- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
49th Parallel Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2152 W 4th AveVancouver, BC V6K 1N6
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 420-4901
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
72 reviews for 49th Parallel Coffee
Review Highlights
Loading...
72 reviews in English
-
Review from Emilie C.
Vancouver, BC
Fantastic coffee, mocha, latte, biscotti, and such! The space is stunning as well, very sleek yet accommodating design. The downside is how fast-paced it seems at peak hours. Sometimes, I like to prop myself in a cafe, do some studying, read a book, enjoy a snack and warm drink. They have no internet access, which makes sense for them to maximize the quick customer turnaround. Always seems to be busy, bustling and noisy, but the staff have usually been smiley and friendly.
It's not somewhere I'd sit and hang for hours, but it's a great spot to grab a mocha on my way to the beach for a bundled-up stroll in the wintertime! -
Review from Clare L.
If I could marry coffee, I'd marry 49th parallel coffee. I loved my espresso here! It was smooth, sweet, and everything that I was looking for in a shot.
I came in on a heavy downpour day with another friend from Montreal, while we spent the day outdoors combing Downtown, West 4th and South Granville shops, when it occurred to me that 49th Parallel should be close by! I asked my friend if she would like to have some of the best coffee around (I had purchased my first bag from Caffe In Gamba in Mile End Montreal) so we slipped in to an already busy cafe.
It was an amazing experience, and like all great cafes, I will never forget the experience.
PS Nice art on the soy latte! -
Review from Johnny Z.
Vancouver, BC
Unfortunately I had a bad experience. When I walked in they were playing offensive music from AC/DC which was violent and distasteful. Starbucks or Blenz would never play such music I am sure you will agree. Since then I have been harassed and slandered by some of the 49th Parallel staff.
(UPDATE: I had to change my review because the owner contacted YELP and complained. So I had to delete all the circumstances of the incident. Therefore as requested by YELP I will keep it short and truthful. I am sure YELP does not want other YELP members to suffer what I suffered)Comment from Barrett J. of 49th Parallel Coffee 12/25/2011
Hi John, You've already posted this last April, and the… More » -
Review from Robin M.
No longer 5-stars, 49th Parallel. Still a pretty good cuppa, but only if it's for a stop-over. In and out is about as much as I can handle. Offensively huge baby buggies maneuvering their way through the narrow space *plus* a possible change in roasting methods in the beans equals an experience that is just not as good as it once was.
But they'll still make that drink rllll purty-like. Now I suppose that's something.Listed in: Kickin it in Kits, Caffeinated, For the Love of Coffee!…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/22/2011
Tasty, tasty, tasty, yes.
This is not a coffee shop I go to work in, and it's not a place I go to… Read more »
-
5/22/2011
-
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
Solid coffee...check!
Amazing cheese danish that i would fight a small child for...check!
A good 10min wait for said coffee...check! (this is actually a bad thing)
BUT...served by the best beard and moustache combo I have seen in ages...check!
Dig this place. It delivers what it should, it's always crowded which is a bit annoying but good for them. I like the loungy couch area in the front. I wish more places would do that and force us Vancouverites to talk to each other and socialize a bit.
All in all...solid 4 stars -
Review from eryn p.
Vancouver, BC
I loooove coffee, and I could go for a good latte or cortado daily. In fact, for a while, I did, but it was adding up kinda fast...like my coffee budget ended up at around $200+/month. So now I buy 49th Parallel beans and am practicing self-control and brewing my french press at home every day..
HOWEVER, my boyfriend and I have our weekly latte date/latte budget, and refuse to go anywhere but 49th Parallel for our latte date, for a reason. They make freaking amazing lattes. And he's a Kiwi, so he's kind of a snob about good coffee.
Their espresso is rich, nutty, with a sweet caramel finish and nooooo sulfury-ness, or bitterness. Their baristas are clearly trained and know what they are doing. The milk is never burnt, the latte art is beautiful, and the espresso is perfectly sweet.
Plus the modern interior is gorgeous, and yet you still feel really cozy and at home. Five stars all the way. -
Review from Herman E.
OK, I am going out on a limb..... yes, two stars only.
I did not like the coffee. I drink it black. That's right. No Cream/milk, no sugar. Straight up java. That was what I ordered.
It was sour.
Good black coffee should not taste sour. It should be smooth at its best. My home made Melitta dark roast tastes better than this stuff, and it's not sour.
Maybe the lattes, cappuccinos, etc... taste OK, but those have been "sweetened" with steamed milk, and I did not order that.
A lady sitting next to me had the same, but stronger, opinion and she was more vocal about it. "Their coffee is sh1t" is what she said.
I won't be buying their beans anytime soon. -
Review from Scott W.
Vancouver, BC
Fortunately for me (unfortunately for my wallet) i live really close to this place, and i have the benefit of being able to experience the full flavoured, orgasmic, aromatic, and bountiful coffee quite often! Yes its good coffee, and yes it is really nice inside - i am sure you can get that vibe from the other reviews... i will tell you a unique thing i like about it - and a unique thing i dont:
Unique Pro: I dont thing i have ever been there when there has been a line up! Not to say they do not have customers, as it has never been dead when i have been there - but they usually have 2-3 baristas in there, and for a small shop they are pretty quick!
Unique Con: One of the baristas is allergic to sweetener. Isnt that kind of like an employee of subway allergic to tomatos? Just because for latte's it is better to have the sweetener added before the coffee, etc.. i suppose not a big deal just very strange! -
Review from Dee B.
I've never actually sat down and enjoyed a cup a joe in the actual store. I just stop by and buy bags of coffee to make at home and to give as gifts.
So far, I've tried the Costa Rica Cerro Alto and the Organic Costa Rica San Gabriel. I plan on making my way through all of them.
5 stars:
This coffee is absolutely divine. As soon as you walk in you can tell you're in for a treat. The smell of the coffee house is intoxicating - the aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans and pastries is like heaven on earth (have you ever noticed Starbucks smells like it's rotting?... Anyway,) The coffee itself s a bold, smooth, sweet, fruity creaminess that is so perfect, it's sure to satisfy the most picky coffee drinkers palette. It is so good, in fact, that I often drink it black - something I can't do with most other coffee.
Another great thing about 49th Parallel is it's not like all these pretentious coffee houses I see popping up all over Gastown. 49th Parallel is your neighbourhood coffee shop with a welcoming staff and lovely atmosphere. -
Review from Justin L.
Serious coffee to please the connoisseur and amateur alike. I'm starting to see cafes and restaurants in Los Angeles that only serve their beans. But 49th Parallel's beans are not for everyone. Friends I've brought either like it or don't, but all agree that they've never tasted coffee like this before. The way they roast and brew 'em, they bring out fruity notes and other aromatic layers you've never had in coffee. It's the kind of coffee that I *must* drink black, not because of anti-cream snobbery, but simply because I find any cream or sugar clashes with the flavors.
Not sure why the coffees brewed with the Clover machine are so cheap, but I hope the prices stay that way.
Try to stay away from the pastries -- in the words of my high-heeled Russian colleague, they are "to diiiiiie for." Yes, they're good. -
Review from Leah M.
Vancouver, BC
49th Parallel beans are really hit and miss for me. Today's cup of brewed coffee tasted a bit like poorly seasoned curry.
The staff are perfectly friendly but they should really have more of them for a bustling Saturday. I would not have waited in line for 10 minutes if I hadn't come specifically to check this place out.
The chocolate torte I got was pretty good but not enough to rescue the place. And the robin's egg blue all over the place IS totally cute.
It's been said but the place is just kind of uncomfortable to be in. Hard chairs, silver everywhere, and it's a really narrow space so you're kind of always in the way.
I feel bad giving 2 stars when I'd still take this place over a Blenz or a Starbucks in a second but given its reputation as a place for serious coffee connoisseurs I'm sort of evaluating it against other places in that rung.Listed in: give me all the caffeine
-
Review from Trudi C.
I was really looking forward to this place - The Buzz in Downtown makes coffee with their beans, so I had a suspicion this would be something amazing. And yeah, it was nice, but The Buzz is still the reigning champion!
Nice latte, right amount of foam, strong enough, but there was something...missing. I've no idea what. Maybe it's just because I wasn't feeling any sort of vibe in the place. Kinda minimalist, high ceiling, not what I'd call cozy, nor does it have that kind of worn look I appreciate in a coffee shop.
With Arbutus Coffee just round the corner, I'd choose there. -
Review from Roanna Z.
Yes it's true, I've never had 49th beans at the W.4th location until now.
Usually it's too busy to sit and enjoy, but yesterday was my lucky day I guess.
The shop is gorgeous of course. The espresso machine is a work of art by itself, and I thought I'd seen one like it before. It turns out that Crema, in west van has one just like it!
The brown leather seating is comfortable, the wall is lined with shelves of the iconic brown and turquoise bags of beans, a chandelier hangs in the middle from the high ceiling and the space is bright.
The baristas are cut from the Metro-Retro/ Madmen mold, they're friendly and entertaining to watch while you sip on your perfectly manufactured beverage.
I find the coffee flavour smooth and bold and just right for a Soy Cappuccino.
YUP, 49th deserves all the glory it receives, in my opinion.Listed in: Connect the dots on a coffee…
-
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
FRESH does taste better. When I was still discovering Coffee in Toronto back many ages ago, there were 2 main non-local Coffees that I found popular amongst North American consumers. Intelligentsia or 49th Parallel.
I got my INITIAL taste of 49th Parallel from ordering their 1lb Fresh Roast Epic Espresso and it shipped over when they had fresh batches. Shortly thereafter, Manic Coffee arrived in Toronto serving 49th Brand and brought on more of an INDIE Coffee Culture.
Last time in Toronto, I got my last Bag from Soma Chocolatemaker from Toronto and interesting enough I found Soma products on offer here at this 49th Parallel Cafe.
The space is quite upscale which I would say not suited for Students or Laptop users. It does have an Aura within which makes them more classy in a sense as they have their own line of Coffee Cups for sale.
Cappuccino($3.25) was one of the better cost I've seen around but then the portion might have been downscaled relatively. Once again, Fresh taste better. Strong initial sip and then it mellowed through to the end. I'm not quite sure anymore if I'm a Fan of that light finish....
One thing I know for sure is I'm not a Fan of their Cappuccino Cups.Listed in: Vancouver'ing for the Week, VanCOFFEE
-
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
What a long place! The narrowness of the layout is helped by unusually high ceilings and clean minimalist decor. The coffee is great. Small, expensive, but great.
This joint is far too modern looking to be cozy, but it's a nice lil' escape should you need some java on West 4th.Listed in: Vancity Java!, Kitsilano
-
Review from Pat T.
Point Grey, Vancouver, BC
A very busy cafe for good reason. They serve Siphon Coffee here and make good espressos. I make siphon coffee at home and prefer it over French Press and Paper Filter methods. The special for me here is the Oji cold drip ice coffee. It takes over 8 hours to make and the coffee is then refrigerated. It is IMHO the best way to make cold coffee. I have had the Oji ice coffee here twice now and really liked them. The two things 49th Parallel can do to improve the experience is use a slightly less acidic (tasting) bean to do their Oji thing. I would have preferred an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or similar beans to the South American beans they used. Secondly, use ice cubes made from the Oji drip. I would have rated 49th Parallel FIVE stars if they had done these. Despite these, 49th Parallel's ice coffees still put those from most others to shame.
-
Review from Cara P.
Vancouver, BC
Not sure if it was because I ordered tea, was having a bad moment, or just shouldn't have been in there in the first place but my experience just didn't live up to the hype.
Not enough room for milk in my tea which led to the tea bag getting soaked over the rim causing massive overflow onto the table (I really dislike those big tea 'bags' that hang over the edge of the cup for that even if you're trying not to let it) and not really a pleasant staff experience. Maybe it's just me, because I've worked as a barista and have known many, but a warm smile and some eye contact is nice when handing over someones prized, loved source of caffeine and warmth! It's a sacred moment!
I am over reacting. Needless to say, the place seemed too posh for the service. Too cold.
If I get back there I will try the espresso but would likely not stay for the atmosphere. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Vancouver, BC
49th Parallel has coffee that is right up my alley. The espresso is strong, full bodied, smooth, yet not bitter. One of my top two favourite coffee houses in Vancouver for espresso and americano coffees. The decor is lovely, but the space itself is rather narrow. Feels a little squished. The couch in the front window is my favourite place to sit down and relax. I've met many interesting people hanging out there. The service started out being very cold, but it seems to be getting better over the last several months. Still...It's wonderful coffee.
-
Review from Chris C.
Still one of my two top favourite coffee shops in Vancouver. I'd go more often, but their one and only location is a bit far for me. Their beans are also my favourite variety in Vancouver, and I try to remember to pick some up whenever I'm in the neighbourhood.
-
Review from Curtis R.
Vancouver, BC
49th Parallel does an amazing job at taking the preparation and showcase of coffee to another level. Vince obviously has the experience with his Caffe Artigiano days. The Thomas Haas pastries compliment their coffee experience quite well.
My favorite is the Organic Espresso beans. Also like Epic but the Organic is a bit smoother with a bit more of a chocolate finish.
Love the La Mistral machine too. My favorite looking machine out there. Very Jetsons.
I would give it a 5 out of 5 if it had a bit better ambience for a truly great coffee house. The decor is fine but the room doesn't lend itself to people watching outside and it is a bit narrow when sitting along the wall.Listed in: Best Coffee & Tea Houses
-
Review from John W.
Vancouver, BC
The only cafe directly associated with the roaster - so far. I cannot argue with the quality of the beans, and their passion.
I am withdrawing previous comments about pretention as I was impressed by being contacted in response. That warrants a 2nd visit as well -
Review from Jim P.
Vancouver, BC
Coffee is way too acidic. Nice looking cafe, but very overrated coffee.
-
Review from Jenna L.
I have to say the location and the decor is very nice. The chandelier is also very pretty to look at. The place has a airy feel to it, and is in a good location on 4th Ave among the shops nearby.
However, I am not a big fan of 49th Parallel beans. I know a lot of local cafes brew their beans, but I just cannot warm upto it (had a latte) It still has that burnt taste that I do not enjoy... I didn't try any of the pastries so no comment there. I liked their signature blue cup/saucer though. -
Review from John D.
Vancouver, BC
This was the best coffee I've had since moving to Vancouver, hands down. The cappuccino I had was simply top notch.
The cafe itself was small and a little awkward to get around in. It's difficult to get from where you pay to where you get your drink without tripping over people when they're sitting along that corridor! Still, that's a small worry considering how enjoyable it was.
The staff I talked to were also pretty friendly and helpful for a first timer. I felt a little guilty because I asked them several questions about beans but didn't end up buying any. Maybe I will next time! I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm in the neighbourhood! -
Review from Alice A.
All morning, all I could think of was a really good cuppa. At last during lunch time, I made a beeline for 49th Parallel Coffee. I haven't had coffee in days, I imagined a heavenly caffeine experience contained in a pretty blue cup. I ordered a pistachio almond croissant and a medium cafe latte. The croissant delivered - it's hard to dislike a buttery sweet pastry. The coffee which was the main highlight, didn't delight my senses in terms of quality, quantity and service.
First, the espresso itself wasn't my favourite but that's a personal taste. I do wish that somewhere in the cafe they had more information about where their coffee beans are from. My gripe isn't the espresso but the steamed milk. It just wasn't hot enough. From the time it was ready, I added some sugar and stirred it to my first anticipated sip, barely a minute, my latte was already sort of warm, not close to hot. I don't mean it should be scalding but it should be more than warm. I like the latte art but a great cup of coffee was what I craved.
Second, it was one of the smallest medium-size coffee I have ever had. By regular standards, it would be considered small. That would have been fine if my latte was perfect.
Third, service was rather average. The barista was busy and sort of annoyed with the lack of help, and the cashiers were chatting with each other.
I wanted to love it, but it didn't impress, sorry Kits fan, don't bite me. -
Review from fred e.
West Vancouver, BC
Back again today for some Xmas shopping in the area.
Had the Colombian as a Syphon today. Really Great,
Thanks for getting my day started on the right foot again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/18/2009
Wow!!!!!
Had a fantastic Kenyan coffee today prepared on a Syphon. This was my first experience with… Read more »
-
5/18/2009
-
Review from Pauline C.
Vancouver, BC
I had to meet someone for a business meeting at 49th Parallel Coffee. I've never been to this place before and thought that it was a very cute coffee shop once I walked in. One of the reasons was the cute packaging of their coffee behind the counter - it was blue! It gave me a soothing and relaxing feeling even though it's a coffee shop (usually coffee shops get me antsy as they can get noisy sometimes unless I sit far away from the coffee blenders). As silly as it sounds, I found the blue little cups captivating! The decor was very chic and stylish - a nice place to visit again.
In terms of food/beverages, I had a Buddha's Eyebrow tea which was a Chinese-type of green tea. Great on a cold day. I heard from my client that the croissant is good but because I was full, I didn't get a chance to try it. Will do that next time! -
Review from james p.
Cappuccino was strong with a smooth finish at the end. this place is #3 on my list of best cappuccino i've had during my vancouver -seattle trip. elysian coffee in vancouver is #1 and stumptown in seattle is #2...
-
Review from Mark H.
I had a great, strong americano here with pleasure. The place has a hip factory/plant feel to it, like a roastery that happens to serve its coffee too. I had a not-too-sweet chocolate sour cherry torte too. Quality coffee, one of the many nice cups I had while visiting Vancouver!
-
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
I'm officially calling stores like these in Kitsilano as "Generation K" - bright, trendy stores making a mark in the community and changing the face of Kitsilano's 4th street district.
Arguably one of the best coffee providers offering high quality beans and products. Coffee beans roasted locally. Coffee so good you would want to drink it black.
What to find:
- Various coffee and tea creations of the fair-trade and organic variety.
- Organic chocolate bars from all-over the world.
- Pastries including the famous Double Baked Almond Croissant courtesy of Thomas Haas.
- Friendly staffListed in: GENERATION K
-
Review from Lawrence F.
SO amazing. Every time I walk here I am baffled by the packed chain-coffee places I pass!
I drive 20 minutes round trip out of my way to get coffee here. When I care.
They have a siphon coffee maker!
They have a Clover coffee machine! Do you even know what that means!? I had a cup of coffee from it that was more like a meal, a dish--a perfecty executed expression of the bean blend, unto a soup--that blew my mind.
And of course, my favorite, the simple and satisfying macchiato--well, Starbucks doesn't even know where to begin. -
Review from Reena M.
The coffee here is really interesting, and definitely complex. It has a personality of its own, waiting for you to get to know it. (Raymond's right about drinking it black).
No really though, it totally reminds of the best coffee I ever had in Naples, Italy--coffee roasting haven.
The ambience in the coffee house is pretty sophisticated, but down to earth enough that you can relax. I would love to get together with someone here and chill out. The pastries looked and smelled amazing. I think they bake them onsite.
My only qualms: closing hours are not posted (are you open late? If so, that would be great). And do they have wifi?
Oh, and not a complaint, but a note: the mediums are 10oz rather than your typical 12oz, and that will run you $3.73 with tax.
And, I'm not sure what they use them for, but they have crazy chemistry lab experiment type equipment behind the counter. It looks cool!
In the famous words of the governator: "I'll be back." -
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
When i step into 49th Parallel, I feel like I'm being transported to a different country. There is just something so European about the place.
And the coffee is amazing (just like in Europe!). They have a vast selection of teas too! I remember going in ordering green tea, but then being faced with WHICH kind of green tea did I want...
Whenever I'm in the area, I am always sure to grab a drink from 49th Parallel and my taste buds always thank me! -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
Nice addition to the coffee shops on 4th ave...I read in Vancouver Magazine that the double baked almond croissant was one of the things you should eat before you die..Shain R also gives this a mention ..and Vancouver magazine was dead on..they are SOOO something you need to eat before you die...SOOO friggin; yummo...also good are the americanos..very rich and bold without being bitter..
The lack of seating would be my only complaint..we waiting for space to free up but eventually had to leave..they may want to expand if they insist of serving food you should eat before dying... -
Review from Andres E.
Vancouver, BC
I'm a coffee drinker, not lattes, mochas, Capps, etc., but straight up coffee. That is the measure that I base my taste upon. Stepping in through the doors the interior is very stylish, clean and bright, a real delight and the aroma of the coffee in the air says, been there, done that, but sadly i was disappointed as for the regular brewed coffee was brewed weak and without any richness in flavor, taste, and texture.
-
Review from Tim S.
49th Parallel is Vancouver's most prominent roastery in the superpremium coffee scene. True to their mission, their demo cafe offers some of the best cups you'll find in the city.
Yes, they do have a Clover, and they do siphon pots (but only full pots, at $7 each, and apparently only before 4pm -- really?). The 6-oz. cappuccino was well presented, complete with latte art, in a trademark blue cup & saucer. It had an unexpected bitter note, though, making me wonder if it was a little overextracted. I thought the espresso roast was good but not as surprising as some other reviewers found it. Prices are reasonable for specialty coffee.
The cafe was busy just before their 6pm Sunday closing; I took the last open seat. The interior is gorgeous and modern, with luxurious plush dark leather bench seating and marble and wood countertops. I really like their chandelier!
Seriously, though: no WiFi or power outlets. I was really prepared to hate them for this, but I'm over it. The vibe in the cafe isn't uptight at all and it'd be a really comfortable place for a conversation with a friend or a group. I think they're okay if your visit isn't just about coffee. :)
Odds are pretty good I'll be back to share a siphon with someone, but I've gotta say that I think 49th Parallel clients Elysian Coffee down Broadway just west of Cambie do a better job of showcasing the roast with a more laptoppable cafe experience. There's room for doubt, though, so be sure to check them both out!Listed in: Coffee that doesn't suck
-
Review from Mark D.
Vancouver, BC
The coffee is rich, the croissants even richer! Typical Kits people watching, and friendly staff! Always a line up when it's busy tho.
-
Review from Southern C.
Richmond, BC
Yes, their coffee and espresso is well crafted and delicious.
But what is up with the staff?! I thought pro baristas were supposed to be conversationalists and friendly. I guess not in the place. Please drop the undeserving pretentiousness. -
Review from MelonPie M.
Vancouver, BC
Some people mentioned their coffee is good but service is unfriendly/ rude/ cold etc... I tend to agree with these reviewers.
First time I tried their latte, I was thrilled; finally I got to find the good coffee place. But then staff was very cold and rude. I am not going to say what really happened in detail but I did not feel like coming back there again after a barista handed my coffee. However, I did give another shot because I also wanted to buy their coffee beans. I ordered latte again and its taste wasn't the same as I first tried......the latte was made by the same barista. But the coffee tasted different! It was mediocre at its best. Disappointed.
The place is very small and I hate other customers being pissed off at me for not being able to get a seat. Don't complain to me. When I entered this place, the seats were full and I understand it is sometimes frustrating not being able to find the seat after looking around the tables.
They probably need to expand their seating area but I am not bothered as I am not going to get my ass to go there again.
I like Giovane cafe's food, coffee, and service better. -
Review from Elaine D.
Swanky coffee in hip Vancouver, 49th Parallel pleases on all counts. Though we're devoted fans of JJ Bean and Artigiano, we had to give this place a try on this trip to the great NW. Was definitely worth the visit! The latte was creamy and a bit surprisingly mild, but just right for what we were looking for that particular morning. I was a fan of the mocha by the fourth sip - rather interesting in that usually I either love or hate coffee right from the start, but this mocha slowly revealed different dimensions with each sip. Fans of Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco, we wanted to try the Siphon coffee here, but didn't get a chance, but will make it a point to do so next time! The sipping chocolate smelled absolutely amazing, another must-try on our next visit.
