- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Agro Café
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1363 Railspur AlleyVancouver, BC V6H 4G9
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
(604) 669-0724
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Agro Café
Review Highlights
-
"...seem a little high but the yam fries worth the splurge." In 3 reviews -
"...while sipping a nice glass of wine on a Granville Island..." In 3 reviews -
"...then the excellent coffee (americano - YES, Latte - YES." In 4 reviews
Loading...
27 reviews in English
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Vancouver, BC
11/7/2011
I only order ONE THING every time I am here...
THE AMERICANO!!! I'm so addicted!! Even tho the wait is crazy long on Sundays and I have to get to class in -5 min (cos I'm already late)... it's worth it!
And I'm wired for hours :) -
Review from Michelle R.
Vancouver, BC
5/21/2012
I like the fact that they buy fair trade coffee. I was turned off by the place last year when my one cup of coffee took a long time (as in it seemed like they forgot about it) and the service wasn't good. So I decided I wasn't going back. But I went back this week...twice! It's the closest coffee shop from the False Creek Community Centre and I had ten minutes to grab something. Again, it took forever and I didn't quite get what I asked for- long story. I got a very powerful Americano and a vegan muffin. Unfortunately, the vegan muffin was very dry. I'm saying unfortunately because I really want to like this place.
I went back again yesterday 'cause a group of us (about 10 people) got rained out of the tennis courts. I had the breakfast with toast, potatoes, two eggs, and roasted tomatoes. For $6.50, it was good. If they charged $9+ for it, I would've complained about the potatoes being a little too salty and the toast being under toasted. But it was decent for the price. And the place redeemed itself when the guy who handed me my plate asked if I wanted jam with my toast. YES! It's nice to be acknowledged rather than ignored. Third time lucky. -
Review from Remi C.
5/18/2012
Bliss Ball or whatever that ball thing is that they have there is fantastic! There food... I think i've had an omelet like thing or something, and it was pretty good, and they were able to give me some greens. Not a lot of food for the price, but it was ok.
Coffee is definitely mostly worth it. The best part is that I can go there sweaty and smelly after training with 15 other people, and they are still accommodating. I also heart that they have wifi, although I wish I could find a place to plug in my computer! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
10/14/2011
Beside the Clover machine coffee, I really like the non-aggro service at Agro. The last time I went, my barista guy was super funny and talkative - no coffee snob attitude in this cool kid cafe. Which is great because Agro always seems busy (a combo of Emily Carr students and the GI tourist crowds no doubt) and you must always stand in line. So a smile when you finally get to the front to order makes me happy.
I'm not generally fussy about my coffee and I don't know all about this Clover doohickeymajig, but I do appreciate that I can get a proper cup of brew at Agro because of it. At many other cafes where brew snobbery thrives, when you want a regular coffee, they can give you an Americano at best, which is so much more bitter and foamy. I tried my cup of coffee before "wrecking" it with milk and sugar, and it was really good, more delicate flavoured than my usual high-test homebrew joe.
Lastly, the location can't be beat. It's on the pedestrian/bike thoroughfare of Railspur Alley, so you get all the people-watching without all the crazy car traffic of Granville Island. It's my happy place to kick back and caffeinate. -
Review from Trudi C.
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's.......ok. Not exactly cheap latte - I still feel that an 8oz latte should be $3 or less, I just don't think $3.50 or so is justifiable. I was here on a Saturday morning, huge queue going to the door. Despite there being 4 people behind the counter, the queue seemed to be barely moving. As my boyfriend put it, 'They're doing it all in slow motion!'
So after a 15 minute wait, I got my small latte...and it was ok. Not really worth the wait, sorry Agro! -
Review from Matt L.
Vancouver, BC
10/19/2011 1 photo
I've been looking for a good coffee shop on Granville Island for a while now and after visiting several huge fails (overpriced, poor coffee, etc) I think I've found my keeper. I only ordered a drip coffee (sumatra) but it was delicious. I will be trying espresso type drinks later on, as I expect to be spending a fair amount of time here in the coming weeks.
The staff were friendly, helpful, and patient for me and free wifi was essential (you have to ask for the password).
Others have complained here about the food - I only tried a muffin (banana/nutella) and found it to be fresh and tasty. I was also impressed with their vegan selection of bakery goods. I will be trying these next time I return. -
Review from Robin M.
7/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Don't tempt me with a glass of wine in place of a cup of coffee, because unless we're in some ungodly hour of the morning, the wine will undoubtedly prevail. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when I'm trying to get the kind of work done that involves more than a silly level of concentration, perhaps the coffee should win.
But I digress. The heart of the matter is that the option exists. Sometimes a girl feels like plunking away at her keyboard while sipping a nice glass of wine on a Granville Island patio. Other days she may want to hide out upstairs while downing espresso after tasty espresso. Either way, as soon as the poison of my choice takes effect, Agro's yam fries are there to restore the balance.
A perfect spot to get a little work done (free wifi!), watch a few people go by and revitalise me weary lil' 'ed, Agro Café has made it to my long list of joints that will consistently breathe life into an otherwise hectic day. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
4/15/2011
I should know better than to order something other than coffee. I've hung out for hours here before over espresso on a rainy day, and it suits that. But today's weather just called for something not coffee, something with no caffeine.
"oh hey look! they have smoothies! the 4 berry ones sounds awesome! I wonder what else they put in it to make it $5.88 not including tax? Maybe it's really big?"
Wrong. Watching the barista get some ice in a small cup, throw in some juice (didn't appear to even be smoothie mix), throw it into the blender to crush...and serve.
More than $6 (tax & tip) for a tiny, watery, smoothie? and has no actual fruit in it? I would've been better off at Jugo Juice. Sigh. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
12/24/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I'ma let you finish but the Agro Cafe in Yaletown is the best Agro of all time. Of. Aaaall. Time.
I still love you Agro and you're one of my favourite coffee shops in Vancouver. But last time I made the mistake of ordering lunch. My girlfriend's roast beef sandwich was sweet and slimy and served on bird seed bread. My fries were raw in the middle and the vegetable soup? Bleah.
Michelle said it was probably because it was vegan. I froze, slooowly looked around me, and without making direct eye contact observed the other patrons devouring the vegetable soup like it wasn't watery, mushy and bland. The prevailing winds shifted and suddenly we noticed the tell tale scent of Patchouli wafting gently toward our table. We were surrounded by grazing vegans! We got up slowly and quietly left so as not to startle them.
I admire the proud and majestic vegan. Their daily renunciation of flavour is noble. I will go back next week with my telephoto lens to photograph them in their natural habitat.
You can't be all things to all people. And vegans deserve a place where they can pretend they're eating real food. I forgive you Agro. I'd give you 6 stars for your coffee and 2 stars for your food. So four stars.Listed in: Coffee. The Good, The Brewed &…
-
Review from Angela L.
10/29/2010
I really like the ambiance here, so I've been a number of times. My experience here has been REALLY hit and miss though, which is kind of a shame.
Coffee and service can range from great to just mediocre, and for some reason, I feel like I'm always being given a chipped or dirty looking mug. Food also ranges - there have been times when I've really enjoyed my meal here and times when I've been disappointed. On one occasion, my sister and I got the vegetarian sandwich to share (I don't remember what it's called) and it was very obviously missing some of the ingredients that were supposed to be included.
It's usually quite busy when I go, and so it's been loud and unsuitable for a quiet conversation or for studying/working. I'd be interested to go back in the evening, maybe for a glass of wine? -
Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 6/2/2011
Agro, you owe Javier for this extra star, and my guess is that next time I'm by there, yet another star will shine.
Today Agro was the best meeting place that I could (grudgingly) come up with for our family meeting. Why the attitude? because *usually* I can't eat anything here, everything looks so torturously good, and on more than a couple of instances I've found the counter help to be less than helpful.
This was before today when I met Javier the chef who was more than considerate about customizing a simple dish for me.
He explained that there are some menu changes in store that will very definitely include more options for people with food allergies. I'm not often on Granville Island but you can bet that the next time I am, I'll willingly be planning to lunch there.
Also, of course the coffee is great, and HELLOooo house made Yam Fries!! yum.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/1/2009
This was my second try for this nice little cafe. They have fresh lunch specials, Coffee's and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Peggy S.
1/3/2011
Oh FINALLY! A cup of chai latte that is not so commercially and comically sweet. A cup of chai latte that I can actually taste the spices. A cup of chai latte that doesn't leave me feeling thirsty with a sugar high!
After browsing about 23 little artsy shops on Granville Island, my legs were tired and I was getting dizzy. Alas, Agro was like a beacon that was calling my name in a sea of darkness.
Smelling like delicious breakfast grease, the place is cozy, but there is a loft that can accommodate all of the tourists! The drinks are not cheap, but most of their drinks are organic, so that's a big plus!
The service is friendly and they actually have a clean bathroom that customers can use. Woohoo!Listed in: Caffeine + Sugar =…, Vancouver
-
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/17/2010 6 Check-ins Here
A fan still? Yes. You can set up shop upstairs for hours. It's quiet, the wi-fi is reliable and the other peeps are pecking away at their keys while consuming copious amounts of caffeine. Feeling right at home (plus you can order a glass of wine instead of coffee!)
There's no doubt that you'll need some sustenance when you're camped out near the power supply. Enter lunch. The sandwiches are pricey, but they're damn tasty! And the bread? The bread is magnificent. Just the right amount of softness - no cut gums here! However, the prep consistency is off. I had the Bison sammie twice in one week. It was like eating two totally different sandwiches - both good, but I had hoped to have the same one I had previously. I also had to ask for a knife to cut it in half (also inconsistent to the other sandwiches). I also tried the soup for the first time the other day. Very underwhelming, oh who am I kidding, it was tasteless. I'll stick to the yummy sandwiches!Listed in: Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A…, Casual Dining in Vancouver, Where's My Wi-Fi? These…, Granville Island Best Of's, Patio Season Comes to…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/28/2009
Three of the newest things I now know:
-Railspur Alley is a great place to unwind pre or post hustle… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2011
Good atmosphere, cozy
Coffee was good as well
I wanna go for other Argo cafe :)) -
Review from Alexa Z.
2/24/2009 2 photos
After a long day of wandering the Granville Market, shopping for art and trinkets, and stuffing myself with perogis and vietnamese spring rolls, the only thing I crave is a quality cappuccino and a nice place to enjoy it at. AGRO Cafe delivers.
I was exhausted after getting off an early flight and heading straight to Granville for the morning and was in great need for a pick me up. I loved everything about Agro when I walked in: friendly staff, fantastic menu, non-automatic espresso machine (sorry, starbucks), couches, serene setting (being set away from the bustling market). Clearly this was a place to sit back and enjoy your food and drink, not rush through it.
My cappuccino was perfect. Perfect balance of milk and foam... after living in LA for a few years, I have had many-a-poorly-made espresso drink by struggling actors who don't know how to pull a proper shot and were never told the right proportions of milk:foam.
AND THE BEST PART... COFFEE ART.
Only a few places still take the time to make your drink a bit prettier: Urth Cafe in LA, Joe's the Art of Coffee in NYC, Coral Tree in LA (granted it isn't busy)... I was sad the day Peet's stopped topping my drink with a dainty leaf.
Sitting back on the couch, opening up the Princess Cake and Nanaimo Bar from the market, taking a sip of coffee... it was the end to a perfect morning!Listed in: COFFEE, COFFEE - BUZZ BUZZ…, Oh, Canada!
-
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
2/8/2009 1 photo
Thanks to the Entertainment Book coupon and a lovely day to go to Graville Island, I was able to find this lovely cafe on a side street of Granville Island.
For lunch, a salmon melt was ordered, accompanied by a side salad (you can get fries instead). Served on Rye bread, it was cheesy and delicious! Made to order, tasty and fresh! The citrus dressing on the salad was very refreshing as well.
Two smoothies were ordered as well (to take advantage of the coupon)
1. Mango, Pineapple, Banana (taste recommendation)
2. Acai with blueberry, blackberry, and pomegranate (health recommendation)
Both were very tasty and worth every sip!
The atmosphere is very quaint, with upstairs, downstairs and outside seating. You order your food and the kitchen and coffee bar will call your number when it's ready.
Definitely worth trying.... their Apple Crisp looked very tempting.. guess I'll just have to go back!Listed in: World away from Starbucks..
-
Review from David S.
1/16/2011
Meh. I had high expectations what with the whole farm fresh thing. The reality was that my sandwich was microwaved, tasted bland and had nuclear hotspots in the middle.
My daughter's soup was pretty bland too.
The cappuccino was OK though. -
Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
5/4/2010
I had heard so-so things about this place, but my dining companion and I wanted to try something besides the marketplace for once. So we went to the Agro, and each got something safe: she the grilled cheese and a skim milk, I the gourmet mac and cheese and a hot chocolate.
Service speed wasn't bad, but the food quality was. My hot chocolate looked pretty, with some lovely leaf latte art, but it tasted bland and boring. The glass of skim milk turned out to be whole milk. The 'gourmet' mac and cheese was 'slimy grey' mac and cheese, and the sandwich was hardly grilled with mozzarella. Next time we'll stick to the tried and true market places. -
Review from Jen C.
8/14/2009 1 photo
I picked this place off the Granville Island map because it had an interesting name and thought it sounded breakfasty.
I'm glad I did.
I loved the room: fresh and light and airy.
I loved the food. I had the bagel with brie and honey and almonds...yummm. I tried the eggs with goat cheese and tomato. Also yum! And their chocolate chip cookie! Totally yum.
I will definitely go back the next time I'm up there! -
Review from Doug D.
Vancouver, BC
10/5/2009 1 Check-in Here
Food, coffee and atmosphere are all great. Second best coffee on the island after JJ Bean but they offer good food and a nice atmosphere unlike JJ which is strictly to go.
Food prices seem a little high but the yam fries worth the splurge.
One complaint: WiFi is not reliable. Sometimes it works, sometimes not and staff is clueless about it. If you're going to offer it then make it work! -
Review from Caity V.
White Rock, BC
3/1/2011
I have had two sandwiches at this location and both were god awful and very very expensive (the average price being $11.00) The ingredients are so skimpy and there is no flavour. I rated two stars only because the early grey tea is really good. It has a little bit of vanilla or something in it and it tastes like higher end tea.
Best advice for this cafe is to no longer serve any prepared food. Just have muffins and cookies.... that way people won't feel completely ripped off next time they eat at here. Stick with drinks and I think business will go up because you will have more repeat customers. -
Review from Vanessa G.
5/26/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Well i just discovered this place.. It's actually in the Entertainment Book with a 50% off coupon for drinks.
I have been faithful to a coffee shop in the market for a long time but now i am definitely cheating.
The thing i love, other then the excellent coffee (americano - YES, Latte - YES).. is that the beans are purchased for more then fair trade. What makes you feel better then that?
Treats galore with tons of vegan pastry options. They have a nice sized menu of breakfast items, sandwiches and salads that are all made on site.
This is officially where you will find me during the week for my morning coffee. -
Review from Alice T.
3/12/2011
Good coffee, good atmosphere, nice break from a rainy day on Granville island. Didn't try their food but would go back for the coffee.
-
Review from Paul C.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2010
Putting zucchini in mac & cheese is a good idea.
-
Review from Emma L.
9/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
The coffee is fine, and my mango smoothie was okay. I brought my laptop but was surprise to find out that their wifi network is protected -- okay, but where do I get the password from? If you're going to offer wifi, make the network open or post the password for it somewhere really obvious so I don't have to ask, because the baristas did not look like they wanted to talk to anyone.
Listed in: Coffee coffee coffee
-
Review from Jasmine L.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2009
Love this place. It's good for meeting up with a friend or Getting Shit Done. Friendly baristas, comfortable setting and hey, any excuse to go to Granville Island is a good one. I don't drink coffee, but they make a kickass cup of hot chocolate.
If you see a small Asian chick mumbling to herself over a heavily red-penned manuscript or falling asleep over a hugeass textbook, come over and say hi. I'm pretty sure I'll be a regular. -
Review from Lee N.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/1/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Stay away from the low fat muffins, they are really tough and I tried them 3 times to see if it wasn't just a bad day or two. Try the Costra Rican coffee, yum. Still have imported mineral water in tiny bottles, but on the plus side more organic wine.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/6/2009
The food is good, I have the breakfast special once a week, and boy do they know coffee, which they… Read more »
-
