Cafe Forty One

I’m a coffee drinker and I admit, I probably drink too much of it. You know that person in the coffee shop who is there so often that the servers have their drink made before they even get to the counter, that coffee drinker is me. So needless to say, when I notice a new coffee shop or at least a ‘new to me’ coffee shop, I get excited.
Recently I took notice of Café Forty One. It’s close to my work, so of course I had to go in and try it. It’s located on the ground level of the Lubavitch centre at 41^st & Oak. When I walked in I wasn’t sure if I had found my way into a coffee shop or not. It felt like I had walked into a private event and for a moment I was convinced I had just made a major social blunter. There were no signs up to indicate what was for sale, nor could I find a menu. Hanging my head in shame, I was about to slink out the door when a friendly server came out of the kitchen and offered to take my order. Not sure what options I had, I looked around the room for some clues. There was an espresso machine behind the server, so I asked for an Americano to go. He promptly made the drink and I was on my way.
The coffee itself was okay, although not anything to write home about and the price was pretty average for what you’d pay for the same drink anywhere else. The café itself was clean and bright. I had hoped to see what kosher foods were available but given how awkward my experience of just ordering coffee turned out to be, I decided to move on.

The wait was a (slightly) longer than I had anticipated, but turned out to be well worth it. Good food, relaxed atmosphere, the service was friendly, and the coffee was better than I honestly expected it to be.

Finally, a kosher finally opens in an eatery, casual place. Clean, bright, yet easy to miss if you’re flying 60 km down Oak.
Salad plus sandwich plus drink for $ 12: a deal or steal?
Ground level inside the Jewish Center, right on 41^st Ave.
complimentary water, with lemon to boot.
friendly service.
Offer delivery as well.
Free wifi.
Key difference with this kosher is they don’t serve any meat, just fish ;)