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Bambo Café
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Food Bagels Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Bagels [Edit]
301 W Cordova StVancouver, BC V6B 1E5
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 681-4323
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for Bambo Café
Review Highlights
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"it's a very cute little gastown place." In 4 reviews -
"The sandwich was turkey and cranberry on a panini, which..." In 3 reviews -
"and the best lentil soup." In 4 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Z Z.
Vancouver, BC
5/23/2012 1 photo
I love this place. It's close to my work, and I come whenever I'm having a bad day and feel like comfort food (good soup is comfort food to me). I always get the lentil soup (because it is a-w-e-s-o-m-e) and one of their sandwiches. You can also get just half a sandwich. I would say that it tastes just like mamma used to make, except my mother never made lentil soup. But if she did, it would be this good.
I also like it because I always find an empty table to sit down, even if I come at noon.
I didn't enjoy the salads as much. Salads are more like a little bit of greens on the side, than something that would make you full..
Also, I find it a bit expensive. Usually my soup + have a sandwich will be around 9 dollars or more, which I think is a lot for a soup and sandwich. -
Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2012
My Girlfriend and I, during our gastown walk, checked in on the reviews on the iphone and were impressed enough to attend this for a brunch since they served all day breakfast.
The atmosphere was something that you would expect with character for the area, however, not suitable for large groups. The décor is busy, however, gives a down to earth Commercial drive feel.
I ordered the scrambled eggs with avocado and tomato which was beautifully plated, nicer than most breakfast places and a healthier gluten free option which is a plus. The only downfall is that it was over salted, it was a sodium suicide. I finished it none the less considering a replacement would take long to be served, however, not impressed. On the flip side, I lost 2 lbs eating this since the salt absorbed most of the water.
On the plus side they have gluten free bread, one of the first few breakfast places in the Gastown area that actually have gluten free bread. Because of this, they earned a fair rating.
I will be back next time as I heard the tuna melt is a must and on gluten free bread...yes please. -
Review from Alexandra C.
Burnaby, BC
Enjoyed the Turkey/Cranberry sandwich and the large Café Mocha. Mmm...Mmm! The focaccia bread was warm and the cheese was nicely melted. But it was the mocha--wow! Made from scratch and with real whipped cream:-D
Uh hunh, I'll be back! -
Review from Jackie S.
5/21/2012
Delicious lattes, fresh sandwiches & friendly staff. It was very good! My husband and I stopped in for an early lunch and it hit the spot. The sandwiches were a bit light on filling, hence the 4 stars, not 5.
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Review from Emily F.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
Cute little place by Gastown. My friend and I went during lunch time, and it seemed like a regular place for many folks.
I was looking for some comfort food so I went with the Tuna Melt. It was served on foccacia bread that was still toasty warm when it was given to me! Probably my favourite part of the meal. I have to say, I appreciated the balance in the sandwich, just as much tuna and cheese as veggies (cucumber, lettuce, tomato). No one likes taking a big bite and having the contents of the sandwich fall out the other end, am I right?
Their sandwich list looked pretty extensive, I might have to come back to try some of the others like the Smoked Salmon and Crabmeat with avocado. -
Review from Esther G.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2012
Yep, this place is definitely my favorite spot in Vancouver. And I went based on Yelp reviews, so thanks!
It's a cute, little spot with a lot of character and a great, relaxing atmosphere. They have a lot of unique sandwiches that all sound amazing.
For now, I went with the lemon pepper chicken with pesto. Full of flavor, but it's the focaccia that it's served on that really hits it out of the ballpark. I also couldn't pass up on the potato soup, on their recommendation. Perfect for a rainy day.
Also on my must-try list: tuna melt, house salad, smoked salmon and crabmeat sandwiches.
They also have a little area that's full of newspapers that you can read while waiting for your food, AND a water pitcher, which they refilled promptly. Thought that was really nice.
One really tiny thing though is, it would be nice if the sandwiches came with SOMETHING, especially with the price. My sandwich and soup was over $10. Couple chips, pickles, anything. But it's absolutely not a deal-breaker, as the sandwich portions were big.
I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 9/20/2011
It had been a while since I last popped in to Bambo so last time I was in the area I had to refreshed my memory, (and my review.) I have to say my latest impression is even better! There's a charming, European cafe feel to the place now that I didn't get before.
Friendly service, plenty of options, (although, still not much for us non-glute's or vegans). This is a very economical stop for a hot lunch or afternoon snack.
The location is a respite from Gastown's usual frenzy and there are a few tables outside.Listed in: Places out of the hive.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/30/2008 First to Review
If you have to be in Gastown, I mean if you just happen to be doing the touristy thing or are just… Read more »
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
3/12/2011
Over the years of wandering this little stretch of Cordova for my punk/vintage/indie clothing fix, I've visited Bambo many times for coffee and general shopping refreshment. I love the atmosphere - big windows for people watching, high ceilings, and just enough colour and art to give it a funky vibe.
This is no hipster cafe either - the staff are also incredibly nice.
Bambo has a big menu of the yummy-sounding options, which for a cafe is a rare and precious thing. Because of regulations about food prep and cooking and venting and so on, making food fresh on the premises can be a complicated undertaking. But here, they have a display case full of salads and pastries, several daily soups, and a whole list of sandwiches.
Unfortunately, the roast beef sandwich I ordered was only so-so. Though warm from the bread-toasty-thing, it was a little skimpy on fillings, and the bread (more properly a focaccia bun) just seemed too light to be really satisfying and hearty. (However, they do offer the option of adding on a soup or salad for $2 when you order, so I kind of regretted not taking advantage of that.)
I recommend Bambo more for coffee and snacks and a leisurely read of the day's papers than as a place to get a really hearty lunch. -
Review from Monica M.
1/29/2011
My favourite lunch spot.
Freshly made sandwiches, homemade soup, always a vegetarian option, and always a smile with service.
I love the tuna melt sandwich, the butternut squash soup, and the roasted veggie sandwich. Great for to go or dine in and never super-crazy-long wait times. -
Review from Salim H.
1/29/2011
A wonderful place right outside my place in Gastown. I usually have the Jegg, which is a open faced omelet , with tomatoe and avocado slices. Its simple, and a great price. The place is warm, the service is good.
One issue, make sure you ask them to butter your toast before it arrive, the butter is always really cold and its hard to butter your toast with it. Maybe a small detail for some, but i like my toast buttered and delicious. -
Review from Dave M.
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's good.
It's a cute little café with some awesome food. The service isn't all-star, but it's not bad on average. The coffee's all right.
Not sure I have a favourite dish, but if you are hungover after a night at the Cambie across the street and want some breakfast, this place will fix you right up in a way that's much classier than Bon's Off Broadway. -
Review from Luke B.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2009
I had lunch at Bambo today, because I read the reviews listed here on yelp. I must say it was definitely worth the visit. I had a soup and sandwich special. The soup was a broccoli and was very tasty. The sandwich was turkey and cranberry on a panini, which was warmed up and very fresh. It was a great lunch spot and not too busy.
I will return, because the coffee and cookies both looked good. -
Review from Vanessa D.
Vancouver, BC
7/5/2010
Mmmmm. Good stuff.
So many choices for sandwiches! I had the fresh (real too!) crabmeat w/ avocado and cheese on foccacia. Good size, all the fixins nice n fresh, warm pressed, tasty, all around awesome. There are several other intriguing combinations on their menu that I would like to try, as well.
LOVE love love the banana milkshakes. Holy crap, you HAVE to have one. Just trust me on this.
Reasonable prices and a friendly, cozy atmosphere. Definitely will be visiting again soon! -
Review from Jessica O.
Vancouver, BC
7/20/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I used to frequent Bambo's ten years ago, when I worked at a punk rock t-shirt shop across from the Cambie. I hadn't been back until today, when I strolled in at lunchtime.
The menu is exactly the same, which suits me just fine, as it was great back then! I was hopeful that the quality would be just as good, and it was! Delicious focaccia sandwiches are the stars here, and each variety that I have tried has been excellent.
Today I had the smoked salmon with herbs and mascarpone - it came with thin slices of tomato and cucumber (which I do not normally like on my sandwiches) and was light and refreshing while having a great punch of flavour. The mascarpone was a really nice change from cream cheese!
My colleague had the crab melt, made with real crab meat (!) cheddar and avocado, and it too was delicious.The crab salad was a tad acidic and not laden down with mayo - a really nice change from a typical crab or tuna salad.
A great, cute little place for a quick lunch. I am only giving 4 out of 5 because I have only ever tried their sandwiches, but I hope to be back to try much more! :)Listed in: Yummy Veggie-Friendly Fast…
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Review from Cara P.
11/26/2010 4 Check-ins Here
One of my all time favourite sandwich places in Vancouver.
The lemon chicken sandwich is amazing, as are the rest. Fresh focaccia, rgrat ingredients, fresh made, hot sandwiches... and the best lentil soup...
Best quick, sandwich lunch in Gastown. Cafe atmosphere, no scene, very friendly, fast, warm, attentive... one of my faves. If I am in Gastown, I will go here! -
Review from Adam H.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good sandwiches and coffee. Quite a cosy place for a rainy afternoon.
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Review from Megan S.
1/5/2009 1 photo
This place is cute. The booth/table I sat at was a little cramped, but it was still nice. The latte I had was good, and not scalding hot on the first sip. I saw a few menu items that looked worth returning for, in particular: apple, cinnamon, cheddar bagel. Doesn't that sound amazing? I will be back for that soon. And I believe it was only $3. Not bad for lunch or breakfast or snack.
The one drawback is that they have a minimum debit amount of $5. Not that they charge you extra if you're under, but that you have to spend $5. So they practically twisted my arm to get a peanut butter cookie to make the minimum. The cookie was great. It was partially dipped in chocolate- very nice touch.
I'm not sure that I want everyone to know this- so only you who read the whole review will see this- but it is entirely possible that they have the best cinnamon rolls in town here. Shhhh! Don't tell everyone. I didn't see it until I was leaving or I most certainly would have gotten it. It looks like the ones I lust for from Upper Crust bakery in Austin, Texas. Now I'm sure they're not the same. But they look so close (they have kinda a muffinish bottom, like it was cooked in a muffin pan). These are not the gooey frosting cinnamon rolls. These are the flaky pastry very cinnamony good ones. I will report back when I've obtained one. -
Review from Jen A.
9/9/2011
I had coffee and Lentil Soup. The soup was excellent, I would definitely come back for it. I liked the atmosphere, relaxing, and it was located in a cute part of town.
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 6/27/2010
I'm usually a big fan of this place....... and last time I saw that they served Matcha green tea lattes and I'm always looking for a coffee alternative...
So after a really filling lunch, I wanted to get a match fix and walked in to a pretty busy Bambo on a Sunday afternoon.
To my surprise, matcha powder was not used... instead the Tazo green tea syrup, similar to the ones sold at Starbucks for Chai Lattes. I was sadly disappointed but hope that I would be proven wrong.... nope that was not the case. Since it was syrup, it was already sweetened - BLAH.
There was quite a lineup after me, so the drink prepared was sloppy, and although not a uber fancy coffee shop, the foam was inconsistent and overflowing.
... no more matcha here for me. stick with the food.... it's a complete 180.Listed in: World away from Starbucks.., Let's go to Gastown Instead...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/28/2009
There are so many little cafes in the Gastown area and I can never decide where to grab a bite, but… Read more »
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Review from Amanda M.
Victoria, BC
12/8/2010
It is a small, quaint little cafe that could easily seat 20+ if it had to. It has a decent selection of sandwhiches, wraps, salads and soups. I had the Turkey and Cranberry sandwhich with a small bowl of the Lentil soup.
The Fresh focaccia bread was a delight. It was toasted/warmed to perfection. Not too crisp and not too soft. The only downfall was a lack of meat on my sandwhich. The Lentil soup was good. Served at perfect temperature. The small bown was plenty enough. A pitcher of water is set out neon the condiments counter. -
Review from Mina B.
2/15/2010 3 photos
came here this afternoon for a late breakfast. we saw too late that breakfast is served ALL DAY on weekends. we shared the veggie and the egg sandwich. they were huge at fair prices ($7.25 & $6.75) and very delicious and filling. it's a very cute little gastown place.
i wanna come back to try one of the many vegetarian omeletts.Listed in: oh sando (Vanvouver), Great Breakfast (Vancouver)
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2010
A nice walk in gastown and a stop for a sandwich and a coffee at this cute little street corner cafe made my sunday afternoon. The vegetarian sandwich was grilled and stuffed pretty much perfectly. The coffee was great too. I guess I'm only giving 3 stars because I think the place was pretty grubby and I don't like to clean my own table off when going out to eat. Small and cosy though, I'll return to try the omelet one day.
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Review from Kelley R.
Vancouver, BC
8/11/2009
I was planning a day of Vancouver fun to say goodbye to a friend that is moving out of country. I picked this place for the initial meeting place based on other Yelp reviews. It turned out to be the perfect place to get our group together and decaffeinated up for a busy Saturday. The lattes were a hit all around with the coffee drinkers and my chai was very nice! I didn't have anything to eat, but will definitely be back! The breakfast plates and sandwiches I saw going to other tables looked great! The couple running the shop Saturday morning, was super helpful - grabbing us extra chairs and whipping a special request fresh squeezed juice. Definitely worth another visit next time I'm in the area.
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Review from Raza M.
9/18/2010
Great place to grab a sandwich. Good size, a lot of choice, reasonable price, served fresh and warm. My favourite crab meat with avocado and cheese. Really nice atmosphere, I loved this place. If wasn't for a disappointing soup and cinnamon roll, it would have been a solid 4 star.
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Review from Kathleen G.
Vancouver, BC
6/15/2011
I really like the sandwiches here and whenever I am in the neighbourhood, I go there. They are tasty and have fresh ingredients and you can tell that they take pride in making the food. The owners are very friendly. It has a funky Gastown vibe. There are lots of menu options and they are nice about making food substitutions or changes. I wish the bathroom was closer (have to walk down the hall) but that's pretty normal for Gastown.
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
10/31/2008
As a lover of independent cafes, I am, in principle happy to find a spot like Bambo Cafe in a trendy place like Gastown. So, I was even more happy to have a great coffee while soaking up the lovely, cheery, yet calm ambience of this place. Definitely a place to come back to again and again, a place to linger, and a place where I plan to one day try the nice looking food that they serve.
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Review from Harjeet T.
12/2/2008
this place is awesome, i come here every day for lunch - the sandwiches are all great (especially recommend the tuna melt) and the atmosphere is perfect.
