its sweet offerings, Seoul Cafe serves up a variety of Korean dishes such as tteokbokki, bulgogi rice bowls, Korean pancakes, and noodles.

These new cafes are redefining Calgary’s coffee and dining scene with their unique concepts and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax, a creative drink, or a taste of something new, MIK Coffee & Shop, Cafe 417, and Seoul Cafe have something special to offer.

Naureen Othi