The roasters writing the coffee scene in Vancouver: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in Vancouver. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters is Vancouver's longest-running specialty roaster since 2004, three city cafes plus Lucky's Doughnuts attached at each branch.
Tip: The West 4th flagship is the reference seat; the Main Street cafe has the calmer counter.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Burundi, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Matchstick Coffee Roasters' Riley Park roastery on East 15th since 2013 is a third-wave roaster with five Vancouver cafes and an in-house bakery program.
Tip: The roastery sells beans direct from the warehouse; subscriptions ship every 2 weeks.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Rwanda
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Pallet Coffee Roasters on West Broadway since 2014 is a third-wave roaster with three Vancouver cafes, the in-house pastry program and a slow bar at each.
Tip: The Hastings Sunrise branch has the dedicated tasting flight bar and a Saturday cupping at 10:00.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Honduras, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Revolver on Cambie in Gastown is Vancouver's reference third-wave roaster and cafe since 2010, the espresso flight format and a rotating guest-roaster bar.
Tip: The espresso flight pairs three roasters side by side at the bar; whole-bean retail for guest roasters too.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Burundi, Costa Rica
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over
Moja Coffee on Commercial Drive is the Korean-roaster's Vancouver branch since 2018 plus the North Van flagship from 2014, a Specialty Coffee Association.
Tip: The Korean-influenced syrups (yuzu, condensed milk) are the bar's calling card; bean retail at the till.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Nemesis Coffee Roastery on Triumph Street is the design-forward East Van roastery with a cafe and bakery counter, two more city branches including Gastown.
Tip: The Triumph roastery has the larger pastry counter and outdoor seating; Saturday cuppings open to the public 10:00.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Milano Coffee on West 8th since 1985 is Vancouver's Italian-Canadian roaster, the city's oldest specialty coffee bar still owner-run by Linda Vincent.
Tip: Italian-roast espresso is the house style; the West 8th branch has the larger sit-down room.
Sources from: Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail