Coffee Shop Scene
Did you know that Vancouver had the first Starbucks outside of Seattle? Vancouver's coffee scene has SO MANY places that just hanging out can be a full-time career. Its coastal location seems to make the coffee taste better...just like other coffee cities like Seattle, San Fransisco, and Boston. Coffee shops seem to be a second home, or a relaxing pit stop between work and home or home and work. Of course, some neighbourhoods are known for their coffee stops. Here are a few:
Downtown & Robson
The commuting by foot between the apartment dwellers in the densely-packed West end and Downtown makes this a coffee heaven, with lots of choices. Of course, you’ve got to see the kitty-corner Starbucks on Robson and Thurlow, that serve 3000 coffees a day between them. Check the popular Blenz chain of coffee providers in this neighbourhood for a city-flavored treat or Murchie's on Robson for an iced coffee.
[ Return to Top ]
West End
There are many good reasons to come to the West End: shopping, eating, or a walk in Stanley Park or along the water. The West end is best characterized by the intersection of Davie and Denman at English Bay. Davie Street is the centre of relaxed cool, popular with the West End locals. Denman has a faster tempo, being closer to English Bay Beach and the bike paths to and from Stanley Park. Carboni Coffee Inc. have stores on both streets, and keep your eye out for a place called Delany's on Denman. For something truly cool, Spuntino's on Davie captures the feel of this area - pleasant surroundings and a feeling of contentment once the neighbourhood vibe sets in.
[ Return to Top ]
Kitsilano
"Kits" is home to both university students and young singles, and fills their quota of both beaches and coffee shops. Kitsilano's coffee shops reflect a more relaxed pace, just across False Creek from Downtown, where every day can feel like a weekend. There are of course the name-brand coffee chains in the main shopping zones, but here you can find the quieter "local" street shops. Look for the Big News Coffee Bar on Broadway, the Cordova Café on Cordova Street, and The Lillypad Café on West 10th, on your way to the UBC campus.
[ Return to Top ]
Other Coffee Hangouts
Here are some good recommendations for the coffee scene in Vancouver. If you like the looks of a neighbourhood, there’s probably a coffee shop with a patio. Sit down, and take it all in. Savor not just your coffee but the local crowd.
|
