The Daily Grind Part 1: Cool Coffee Cafe by Day
Right from the get go, I knew I was going to like to like the Daily Grind. I love coffee, so that was a good start. I liked the name; I found it clever. I had passed by it many times on the way to my sister’s house, but had never stopped in. So when a friend was singing its praises on Facebook, I knew I had to check it out.
My first visit to The Daily Grind was a few months ago. I organized a little “stitch ‘n bitch” with my sister and a friend. We’re all avid knitters and rabid coffee drinkers, so I thought an independent coffee shop would be an appropriate place to spend the afternoon. Located on Somerset Street West at Percy in Ottawa’s Chinatown, The Daily Grind is an eclectically furnished, two story cafe. On the main floor there is a leather sofa surrounded by plants on the windowsill looking out on the street.
There are also several large tables, some with old church pews as seating. The menu is handwritten on a chalk board, which adds charm to the already nifty cafe.
There is also a quaint little patio squeezed into the alleyway next to the cafe.
The Daily Grind offers your usual coffee and espresso beverages, as well as teas and fruit drinks. If you’re a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, you must try the peanut butter and chocolate latte. They also offer food, like quesadillas and veggie burgers. I had a quesadilla and a mocha latte; both were very yummy and fairly priced.
There is always something tasty in the glass display case by the cash register to satisfy any sweet tooth. Vegan and vegetarian fare is also available, so there really is something for everyone at The Daily Grind.
Up a long, narrow flight of stairs are the bathrooms and three other rooms. Two of the rooms offer more places to sit and enjoy your coffee.
The middle room offers something else: clothing, accessories, and jewelry on sale by local artists. So be sure to check out the second floor! There is actually art lining the walls of all the rooms at The Daily Grind, and most of it is for sale.
Since my initial visit, I’ve been back to The Daily Grind several times. It’s easily my favourite independently owned coffee shop in Ottawa. I’ve gotten to know one of the owners, Mike, a very cool guy who is also a musician. His love of music has prompted him to open The Daily Grind’s doors to live music several times a week. Did I mention that the cafe is also licensed? In the second part to this post I’ll cover The Daily Grind’s nightlife, with my experience at their Metal House Party, so stay tuned!
Monday to Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-7pm
Sandwiches/Subs, Desserts/Ice Cream, Mexican, Free Wi-Fi, Gluten-Free Friendly, Kid Friendly, Live Music, Vegan Friendly
