Cocoabeans Bakeshop And Cafe

I have really enjoyed Cocabeans food over the past several years, especially with a family member who is celiac. However, I'm finding the increased prices and reduced hours hard to swallow. Over the past few years I've found the portions smaller, the food more expensive and the hours difficult. I have always loved their food and want to support local businesses but getting there in a narrow window on the weekend to pay $50 dollars for 4 times making this difficult to do so.

The best gluten free bakery I've found in town since I had to go gluten free. Great quality and value for a fantastic set of products. Huge kudos from me as over the last little while they've modified their bread recipes to be completely pea/soy/legume free; which I really appreciate as someone with a bad legume allergy. Cocoabeans is the only gf bakery in Winnipeg that I have found has done that, and it is a huge relief to be able to see ingredients lists (also rare from gf bakeries) and know that I can safely eat and enjoy. Favourites include their sourdough loaf (personal favourite), teff loaf (fantastic sandwich bread), multigrain loaf (amazing for French toast), teff buns (I got to enjoy a burger for the first time in years!), and sourdough baguettes. I haven't tried any of their cakes or cookies but I've heard great things from others, and also about their ready cake mixes. Highly recommended.

The staff are welcoming, friendly and very easy-going. It felt like talking to friends. I dined in with my sister, who paid for me via gift card. I had the Chicken Tenders entree with an Iced Americano(dairy creamer, added hazelnut syrup), and sister had Today's Special, which was a pulled-pork poutine, as well as an Iced Americano(non-dairy creamer, added vanilla syrup). We also grabbed some Peanut Butter, and Chocolate chip cookies. The food was stellar. Its kind of a stereotype for gluten-free food to be a little lackluster, but I, a gluten enthusiast, enjoyed it whole-heartedly. The entire meal was incredibly well-seasoned, and came to us piping hot. The chicken tenders have a dry rub on the outside, so don't expect something like crispy fried chicken. The fries were out of this world. Crunchy on the outside, soft, pillowy potato deliciousness on the inside. Seasoned and herbed to perfection. The portion size was medium-large, but they also offer snack-sized portions. The atmosphere is really lovely. The only vivid colours you see are a light green back-wall, as everything else is a wood/brown tone. There is lots of natural light, and 2 lights by the counter. For people with sensory issues, I would say maybe bring some headphones, because they do have speakers playing music. The only reason I rated this 4 and not 5, is because parking is incredibly limited. It was difficult to find parking on side streets, and it accounted into a fair bit of walking. The door is also a bit narrow. For those reasons, I believe someone who has/needs mobility aid(s) may find difficulties. They do have accessible seating, and an accessible patio.

Went for a light dinner, checking the place out for a visiting relative with celiacs. On the whole it was pretty good. Had burgers and chicken fingers and their chocolate cake for dessert. The buns were very good, I have no problem with gluten but usually can tell the difference when I have gluten free foods. These buns were great. The breading on the chicken was delicious, crunchy and tasty. The cake was a bit heavy in texture, but still rich and chocolaty,. Saw a pizza on our way out and it looked pretty good too. On the whole, I found it a bit expensive since I don't need to avoid gluten, but for someone who needs to avoid it this is a great place. I would cheerfully go with someone who needs it and look forward to taking our visitors there.