Caffeine Loaded in Vancouver
The best places to sip and eat while you work.
Whether you simply need a change of scenery or you’re taking advantage of the mobile office while traveling – the coffee shop office is a classic. The winning combination of tables and caffeine has long attracted the working professional. Today, these temporary workstations feature more than just a well-brewed cup. They offer WiFi, ambiance, and a menu that inspires. While Seattle’s unofficially known as the coffee capital of the world – Vancouver’s cafes are developing a reputation for their down-to-earth welcoming vibe and espresso-pulling expertise.
49th Parallel
One of the top coffee roasters in Vancouver, 49th Parallel has three cafes scattered throughout the city – each featuring outdoor seating and a pristine selection of indoor haunts. While the roaster’s signature teal bags of beans can be found throughout the world, it’s the café visitors who really win. For they are the lucky folk who get to chase their delicate Americano with a selection of made-from-scratch Lucky’s Doughnuts. Time your visit around noon and you may even be lucky enough to score one of their Sourdoughnuts – made without the use of commercial yeasts or leaveners.
Olive and Ruby
With a vertical wall garden, airy interior, and suspended swinging chairs, Olive and Ruby’s light interior gives you the mental breathing room needed to spark creativity. No. You don’t have to work while swinging. There is also a selection of sturdy wood tables. The expresso here is made with beans from Pallet Coffee Roasters (a fabulous local roastery) and the vegan-friendly menu features flavor-packed selections like the popular Acai Bowl loaded with fruits, house-made granola, and coconut flakes.
Prado
Looking for another place to set up shop and still get your 49th Parallel fix? Prado has you covered. All four Prado locations scattered throughout Vancouver brew the local roaster’s beans and simple, wholesome grub. But park the donuts at the door. Bites here are on the healthy side. Popular bites include the mint pea and avocado smash toast; herb frittata, aged cheddar, and ham sandwich; and peas and greens salad topped with pumpkin seeds and parmesan.
Nemesis
As coffee shops go, Nemesis is on the large side with its 40+ seating capacity. But don’t let the roomy interior fool you into assuming you’ll find cafeteria quality pours or service. This hip Gastown joint’s impeccable menu offers both high-quality coffee and food. Particularly delightful are the pour over brews, especially when enjoyed with the wild mushroom topped toast.
Pallet Coffee Roasters
Ultra-modern, Pallet Coffee Roasters has three (soon to be four) cafes scattered throughout Vancouver. The baristas are friendly and the menu ranges from eggy-bagel sandwiches to high-end toasts and scones. Those who need to get some serious work done will appreciate the comfortable bench seating and individual tables.
Matchstick Coffee
In-house bean roasting. Pour over coffee. Scratch-made bread baked fresh daily. Matchstick Coffee’s three Vancouver cafes craft commonplace menu staples into event-worthy fare. The spacious seating areas (in particular the Chinatown location which is large enough to host meetings, events, and workshops) offer large communal tables and plenty of lighting.
Le Marché St. George
Seating is mostly outdoors. The average patron is more likely to be catching up with friends than hunkering down to work. That’s the beauty of Le Marché St. George. It’s the reason this boutique-grocery store and café is the perfect place to escape the daily grind. The lattes are large. The crepes are delicate. The pot pie may transport you to a village in France.
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