8 Small Businesses in YXE For Your Comfort

Two pastry enclosures filled with cookies and cheesecake

Entertainment, Families, Food & Drink, Members

Posted By Aris Night , September 05, 2024

Nothing is better than sitting with a good cup of coffee and reading a book, getting a tasty treat after supper, or having some retail therapy!

Ready to dive into the best of the best for small businesses? Ready to take a few moments in your day to enjoy the simple things? Nothing is better than sitting with a good cup of coffee and reading a book, getting a tasty treat after supper, or having some retail therapy! Here’s a list of my top 8 small businesses that comfort me in Saskatoon!

82 Bakeshop's cookies

If I had to describe 82 Bakeshop in 3 words, they would be bright, drool-worthy, and delicious. The shop was super welcoming, with friendly staff and many goodies on display. I decided to go with some cookies, which stopped me in my tracks on the first bite. So far, the Black Velvet Cream Cheese Cookie is my favourite, but I know I’ll discover more the next time I pop in.

My favourite part about going into the shop is that they list all of the ingredients besides the till, making it easy for those with allergies to understand what they can eat!

Awasis Boutique

Awasis Boutique is located within Wanuskewin Collective on Broadway and features many Indigenous creatives. Awasis Boutique features a variety of orange shirts (many of which you may have seen already!).

This summer, they featured a brand new item: the stuffed bannock named Banny! This little guy was an instant hit, and you can see him all over their social media going out for adventures! I couldn’t help but adore Banny instantly, as well as everything else at Awasis. Be sure to pop by for your very own Awasis Boutique orange shirt!

A tuxedo cat looking at a cup of coffee with whipped cream and chocolate syrup on top

Cats and coffee? This must be what heaven is! Purrfect Cup is the perfect place to take a rest and snuggle some adorable cats. Many of these cute snuggle bugs come from the Battlefords Humane Society in hopes of adoption.

This cafe is one of my favourite places in the world. I love to spend a few hours each month here, giving love to all the cute cats looking for their forever home. Plus, it’s a great spot to grab a snack. The cafe features coffees, teas, and tons of delectable treats for you to enjoy while finding your new furry best friend. I personally love their mocha while getting some kitty snuggles. For all of you who are gluten-free, they also have a variety of treats for you to enjoy.

Two people standing in front of a sign that says Claroscuro

In Gather Local Market sits an amazing shop called Claroscuro Rocks! And, boy, does it ever rock. Claroscuro is my go-to when shopping for a new crystal or some delightful-smelling incense for my office. Maritza is incredible to chat with about crystals and tarot, and our conversations always make me happy.

If you’re looking for a gift for a special occasion or a crystal that fits your vibe, be sure to stop by!

Mexican style decorations in a restaurant

Ready to add some Mexican flair to your day? Las Palapas Resort Grill is here to satisfy those cravings! I decided on a Pollo Frito taco and a Poblano Pork taco. You may not be able to tell in the photo, but these two tacos were packed with flavour and the perfect size for me!

Could I have eaten six more tacos? No. However, I wanted six more. Both tasted incredible and left me wanting more. Clearly, next time I go, I’ll need to buy three! Las Palapas also ranked on our “Quest for the Best: Spots in Saskatoon to Get Tacos” blog, so you know that you need to check them out.

Book lovers rejoice! Pages of Passion is Saskatchewan’s first romance-only bookstore. As an avid reader, I was so excited for this store to open in 2023. Needless to say, I’ve spent countless hours with Jessica and the team talking books, astrology, and all things romance.

Pages of Passion has tons of events that I also love to partake in! There’s a book club, book swaps, author events, and so much more.

A coffee boutique with jars of coffee, tea, and syrup

I don’t know about you, but I need to start my day off with a nice, big cup of coffee. Any coffee and all coffee is what I want at all times. My favourite place to buy coffee in the city happens to be McQuarries Tea & Coffee Merchants! Lately, I’m addicted to their French Toast flavoured coffee. This medium-roast coffee has flavours of French toast, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon.

I am also in love with their Prairie Berry Tea. It’s such a wonderful melody of Saskatoon berries, choke cherries, blueberries, rose hip, and so much more. There’s nothing better than a big cup of Prairie Berry before bed to help me feel warm and cozy.

People shopping in a specialty food store

I might date myself here, but does anyone remember Oreo Cakesters? Two pieces of rich chocolate cake with delicious icing in the middle that are hand-sized? No? Just me? Well, okay then!

Kelvin’s Perk brings tons of goodies from the US, like Oreo Cakesters, Chobani Creamer, Coconut Dr. Pepper, Bugles, and so much more. Seriously, if you haven’t checked out this place, I genuinely encourage you to do so! There is something for everyone here.

While these are eight small businesses that I love, there are many, many more! Did your favourites make my list? If not, what are your favourite small businesses that bring you comfort?

Entertainment, Families, Food & Drink, Members

The Author

Aris Night

Growing up on a farm taught Aris (they/them) a ton of life-lessons. For example: don't stand behind a horse. Moving to the big city to pursue their dream of... well, dreaming, Aris has used their chaotic ADHD for good (and sometimes mischief). You can catch them hanging out at Amazing Stories, sipping on a beer at Winston's, or most likely curled up at home with their two cats and a good book. Feel free to follow along their adventure on Instagram @styxxnite.