Story: Nomad as freelance
When I came to Vancouver, Canada in late-2012, I was surprised about the coffee culture. There are a lot of coffee shops at each block. Not only in downtown, but Mt. Pleasant, Kitsilano, Gustown, Commercial Dr., Cambie and Broadway, East Hastings, Kerrisdale, Point Grey, West Vancouver, everywhere.
The price is affordable compared to Japan. I discovered a lot of coffee shop in 2-3 years. I was not coffee addiction, I just liked a cafe atmosphere. In addition, I am a morning person. I could not stay home in the morning at all.
I believe many of you cannot afford WeWork or other co-working spaces. I sometimes use co-working spaces as experience. I like to work at hot desks with local creators even though I didn’t have a chance to chat many. I like to see people who work as a freelance. I get a energy there.
I realized that I didn’t blog about the coffee shops even I visited a lot. I thought the information may help early-stage freelance. Therefore, I would like to pick up the best coffee shops for freelance in Vancouver, Canada.
Starbucks
I can hear a lot of disagreements or against, but to be honest, Starbucks is really easy to work for freelance. A stable internet connection, no password and enough plugs. Earning point every purchase, and on your birthday, 1 drink or food is for free. They don’t mind how long you stay, no one cares what you do.
Starbucks Reserve is replacing old shops. It’s cozier than old one, enough space. There are several locations. I would like to pick up Starbucks Reserve at the English Bay. English Bay is a famous destination for tourists. Stanley Park is just beside. I am glad to work at the place. So rich.
*On November 30th, 2019, I visited Starbucks at English Bay. I am willing to walk this morning, but that’s a little far from Chinatown, 52 minutes. At 8 am, the sky gradually starts to bright. Sunny day today. I can see the sea in front of the seats. I also see homeless people. They normally don’t hazard you anything, but please keep safe your stuff just in case. Anyway, good start on the weekend.
Starbucks English Bay – Davie St & Denman St: 1795 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2M9
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ◯
Altanative Starbucks Reserve:
Mt. Pleasant Reserve Bar: 2980 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3
Granville & Pender Reserve Bar: CF Pacific Centre, 700 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8
JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
The represent of Vancouver coffee chain. There are 21 stores in Vancouver, BC. All store tastes different, modern, simple, rational and woody. I believe that a lot of local people like JJ Main!
JJ Main: 3010 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G5
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
I like JJ Commercial, but this location is not suitable for work. May not have WiFi.
JJ Bean Coffee Roasters: 2206 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B5
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ✕
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ✕
Plug: ✕
Milano Coffee
My neighbor. I came to Gastown shore when I met a Canadian roommate, Sandon. I spent a time with him around 6 months in Commercial Drive. Close to Commercial–Broadway station. It was convenience. I still have something special feeling to Commercial Drive.
Milano Espresso Lounge is a little dim for work. There is not enough window, only entrance side. I feel obstruction slightly, but I get used to it.
*On December 3rd, 2019, the last day before temporally travel, I visited Milano Espresso Lounge. Rainy chilly morning, but it was cozy as same as usual. I miss this coffee culture. I will be back.
Milano Espresso Lounge: 36 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
I was living just 2 blocks away from Milano Coffee Roasters. I moved 7-8 times in 7 years, but It was the best place in my experience. 3 Canadians, especially Hugo, taught me a lot of things about local. We had to renoviction, renovation and eviction. That’s a different story.
Very open compared to Gastown. In front of Jonathan Rogers Park. Not many plugs, only the entrance side of sheets, but I don’t mind about it.
Milano West 8th: 156 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 1N2
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Matchstick Coffee
Local people like Matchstick Fraser Street. Tourists or International students are normally don’t come this area except neighbor. This is the local.
Matchstick’s drip coffee is a little sour for me. I order americano. They don’t have a plug, but I’m okay. MacBook Pro works for 3 hours.
Matchstick Fraser Street: 639 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◎
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
The foot of Queen Elizabeth Park. Close to Hillcrest Community Centre. I spend 7-9 am at Matchstick Riley Park. Then, I usually move to the library. On a sunny day, sunlight through an inside directory. I can charge energy here.
*On 28th November 2019, I visited Matchstick Riley Park. Cold early morning, 1 degree, but the inside store was warm enough. Customers were enjoying chat and work. I spent a good time for 1.5 hours.
Matchstick Fraser Street: 639 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◎
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯(No password for guest. May feel little slow.)
Plug: ✕
Prado Cafe
There are several shops in Vancouver, but Commercial store has different atmosphere. Recent shops try to be modern. Looks not bad, but I don’t prefer the location. I lived 2 blocks away from here before. I still come here a couple of times in a year. Noting special, but a good atmosphere. Small store, but you can work. This is Commercial Drive.
Prado Cafe: 1938 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A7
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
49th Parallel Café
This atmosphere cannot create new shops. 49th have original store goods. It looks nice souvenir. 49th serves Lucky Donuts and it’s good. I miss Mr. Donuts, affordable and tasty.
*On 14th November 2019, I visited 49th Parallel Café. This aged traditional atmosphere cannot create artificially. I do not a fan of 49th’s drip coffee, but if you enjoy coffee with lucky donuts, anything okay.
49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts – MAIN: 2902 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯(No password. 2 hours limited.)
Plug: ✕
Kits is famous as fashion and trendy street on guide book. Close to Kitsilano Beach Park makes me relax.
49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts – WEST 4TH: 2198 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Propaganda Coffee
I visit a coffee shop not only for coffee but for the atmosphere. I don’t know about equipment, but Propaganda Coffee has a good reputation from a barista. I am lucky to live near here.
Propaganda Coffee: 209 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◎
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Kafka’s Coffee and Tea
There are many coffee shops near here, Tim Hortons, The Bean Around The World, Starbucks and Our Coffee. Kafka provides a different atmosphere. I saw the artwork of Ola Bolo here. It was by chance. She is so famous now.
Kafka’s Coffee and Tea: 2525 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E5
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
The Birds & The Beets
I don’t feel coffee is tasty compared to other coffee shops, but The Birds and The Beets provide a unique atmosphere. That’s why okay. When The Birds and The Beets opened, they used Aesop is washroom. I liked that. Not now. The ceiling light may be good for Instagram.
The Birds & The Beets: 55 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: △
Plug: △
Platform 7 Coffee
Platform 7 embeds concept to the interior. When I came to Platform 7 for the first time, I was glad to find the shop. I don’t keep about taste of coffee, but Platform serves Stumptown coffee. I think it’s rare in Vancouver.
Platform 7 Coffee: 2331 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Nemesis Coffee
Nemesis Coffee opened a few years ago, but it has a good reputation since open. I don’t prefer to open at 8 am, but good staff, good hospitality, good quality of the coffee. I use Nemesis for meeting with client rather than work. No plug.
*On 20th November 2019, I visited nemesis coffee at 8 am after a long time. It saw only the woman staff at that time. I haven’t seen a woman barista before at nemesis. Time flies. They served Americano to my table. Always good hospitality.
nemesis coffee: 302 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◎
Atmosphere: ◎
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Low Productivity
I don’t visit the below cafes for work. I cannot focus on my work.
Revolver
Revolver is an authentic coffee bar. I see line up every morning. There is a vote for local people every year. Revolver is always top 3 coffee shops in Vancouver. I recommend it a lot, but I don’t feel here is good for work.
Revolver: 325 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◎
Atmosphere: ◎
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Good coffee shops gather this area, Revolver and Nemesis. Timbertrain Coffee doesn’t lose. Just I don’t comfortable to work long at Timbertrain Coffee. Not working place here.
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters: 311 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◎
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Nelson the Seagull
There is a meetup Every Tuesday morning. I don’t have a chance to visit often. Because Nelson and Seagull opens at 8 am. It’s a little late for me. I am not sure which Nelson and Seagull focus on, coffee shop or bakery. I decide as former. I don’t pick up a bakery in this blog even bakery serves coffee.
Nelson the Seagull: 315 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6A 0A7
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Elysian Coffee
I visited only one time to Elysian Coffee. I saw a tasting room and it looks fresh to me. I could not find WiFi. I have the same experience at the Broadway shop. I don’t stay long, but I need WiFi.
Elysian Coffee: 2301 Ontario St, Vancouver, BC V5T 2X5
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ✕
Plug: ✕
Kahve Coffee
At the foot of the Burrard bridge, there is a Kahve Coffee. There is quality of goods in the shop. I don’t buy them, but I like to see it. The interior is not similar to others. Very nice.
Kahve Coffee: 1822 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1G5
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Pallet Coffee Roasters
The secret base. I like the location. I work at second floor. It’s a different feeling.
Pallet Coffee Roasters: 323 Semlin Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 4H9
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Kingsway is not easy to get in daily life.
Pallet Coffee Roasters: 1398 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 3E4
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Gene Coffee Bar
Unique location, the entrance of Mt. Pleasant. Many condos are building near Gene, but no one can interrupt the view. Nice.
Gene Coffee Bar: 2404 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Moja Coffee
They mention indirectly, please don’t work long. I don’t mind and I get that. Across Commercial Drive, there is a VPL. You can use a laptop, but I felt inappropriate.
Moja Coffee: 1102 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X2
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Greenhorn Espresso Bar
Located in downtown, but not a standout. Good for Westend neighbour.
Greenhorn: 994 Nicola St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2C8
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕
Aperture Coffee Bar
I was living just 1 block away. This location, many businesses open and close repeatedly, but Aperture Coffee has running a business for a while. Intelligence Coffee is famous in the United States. I don’t see often in Vancouver.
Aperture Coffee Bar: 243 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3L1
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Turk’s Coffee
Turk’s belongs to Milano Coffee, but a different concept. Turk’s is not a big space, but not bad. Open early, close late. Local coffee shop.
Turks Coffee Bar: 1276 Commercial Dr. Vancouver, BC
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Bump n Grind Cafe
I don’t have chance to visit often this location, South Granville. Not bad.
Bump n Grind Cafe: 3010 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Buro The Espresso Bar
Good location for tourists. Enough table. Overall, not bad. Generally speaking, you can work at Buro. I still don’t know why I cannot like Buro.
Buro The Espresso Bar: 356 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Our Town Cafe
The entrance of Mt. Pleasant as well as Gene Coffee Bar. I do not fan after renovation. The shop looks clean and modern, a lost characteristic I think. I often saw staff who fit the country’s atmosphere, but now I saw only temporally Asian worker at the morning. I could not find the shop WiFi, only Telus Free WiFi required an email for 10 minutes. I even didn’t ask it. No impression.
Our Town Cafe: 255 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W4
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: △
Plug: △
Republica Coffee Roasters Vancouver
Republica Coffee Roasters Vancouver use quality water for a cup of coffee. The taste actually good, but not a working atmosphere.
Republica Coffee Roasters Vancouver: 321 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T3
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ?
Plug: ?
Quantum Coffee
Center of downtown. Enough space, but there is not enought table. Brainstation student occupies.
Quantum Coffee: 455 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T1
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: ✕?
Di Beppe Caffé
I often see Di Beppe. A business hour does not fit my daily life. I will visit Di Beppe for a chat with friend.
Di Beppe: 8 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
Olive + Ruby
The name, Olive + Ruby come from the owners kids. I like story. Fancy shop, but here is not suitable for work.
Olive + Ruby: 2839 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G6
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯?
Plug: △?
Dalina
Rich grocery store and cafe. Dalina is different from Urban Fare or Whole Foods. I tried to work one time, but Dalina is not suitable. You can see people who use laptop. There is plug.
DALINA: 687 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V4
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters (Closed)
I visited Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters a couple of times. I liked the coffee, interior and atmosphere, but they were closed. This situation give me a question.
What is important for restaurants and cafes? We can see successful shops which don’t look attractive. On the other hand, we can see well design shops which were closed. Therefore, I hesitate to work with retail. I don’t know how much I can contribute their success, especially early-stage they may not need branding, more focus on marketing at all.
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: ◯
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: ◯
Plug: △
Musette Caffè and Bar
Musette Caffe was in Chinatown. I visited there 2 times. I noticed Musette likes bicycle lovers. In the shop, so many decorations about the bicycle. When I visited there, people were watching the Tour de France.
Musette moved to Burrard, but DNA is the same. I saw the news above after I visited. I watched the news on CBC about England. Some cafe doesn’t allow PC. Weekday may okay, but I don’t feel it’s welcoming.
Musette Caffè and Bar: 1325 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B7
General Evaluation
Work Productivity: △
Coffee Quality: ◯
Atmosphere: ◯
Wi-Fi Connection: △
Plug: △?
Conflict of working at the cafe
Dished Vancouver: Vancouver cafe imposes laptop and Wi-Fi ban on weekends
I don’t disagree this.
Conclusion: Basic manner
Cafe is not your own office. Cafe is the place which we can chat with friend and family, or meeting space sometimes. Anyway, they are business. You should care about it as well as your business. The rent is quite high more than you can imagine.
I basically work between 2-3 hours. I don’t beyond that.
