Looking for a new spot to frequent for your routine coffee or matcha fix? Tucked away into the neighbourhood streets of Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, Commercial, Gastown, Strathcona, and the West End are some of the best local coffee shops in town. And we’re here to map out your options for your next neighbourhood stroll.

So with that in mind, here are 18 of the coziest neighbourhood cafes to check out in Vancouver.

Velo Star Cafe

This pet-friendly cafe actually doubles as a bike shop—perfect if you’re cycling through the area and need a quick pick-me-up in the form of a breakfast sandwich, coffee, bike tune-up, or a combination of the three.

Where: 3195 Heather St.

Cowdog Coffee 

Popular for its refreshing iced matcha sips and freshly-baked caneles and hojicha cookies, Cowdog Coffee is definitely the spot of the year. Having recently opened its new permanent location on Oak Street, it’s the perfect time to check it out!

Where: 3720 Oak St.

East Cafe 

This pick might just be Vancouver’s only cafe with a rooftop patio! Situated in Hastings-Sunrise, East Cafe is a vibrant spot for a tasty treat and patio beverage, with open mic nights and live music every Thursday.

Where: 2401 East Hastings St.

The Federal Store

A quaint luncheonette and grocer slash cafe, The Federal Store really does it all. The plant-adorned spot nestled between Quebec and Main is known for its amazing selection of house-baked cakes, pastries, and a selection of espresso beverages.

Where: 2601 Quebec St.

Union Market 

The recently reopened Union Market is currently serving up limited-time espresso tonics and soft serve, so don’t walk, run over to Union Street. You’ll be greeted by a welcoming, plant-clad patio in the front, with a hidden space in the back to enjoy one of their coveted pastéis de nata.

Where: 810 Union St.

Wilder Snail Neighbourhood Grocery & Cafe

Organic coffees, sandwiches, snacks, and groceries. What more could you need from your local neighbourhood cafe? Wilder Snail is open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays, and from 9 am on weekends, and has all the cozy vibes you need this season.

Where: 799 Keefer St.

Caffe Cittadella 

This multi-level bistro is situated in a late 19th-century heritage house, complete with character archways, large windows, and an outdoor patio with gorgeous views of False Creek. Perfect for a quiet afternoon of laptop work and coffee, or catching up with friends over their daily happy hour menu.

Where: 2310 Ash St.

Revolver

Situated right across from Purebread in Gastown is one of the best spots for espresso drinks we’ve come across in the city. From the tasting flights to the funky decor, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to Revolver.

Where: 325 Cambie St.

The Mighty Oak

Chances are if you live between South Cambie and Main, you’ve already passed by this adorable neighbourhood cafe and grocer hundreds of times. Patio seating, hanging plants, fresh pastries, and delicious espresso beverages for every palate – what more could we ask for?!

Where: 198 West 18th Ave.

Slo Coffee

Also known for its unique iced matchas and espresso bevies is ‘Fraserhood’s’ newest coffee shop hangout spot, Slo Coffee. Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, it’s a great place to stop by for a catch-up session or mid-week treat.

Where: 4160 Fraser St.

Le Marché St. George

The quintessential Vancouver spot for traditional French pastries, Croque Monsieur, and other comfort bites. Le Marché St. George is probably one of the most aesthetic neighbourhood cafes on this list, tucked away behind Fraser Street on St. George with books and board games to keep you company!

Where: 4393 St. George St.

Marche Mon Pitou

Speaking of French-inspired fare, March Mon Pitou offers guests a deeper look into the Parisian cafe experience in Vancouver. The South Granville spot has several cute outdoor tables with heaters overhead during the colder months, offering the perfect place to enjoy a croissant or Croque Madame and people-watch.

Where: 1387 West 7th Ave.

Arbutus Coffee

Best known for being “that one cafe by the Greenway,” Arbutus Coffee has become a celebrated spot for fresh bagels, pastries, and even gelato on West 6th and Arbutus. Come rain or shine, or snow—this local favourite is always there when you need it.

Where: 2200 Arbutus St.

Milano Coffee Roasters

With 13 different-origin coffees to choose from (and home to Vancouver’s only espresso-tasting bar), you can truly taste the “Italian soul” in each blend created by Milano Coffee Roasters. And the Mount Pleasant location is the epitome of ‘cozy,’ with comfortable couch seating and an outdoor balcony.

Oh, and live music every Sunday!

Where: 156 West 8th Ave.

Far Out Coffee Post

Coffee. Vintage clothing. Arcade games. Three things you probably thought couldn’t exist at the same location, yet here we are. Far Out is a quirky spot where friends & neighbours can get together, enjoy specialty croissants and cinnamon buns, or just hang by the pinball machine.

Where: 2173 Dundas St.

Cafe Portrait

Cafe Portrait is probably one of the most unique finds you’ll stumble across in Vancouver. The Turkish-owned and operated cafe is located just minutes away from English Bay, but once you head inside, you enter a whole other world. A vibrant art show meets breakfast with a view.

Where: 1120 Denman St.

Cardero Cafe 

This West End spot doubles as a ‘Latin snackery,’ serving up a slew of delicious soups, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, including the Dulce de Leche Macchiato and the Fruta de la Pasión from Brazil. Come to try the Latin-inspired fare and stay for the ‘homey’ vibes. Plus, they have tons of traditional snacks from a variety of Latin American countries that are likely tough to track down anywhere else in Vancouver!

Where: 1016 Cardero St.

Cafe Lokal 

Last but certainly not least, we come to the incredibly charming Cafe Lokal on West 4th. The European-inspired eatery not only has a comfy garden patio on the side, but has a bunch of mix-matched vintage furniture to lounge on with your favourite comfort beverage. They also have a full brunch menu to choose from if you’re craving a fuller meal!

Where: 2610 West 4th Ave.

Recent Posts:
One of Canada’s only geoparks is in BC & it’s home to 10 incredible waterfalls
One of the ‘coolest towns in North America’ is in BC

Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

Read articles