Bridgehead

First of all… I love Bridgehead– unfortunately we don’t have them in Toronto so whenever I’m in Ottawa, they are a must stop location for coffee or latte.
This particular location was very disappointing though. Floors were dirty, tables weren’t wiped and all of the furniture and seat cushioning is worn and tired. It is not an inviting environment to sit and have a drink. They also have these wonky bar stools and round tables that sit so far out from the table that if put kids up at them it’s completely awkward.
The staff did a lousy job of sensing and responding. While I didn’t ask for the drinks «for here» I did ask how big the mugs were and we set up at a table to stay directly beside the order counter. The lattes came in a to go cup and the muffins in a bag. No napkins provided, and had to go back to get the muffins after they forgot to give them to us. Apparently we were a major inconvenience to them
1 star however for when I launched the Unilocal app, they came over and gave me two free complimentary drink coupons to use at another time. I will use them for sure, but at another location. I won’t be back to this one and would never host a client meeting here.

Wow, after writing a somewhat blah review for their Bank Street location, I remembered that I hadn’t written about my favourite Bridgehead — shocking!
As everyone has mentioned, they’re a great local chain that focuses on sustainability and fair trade, which is great. They also happen to have a delicious product, and the baristas really know their stuff.
I came in one time with a request for a medium-​dark roast and the barista was super helpful showing me the different options and chatting to me about my preferences. I’ve also found them to be really accommodating when making the drinks (I had to switch an order for a kid’s hot chocolate to make it half milk and they happily obliged), and they are always smiling and helpful. I truly think this location is Bridgehead’s best, and it’s a lovely spot to sit and read, or meet with a friend.

Did you know that this was the first bridgehead to open up in Ottawa… it is really cool to see the first location any company.
The staff are awesome and their latte’s always has a bit of flair, a leaf or hearts. They take the time to make sure your latte is great. and they actually willing to have a conversation with you.
Consistently the drinks taste the way they should and the crema of their espresso shot is amazing.
There has to be about 20 different plugs around the store, so there is always a place to plug in. They have free 1 hour internet (I usually go ask them for another access code when my hour runs out). They are also in the heart of Westboro next to MEC, so you can get your Rock Climbing gear and a coffee in one shot.
The triple berry muffin and the ham and cheese croissant are my favorite and they always have a great selection of sandwiches. However, get there early to get the good ones.
All in all, one of the good ones, great staff, great food, awesome atmosphere and groovy tunes.

Great coffee and hot chocolate. Baked goods were a little on the dry side (chocolate/​chocolate cookies) but they let us linger for hours. Agree on the chain store type atmosphere but the coffee is surprisingly good.

Steller coffee & I love their Chai Latte. It’s a great location with attentive staff & a nice atmosphere.

A great local, eco-​conscious and fair trade company that makes excellent coffee taboot!
I like my coffee strong and there isn’t a better filtered coffee out there. They also have all the bells and whistle coffees that you can find at Starbucks (and although I haven’t tasted them) I can imagine that knowing you’re supporting a responsible and local business makes theirs taste that much better ;-)
I was there in the morning (after rush hour) so there were plenty of people on their laptops, reading the complimentary papers, talking about business or making pit stops with buggies and babies in tow.
This is certainly a place that is going to see my coffee card more often!