Address: 408 Pall Mall Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N5Y 2Z2

Phone: +1 519 601 3896

Price Range: $$$$

Website: http://www.locomotiveespresso.com

Locomotive Espresso

Locomotive Espresso - North is a vibrant and cozy café located in London, Ontario, known for its excellent coffee and delightful baked goods. The bustling atmosphere, welcoming staff, and charming decor make it a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The outdoor patio is inviting, especially during the summer months, and the café's commitment to serving high-quality beverages and food sets it apart from the competition.

The café brews Pilot Coffee Roasters, with beans changing quarterly to match the global coffee season. This ensures that each coffee served is fresh and vibrant, hitting the sweet spot of service from 9 to 27 days post-roast. The baristas at Locomotive Espresso are expertly trained, using a La Marzocca GB 5 to manually brew each cup, constantly monitoring quality and dialing in the perfect espresso.

Locomotive Espresso offers a range of espresso-based drinks that are popular among locals. The flat white, latte, cortado, chai tea, and London fog are some customer favorites. The flat white, in particular, stands out for its balanced flavor and smooth texture, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the café. Another standout is their custom option to choose a feature bean for your coffee, which adds a unique twist to their standard menu.

The café also excels in its selection of baked goods and light meals. The Espresso buttercream chocolate cookie sandwich is a decadent treat that pairs perfectly with any coffee, offering a rich and flavorful experience. The smoked salmon bagel and hummus tomato bagel are not to be missed, providing a satisfying and delicious option for a quick bite. For those with a sweet tooth, the café's cake loaves and vegan donuts (available on Fridays) are a delight.

Locomotive Espresso doesn't just cater to coffee lovers but also offers a wonderful toast bar with seasonal specials. The avocado smashie is a favorite among regulars, known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. For a more substantial meal, the hot grilled panini sandwiches and Greek yogurt bowls prepared by Willie's & North Moore Catering are noteworthy. The café also provides gluten-free baking by Helm Baked and vegetarian options for those with dietary preferences.

Despite its popularity, the café has faced some criticisms, particularly regarding customer service. While many customers find the staff friendly and engaging, there have been occasional reports of indifferent service that could be improved. However, the quality of the coffee and the inviting atmosphere often outweigh these concerns for most visitors.

The ambience of Locomotive Espresso is one of its biggest draws. The café is well-lit, clean, and has plenty of seating, making it a great spot to meet friends, get some work done, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a book. The bath tub filled with emotional support ducks adds a quirky and charming touch to the decor.

Locomotive Espresso is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM, and while it can get quite busy, particularly on weekends, the experience is usually worth the wait. It's a bit on the pricier side, but the quality of the coffee and food justifies the cost. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly crafted espresso, a delicious baked treat, or a hearty bagel, Locomotive Espresso offers a welcoming and satisfying experience that shouldn't be missed.