REVIEW | In Search of the Perfect (Affordable) Coffee

Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Vancouver is overflowing with coffee shops, seemingly appearing around every corner. We set out on a journey to find the perfect coffee in the city — but what is a perfect coffee?

We rated and ranked six popular cafés across Vancouver, considering the price, general ambiance, and the taste. At each café, we tried eight-ounce sizes of two classic drinks: the americano and the cappuccino. 

We used Starbucks as our metric for affordability, since, as much as they might complain about the costs, Hamber students go there all the time — meaning that they can tolerate the price point. Instead of multinational corporate chains, this guide features some local shops.

At Starbucks, an eight-ounce (or “tall”) americano is $3.95 ($4.42 with tax), and an eight-ounce cappuccino $4.65 ($5.21 with tax).

The atmosphere of Yaletown’s Analog Coffee is pleasant and warm | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Analog Coffee (Yaletown): 26/40

This lovely spot in the heart of Yaletown was a welcoming, open space characterized by bricks, greenery, and burnt colours. “Bags” by Clairo played in the background as we walked into the café, which was busy but not too loud. Natural light filtered in through the many windows. There was comfortable-looking seating indoors and outdoors, but a lot of it was full. It seemed like it would be a nice place to meet a work colleague — open and professional. Overall ambiance and location: 7/10.

The americano, which featured their signature Godfather Blend, was well-balanced and bright. It wasn’t very strong, even for a medium roast, though a dark roast was available. It was also a bit too sour for our tastes. We thought it wasn’t perfect, but still solid. 5/10.

The cappuccino art was pretty, but not revelatory. The flavour of the cappuccino itself was great: balanced, and not too bitter or sour. However, since it didn’t really commit to a flavour profile, we weren’t surprised in any particular way. Overall, quite standard. 7.5/10.

In terms of the price, Analog was reasonably affordable for a local café. The americano and cappuccino cost us $4.20 and $5.20 respectively, including tax. This means it was technically cheaper than Starbucks, whose americano and cappuccino cost $4.42 and $5.21 with tax respectively. Additionally, Analog didn’t charge much to upgrade to a larger size — only about ten cents for an extra four ounces — which was pleasantly surprising. Overall value: 6.5/10.

Revolver’s coffee had a unique flavour, different than any other coffee we tried | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Revolver (Gastown): 24/40

Tucked away on a side street near Gastown and Waterfront station, Revolver is a narrow space that feels like a local secret. World maps made of metal pins on the wall juxtapose exposed bricks and wooden frames, so the café feels at once global and intimate. Revolver’s various unique, high-end espresso offerings are sourced from around the world. As opposed to Analog’s open and communal space, Revolver felt special and unique, a hidden gem. However, the dim lighting and industrial feel wasn’t as welcoming as Analog’s brightness had been. Overall ambiance and location: 6/10.

Revolver offered a wide variety of coffee blends to choose from, but we didn’t specify, letting the barista choose the default, which ended up being the Phil & Sebastian Blend from Calgary. The americano from this blend was pleasant, and almost sweet, with strong notes of cocoa and fruit. It was not too dark, and not too weak, but its singular flaw was a sour aftertaste. 8.5/10.

The cappuccino from the same blend was objectively delicious, and really well-balanced. However, it had a strange banana-like taste to it that we couldn’t quite get over. Although it was more interesting than the Analog cappuccino, it wasn’t necessarily better. 6.5/10.

Revolver’s coffee was overall quite expensive, with the americano costing $4.72 and the cappuccino costing $5.25 (both prices including tax). Although both drinks were great, they weren’t worth the expense, unless you’re really looking for something new. However, it is worth noting that since Revolver has such a wide selection of quality coffee, we most likely could have found a blend there that we absolutely loved — it just would’ve taken some trial and error. Overall value: 3/10.

Small Victory’s display of treats was certainly eye-catching | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Small Victory Bakery (6th & Yukon): 22/40

As gentle music played in the background, we climbed the stairs to the 6th and Yukon location and ascended into a massive, brightly lit space scaffolded by light wood beams and paneling. Glass walls allowed for views outside and into the bakery sections of the café. The view of the equipment and bakers felt like an honest glimpse into the process of crafting Small Victory’s wide array of impeccable pastries. This location is a little off the beaten path, venturing into the barren, industrial cement desert of the False Creek flats neighbourhood, but it’s still quite convenient — near the Skytrain, Cambie, and Olympic Village. However, it’s worth noting that Small Victory has multiple other locations, including one in South Granville and one in Yaletown. Overall ambiance and location: 9/10.

The americano was somewhat unremarkable. It had a good balance of boldness and bitterness, but it was a bit too sour in the aftertaste. This coffee would likely pair well with one of Small Victory’s many delicious pastries, but was nothing special on its own. 4/10.

The cappuccino, which came in a six-ounce size rather than an eight-ounce, was beautiful to look at. The foam art and mug choice felt as though they came straight out of Pinterest. The initial taste and mouthfeel was also great, but it was followed by a disappointingly acidic aftertaste. It’s also worth noting that this cappuccino was less sweet than we were used to — potentially due to the lower milk volume. 5/10.

The prices at Small Victory were comparable to other local cafés in the city, with the americano and cappuccino costing $4.20 and $5.04 with tax respectively. Although these prices are quite reasonable, they weren’t really worth it for the quality. We got the impression that Small Victory is a bakery first and café second. Overall value: 4/10.

JJ Bean’s coffee proved itself to be a solid, convenient choice | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

JJ Bean (18th & Cambie): 29/40

At a fantastic spot in Cambie Village, the JJBean we visited — one of many locations across the Lower Mainland — is right next to a pop-up street plaza, which is easily accessible through multiple open doors in the café. Seating is available indoors and outdoors. The walls are mostly black, so it was a bit darker than Analog or Small Victory, but there was a lot of natural light coming in. We appreciated the jazz soundtrack, which contributed to this location’s neighbourhood café vibe. JJ Bean is also a great study spot. Overall ambiance and location: 7/10.

The americano was overall solid, with a nice little foam layer and a balanced taste. The roast was fairly dark, and most importantly, it wasn’t too sour. If you’re looking for a good black coffee that you can get almost anywhere in the city, JJ Bean seems to be a reliable choice. 7.5/10.

The cappuccino was also quite lovely, with a thick layer of foam (topped with some pretty art), as well as a creamy, balanced, and slightly sweet flavour, a bit stronger than Analog. Once again, the brew wasn’t too sour, either. The drink came in a six-ounce serving, but despite the reduced volume, the milk quantity felt just right. 8/10.

The prices of these drinks were fairly standard, but certainly worth it for the quality. The americano cost $4.37, and the cappuccino cost $5.14. Overall value: 7.5/10.

Prado’s coffee was impressive in both aesthetics and flavour! | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Prado Café (2nd & Fir): 33/40

This underrated spot was in a fairly convenient location near the Burrard Bridge, right next to the number 50 bus stop. There are also a few other branches around Vancouver. We liked the cute vines on the outside at this location, but there was no music, and we found the ambiance overall unremarkable, with no clear theme tying any of the decor together. Overall ambiance and location: 5/10.

We were thoroughly impressed by Prado’s americano. It had a nice thin layer of foam, and it was nice and strong. Contrary to some of the other brews we tried, this americano was both sour and bitter — but not in a bad way. It was beautifully balanced and finished off strong with a classic coffee aftertaste. Overall, this was definitely the best americano we tasted on our journey. 9.5/10.

The cappuccino was also a pleasant surprise. It was smooth and very slightly sweet, with a bitter rather than sour aftertaste. Prado certainly delivered with both drinks. 9/10.

The prices were once again somewhat standard, with the americano at $4.20 and the cappuccino at $5.04. These amounts were certainly worth it for the quality — and the drinks were definitely better than Starbucks. Overall value: 9/10.

Breka’s coffee, although convenient and affordable, was nothing special | Photo Credit: Katja Radovic-Jonsson

Breka Bakery & Café (29th & Main): 22.5/40

This 24/7 Vancouver classic is always well-frequented, even in the small hours of the morning. The location we visited is quite convenient for Hamberites, but might not be the best for studying due to the small space and limited seating. We’d recommend other locations like Robson or Kitsilano as study spaces. The space felt a bit dark and grey, despite the natural light from the windows. Overall ambiance and location: 5/10.

The americano was overall underwhelming. It was quite weak — almost reminiscent of the bottomless drip coffee one would receive with breakfast at a diner. However, despite its lack of bitterness, this coffee wasn’t sour at all, which kept it pleasant to sip on as we worked on editing articles. This drink would likely pair well with one of Breka’s sandwiches, and is, after all, a decent source of caffeine when you’re tired. 4/10.

The cappuccino was certainly more impressive than the americano. Although it lacked the pretty foam art that many cafés offer, it had a gentle flavour and feel. Once again, the drink wasn’t sour, and it would pair very nicely with a pastry. 5.5/10.

The prices at Breka are the best aspect of the experience overall. These drinks were super cheap — much cheaper than Starbucks — with the americano at $2.89 and the cappuccino at $4.46. It’s also definitely worth noting that the smallest size offered was 12 ounces, which increases the value of the drinks even further. Although the quality isn’t the best, Breka is really convenient, with multiple locations across the city — all of which are open 24/7. Overall value: 8/10.