Whether it’s sitting down with a laptop to bang out some work, meeting up with a friend, or just getting out of the house for a treat, Mount Pleasant and Riley Park in Vancouver have no shortage of cozy and hip coffee shops to try.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite spots, likely to be stone’s throw away from wherever you are.

Coco et Olive

As its name suggests, Coco et Olive is a Parisian-inspired cafe serving up fresh pastries, salads, paninis, and espresso drinks. Its relaxed atmosphere—complete with mismatched chairs and farm-style tables—creates a feeling that you’re really enjoying a petit dejeuner on the streets of Europe.

Address: 3707 Main Street, Vancouver

Milano

Milano takes its espresso blends extremely seriously—and the results are incredible. With multiple blends to try, you can indulge in a different one each time. Pull up a seat overlooking Jonathan Rogers Park across the street and people-watch the day away.

Address: 156 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Liberty Bakery + Cafe

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Baked goods are the highlight at this quaint bakery and cafe. From daily-made croissants, scones and buttermilk biscuits to heartier fare such as roast chicken sandwiches and soups, Liberty caters to coffee shop goers who want to stay for a fresh-made meal and excellent latte, and then take home a warm loaf of sourdough to keep the feeling going.

Address: 3699 Main Street, Vancouver

Foglifter

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Originally started as a roasting company in Shawnigan Lake, the Foglifter Roasting Company cafe put its first stake in the Vancouver ground on Main Street in 2021. It’s no surprise, then, that its main feature is blends, beans, and brews. Choose from a list of daily coffees, teas, or espresso and pair it with a baked treat.

Address: 3590 Main Street, Vancouver

Cartems Donuts

This is no police-comedy fare. Cartems reinvents the reputation of donuts and coffee with its daily bevy of gourmet treats. Explore flavours such as the Smoked Maple Walnut, Early Grey, or the Pink Matcha (a Janaury special) in this industrial-style shop. All pair well with an Americano.

Address: 2190 Main Street, Vancouver

Novella Coffee Bar

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Part of the Michelin-starred family of Published and Bar Susu is Novella Coffee Bar, a little nook on Main Street where you can enjoy an eclectic selection of hot meals (think: a truffle mortadella sandwich, bibimbap, or tiramisu French toast), along with a specialty drink such as the Kyoto Fog. For imbibers, a small selection of local beer and wine is available as well. [UPDATE, APRIL 2024: Novella is closing down to make way for a new concept.]

Address: 2650 Main Street, Vancouver

Kranky Cafe

Kranky Cafe is a local’s delight. Serving up diner-style sandwiches, all-day breakfast, and even Jamaican Patties, this neighbourhood haunt is an unpretentious spot to grab lunch and coffee with a friend or sit down for a sneaky happy hour cocktail on the patio—in the warmer months, of course.

Address: 228 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Gene Coffee Bar

Not only does Gene serve up a fine selection of coffees, teas, and eats (even the Aussie Pie Guy’s Australian meat pies), the shop itself is a landmark to behold. Separating Main Street and Kingsway, this unique 45-degree shop boasts wrap-around windows with natural light coming in at almost all angles. Come for the coffee and treats, stay for the people-watching from its floor-to-ceiling windows. (Fun fact: it’s not uncommon to spot celebrated artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun hanging out here in his signature hat.)

Address: 2404 Main Street, Vancouver 

Le Marche St. George

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Lauded as one of Vancouver’s hidden gems, Le Marché St George is a general-store-cafe hybrid serving up coffee and European-style treats. Located in an unassuming heritage building, this is the perfect place to take your most discerning friend.

Address: 4393 St. George Street, Vancouver

The Mighty Oak

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Part coffee shop and part neighbourhood grocery store, The Mighty Oak offers up locally-sourced groceries and a curated selection of espresso and fine foods. This small but—excuse the pun—mighty shop is a neighbourhood hub designed for community.

Address: 198 West 18th Avenue, Vancouver

The Federal Store

If ever you’re in need of an artisan birthday cake, look no further than The Federal Store. This unique corner store-bakery-coffee-shop whips up elegant cakes, from Honey Cardamom to Roasted Strawberry and beyond. They also stock a selection of local grocery goods from brands such as Mumgry, and make a mean espresso, too. 

Address: 2601 Quebec Street, Vancouver

Paper Crane

With homey charm, Paper Crane cafe boasts an off the beaten path atmosphere. Pop in for coffee (made with house-roasted beans), tea, and baked goods, and take advantage of the back patio if you’re looking for a quiet place to sit.

Address: 531 East Broadway, Vancouver

Matchstick

This artisan coffee chain boasts a clean, well-lit location in Riley Park. On offer is house-roasted beans for espresso drinks, along with daily fresh-baked bread and hot meals. 

Address: 4807 Main Street, Vancouver

Nemesis

Located at the entrance of Emily Carr University, this Nemesis location boasts an architectural style as pleasing as its menu. With ‘90s hip hop undertones (there’s always a record spinning during “dope brunch”), this bakery and cafe serves up offbeat but elevated breakfasts like Turkish eggs or a smoked pastrami Benedict. There’s also a daily selection of gourmet pastries, from strawberry-cream filled croissants to s’mores cronuts, and strong coffee to go with it.

Address: 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver

Modus

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Micro-roastery Modus serves up unique blends alongside a daily lunch (and a weekend brunch) at its West Broadway haunt. Try the essential toasts, aptly named v1, v2 and v3, along with unique dishes like the yuzu avocado toast.

Address: 112 West Broadway, Vancouver

Fife Bakery

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A tiny bakery and cafe tucked away on East 3rd, Fife makes delicious sourdough, cookies, and coffees. There aren’t many tables inside, making this a great place to grab something to go and then head to nearby Jon Rogers Park to enjoy it.

Address: 64 East 3rd Avenue, Vancouver

Mercato di Luigi

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Espresso, sandwiches, and fresh-made pastries and pastas are on order at Mercato di Luigi daily from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The quaint Italian grocer and cafe also carries Italian products like dried and fresh pasta, and house-made sauces.

Address: 580 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver

Aperture Coffee Bar

This cozy coffee haunt as Americana-style decor, serving up classic breakfasts and sandwiches along with espresso drinks. Jazz, coffee, and motorbikes are the shop’s main inspirations, and it plays host to meetups and jazz shows on occasion, with a back room known for a killer happy hour.

Address: 4124 Main Street, Vancouver

Elysian

Created by an owner who just wanted a good cappuccino, this roastery and tasting room has expanded to several locations boasting its own roasts and pastries to snack on while you imbibe in the classics, done right.

Address: 2301 Ontario Street, Vancouver