Coffee at Two If By Sea: Halifax

Today was my day off, and because I am starting to covet my hump day respite I am really trying to take advantage of it by doing something new every week. On today’s agenda: Two If By Sea in Dartmouth with my lovely friend and co-worker Erin, who also happens to have the day off on Wednesdays.

Despite the impending weather predictions, Erin and I set off walking down Spring Garden as a light snow fall began. We headed to the ferry terminal on the waterfront, and by the time we arrived you could barely see the water. Here is our lovely view of the harbour on our ferry crossing:

I was so delighted to finally arrive at Two If By Sea and get out of the cold and snowy weather. TIBS is a more recent addition to the downtown Dartmouth scene, having opened in the past few years, and has become a staple for many Dartmouth resident coffee drinkers, and those brave Haligonians willing to hop over the pond for the buttery croissants. I actually first heard about them while reading an article in Air Canada’s En Route magazine while en route to Turkey this past summer and was eager to try some of the tasty looking treats and enjoy some good coffee.

The cafe is warm and inviting, located in a cool lofty space on Ochterloney with trendy wooden furniture that is big and comforting and I immediately felt at home while we waited to order. Erin, who was looking forward to the infamous croissants, ordered the provolone and prosciutto croissant and a coffee. I decided to have something sweet and ordered the pain au chocolat and a latte.

The pastries are HUGE, and I am not talking larger than normal, I am talking two meals, don’t know how to take the first bite big. Once I finally strategized the first bite, I was immediately impressed: the chocolate inside my pain au chocolat was amazing! Combined with the buttery pastry and the dusting of icing sugar, it was the perfect treat.

Erin enjoyed her croissant-sandwich hybrid, and was also baffled at its size. Both her and I had to take home doggie bags (which both our boyfriends enjoyed later this evening)! We coveted the food and the awesome water station with Mason jar glassware which you could fill at your leisure.

The bustling coffee shop was full of people the entire time we were there and we settled in for a nice chat at the end of a long table where multiple people were sitting. My latte was also giant and delicious, though near the end it sadly got a little cold because of the wide cup that is was in.

Overall, I think TIBS is most definitely worth the journey to Dartmouth. The staff are friendly and the pastries are worth ten ferry rides without the delicious coffee to accompany them. Though a second location of the enchanting coffee shop has opened in the Historic Properties in Halifax, the atmosphere and the eats of the original TIBS will encourage me to Explore.Eat.Repeat Downtown Dartmouth on another day.