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Banff - americanos, breakfasts and dinners

Hi all - returning to Banff later this summer for the first time in a few years. I'm staying downtown and looking for some recommendations for americanos, breakfasts and dinners. From my last trip, I remember Wild Flour Cafe had recently opened and was a pretty little spot with great sandwiches and other take-out picnic items and pastries. Still good? How about their espresso drinks?

Other than Melissa's, any other rec's for breakfast? Bruno's? Phil's?

I was sad to see that Fuze had closed, though it was so very empty when we were there. Where else for dins? The Bison? Buffalo Mountain Lodge? Is that sushi place on Banff Avenue still around? Everything but "game" is, ahem, fair game.

And if I stop in Canmore on my way back to Calgary, is Communitea the best bet for coffee? Anywhere to grab a good sandwich or light lunch? I can't remember where we stopped last time, it was on the same street as Crazyweed, had some gourmet food to buy, illy coffee maybe, some prepared foods - ring a bell?

Many thanks - looking forward to those bee-oo-tiful mountains already!!

Communitea Cafe
Mistaya Place 6 Ave 10 St, Canmore T1W 3L8, CA

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  1. I like Beamers for coffee/espresso in Canmore on Bow Valley Trail.

    1. in canmore, railway deli is where you want to get lunch http://www.railwaydeli.com/

      as for coffee, IMO Coffee Mine is the best place http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=...

      as for Banff, I admit that I try to avoid the townsite at all costs so i'm not totally up to date on the culinary offerings :P however (and i'm probablly gonna get laughed at for this), there is a fondue place there called the Grizzly House that is AWESOME. sure, the concept is 30 years out of date, and it reeks like cooking oil inside (and you'll smell that way when you leave, too), but I still think it's really fun. they have hot rocks that you can 'fry' the food on if oil frying isn't your thing. also, they have private rooms that are really neat. if there are 2 of you, you can get the secret little room that no one can see in, and you raise a flag up when you want to waiter to come hahah. i would make reservations if you want to do that. http://banffgrizzlyhouse.com/

      The Coffee Mine
      802 8 St #103, Canmore T1W 2B7, CA

      2 Replies
      1. re: nonlinear

        We had lunch at Railway about a month ago and it was not good at all. The bread wasn't fresh, salad tasted like it was from a bag and soup like it was from a can. Maybe it was a bad day for them but I would have gone to Tim Hortons over what we ate there that day.

        1. re: beggsy

          really. i've been literally dozens and dozens of times, and it has always been great (except for one time when they really skimped on the meat on my sandwich). i would say with confidence that you went on a "bad day."

      2. Forget about Banff and get your Sushi in Canmore: Chef's Studio Japan. We were there last month and it's still completely awesome.

        Chef's Studio Japan
        709 8 St #108, Canmore T1W 2B2, CA

        1. Nice to see you in our neck of the woods peppermint pate :)

          I still like Wild Flour - it's been awhile but I liked my americano last time I was there. Also a must are their breakfast panini. http://www.wildflourbakery.ca/ *ack* their site is under construction.... hopefully this doesn't mean too many menu changes.

          Bison for brunch or dinner (or both!) http://www.thebison.ca/pdfs/2010/brun... http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/667627

          The place in Canmore you bought illy was probably Mountain Mercato: 817 Main St. Interesting assortment of goods albeit overpriced (but maybe that's the norm in Canmore?)

          and one of the more recent Banff threads should help: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/700405

          Enjoy your trip! (:

          I'm overdue for a trip there myself... time to start planning heh

          4 Replies
          1. re: maplesugar

            Go to Bison for Brunch...don't miss out!

            1. re: Major_9000

              Boy do I second that! Had what would be our best lunch ever at The Bison. Their food is fantastic. Not to be missed.

              1. re: beggsy

                I'm not there on a week-end - they don't have any breakfast during the week, do they? Is it a good spot for dinner?

                1. re: peppermint pate

                  Unfortunately they're only open for breakfast/brunch on the weekends. The Bison is a fantastic spot for dinner too though.

          2. I don't understand why people like Melissa's - been there a couple of times for breakfast and it was horrible. My breakfast choices would be Bison or Coyote, the former only on weekends, the latter for great fritattas.

            1 Reply
            1. re: Dan G

              For brekkie I would go back to Canmore & eat eggs benny at Chez Francois. I think Melissa's is really gross any time of day. Blech.