Cafe Loco

When the aesthetically energetic Cafe Loco burst onto the coffee scene in downtown Clinton, the unapologetically funky establishment quickly became the #1 cult-hit coffee shop in Huron County. After spending the last few drab winter months settling into bright new digs at 14 Isaac St, the always inventive espresso bar/grab-and-go luncheonette/retro candy shop/vintage clothing shop is a one-stop-shop for anybody hoping to take their day from ‘blah’ to ‘huzzah!’

Locally roasted coffee from Shop Bike out of Bayfield is a great place to start for javanauts searching for a brew blacker than midnight on a moonless night, but a multitude of variations on the classic cup of Joe are also on offer. A hot pink menu board suggests a veritable beverage gamut of drinkables designed to suit all manner of tastes and tolerances, from classic cappuccinos to iced cheesecake lattes. Drink specials often reflect the spirit of the day, 

The savoury side of the snack case is stocked with house-made sandwiches and other healthy noshables. Owner Kendra Horton can often be found behind the counter assembling sandwiches for the day or working on one of the stunning charcuterie boards or grazing plates she custom makes for special events. 

A sandwich often tastes better when it has a funny name, and the celebrity-inspired ‘Au-Brie Plaza’, which comes with Brie, sliced pear and arugula, is no exception. Regulars pop into the shop often, seeking favourites like the chickpea salad or a breakfast bagel with bacon, egg, cheese and zingy chipotle mayo.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Loco carries a variety of peerless treats created by local bakers, like the always excellent offerings from Milk and Honey Huron and Wilhelmina Bakery. There’s also a great little selection of retro 90s confections that includes some of the era’s strangest hits, like gummy burgers, Crybabies, and Garbage Candy, the candy that looks like trash! 

There’s also a lot of great merch featuring lobsters and Cafe Loco’s very cool skull logo, as well as a small selection of nicely curated vintage clothes that are perfectly priced for an afternoon impulse purchase to go along with a Vietnamese-style iced coffee. 

While seating is limited, the powerful clash of patterns, mismatched vintage furniture and windowsill full of  interesting books beckons for patrons to stay a while, just to soak up an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else in the area. So come early, come often, and enjoy the vibes! www.cafeloco.ca 14 Isaac St, Clinton