Tucked away steps from the C-Train station in the west end of downtown, Loophole Coffee Bar is one of Calgary’s best-kept secrets.
The idea for the space took shape when three friends attended an experimental jazz show at Sigla Books. They decided they wanted to create a cultural and social hub to support Calgary’s burgeoning music and arts scene. In fact, that evening, they shook hands with Sigla’s owner David Sidjak regarding opening Loophole in the adjacent space.
The vision came to fruition in December 2019 when Loophole opened just a stone’s throw away from Dickens. “As Sigla Books and Loophole are operating in the same building, coffee lovers and book enthusiasts are finding the best of both worlds one door apart,” says Jordan Vannier, who co-owns Loophole with friends Mark Reynolds and Sean Donohue. “In the summertime, you often see people sitting on the patio sipping on a fresh drink while enjoying a good read. We love to see people coming in with a pile of newly collected books.” He adds it’s important to know both businesses keep different, albeit partly overlapping, operational hours.
But sitting outside soaking up caffeine and literature is only part of what makes Loophole a treasured spot for its close-knit, welcoming community. At the back of the shop, hidden behind curtains, you’ll find an intimate performance space that lights up in the evenings. On any given night, you might come across a listening party for works in progress, where feedback is offered and high fives are common. DJ nights happen frequently, as do exhibition openings, poetry readings, and punk rock/noise/indie/insert-your-genre-of-choice-here shows. Producers will meet up at Loophole so that folks can share what they are working on. And that’s just a taste of their events programming. Rotating visual art exhibitions adorn the entire space, lending an authentically eclectic feel and connecting patrons even further with Calgary’s art scene.
“Though being a venue wasn’t the original plan, we’ve always wanted to create a social and cultural hub,” Vannier says. “Calgary has a lot of talented artists and performers who deserve to be known. Very quickly after opening Loophole, we organized our first parties, mostly art openings. In 2022, we had the opportunity to expand the footprint of the space, and we thought we all needed a place to unite in art, culture and music. We are trying humbly to do our part to put local artists on the map.”
He highlights some upcoming events, which are posted weekly on Instagram. “Public Assembly System on April 17 is a Calgary harsh noise experimental collective. We can’t describe ‘experimental;’ what is certain is that you will be on a sound journey. Calgary techno label Echo Locations offers ‘Reflexions’ on April 27, a curated electronic night with local and out-of-town DJ talents. Get ready to dance!” And after hosting some of Sled Island’s rowdiest all-ages shows last year, Loophole is ready to do it again from June 18 to 22 as a bumpin’ way to kick off summer.
Vannier also points to Loophole’s coffee offerings, whether you enjoy them inside the shop,on the deck, or grab-and-go from the street-facing service window. “We are still serving our Loophole Blend, locally roasted by The Roasterie. In our opinion, The Roasterie is the best coffee roaster in town. Fresh Butter Block & Co pastries can be found at Loophole every day, including their new ube cheesecake,” says Vannier.
When pressed for his favourite order, Vannier says, “A black and short Americano with a heated butter croissant is always a winning combo!” And while he is focused on the future and how Loophole can continue to promote and support Calgary’s musical and cultural scene, he does have some cherished memories of the space. “There are a lot of good ones, but in a nutshell, [there’s] our opening day; some long after-hours hang-outs with our patrons; the first parties of all the new collectives; and a friend proposing on our patio!”
In summary of Loophole’s current place on its journey, Vannier says, “We would like to highlight that Calgary has a growing and amazing music and cultural scene. Be it at Loophole or in other venues, many great performances and festivals are happening. We believe cultivating a creative environment creates a better place to live in.”
Visit loophole-coffee-bar.com and their Instagram profile for upcoming events: @loopholecoffeebar
Loophole Quick Facts
ADDRESS: 1040 8 Ave. S.W.
HOURS: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re hitting a concert or DJ, it’s almost always after closing hours.
PARKING: Streetside parking out front, if you’re really lucky. We recommend getting here by train, bike, or two feet rather than driving.
CAPACITY: 55 people.
VIBE: Artsy, cozy, and grungey (but in a hip way, not a gross way).
FOOD RECCS: The croissants and pastries are excellent and come courtesy of Butter Block & Co. But if you’re craving something a bit more hearty, Billy’s Pizza is a short walk away for a greasy slice. It’s an excellent option if you’re at a loud show and need a brief break from the glorious chaos.
DRINK RECCS: The Vietnamese coffee is next level, and if you’re at a show in the evening, they usually serve delicious brews from Ol’ Beautiful.
CONSIDERATIONS: Loophole can get pretty warm in summertime if there are lots of people inside, so dress accordingly. It’s also an intimate space, so earplugs are a must if you’re at a concert. At the time of writing, no formal stage was installed. Performers set up on the floor, which makes the audience feel even more connected.
GO HERE IF: You need a mid-day caffeine boost, you’re taking your new artist squeeze on a first date, or you want somewhere quiet to read the last few chapters of Crime and Punishment.
