Anya Tonkonogy understands the importance of atmosphere.

After all, the 27-year-old art therapist spends her nine-to-five helping others incorporate creativity into their lives through her work as managing curator of the Portal Art Gallery. So it’s no surprise that her favourite spot to unwind after a busy day is The Sugar Bowl, a moody café and tapas bar with a loyal following of professors, musicians and eccentrics who come from the nearby University of Alberta to solve the world’s problems over frosty schooners of Hoegaarden.

“For me, The Sugar Bowl is a given. I can’t imagine Edmonton not having it,” says Tonkonogy. “You can be anyone you want in here… it’s very laissez-faire. Everyone comes here, even people with really bad toques.”

Tonkonogy says she loves to just order a beer and a bowl of sweet chili and lime popcorn and eavesdrop on conversations. “It’s the kind of place where the people next to you might be scheming or hashing out their plans for the future—their manifestos. You might overhear some pretty crazy conversations.”

DRESS

“Purposeful dishevelment—mall staples mixed with cool vintage wear. It’s very casual, but people definitely put a lot of care into choosing their outfits.”

DOOR

“It’s always so busy, and if you can’t find a table it can be very intimidating because you sort of just stand there in the middle of everything. It’s best to come early, especially when there’s a band.”

DÉCOR

“When I’m here, I forget I’m in Edmonton. It reminds me more of something you’d find in Montréal. I love the exposed brick and the old unfinished floors. The low lighting creates this great atmosphere.”

DRINK

“They have a really solid selection of imports. You can find your tap beer, or you can have a nice glass of wine. I’ve even had some great martinis here.”

The Sugar Bowl Coffee & Juice Bar is open 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Sun.-Thu., 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fri.-Sun.