If you’re anything like me, you can’t visit a new place without scoping out the hippest local cafés. So when I landed in Vancouver, I knew exactly what I was going to do: eat my way through the city and discover the top cafés. And I’m happy to report, I wasn’t disappointed. Vancouver’s café culture is really varied and delicious, just like the city—really creative, laid-back, and full of surprises.
This is a guide to visiting the top cafes in Vancouver. If you’re a complete coffee aficionado or you’re simply searching for a cool spot with good Internet and fantastic pastries, I’ve got you covered.
1. Revolver Coffee – A Gastown Little Gem
- Located in historic Gastown, surrounded by cobblestone streets and indie boutiques.
- They offer a rotating selection of beans from the top roasters globally.
- Those coffee flights! It’s kind of like wine tasting, but with caffeine!
- Sleek, minimalist interiors perfect for photo ops.
- Baristas are ultra-knowledgeable and love nerding out with fellow coffee lovers.
It was like entering a really cool coffee laboratory to hang out at Revolver. I ordered an espresso flight (because why not?), and every one was such a vibe—some were so citrusy, and others were more chocolatey. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or you just want to hang in a cool spot, you need to go to Revolver.
2. Nemesis Coffee – Where innovation meets tradition
- Great location in Gastown, along with some fantastic venues at Emily Carr University and Polygon Gallery.
- Offers a rotating selection of beans with inventive brewing methods.
- They collaborate with local artists and bakers on some awesome collaborations.
- Excellent natural light and sleek architecture make it a great creative space.
- It is filled with students, freelancers, and coffee enthusiasts.
Walking in to Nemesis was like jumping in to one of those upscale design magazines from Scandinavia. Their pour-over coffee is seriously fantastic—floral, really subtle, and just so well brewed. And their pastries, man, they’re the ultimate comfort food but with this cool spin.
3. Pallet Coffee Roasters – Simply where everyone goes
- Multiple cozy locations across Vancouver (my fave is on Howe Street).
- They roast their own beans here, and they use seasonal flavors.
- Known for friendly staff and strong neighborhood vibes.
- Great place to get some work done—plenty of chairs and good Wi-Fi.
- You have to order their flat white; it’s absolutely legendary here!
Pallet just has such a cozy feel, you know? I don’t know if it’s the warm wood tones or that one barista who remembered my name after only a few visits, but it totally gets me. And the coffee is always on point. I had this flat white one morning that was so smooth I actually said “wow” out loud. No regrets whatsoever!
4. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters – A Nod to the Past
- Gastown location with rustic, train-themed interiors.
- Roasts its own beans in small batches—always fresh.
- Great selection of cold brew and nitro on tap!
- Comfortable seating is perfect for those relaxed moments.
- Offers coffee subscriptions and beans to go.
Timbertrain is this really cozy place to get away from all the craziness outside. I stopped by on a rainy Vancouver day (you know, like everybody else), and the warm, nutty aroma enveloped me like a great big hug. Their nitro cold brew was so smooth it was like dessert in a cup. And they have this great little corner in the back that’s ideal for relaxing with a book or doing some writing.
5. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters – A Vancouver must-visit!
- Many locations that are recognized for their high quality.
- They’re famous for partnering with Lucky’s Doughnuts (no kidding, they’re the bomb).
- Super bright and laid-back cafes ideal for people-watching.
- They import beans for home brewing in generally small lots.
- They are among the best lattes I have ever tasted.
This is my go-to place when I need a great latte and something sweet to go with it. I stopped by their Main Street store and treated myself to a latte and a maple bacon doughnut—life-changing, I swear. There’s something just really relaxed about 49th Parallel. All the people there clearly know their coffee, but it’s never intimidating or anything.
6. Moja Coffee – The best-kept secret in East Van
- In-house roasting for ultimate freshness.
- It’s a relaxed, more laid-back café than the ones downtown.
- Friendly baristas who are happy to chat beans or help you choose.
- Offers a great Americano and killer espresso shots.
- Also a great place to grab a pastry or sandwich on the go.
Moja is where I go to unwind. It has this really relaxed atmosphere which I absolutely adore. In the morning of a weekday, the best place to tackle your emails while enjoying some amazing coffee is there. You have to try their classic cappuccino—it is so creamy, so smooth, and absolutely perfect!
7. Small Victory Bakery – Where coffee and baked goods vibe
- Great-looking interiors with a fresh, trendy feel.
- They specialize in their fantastic almond croissants and pain au chocolat.
- Their lattes and flat whites are both quite amazing.
- Great place to hang with friends or for a relaxing date.
- Spots in Yaletown and South Granville.
Small Victory is essentially a laid-back place where a café and bakery collaborated to serve up some amazing goodies. For real, their almond croissant is well worth the splurge, and if you add a latte to go along with it, well, bliss. The employees were incredibly welcoming—despite me awkwardly inquiring about some “secret menu magic” (they didn’t have some, but enjoyed the enthusiasm).
8. JJ Bean Coffee Roasters – A Local Staple
- There’s over a dozen locations throughout the city.
- They always have great coffee and plenty of bean options.
- Their Marine Building café is a must for architecture lovers.
- Great baked goods—try the banana chocolate muffin.
- Perfect for lounging with friends or casual gatherings.
JJ Bean is, like, the Vancouver go-to for coffee, you know? It’s everywhere and you can absolutely rely on it. I popped in to their Marine Building location and I was really impressed with the art deco atmosphere—it’s like drinking espresso in a book of history. Well worth visiting if you’re in the Coal Harbor district.
9. The Greenhorn Café – West End’s Artistic Retreat
- It’s situated in the West End, near to English Bay.
- Intimate, artistic vibe with vintage charm.
- It’s local art and they occasionally have live music.
- Great options for breakfast and brunch!
- Espresso-based drinks are strong and satisfying.
The atmosphere here was like staying in the living room of a friend—yeah, in the good way. It was seriously so relaxed, and the espresso? Extremely bold and flavorful, the way I like it. If you’re headed to the beach, you’ll need to stop by here for a morning pick-me-up.
10. Milstead & Co. – Rustic Charm on West 4th
- They’re famous for their fantastic seasonal beverage deals and incredible vanilla lattes.
- The rustic interiors are cozy but modern.
- Ideal for home work or a solo coffee break.
- They support local artists and showcase what they’ve made.
- Friendly staff who love giving personal recommendations.
It’s my go-to place for those laid-back morning feels when I just want to sit back and scope out the scene. Their seasonal drinks are the best—last fall, I absolutely loved this pumpkin spice flat white, and it was fantastic. They make you feel like part of the family even if you’ve only ever been there once.
6 Tips for Acing Vancouver’s Coffee Scene
1. Go Early or Late
Most cafes fill up fast between 9–11 a.m. If you’re aiming for a seat, try going earlier or after the rush.
2. Talk with the baristas
They’re total experts. Honestly, don’t be shy—go ahead and ask for a recommendation, particularly if you’re uncertain about the menu.
3. Try a Coffee Flight
A few places such as Revolver do coffee flights. It’s a fun and neat way to try various roasts simultaneously.
4. Get your own cup!
Vancouver is sustainability-focused. Most cafés offer you a discount if you use your own reusable cup.
5. Check Instagram for Specials
Some of the cafes post their seasonal offerings or pop-up events on social media beforehand, so follow your favorites to stay current.
6. Pair Coffee with Pastries
Seriously, you have to try the baked goods! Lucky’s Doughnuts and Small Victory croissants combined are absolutely next level!
Conclusion
Savoring Vancouver, a cup of coffee at a time. Visiting the cafes of Vancouver is like getting a taste of the city’s atmosphere—totally artsy, laid-back, and all about living life to the fullest. Whether you’re in search of the ultimate cortado, a flavorful cold brew, or simply in the mood for a place to sit and people-watch, there’s a café here to suit every coffee lover.
And if I’m fortunate, I’ll see you in line, both of us of course standing there waiting for lattes, chatting as if we’ve known each other forever.
Happy sipping!