So, for you anglophones reading, if you're anything like me, your first question is: "They didn't really name this place H(EIGHT)S = HATES café, did they?!" And the answer is thankfully and obviously, no.("Hates" would be a TERRIBLE name for a café lol). It's " Hâche, Huit, Ess " en français svp! And stands for the postal code of Lachine, just another endearing local element to this place.
Amaaaaazing Americano coffee!! I came here with my love with the @restomania ICE Passports, so our coffees were free. Tasted almost identical to our fave roast house from Tofino and brought us instantly back to the west coast- which, on a cold february afternoon in Mtl, was worth more than all the money in the world.
As usual, we opted to try some treats. Getting coffee for free with the Passport is awesome, but we like to encourage local businesses so always make a point to purchase something.
Our choices today: a little brownie and a little choco-oreo square, the verdict? Wayyyy overpriced at over 2$ a pop for the size, and yet, WORTH EVERY PENNY. When inquired if they were housmade, we were told they are from Rustique in St Henri. I would describe them further, but I think part of what made them so lovely was the surprising taste explosions from each, having been told simply 'brownie and choco-oreo square': (see photo) if you see these in their display case, definitely get both!
So many Québec locally made crafts, artisans, jams, spreads, spices and accessories for purchase on site. Very reasonable affordable pricing! On display so one would want to spend a good amount of time enjoying the selection, but unfortunately, that is not possible because of the set up and how understandably popular they are.
Decor = kyoot, adorable, hipster. But unfortunately this set up is where they lose their star for me. The charming tall square benches and 4 inch-wooden counter set up is absolutely aesthetically pleasing and also horrendously, a$$-achingly uncomfortable. The narrow store and its attraction make it so, despite the visually pleasing aspect of every shelf, product, light fixture, moulding, art piece and seating type, one cannot really enjoy all this place has to offer and we are left simply wanting to finish our coffee to leave room for others. A sad, but necessary point to remove a star on, these folks would benefit from a larger space.
This is an amazing local, eco-responsible, homemade café delight and I absolutely will be back with my contigo for an excellent americano and a goodie TO GO. I will also definitely try to snag enough perusing time at a future visit to be able to purchase some great local gifts!
Excellent adorable place, H8S: live long and prosper! (But move to a bigger building, please. Decorate it exactly the same with more comfy seating options and voilà! Recipe for 5 stars!).
P.S. You will pay 0.25$ more for your coffee if u get it in a to-go cup. This charge goes to support eco-friendly initiatives and I totally dig it. read more