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Café Calabria
Categories: Restaurants Italian Food Coffee & Tea Italian, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1745 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4A4
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 253-7017
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Café Calabria
Review Highlights
26 reviews in English
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Review from Ken T.
Vancouver, BC
6/22/2011
I love it here and try to make it back as much as I can. Sure, they can be a tad surly but hey, if you wanted to bring outside food to my establishment, then I would be too! If you just come in to use the toilet instead of a paying patron, then go someplace else! Always good for a show every now and then because of this LOL!
Coffee is awesome here! And so is their panini's. Service with a bit of conversation, helpful suggestions, and great people make this place one of my regular ones.
Regular choices: Coffee with milk and a turkey panini. Always good coffee and one of the best panini's in town! -
Review from Yassir N.
I was brought to this cafe first by my Italian in-laws who kidnapped (oops! Invited) me to have some Italian experience while in vancouver! And they described the place as an authentic italian cafe. And since that first time I became a regular customer whenever I'm around the area!
So I've been to this cafe many times now and what I like about the place is that you get good coffee, nice panini with flavourful cold-cuts and you can enjoy a clean sitting space! Also I think that the guys who run the cafe are funny and cool, but this is applies to them when I have my Italian in-laws with me! otherwise, I'm completely anther customers!
What I don't like abou this cafe is that you need to get cash to pay for your coffee! come on that's far from being comfortable Cafe Calabira. I don't know who carries cash in his/her pocket! (no seriously who got cash in her/his pocket now?, I don't). So several times I had to go out of the shop, walk across the street to get some cash and come back! some other times I just went to another cafe in the cafe-full street!
I aslo don't like the cafe when it is not that busy, because they shot the lights off on the unused side of the shop, and that turns the place into a haunted house, esp with the distinctive decoration and statues that have in place :S not always inviting! But during busy hours, this place has a special character that worth checking out while you're in commercial drive! -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Nice atmosphere, really reminiscent of an Italian bar.
Just a few notes: there are no prices on the menu so who knows if they are consistent with each customer. I didn't care for their menu style at all. I ordered a caffe latte and a pizza taglio.
Caffe: fresh pulled shot - yay, but still not sure how much it cost me. wish they had raw or brown sugar, but it was good.
Pizza/focaccia: They put cheese on their calabrese (Focaccia with tomato sauce) and called it a Margherita pizza. The cheese wasn't entirely melted, and even though there was very little sauce (the bread was practically dry, except for a stain of red on top), it sure left a lot of oil on my hands. Meh. Would not get this again. Maybe their sandwiches are better.
Total bill: $11. Not worth it, but the brothers were polite & prompt and their restroom was clean. -
Review from Nichole W.
Vancouver, BC
3/11/2011
Seems like the theme for reviews for Cafe Calabria is you either love them or hate them. The key is playing by the rules.
I was introduced to Calabria a couple of years ago. Luckily, my friend has been going there for years and knows the owners. "I'm in" but I'm also respectful of their business and Cafe Calabria etiquette. Calabria etiquette says you don't come to the cafe with another stores coffee cup and sit at their tables. That's reasonable. If you want to sit at the tables at Cafe Calabria, you need to order. If you have an attitude, a chip on your shoulder or think you are all of that, find another place for coffee, sandwiches and sweets.
Cafe Calabria is not for the Starbucks generation. It's a family owned business that has been there for years. If you want Starbucks and the Starbucks way (including soy), my suggestion is to go to Starbucks.
And remember, cash only! -
Review from Awesta M.
4/16/2011
I'm only reviewing the coffee, not the service. I don't live on the Drive so I don't come here very often, but when I do make my over this is one of my go-to spots. I start here and make my way down to Fratelli's.
Every time, the coffee is consistently good and the decor consistently gaudy but fits the place perfectly. I think if they tried to make it generic I would lose a lot of the love I have for it. Stay gold... -
Review from Justin L.
8/9/2011
This is what a European coffee house feels like. Mind you, I do think Calabria goes over the top with the painted sky ceiling and faux Roman statues... But the coffee is good and the atmosphere conducive to chit chat.
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Review from Daniele D.
8/23/2010
Where do you get your sandwich made by the main actor of flash Gordon! Really. What if that comes with some roughing on the shoulders by the very guy?
Father and two sons running this place. Clearly they do it because they enjoy it not because they need to.
Where does the line between rudeness and raw in your face dose of common sense lie? Yes the father can be rude but he definitely has his reasons. And he tells you. You want to eat or drink your own food in his cafe? Think again. You want to use his toilette without ordering? Think again. So someone asks to use the toilet claiming that he will order later. The old man says no you order and then you use the toilette. The guys insists. The old man simply says 'this is my place and I make the rules'. End of argument.
Espresso is good, served normally by one of the two sons. The other son (the heavy built star actor), slices mortadella and prosciutto for the daily panini. Calmly yet passionately.
Not sure if my take away sandwich was a special one, as my friend is a regular or not. Boasting slices after slices of different cuts, cheese, artichokes on focaccia. Not your italian from italy classic, but definitely your italian 'not' from italy indulgence.
Play the rules and you will be well served. You may even get a friendly punch on the shoulder from Mr Flash! -
Review from Megas A.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2010
As a European, I get a kick out of the hipster / alternative crowd that get offended with some attitude being thrown their way. I have to laugh at the sheer stupidity of the politically correct folk who think they can park their ass anywhere. Anywhere, that is, except Calabria.
Case in point;
Some self-centred idiot orders something from Starbucks and insists on sitting at Calabria with their dog while enjoying the competitors crap. This is a dangerous ordeal at Calabria because the owners will have you sitting in the middle of the street before you know it with drink spilled and your ego bruised. So funny and actually very enjoyable to see the owners verbally kick some ass of the poor hipster who thought he/she is "Commericial Drive certified."
If you insist on supporting Starbucks on the Drive, stay on the Starbucks side of the street. It makes sense no?
Anyways, Americano and Taralle with attitude please. -
Review from Megan S.
11/23/2008
Don't go here. They're rude and I have no idea why. I had already discovered that Continental Coffee was a wonderful coffee place on the Drive. However, I wanted to try many of the other places that looked nice too. So I went to Cafe Calabria. I ordered an iced chai. The barista started to make it and asked my husband what he would like. My husband didn't want anything, and the guy said that we couldn't stay in the cafe. If you don't order anything, you can not sit at their table. Really? My husband and I paused, turned around to look at the empty cafe, looked at each other, back at this guy, and back at all the empty tables. I know that this is ridiculous but it felt like time stopped for a second. Is this reality? This guy just told us that we can't sit in his EMPTY cafe, unless we both get something?
I asked the barista, so I can sit at a table with 2 chairs with my chai, but my husband has to leave? He told me that I could only have one chair. I continued my line of questioning and asked if I could put my purse on the other chair, or if he would be moving the chair away from my table as soon as I sat down. He didn't understand what I was getting at, and I let it go.
I can't believe it- but I actually bought the chai. I should have left at that point- I was really getting a drink for the opportunity to sit down, chill, and talk with my husband, and obviously that wasn't going to happen. Anyway, I bought the drink. Worst chai ever- know why? He didn't put any chai in it! It was milk on ice! Oh my god! I love to tell people this story. Do they know how stupid they look for this chair policy? With the many many superior coffee shops and cafes on Commercial, I hope their business suffers for their customer service. -
Review from Louise G.
9/12/2009
Cafe Calabria is a wonderful place which provides wonderful coffee. It's been a community centre for the Drive for a long time, and many are not only fond of it, but make it the hub of their social lives. However, there are a few people around who don't understand the way that things work there.
The critical point is that Cafe Calabria is an Italian cafe - no baristas, no grandes, no ventis, and no POS merchandise at the cash register.
Instead, you get Frank- who owns the place and is Italian - and his sons, who - despite having other things on the go - still work there and take great pride in what they have built. Being Italian, they have very Italian manners and Italian expectations in terms of etiquette and manners.
Their biggest problem is that Starbucks built a place right across from their place in the usual attempt to drive smaller places out of business and leave us in thrall to a monopoly of expensive burnt coffee and harried 'baristas'
This situation sometimes leaves them a little tetchy when people walk in with an ignorance of proper etiquette and a large sense of entitlement -the very attitude engendered by Starbucks, with their servile, false-sincere baristas.
So if you want an excellent coffee, pastry, sandwich, or gelato -Calabria's the place to go. And try to be polite; try to treat the place like someone's life's work; assume that they might take some pride in what they've built over many years, And don't put your feet on the furniture!
And don't even get me started on the false sophistication of 'barista' or the tall=small thing...Not that I have a stong opinion on the subject...Listed in: There and Back Again, Italiano
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/3/2008
This is definitely not just another Italian cafe. I've been coming here for years, and I still think they make the best mochas ever. I don't know what brand of cream or chocolate they use, but it's gorgeous stuff. They also make a mean Americano, and I don't even like Americanos.
Calabria is family-owned. You usually see one of the sons of the founder behind the counter. They're both very cute - if you like the Mediterranean type - and charming. Even if I haven't been there in a long time, they always make me feel recognized and welcomed. I don't eat there very often, but there is also homemade biscotti on offer and panini sandwiches and gelato. If you're thinking of bringing something into the cafe and eating, think again. That sign stating no outside food or drink is definitely not just for decoration.
Finally, there isn't a cafe in Vancouver can match Calabria for unique ambiance. Where else will you find statuary, fountains, and all the Italian celebrity pictures you can shake a stick at? But I'd go there just for the coffee. And the boys.
Note: The old-fashioned atmosphere extends to method of payment. Bring cash.Listed in: Ladytime, Books and Coffee
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Review from Valerie J.
Vancouver, BC
3/9/2009 ROTD 7/28/2009
I love to go to Café Calabria. It's a real Italian Café with a great ambiance! When I go there, I feel at home ! My favorite coffee is double cappuccino with a cookie and a special Frank sandwich!
I recommend everybody to go there!
I go there once a week and Each time I go there, I don't need to make an order, they know what I drink !! I love that! It's so friendly!! -
Review from Ruby D.
Vancouver, BC
10/23/2010
One of my favorite coffee shops in Vancouver! Why?
#1 - The Italians know what they're doing. The lattes are amazing.
#2 - No hipsters
I can't believe all the complainers on this site. I've always received excellent customer service here. Obviously they don't want non-customers using their washroom all day, and bringing in drinks from other places. Who would??
PS - They accept cash only -
Review from tee a.
6/29/2010
I use to frequent here until one day I tried the gelato.
From what I remember, the coffee was bold and flavorful, the sandwiches were fresh and tasty. It's a great place to meet and talk as well the owners are friendly.
The reason I've never been back is because I tried the gelato, which looked amazing as well. Until I got to the bottom of it, I found pieces of hair stuck in the ice cream. I thought it was a one off, until I dug deeper and found multiple pieces. That alone grossed me out and I've never been back since.
Hopefully this was a one off situation and this will never happen to any of you. Even with my experience, I still rate it 3 starts because Cafe Calabria is truly a great place. -
Review from Kristin H.
Vancouver, BC
3/24/2010
Favourite cafe in Vancouver, hands down. I'm a tea drinker. I rarely drink coffee, and when I do, it has to be good. The coffee here is good, guys. I come here regularly, and I've always had fantastic service, and the guys working the counter have always been helpful and friendly (they even saved my iced mocha last summer because I forgot cash!).
If you're looking for a great Italian cafe, check it out. If you want a venti no foam skinny extra hot latte that tastes like burnt paper, you might want to stick to the Starbucks across the street. -
Review from helen y.
Toronto, ON
1/1/2011
i don't know why this place is so popular..
their coffee is really not that good... i mean,i go when im in the neighbor sometimes, but i'd rather go to jj beans or artigiano anyday...
sorry boys, u guys are sweet, bt ur coffee just doesn't do it for me -
Review from Simon R.
BC
11/22/2008 1 photo
Full of elderly well-dressed professionals, this classic coffee shop caters to those who enjoy thorough ambiance with their latte and biscotti. With the David-eque statues and high ceiling mirrors, it aims to reflect a European museum, perfect for those willing to pay out a little extra for some textbook culture.
The baristas are a little smug, and the music is mostly Euro-pop, but the little water fountain on the upper level makes all of the detractors forgivable. Classy and thick, most of the clientele are wearing leather shoes and speaking in foreign languages, but it adds to the overall feel.
Aside from coffee, customers can also get Italian pastries, gourmet ice cream, and high end sandwiches. A nice place to have a conversation while feeling as though you're backpacking through Venice. -
Review from Food Ninja D.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 4/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Bellicimo
1 Previous Review:
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4/4/2011
If you hate it, go elsewhere. It's the best. Little pricey. But that the price of win
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Review from Ernesto G.
3/17/2010 1 photo
Patio seating in the sun, cafe latte and salami sandwich for $10!
Had to get my car fixed today on Clark Street, so walked up to the Drive for a nice cup of coffee and a bite to eat. Been to Cafe Calabria once before and liked it.
Great service, great lattes and good sandwiches. There are no shortage of coffee shops on the Drive, but if you're looking for a simple meal with a great cup of coffee in a nice place, Cafe Calabria is for you.
Nicely toasted sandwich with salami, eggplant, tomato and cheese. The saltiness of the salami is nicely offset by the cheese and tomato...delicious.
Taste = good
Food Presentation = good
Bang for the buck = good
Would I go again = yes -
Review from Andrew M.
Vancouver, BC
12/27/2008
I can't think of a better place to enjoy my Mocha or Capuccino than Cafe Calabria on Commercial Drive in Vancouver.
The atmosphere is lively and fun. It is a family business and they are friendly, courteous and service oriented. It is obvious that they genuinely care about the place and their customers. The coffee is amazing and the sandwhiches are great. I haven't tried the gelato but it looks good as well.
If your looking for a place to relax and enjoy a great coffee you won't be disapointed. You will be greeted with a smile and treated like gold every time! Remember to bring cash as they don't accept plastic of any kind.
I like going to places like Calabria where they appreciate and thank you for your business. I don't drink much coffee anymore but when I do feel like a mocha I make a special trip to Cafe Calabria!
Maybe I'll see you there. -
Review from Chelsea S.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2009
We don't go as often as we'd like because we make decent coffee at home, but even so: the coffee is very good, the atmosphere is charming and the paninis are nearly as good as those next door at Grotto.
Yep, they're a bit militant about their service, and it is well within their right to be this way. Clearly, they don't want their place crowded with non-paying patrons. The upsides to booting out people who aren't customers are: if you *are* a paying customer, there is almost always a free seat and the bathroom isn't disgusting from over-use.
If you've never been, some of the "rules" that you should know about are:
Don't bring in outside food (I mean, if it's in your backpack it's fine - just don't eat it)
They don't like it if you come in and hang out (or sit outside) and don't purchase anything. Obviously yes, you can come in and stand around while your friend orders a drink to go.
Nope, they won't give you the bathroom key if you aren't a paying customer.
Honestly, I don't think this is too much for them to ask, but head over to Starbucks if you want to walk on people and use the facilities for free. -
Review from sara m.
Vancouver, BC
1/27/2010
Yearning for some good old fashioned Italian charm?
Craving an espresso done right?
Wanna be surrounded by sculptures of naked beautiful people?
Hungry for a grilled sandwich so cheesy you'll groan...but with happiness?
What about a some Italian baked goods?
A selection of cold drinks so complete, it will make your head spin....?
You'll leave smiling...maybe shaking your head...but you'll be smiling...trust me. -
Review from Shannon N.
Vancouver, BC
6/29/2009
This place does have old world charm with the Roman statues throughout the cafe. However, when it comes to customer service, it is absolutely one of the worst I have ever had.
I had gone there this morning with my cousin. I had asked for a soy latte (due to mild milk allergies). The older gentleman behind the counter told me they do not have soy, like it would taint his product with poison. I understand that soy is not exactly the Italian way to make a drink, but for people like me, it is pretty much the option that we have if milk is not some thing we can have.
Also, my cousin did not order anything, but was pointed out very loudly by another barista that she must buy something or leave. There were only two other tables that were occupied at that moment, and the rest of the seating area was empty. We understand that cafes are to be in business to make money, but rudeness is pretty much the point that prompted the both of us to leave.
If you are into good food but rude service, then this is the place to go. Otherwise, I do not recommend this place to anyone. -
Review from Daniel L.
12/2/2009 6 Check-ins Here
I love coming here to this fine traditional real Italian cafe... They boost as being the oldest in the city, and one cant argue when you walk in as if you are in a village somewhere in italy The room is filled with statues and pillars while typical music plays in the back ground... They have always served up one of the best "Espresso Macchiato" in the city.... and a real delicious panni's .... I sat at one of the sidewalk tables and watched the various ages of locals fill the cafe with pleasure.
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Review from jamie k.
Vancouver, BC
6/21/2009
good coffee
good people
good place to meet sweet european chicks !! now that should be all you need. -
Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2008
This is one of Commercial Drive's many Italian Cafés and restaurants, but I have to confess that I have a soft spot for this place as it was recommended to me by the owners of the Italian Café that I used to haunt regularly in Montréal. It's owned by a few brothers, and they do their best to make you feel at home while serving up strong, dark and steaming hot lattés. Go there for the coffee, and stay for the lively conversations you're sure to hear around you.
