Where to buy good coffee in Winnipeg

I love coffee. Not just any coffee, however, *really good* coffee. No, Starbucks is not it. I'm afraid, they are one of those cases where price does not translate into quality, but I'll save that rant for another time. The best coffee comes from good beans, recently roasted and ground just mere moments before they are brewed. Since I've discovered how dramatic the difference is between vacuum sealed pre-ground and freshly roasted whole bean, I have been buying only the later.

Now where can you find reasonably priced, locally roasted coffee in Winnipeg? Here's the list I've compiled after some digging through Yellow Pages and Google search results. Some I have tried and visit regularly, others I am yet to sample.

Espresso Junction Inc

151 - 25 Forks Market Road
Winnipeg, MB R2C 0A1
(204) 949-9599

This is my favourite location. Despite being at the heart of the Forks, prices are very reasonable. Especially if you know about Monday special, when a pound of freshly roasted coffee beans will cost you only $9. They also used to have a stamp card for additional discounts. They roast their coffee in house, and large number of patrons guarantees that it is always fresh.

Black Pearl Coffee

460 Dufferin Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2W 2Y5
(204) 586-3989
www.blackpearlcoffee.ca

This is a dedicated coffee roaster with a large selection including fair trade and some pretty interesting and hard to find coffees. This is where I go to try something new. Prices range from $12 to $16 per pound. For those looking to try something different, I highly recommend pea-berry bean coffee.

De Luca's Specialty Foods

950 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R1
(204) 774-7617
www.deluca.ca
www.winnipegcoffee.com

This place I have just recently discovered. I've known about De Luca's stores, just didn't realize they roast their own coffee. Prices are quite good, most start at $10.45 per pound. Only decaf was pricy, going for over $22 per pound. Selection is quite good as well, better than Espresso Junction, though not as interesting as Black Pearl.

Wellington Fine Coffees

2-1725 St James Street
Winnipeg, MB R3H 1H3
(204) 697-4800
www.wellingtonfinecoffee.com

Haven't tried them, but frequently see their delivery vans around the city.

Sunstone Coffee Roastery

361 Cameron Street
Headingley, MB R4H 1C7
(204) 837-1381
www.sunstonecoffee.com

Came across their booth at one of the Winnipeg's street festivals. Looked promising. They are not exactly in Winnipeg, but it seems that few local cafes use their beans.