With a coffee shop on every corner of a street, Vancouver is heaven for all the coffee addicts. It does justice to all caffeine lovers by providing all kinds of coffee, from beans to the right snacks and environment, to get you in the right mood.
We all have different reasons to accidentally always end up in a café from getting into work mode or need energy for that assignment to submit in 24 hours, meet a group of friends, escape the family gathering, for dates, as you can leave early if it goes bad, a place to get instagrammable pictures for your profile, like a good cup of coffee makes everything a bit tolerable.
With the pandemic and remote work, people prefer the best coffee places to work efficiently. It offers a change of environment, scenery, to look presentable, and a change of mood, especially for people who live alone.
As said, with a coffee place in every corner, we’ve tried to list a few best coffee shops in Vancouver for you to make an easy choice in both quantity and coffee. The list of all these places is in no particular order.
Cause of the pandemic, we recommend checking their website/socials and contact before going as there were changes in many places in the kinds of services they offered before 2020.
1. Nemesis
The coffee here is just like its name, unique. Nemesis opened in Vancouver in 2017 and has established itself in leading the best coffee shop or brand. It is no surprising fact that it got the number 1st in 2021 list of The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Vancouver 2021.
The three locations are Gastown, Polygon, and GNW. GNW is the newest and has a unique shape with a great interior, just like the other two in their way. It also has a different logo, a white inverted heart with a blue background.
The coffee here is all house-roasted and direct to farm-sourced. With multiple branches across Vancouver, 3 branches in total, it is readily available to people. Each place serves the same coffee, yet they’re unique in their way with a different interior and vibe.
The Nemesis coffee comes from a rotating selection of beans. Some recommendations are pour-overs (Indian Ratnagiri especially), filter coffee, and espresso.
But what is coffee without a snack or your favorite cookie? It never feels complete without it right! Well, that’s why nemesis has the best service in food also.
Unlike chocolate cookies at GNW, try anything with duck and Polygon for breakfasts and baked goods.
Other Recommendations from reviews would be salad, avocado toast, Rhubarb Streusel Croissant, Tiramisu Croissant, Porchetta Sandwich with rosemary focaccia, fennel + apple slaw, pickled onion, grainy Dijon, roastedic, French Toast with house rithe cotta, charred peaches, slivered almonds, honey.
Address: 302 W Hastings St, Vancouver
101 Carrie Cates Ct #110, North Vancouver
555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
2. Prototype Coffee
Prototype coffee is a well-established and known coffee stop for all caffeine lovers in the city and has got mentions from some known people, thus making it on the list of best coffee shops in Vancouver.
The interior of this place is dark has mirrors and moss walls. With a minimalist, industrial decor, it also has plants and greenery around. From coffee mugs to counter and floor to ceiling, the furniture is simple, and there are fancy and shiny pieces of equipment.
The prototype is well known for steaming drinks. They always work on new flavors and types. Reviews have it that with every visit, you’ll get a different batch every time with at least 15 different unique and new coffee flavors giving the name of ‘micro-roastery,’ making it a good place to try different flavors.
Here you can try some amazing coffee like steamed nitro cold brew, and you can pick anything or make a recommendation of the barista, Codex Guatemala Candeleria. So that you remember, the price of cups changes on the bean you choose. If you’re stuck, the co-owner Matt Johnson and his team can help you.
If you’re already trying a new coffee, do the same with the food options. You can try their waffle doughnuts with flavors like coffee, coconut, grapefruit, raspberry, etc.
The prototype is available on online delivery apps like UberEats, but visiting the place is recommended.
Address: 883 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Contact: 778-378-8510
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
3. Revolver Coffee
Another one of the best coffee shops in Vancouver, BC, is Revolver. It is a landmark known around the city, country, and the world which will never die in the ocean of new brands and coffee places. Every coffee store in Vancouver has its motif centered around Revolver.
The indoors are NYC-style themes giving a chic and cozy vibe. It has a simple and precise menu list to choose from and has offers always. Their beans are from some of the top roasters worldwide, making it the first choice of every coffee lover and tourist, even for a delicious cup of coffee.
You can try a latte with microfoam and perfect latte art, any espresso, macchiatos, and coffee cake.
Address: 325 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Contact: 604-558-4444
4. Kafka’s Coffe & Tea
Kafka’s is a preferred coffee shop because of its dedication and commitment to quality beverages. In 2021, they moved from the US to Canada, their roasting operation supporting the local people in the country.
Kafka’s coffee shops have 3 locations across Vancouver, i.e., Mt Pleasant (Main Street), Gastown, and last but not least, East Vancouver (Great Northern Way). Gastown is known for its innovative design.
Every shop features photography, paintings, and different artworks, making the environment colorful, creative, and fun.
Known for pour-over and espresso, they offer cold brew drinks in summers. Besides coffee, you can try food that is different in all 3 locations, especially pastries; Kafka partnered with Lil Bird Sandwich Co. in the main street shop, making the menu more exciting.
Address: 151 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; 2525 Main Street, Vancouver; 151 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Contact: 604-829-2220
5. Pallet Coffee Roasters
The pallet is an iconic coffee shop in Vancouver. Established in 2014 in East Vancouver, it is most preferred by locals.
People often complimented the Palate Kitchen and is an indispensable part of the Vancouver coffee list. The pallet has six locations of coffee shops around Metro Vancouver which shows it is a community-minded company. Their headquarters are in Railtown and roaster too.
Located in the heritage building of 1921, it’s designed with beautiful interiors with classic and timeless décor giving vintage vibes. It is located in Coal Harbour near Waterfront Station. The other cafes are designed to be modern with industrial décor.
Pallet roasts beans itself which you can try in cafes or buy through wholesale business. With their roaster, they often outsource beans to other cafes too. So instead of those, why not try from the original!
At pallet, try single-origin espresso from HQ shop or the prime location, cortado, pour-over at downtown Vancouver. If you’re up to try something new, try the delicious coffee, i.e., Adventurous Coffee Series
Address: 323 Semlin Drive, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Contact: 604-255-2014
6. Harken
A coffee shop as new as Harken has developed to be the spot for people to relax and enjoy every sip of coffee. It is located in Railtown and roasts its coffee beans. The food options here are all vegan adding to the positives.
The décor of this Vancouver coffee shop is clean and elegant. As a vegan, it is light making it the best spot for a quick and tasty breakfast, otherwise obviously open during other mealtimes. Stop here for a quality cup offered in small size ceramic mugs.
The people who have been there usually recommend an amazing natural coffee cause the head roaster is rumored to be good with fruity flavors. You can always take pour over if you are indecisive on what to try.
Address: 338 Powell Street, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram
Contact: 604-661-1142
7. Modus Coffee Roasters
Modus is an example of that child who proves that it’s the important skills and not the grades. It is a small shop in Mt Pleasant and has established a great name in the city’s coffee industry.
Opened in 2015, this place has a comfy and cozy vibe making it an essential part of the Vancouver coffee scene. It takes care of supply chains, develops strong relations, and works with seasonal producers. They’ve always been roasting their beans.
Their aim when it comes to a great coffee is simple. It offers light and bright coffee with balanced flavors. You can try their specialty coffee Coast Roast and their collab of beer with Studio Brewing LATIF Roast, and also, don’t forget to try HIRO Roast. Pour over goes without saying.
Apart from coffee, it is also one of the best brunch spots, so make sure to enter the empty stomach. There are a lot of tasty baked goods. You can also try pastries if you are a sweet tooth like me!
Address: 112 W Broadway, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Contact: 604-873-5111
8. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Timertrain has two locations or only locations, one in Gastown and the other in Grandview-Woodlands. It started in Gastown and is a must-try spot for caffeine addicts with a vintage aesthetic style. They roast beans on their own, which is from premium sources, enhancing the quality of the cup and a new experience with every sip.
The Gastown shop is old with high ceilings, large windows, bricks, wooden floors, etc. The theme of the shop is trained Sitting in th train carriage compartment, and you can watch baristas on work on the other side who make the coffee like art like it is making it enjoyable to spend time here.
The other location, usually known as ‘The Depot,’ has more industrial décor with a fancy vibe and is forward than Gastown in education and innovation. Timbertrain used to have a class to teach about latte art and coffee.
With a wide variety of coffee, including slow and drip bars and nitro cold brew. You can try any pour-over here, almond milk latte, etc. A marshmallow cookie always goes with the perfect cup of coffee.
Address: 311 W Cordova Street, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Contact: 604-915-9a188
9. Kahve
Kahve is one of the best coffee shops in Kitsilano, Vancouver. It has polished flooring a lightwood interior with minimal décor. On one side of the wall, there are different jewelry, housewares, and décor items for sale, which is a unique thing.
With coffee, this place is equally famous for the snacks served here. Made in-house, the amazing delicious treats are prepared with fresh local ingredients. The coffee served here originates from only one source: Calgary’s Phil and Sebastian, unlike other coffee shops with various roasters.
The condiments used are also made in-house. Some popular recommendations for this place are sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods, etc.
Address: 1822 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram
Contact: 604-222-9002
10. Elysian
Elysian is a local coffee roaster in Kitsilano and a few locations in and around the downtown core. It has four Kitsilano, Fairview, Mt Pleasant, and downtown Vancouver locations.
This place is perfect for getting your fruity flavored coffee than any other aficionado place in Vancouver. This place intentionally does not have wi-fi, so instead of taking your laptop to work while having coffee, they want you to give attention to the real world around you after all coffee is all about relaxing your mind and body.
This place has a comfortable vibe with a minimalistic design. They have artworks on display and plants around.
Address: 590 W Broadway, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Twitter
Contact: 604-874-5909
11. Milano
Milano is a world-renowned coffee roaster. They’re located in 4 locations in Vancouver, making it convenient to choose from a wide array of choices.
This Vancouver coffee café is of medium size, where you’ll never feel too crowded, which makes it more private and social. Its décor is modern-industrial.
Milano can be called one of the best coffee shops in Vancouver. It has won awards from experts around the globe, especially its La Futura blend, which tastes magnificent as both latte and espresso. Many coffee shops in Gastown have 49th parallel, but you can go to Milano if you want different roasts.
When ordering, you can pick espresso beans for yourself. Some good examples for a high-quality coffee include dark roast pour-over, mocha, especially Hedgehog mocha with (hazelnut), lavender, white chocolate for all the sweet tooth people.
Address: 156 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Contact: 604-879-446
Try the traditional Turkish coffee brewed over sand at Cafe Portrait if these 11 coffee shops do not satisfy your taste buds. That’s their specialty coffee.
I hope you will find your perfect roast in any of these coffee shops.
Suggested Read: Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
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