Parks, shops, hip cocktail bars, and theatres abound in East Van—a locale for patrons of the arts and artfully-made coffees. Tuck into one of these cafes that are as unique as the area’s geography and subcultures.

Livia

Catch a waft of fresh sourdough and pastries baking on the corner of Commercial Drive and Kitchener Street, and grab a finely-crafted espresso and breakfast “sammy” from the takeout window of Livia. This small bakery and Italian cafe offers dine-in brunch and lunch, as well as takeout, from Tuesday to Sunday, with dinner service offering up fine pasta plates (weekends only).

Address: 1399 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Platform 7

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This coffee shop is an escapist’s dream. Modelled after an English train station, Platform 7’s vaulted ceilings and traincar-like booths give the impression that you’re about to be transported somewhere adventurous. Find single-origin coffees from around the world, as well as locally-sourced baked goods and sandwiches made to order. For an extra escape, pop into the secret garden out the back with a book and your latte.

Address: 2331 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Caffe La Tana

Sister spot to fine-dining Italian restaurants Savio Volpe and Pepino’s Spaghetti House, Caffe La Tana is a decidedly more intimate option. Find baked goods, breakfast items, and more here—and finish it up with a velvety espresso.

Address: 635 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Prototype Coffee

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Prototype pairs carefully-sourced beans from around the world with house-made waffle donuts in seasonal flavours. The spot prides itself on its ability to provide variety, which is why it stocks no less than 14 different flavours on the brew bar at a time—as well as options for espresso.

Address: 883 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

The Garden Strathcona

If poison ivy were a coffee lover, this is where you’d find her. The Garden is a true sanctuary for coffee fans and anthophiles alike. Surrounded by lush, green plants, you can get a cup of freshly roasted coffee from Agro Roasters or a sip from JusTea, along with fresh-baked treats or a breakfast or lunch bowl—always made in-house, from scratch. After a half hour in this cafe oasis, you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of the city.

Address: 868 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Doe Coffee

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There’s nothing better than finding a cafe that does what they do incredibly well, and this is certainly the case for Doe Coffee and bakery. The small menu is perfectly crafted, with made-fresh daily pastries that can’t be beat—like the fruit galette or the honeycomb butter croissant. Enjoy with a handcrafted espresso drink.

Address: 2263 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

Yuan Coffee

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Only open since Fall 2023, Yuan Coffee is simple and minimalist, pulling no punches on what delicious coffee is really all about. Choose your flavour from a small menu of bean varieties and how you’d like to have it, and Yuan will have it expertly made to order.

Address: 550 Clark Drive, Vancouver

Timbertrain

One of three Timbertrain locations (see our Gastown cafe picks), this location is affectionately known as The Depot—the spot where the coffee roasters focus on the craftsmanship behind their coffee. Here, you can witness the roasting, try your hand at cupping, or just grab a coffee and a snack. The menu is slightly expanded from the Gastown counterpart, including artisan sandwiches such as the Montreal smoked meat sandwich, smoked chicken and pear sandwich, and the creamy artichoke and sundried tomato sandwich.

Address: 551 McLean Drive, Vancouver