Bean Fiend - One of Thunder Bay's Most Unique Cafes

Appealing to all from around the world the Bean Fiend is centered in the funky hub of the Bay/Algoma hive in Thunder Bay. The West Coast vibe comes from the friendly staff, eclectic furniture, and the changing mix of local art and works from Thailand and Nepal. Just as attractive is its outdoor seating; in the back patio or at the front of the shop.

Related: Unique Shopping in the Bay and Algoma District

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Owner and world traveller, Brian Hamilton converted his eclectic furniture and nick-nack shop into a café five years go. “Originally we built the café around the furniture,” he laughs. “I didn’t know anything about the restaurant or café business. There was no costing involved.”

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Bean Fiend’s roaster is Oso Negro (Black Bear) from Nelson B.C.. They are a fair trade, organic producing coffee company, creating specialty blends from several beans from different parts of the world; Java, Uganda, or Columbia. Bean Fiend also sells beans by the pound. With a great variety of coffees and teas you can get your espresso, Americano, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, supremos, Red eye, London Fog, Chai Tea Latte, and steamers.

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They have a “grab cooler” with in-house premade sandwiches and drinks for professionals on the go. For those sitting, the soup is switched up daily, sandwiches weekly. The sandwiches are of the gastro-pub fusion variety, more tasty than most. The Chicken and Brie comes with grilled chicken breast, brie cheese, spinach, apricot jam and aioli. Grilled Cheese will include mozzarella, cheddar, and asiago cheese, with honey mustard and aioli. In a week there will be about twelve varieties of soup served. Local entrepreneur and caterer, Soup Mama, makes the delicious soups. The variety of muffins, cakes and cookies are supplied local caterer, Constantly Baking.

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Enjoy!

Check out the Bean Fiend on Facebook.

About Duncan Weller

A writer and visual artist, Duncan Weller is a Governor General's Award winner who lives in Thunder Bay. You can visit his website at www.duncanweller.com. His latest two books are a novel, Flight of the Silk, and an expanded edition of the award-winning children's picture book, The Boy from the Sun.

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