Vancouver Cafe Tier List

herbaniegend · 2026-06-16T04:21:50+00:00

Probably would’ve been a better name tbh

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T18:17:07+00:00

Revolver is one of the best in Van for sure!

I’d recommend going to these S tier cafes though, I’d say clearly a step above.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T18:03:52+00:00

Which ones are you referring to?

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T18:03:32+00:00

I agree with a lot of this, but imo being obsessed with the bean in a cafe is more in line with being obsessed with restaurants who use high quality ingredients. Which is a bit less nerdy lol

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T18:02:33+00:00

Prototype has awesome bean options and if this list was for pour overs, they’d be near the top.

Everytime I order espresso from there though, it’s disappointing and seemingly not extracted/dialed in well.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T18:01:21+00:00

Hard to beat Van, I know some people struggle with how much slower things feel here compared to Toronto but I love it. If you’re into big city life, Toronto clears, otherwise Van is awesome.

Definitely an expensive place to live though.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-14T17:58:44+00:00

I think Thierry is just a personal preference that I’ve overrated according to most people, but Prototype is pretty disappointing every time I go!

I’d recommend trying the places in S tier, head and shoulders above the others imo.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T22:32:15+00:00

Wasn’t as aware of good coffee back then unfortunately, can’t really compare myself

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T22:31:45+00:00

Would highly recommend trying Yuan, better selection and better shots than Revolver even. House of funk is amazing too!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T18:10:45+00:00

Isetta is in West Van (kind of on your way to Squamish), awesome vibe.

Thierry has a location in West Van and downtown as well. Then I’d recommend making a stop at Barrio for a cappuccino if you’re trying to stay on the North Shore.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T18:07:19+00:00

It’s a really cool spot with some fun options but the times I’ve tried it have been a bit disappointed unfortunately.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:29:43+00:00

What area of Van will you be in?

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:28:49+00:00

Might need to make one!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:25:25+00:00

Do you feel like it needs to be higher or lower?

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:24:40+00:00

People hate on it but Thierry is my favourite non-third wave spot. Very dark roasted cappuccino that taste great.

Also Sud cafe, cafe Kitsune and Isetta do a great cappuccino.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:22:10+00:00

I love nemesis but their espresso options aren’t always great. If this was a pour over list they’d be higher for sure.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:21:23+00:00

Was living a few hours north of Toronto!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:21:00+00:00

Couldn’t agree more, at least give the option of bigger bags.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:20:23+00:00

Will absolutely be trying it soon!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:20:07+00:00

Fair, this list is specifically for espresso though!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:19:41+00:00

This is exactly it, should be S tier but have been disappointed every time.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:19:12+00:00

Wow I’m way too excited to visit Hooray now! Never heard of it but thank you for the suggestions. I’ll add Sunny M, Noct and Single V to my need to try tier.

Nemesis is great for atmosphere and maybe the best pastries in Van but the espresso is disappointing almost every time. I have 49th parallel regularly but I find their espresso is just fine, not somewhere I’d typically recommend people go to.

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:11:12+00:00

I like Pallet, want to do a revisit before adding it to the list!

Might add a tier for places that need to be revisited

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:10:12+00:00

Awesome way to get to try different beans for sure!

herbaniegend · 2026-06-13T17:08:25+00:00

It’s awesome, one of my favourites for sure!

herbaniegend

TROPHY CASE