Vancouver can be an overwhelming sea of culture, restaurants, and recreation to those that visit. With so much known about the events and activities to do while in the sea side city it can become overwhelming when trying to figure out where to go. Behind the music and performances, and between lunch and dinner you may find yourself seeking one of Vancouver’s many cafe’s. With so many high caliber cafe’s to choose from however, it can become a daunting task to find the “best coffee in town”. Luckily I have subjected myself to the (not so difficult) task of seeking out some of the best cafe’s to experience in Vancouver. These cafe’s will not only give you a deep appreciation of coffee and the items that go with it, but also for the culture of Vancouver.
If while reading you want more information on the cafe’s listed, or want to know how you can support local business in the midst of Covid-19, click the logo’s to be taken to their respective websites!
To get yourself in the mood for this caffeinated adventure check out this clip from Kutrovski
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJFf2D6rt1Q
5. Tree’s
Tree’s official logo – Source: treescoffee.com
With seven locations scattered around Vancouver, Tree’s is one of the most easily accessible cafés in the entire city. This organic coffee shop is not only home to some extraordinary caffeinated hot beverages, but also, the self-declared “best cheesecake in all of Vancouver”, with its numerous options, it may be right! This café is no stranger to the high paced lifestyle of Vancouver, located on the corner of West Broadway and Fir, my local Trees café gives an outstanding view of downtown from the southern shore, while also being positioned in a way to catch enough of the (rare) Vancouver sun to brighten any mood. If the atmosphere doesn’t excite you, the menu will. Offering various different breakfast and lunch snacks, pastries, and most importantly, the cheesecake! The seven (or more depending on the day) different flavours of cheesecake leave anyone who finds themselves walking Vancouver’s dreary streets feeling like a ray of sunshine. This is paired nicely with Tree’s organic coffee. Though not Vancouver’s best cup of coffee, this Organic Fair trade ‘Café Femenino’ roast will be a perfect addition to your cheesecake. In all Tree’s is a must stop simply because of the cheesecake, but if you do stop, you’ll find yourself amazed by the atmosphere and ethical products they provide.
A Latte paired with Tree’s famous Cheesecake
4. Timber Train
Timbertrain Oficial logo – Source: timbertraincoffeeroasters.com
The first Gastown café on this list is an espresso bar that you may miss if you’re not looking. Located on West Cordova, Timber train Coffee is quiet little café that specializes in espresso drinks. It’s warm atmosphere spectacled with orange tinted vintage lights is a perfect escape from the mid-afternoon winter rain that Vancouver has to offer. Offering multiple different espressos on bar, this café gives its patrons the opportunity to try many different blends from different parts of the world. As I sat under the warm lights and in the cozy booths of this corner café, I couldn’t help but think that this would be the perfect aesthetic for a pour over (as I am a personal fan of slow bar coffee), but unfortunately Timber train only offers only espresso and pot coffee. Nonetheless this café is an excellent choice for a quick cappuccino before work. Take 15 minutes to stop and enjoy your coffee in the cozy interior that Timber Train has to offer.
A Cappuccino from Timbertrain looking out to the Gastown streets
3. Pallet
Pallet Coffee Official Logo – Source: palletcoffeeroasters.com
Locally owned and roasted is always a plus, in the case of Pallet Café this is exactly what they offer. Their stunning HQ café which couples as the roaster for their six Vancouver locations offers a wide variety of café pastries and lunch items. But it’s the coffee that’ll make you want to come to Pallet. In this case locally roasted is definitely not a negative aspect. The rich (mainly medium roast espresso’s) which they offer is some of the best espresso in Vancouver. The milk steaming is always on point, and the service is always friendly. Most notably their Latte’s and cappuccinos are brewed to perfection. The only drawbacks of this hometown café is its lack of a slow bar. In the coffee world, coffee snobs such as myself love good espresso, but go wild for a well done pour over. This however does not take away from the fact that this is some of the deepest and richest espresso in the city. Remember to bring your wallet (you’ll need it!) and head to this Vancouver roasted Espresso titan.
Pallet Coffee on Oak Street
2. Nemesis
Nemesis Coffee Official Logo – Source: www.nemesis.coffee
With the Vancouver transit system being as fast paced and, in some ways, confusing as it is it is common to miss your bus stop and have to circle back. However, if you’re taking the bus to Gastown to follow my advice about going to Timber Train and accidentally miss your stop, don’t worry, Nemesis Café is right around the corner. Located on Hamilton street right across from Victoria square is this amazing restaurant/café. With the option of great pour over coffee, and amazing made in house dishes, this is a premier stop for your Sunday morning Brunch. The Pour over and espresso are wonderfully crafted that is rivalled only by its near neighbour down the road, Revolver. However, for Nemesis the draw is not in the amazing coffee, rather it is the food options. Most recently I enjoyed the Avocado toast, however they also offer other brunch/breakfast options such as eggs Benedict and various (vegan and non) scrambles. Though still only second place on this list Nemesis is definitely a “must visit” café in Gastown.
No better pair than the Avocado toast and Pour Over coffee from Nemesis
1. Revolver
Revolver Coffee Official Logo – Source: revolvercoffee.ca
As I wander the high-end café saturated streets of Gastown this one sticks out to me every time. Of all the cafés on this list, this one is by far the best experience for any coffee drinker. Before even discussing the coffee, we need to describe the beautiful lay out of this café. Situated on Cambie Street, near the end of Gastown, Revolver is two different rooms that are joined by a small hallway in the back. Both of these rooms open up into street facing dining areas with large windows to give a beautiful view of the cityscape outside. The bars and tables are adorned with different coffee table books, such as street photography, and film photography works. Unfortunately, the indoor aspect of Revolver is (as of now) not open to the public with the ongoing restrictions due to Covid-19, however, they still do offer espresso services at a drive through style window on the side alley of their location. As you stand under the Vancouver clouds in the eccentric alleyway you notice the time and the effort each barista puts into each of their shots. Most recently I had the macchiato, a small espresso based steamed milk drink that was perfectly balanced, however, in non-covid times, Revolver is best at their pour over coffee’s. Revolver coffee is one of the best (if not the best) cafés in Vancouver. If you find yourself on the east end of Gastown in the middle of the afternoon, this is a must stop location.
The best Macchiato in Vancouver in front of the alley way, Covid safe, order window in the alley beside Revolver
With no shortage of excellent cafe’s, Vancouver is one of the premier cities in the world for coffee drinkers, and cafe enthusiasts alike. Hopefully this list has made it just a little bit easier for you to narrow down where you go for your next latte, and hopefully expand your knowledge of coffee to allow you to discover some of the other amazing cafe’s that Vancouver has to offer.
Video by Kutrovski on Youtube - Check out their page - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC16sGIof0s0GXnBuIJbNCgw
