Boa & Hare

Boa & Hare sits comfortably at the intersection of café culture and casual dining in Edmonton’s Chinatown, serving up a focused menu that blends café staples with inventive small plates and approachable cocktails. Located on 97 Street NW, this spot attracts both locals looking for a thoughtful coffee break and those wanting a relaxed place to linger into the evening with food and drinks.

The café side leans into specialty coffee with a clear emphasis on quality single-origin Ethiopian beans, from drip coffee to espresso-based drinks. You’ll find familiar options like cappuccinos and lattes, with oat milk available as a popular plant-based substitution. Seasonal and creative beverages stand out here—matcha drinks and iced Thai tea lattes evoke something a bit different from your average coffee shop, appealing especially to people who appreciate nuanced flavors rather than overly sweet or basic offerings. The staff seem ready to offer samples, a nice touch for anyone curious about the more unusual drinks, like the matcha cloud lemonade or mango sticky rice-inspired drinks, which have earned positive word of mouth for their balance and authenticity.

When it comes to food, Boa & Hare’s small menu complements the beverage selection well. The offerings combine Asian comfort elements with local twists—think Taiwanese-style bao sandwiches, marinated edamame, and dishes like congee with Szechuan Mapo pork or Japanese-style curry poutine. Portions can vary in size, and while some find the dishes light for the price, they tend to be thoughtfully prepared and flavorful. Favorites for a casual snack or light lunch include their banana bread with strawberry-ginger puree and crispy popcorn chicken bites, which add a textured contrast to the smooth beverages.

The overall atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, fitting well within the Chinatown neighborhood’s evolving food scene. Its modest size means it’s a quieter spot during the day, good for a mid-morning coffee break or afternoon catch-up, while evenings have a slightly livelier vibe due to the cocktail bar element. The blend of café warmth and subtle nightspot energy makes Boa & Hare a flexible neighborhood place, appealing to those who want either a casual caffeine fix or a low-key dinner with drinks.

Locals visiting Boa & Hare tend to appreciate the quality of both drinks and food without the usual rush—this is not your grab-and-go coffee joint but more of a place to sit down, taste thoughtfully crafted drinks, and nibble on small plates. It may not suit those after broad drink menus or large portions, but it caters well to curious coffee and tea enthusiasts, foodies interested in Asian-influenced fusion, and anyone who values a cozy atmosphere with friendly, accommodating service.