Iconoclast Coffee Roasters

Stopped by for a coffee a few days ago and the flat white paired with their sourdough toast was easily one of the better breakfasts I've had in Edmonton lately. I was there around 9am on a weekday and the light coming through the big front windows made it a great spot to mess around with my camera while I waited. Staff were genuinely friendly, one of them even asked what I was shooting and pointed out the best table for natural light. Parking on the street was easy enough that morning too, and the whole space just has this calm, unhurried vibe that makes you want to stick around longer than planned.

Great space. Unfortunately, the experience stops there. I really wanted to like Iconoclast Coffee Roasters, but this was a surprisingly disappointing experience. It started at the counter. The person taking our order seemed completely disinterested in being there, with body language to match. When I asked what was on the breakfast sandwich, the explanation was essentially “egg and a special sauce — do you want it?” Not exactly helpful or welcoming, especially for someone trying to understand what they’re ordering. The sandwich itself was actually quite good, although it took an unexpectedly long time to arrive. Unfortunately, the drinks were the real disappointment. We ordered two chai lattes and an Americano. Both chai lattes tasted like cups of hot milk with almost no discernible chai flavour or spice. The Americano was mediocre at best—which is particularly disappointing for somewhere that has “Coffee Roasters” in its name. I can forgive slow food when it’s good, and the sandwich was. What’s much harder to overlook is indifferent service combined with underwhelming coffee. For a place positioning itself as a specialty coffee roaster, I expected considerably better. Good atmosphere and a decent sandwich aren't enough to make up for poor service and forgettable drinks. Not an experience I’d be in a hurry to repeat.

I came around 10 am on a Monday and it was very packed, with around 20+ people and they still had seats available. I ordered a latte with almond milk and the barista was very nice and quick with my order as well. One of the best cafes I’ve been to. Latte was exceptional as well

Really nice coffee shop to have a morning pick me up. I really liked the bar top seating. Yummy cheese scone and decent latte.

I’ve been coming here for a while for this breakfast croissant. It slaps every time. So, credit is due. The egg is always done perfectly and comes out glistening and jiggling, whilst perched atop a slice of excellently cooked and deliciously thick slice of bacon. The croissant itself is the fluffiest croissant in all the land, and melts in your mouth upon entering it. In terms of quality of ingredients and cooking, I’m convinced this is the best breakfast in town. The portion size is also perfect, for someone who doesn’t prefer to stuff themself silly at the first meal of the day. I haven’t even gotten to the coffee. Not much to say, other than it is also exceptional, with wonderful prices. Oh, and the atmosphere. Enjoy a loft-like vibe with soothing ambient noise as the people chatter around you and the natural light brightens your day through the large windows. Top notch. After a coffee and a private poop in a nice, modern, clean bathroom you can walk right into odd company for a creamy pint, without ever having to set foot outside in these frigid lands. Sounds like a lovely day to me. 5 stars.