Bumpy's Café

Cross-posted from Calgary is Awesome.

My perennial brunchmate Tiffany and I learned the hard way this morning that Holy Grill is closed on Sundays. Undeterred, Tiffany quickly suggested that we head around the corner to Bumpy's for our brunch fix.

Tiffany said that her colleagues often go to Bumpy's, but the café was new to me. It's a colourful, cramped space decorated with a retro vibe, and humming on this Sunday morning - we were lucky to squeeze into a table before a rush of people came in.

Being a café, customers are expected to order at the counter (though if you are staying, they will bring the food out to you) and there is a much smaller selection of items than at a sit-down restaurant. Still, I was tempted by the muffins that were coming out fresh from the oven and the yogurt-and-fruit cups sitting in a bucket of ice on the counter. Bumpy's offers a number of lunch items as well - including a yummy-looking mac & cheese that the lady at the table behind us had ordered.

I ordered a quiche and a cappuccino (which came out to only $9.49, excluding tip) while Tiffany had a breakfast panini and some tea.


Usually they have a few types of quiche available, but today there was only broccoli (which was fine - given my health sensibilities I would've probably chosen it anyway). I was pleasantly surprised to find that my quiche came with a ramekin of vanilla yogurt topped with strawberries. The quiche wasn't bad, but it wasn't impressive either - the broccoli was obviously the frozen stuff, and the crust (usually my favourite part) was just ok.

Tiffany enjoyed her breakfast panini, which contained bacon (you can also choose ham or sausage), egg and real cheese.

Overall, the service at Bumpy's was pleasant and efficient. I probably wouldn't go back for brunch as I enjoy more of a "sit down" affair, but I would certainly be back for coffee or tea (and some freshly baked treats) if I'm in the neighbourhood.

Bumpy's Café
1040 8 St SW
Calgary AB T2R 1K2
(403) 265-0244
Open Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-5 PM; Sat 7:30 AM-4 PM; Sun 8 AM-3:30 PM. Closed holidays.