Vancouver, Canada, is a haven for coffee lovers, boasting a rich and diverse coffee culture that rivals any major city. Our rainy winters, with bone-chilling winds, make this the perfect city to sip a warm Canadiano from your favourite coffee shop. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, just north of Seattle—the birthplace of Starbucks—Vancouver’s damp, moody weather is the ideal backdrop for a vibrant coffee scene.
As a local coffee-loving Vancouverite, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the city’s cafés, sampling everything from velvety lattes to single-origin pour-overs. With a passion for finding the coziest corners and best brews, I’ve uncovered the artistry and community behind Vancouver’s independent coffee shops.
Whether you’re an occasional indulger or a serious aficionado, the city’s top coffee spots offer something for everyone. Here’s my curated guide to five of Vancouver’s best independent cafés, perfect for your next caffeine fix!
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Where to Find the Best Coffee in Vancouver
1. Nemesis Coffee
Sure, Nemesis Coffee is a coffee shop, but also a community hub for creatives, students, and professionals.
Known for its artisanal approach, Nemesis takes pride in its coffee sourcing and brewing. The ambiance in all three of its locations in Gastown, Great Northern Way, and Shipyards, North Vancouver, is sleek and modern. Each spot emits a slightly different vibe, but all are unified by an obvious commitment to quality.
If you’re looking to experience some of the best pour-overs or espresso drinks in the city, Nemesis should be at the top of your list. In addition to their coffee, Nemesis boast some of the best brunch items and cruffins (a croissant combined with a muffin!) in town.
I highly recommend their pulled pork bennies and truffle mushroom toast.
And if coffee is not quite your thing, you’re in luck as the matcha at Nemesis is top tier quality and their secret ube matcha latte is one of my routine orders. For more of the best matcha in the city, check out my post on the Top Matcha Cafés in Vancouver: Where to Savour Premium Green Tea.
2. Revolver
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Gastown, Revolver is the must-visit hotspot for hipster coffee enthusiasts and exactly where you should go if you consider yourself a bona fide coffee snob who relishes in subtle nuances of pour-over tasting notes.
Revolver’s approach is all about precision—each cup is brewed to perfection, showcasing the unique flavours of their coffee beans. They offer a rotating selection of single-origin coffees from roasters worldwide, ensuring no two visits are ever the same. Although this well-known coffee spot screams hipster pour-overs, their drip coffee is hands down my absolute favourite in the entire city of Vancouver!
The minimalist ambient setting features reclaimed brick and wooden benches, inviting you to sip your coffee slowly. This is a perfect spot for solo visits or to catch up with friends.
Pro tip: This is an extremely popular coffee shop for both locals and tourists alike in Vancouver. Arrive 5 min before opening time to grab a seat in the first room. If you miss your chance, don’t miss the abundant overflow seating next door.
3. The Garden Strathcona
Tucked away in vibrant Strathcona, The Garden Strathcona offers both excellent coffee and a serene escape from city hustle. This café is located on a stretch of East Hastings that enjoys free 2hr parking and boasts several boutique shops. Inside is a green oasis, filled with plants and natural light; ideal to relax and enjoy a tranquil moment with your black brew.
And no doubt you’ll pair your coffee with their excellent food, ranging from chocolate chip cookies, to smoothies and quiche. When we visited the broccoli squash quiche was honestly insane.
Their coffee is as thoughtfully curated as the space itself, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic espresso or a specialty drink, The Garden is sure to impress. Even my father-in-law, the pickiest coffee drinker I know, was highly impressed and commented on how there was absolutely no bitter after taste, which was a win for me!
I recommend trying both their drip coffee and their lattes when you visit.
4. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters has made a name for itself in Vancouver’s coffee scene. Known for dedication to the craft of coffee roasting, it’s perfect for those who enjoy the art of coffee. With a flagship location in Gastown and a brew bar in Railtown known as the Depot, the shop’s rustic, décor creates an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy espresso or a freshly brewed pour-over.
If you’re feeling peckish, the OG breakfast sandwich and rotating pastries do wonders to fill the void. When I visited here in September the seasonal pumpkin spice latte and hojicha apple spice latte were major players. Don’t forget to grab a bag of their house-roasted beans to take home.
5. The Birds & the Beets
Tucked away in the heart of Vancouver’s Gastown lies The Birds & The Beets. This is a charming café that blends rustic charm with urban sophistication. And I saved the best for last: this is my top personal favourite café in all of Vancouver!
I adore its cozy ambiance and creative menu. From the second you enter, this café offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The café prides itself on using locally sourced, organic ingredients to craft a menu that includes delectable coffee blends, freshly baked pastries, and vibrant, health-conscious dishes. I find their prices some of the best in town considering their quality and Vancouver’s steeply climbing restaurant rates and highly recommend the miso barley bowl, avocado toast or ricotta and jam toast on their bread freshly baked in-house.
With its warm, inviting interior adorned with eclectic decor, The Birds & The Beets is not just a place to grab a coffee but a haven for those looking to enjoy a leisurely meal or a moment of relaxation. Whether you’re popping in for a quick espresso or settling in for a leisurely brunch, the café’s friendly atmosphere and commitment to quality make it a standout destination in Vancouver’s coffee scene.
Final Sip: Vancouver’s Best Coffee
Vancouver’s coffee scene is as diverse as the city itself, with each café offering its own unique experience. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of Revolver, relaxation at The Garden Strathcona, or the community vibe at Nemesis Coffee, these top coffee spots are sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in Vancouver, make sure to visit these cafés to sip the best coffee in Vancouver and discover your new favourite brew.
How’s your Canada trip planning going? Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver or venturing out to the beautiful surrounding landscapes, be sure to save this guide to the best coffee in Vancouver.
If you’re looking for more work-friendly spots in downtown Vancouver, check out my guide to The Best Cafés with Wi-Fi and Outlets in Downtown Vancouver. Or, if you’re in East Vancouver, dive into Caffeine & Creativity: East Van’s Best Work-Friendly Cafés to discover the best cafés in the area with excellent Wi-Fi for remote work. And for the fitness nerds in the house, discover how coffee can boost your athletic performance.
If, however, you are more of a green tea pundit, read on to find out where to find the best matcha in Vancouver!
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Until we next rendezvous,
♥ Agni
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