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Calhoun's Bakery Cafe
Categories: Event Planning & Services Caterers Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Caterers, Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
3035 Broadway WVancouver, BC V6K 2G9
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 737-7062
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Calhoun's Bakery Cafe
Review Highlights
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"They offer free Wi-Fi and did I mention they serve alcohol." In 3 reviews -
"...of-a-kind coffee shop to get some work down, catch up with..." In 3 reviews -
"...the place is really full of students studying, so don't go..." In 4 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole F.
2/28/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I was here to do some reading on Saturday night and it was pretty cool, so I'll definitely come back. It was like a giant lodge covering a sea of macbooks. I think I saw one laptop without a glowing apple on the back. Crazyness.
They have a pretty decent selection of teas, and a ton of cakes and other bakery items. My friend and I got the lemon cheesecake and the chocolate blackout torte to share with each other and both were awesome! For a mug tea (free hot water refills, obviously) and a slice of cake it was just over $7.
I couldn't believe how packed it was, we waited around for a few minutes before asking to sit at the table reserved for staff in the corner. Although despite how packed it was, it was veeeeery quiet. Everyone was hard at work on their computers. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Vancouver, BC
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place has free wi-fi and is very spacey - it is a great study place.
The good thing about this place is that it is opened 24 hours - I mean, how many cafes in vancouver are opened 24 hours? I love it.
I tried their hot chocolate - it was okay, I found that it had a little too much milk and not enough chocolate flavour.
I would definitely come back here again though (maybe to study or for another late night "coffee"). -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Calhoun's is a UBC study cafe. It's open 24 hours, has a bunch of shitty food and drink available, and is constantly full to the brim with studying UBC students and their laptops. Recently I've taken to using my own laptop on the patio in the sun while on my break from work (as I work a block away). I ordered an iced tea at Calhoun's and was given a Snapple, holy shit. Not what I expected. I expected, you know, tea on ice. I guess that's because I am used to Main Street cafes.
Anyway, don't expect a seat, and this place is NOT a destination. They do have beer though. -
Review from Louise G.
3/10/2012
Decent place for a late night coffee. Can get very busy during certain times with computer users accessing the wireless and doing school work.
Friendly staff. -
Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
Atmosphere: Large castle door was a cute and unique touch for the area. It is very spacious with a lot of high windows and ceilings. The basic wood ceiling looks more like an Irish pub than a student hang out. It's a study heaven for students, however, the space for large study groups is limited. Good luck trying to find a table for two that isn't occupied by textbooks. I wouldn't call this a date spot either since even the two seaters get occupied by singleton's and they mass amounts of homework. The table is made out of old dressers which adds to the touch. The wooden seats are extremely uncomfortable, especially if you're doing a long time study assignment. The sun was beaming in full force (blessing in Vancouver), however, with the high and large windows and wooden structure, it got too hot too quick.
Food: I ordered the only gluten free item on the menu that I could eat which wasn't that inspiring. I could make something cheaper and a little bit more flare at home. I sucked it up 'cause it was lunch time, however, this wouldn't be my choice of destination during lunch in the West Broadway area. They do get points for an awesome macha green tea latte.
Price: Is it decent but not cheap for the quality and the selection of food offered. -
Review from Gosia Z.
Vancouver, BC
1/12/2012
I'm writing this on location :) Just can't help myself... because I can't believe it only gets a 3 stars!
This is THE place to sit with your laptop and get some serious work done.
I really like their simple, but freshly made sandwiches. And in a city where glasses of wine can easily run $15, the fact you can get an entire bottle for $18 really is a selling feature.
So...when you need a place to go and Yelp about those other uber-hoity toity coffee shops at which you're tired of paying $7 for a latte - bring your laptop to this place :) -
Review from Dylan J.
Surrey, BC
4/5/2012
Cool laid back atmosphere, very big (lots of space) but often lots of people too. Friendly staff, decently priced food (but not cheap for the quality), wifi, open 24/7, serves alcohol. I give it 4 stars because it's a cool place to hang out, nothing special about what they serve (that I've tried anyway; there's lots that I haven't) but if you're like me and aren't looking for anything special to eat/drink but rather a cool place to eat/drink it, you should check it out. If they were super cheap or had better food, I'd give them 5 stars.
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Review from Ruth D.
Vancouver, BC
3/5/2012
My entire high school career I studied for exams here. I love this place for its laid-back staff, great mac and cheese, decent selection of beers, and chill attitude. My favourite part of this place, though, is the inspirational writings in and on the stalls of the washroom.
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Review from lucinda k.
Vancouver, BC
8/10/2011
I've walked by Calhoun's a number of times and have always wanted to try it~ looks like a nice big independent cafe with great atmosphere, seems like it would be nice, right?
So when I tried it yesterday I was hoping it would live up to my expectations- although I did not come for what people probably most come for (coffee), I came for the food and had the breakfast burrito special of the day. If this review was based on the food alone it would be 1 *... Surprised to find it not only microwaved, but over microwaved- and wouldn't have been so surprised of the food quality if they didn't call themselves a bakery. This place could be phenomenal if they sold great, freshly prepared (or at least oven heated good quality) food. An extra star was given because it is a good atmosphere, and prices are reasonable (but not cheap)... I probably won't be back. -
Review from Yuri A.
Vancouver, BC
5/9/2011 15 Check-ins Here
Coffee, beer, pizza, reliable WiFi, open 24 hours, Canucks playoff games--and a truly independent coffee shop--makes Calhoun a neighborhood gem.
I must admit that it isn't the best coffee of tastiest food along West Broadway, but there is something great about settling down in a locally owned, one-of-a-kind coffee shop to get some work down, catch up with friends, do some people watching or catch the Canucks on their way to the Stanley Cup. Besides, there aren't too many place in town that will let you sit down, spread out and get some work down with a local beer in hand. I also like the fact that it's spacious and doesn't try to hard to be ultra hip or hippie.
Sure it would be nice if they would up their coffee quality and get some locally/freshly baked food, but there are other places for that nearby. Besides, if they had that, I may never leave! -
Review from David W.
1/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not quite the place it was back in its heyday, it still ranks #1 on my "Student Survival Guide: Cheap late night places for students to eat at no regard for their health or general well being" list. The place opened in 1994 and more than a decade and a half later its far more famous as a student hang out than as a 'real' bakery and catering service.
Its raised ceiling, wood beams, 24 hours, and relatively healthy and reasonably good tasting food (thou not fresh, but not like students would complain considering the alternatives), and most importantly enough space to grab a table and get some work done make this place a favourite. They offer free Wi-Fi and did I mention they serve alcohol?
During the summer they open up the exterior doors and windows to the patio and the party factor goes up significantly. The drunken pub crawls from time to time make an unusual stop. Smokers seem to have no sense of wind direction or distance and clouds of cigarette smoke waft in.
The stories I have from Calhouns... its definitely one of those 'anything can happen' places. Perhaps my most fond memory was the creeper watching full length porn in a middle table while slowly the entire place gathered behind him and turned into movie night, except you know, with hardcore porn.
The service is minimal and always understaffed. On a busy night you'll find yourself waiting at the counter either to place your order or wait 15 minutes for a tea. Naturally that's if the minimum wage student isn't busy flirting with their boyfriend / girlfriend elsewhere.
The place is surprisingly clean considering it has the demographic of a frat house and tables are cleared relatively quickly.
I wouldn't call this place the cheapest option around but somehow the students manage to scrounge a few bucks together and make it here.Listed in: Student Survival Guide
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Review from Kayla M.
Vancouver, BC
10/29/2011
Cool atmosphere, definitely conducive to studying/reading/writing. They have wifi, which is wonderful. The food I had was not so good, but it was not very pricey and decent. I really like that they give you mugs for your tea.
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Review from steff c.
Vancouver, BC
12/8/2010
Never understood the appeal.
With the super-high ceilings, I find the sound echoes. With the loud staff banging around dishes and stuff, that's a pretty noisy "relax and read" environment, IMHO.
The staff are lackadaisical at best. The food isn't anything worth getting excited about. It's just Breadgarden without being Breadgarden. It's a cafeteria with better decor, is all.
And I don't understand how so much plastic can be used on things that are 90% eaten on-location. I think I hear Mother Earth screaming as I type. This IRKS me, Yelp. It REALLY irks me!
It's overpriced cafeteria food that people seem elated to swallow because it's an "interesting people-watching" place.
What? Really? It's all students and the same old regular clientele found at most coffee locales on Broadway.
Okay. Knock yourself out.
Me, I'll take a pass and head up the street to Benny's, where they don't plastic-ize everything, actually make some stuff to order, and are at least 10% cheaper.
The ONLY selling point to Calhoun's is the 24-hours thing. I'd FAR rather them than Denny's.
During REGULAR hours, though, I ask you again, why would you? Choose better. -
Review from Jordan K.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2011
It is actually a fine place for students like us to hang around finishing the works. The atmosphere is kinda unique with a old garage style, yet a bit too empty.
The coffee is average good, but I really like the cake!! especially the oreo one! If you love sweet sweet stuff, then have to try it!
however, the place is really full of students studying, so don't go there if you just wanna chill a bit and taste life, but do go there when you need to get work done while UBC just don't have many of those chilling/study places! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2010
I dunno what happened to this place. Bac in the day it used to be a good mix of hanging out, studying and drinking. Now it looks like a library with zero good times. Kind of upsetting because the new management (in the last two yearsish) even started instituting signs saying you have to buy something every hour if you want to loiter.
In the summer this place gets better because the doors are left open and the front patio has nice people watching (minus the pigeons that will hang out right on the table- so annoying!)
It's still a nice cozy 24 hour place, but the lights are generally too dim, even for socializing, the food has always been rather average, the sweets are almost always stale and the service? well, they're nice...but they get things wrong. or cold. often. way way too often.
So this place really deserves two stars, but I'll throw it a bone and hope that stella can get her groove back. -
Review from Lou K.
Vancouver, BC
9/24/2009
Calhouns: convenient, big roomy premises, free internet and decent coffee, open 24 hours. Not too bad AND it's in the handy West Broadway hub.
On the down side, it's usually packed full of students in the afternoons - ones who buy their one cup of coffee and stay for hours. I always wonder how this place makes money as it can't be from these uber-thrifty kids. Isn't the student union building for this sort of thing?
The food's generally mediocre but there are some highlights. I was surprised at their ready-made curries; surprisingly good considering they come out of the microwave. The cakes are good if they're fresh so it's about timing. -
Review from Darren N.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2010
There are a lot of things to love and hate about this place. Love: the giant ceilings that make you feel like you're in a ski lodge. Hate: the pigeons pooping on everything, though this is sometimes more under control than at others. Love: the blueberry cheesecake bars. Hate: the coffee burns my mouth EVERY time. The lattes are too hot. Love: you can buy a lot of different types of food here. Hate: most of the types of food here. Love: you can buy beer here. Hate: no, I think I only love that I can buy beer here. I guess they could have a better selection, but it is primarily a coffee house, so I gotta let that go.
Oh, and they have ice cream. Sitting in the front on a sunny day with a cone and your dog is pretty much heaven. Great people watching location too.Listed in: Good places to get work done
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Review from Tim L.
8/21/2008
I always thought this place was a lot like Breadgarden with their offerings of coffee & desserts being so similar. The quality is certainly better but only marginally.
Being 24 hours and in rather close proximity to UBC means it's usually crowded with students studying so it gets pretty busy sometimes, however with the lack of 24 hour options for hanging out this becomes a pretty popular spot in the wee hours.
The staff seem to rotate quite a bit predominantly being students themselves and on more than one occasion tend to be more interested in conversation with each other than in serving customers. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
9/20/2010
Ah, the place where you'll find most UBCers on any given weeknight or weekend, any our of the day.
Let's be honest - no one really goes for the awesome food. But when you are in the midst of a study session, or philosophical discussion, it's not a bad place to eat. Also, when the studying gets really awful? they are a licensed cafe.
The people watching here is pretty great, and as my friend pointed out the other night, it's an awesome place to see cute guys and girls at work. I'm not sure if I'd be as crazy as him and try to pick any up, but hey, I don't have to watch him get punched.
The wifi is quite decent (unlike Waves where you might get kicked off at any time), and the plugs are ok - but bring a long cord or make friends as the plugs really are few and far between.
It's a decent place for most of what you'd want to do - the music isn't overbearing, the atmosphere is decent. Good place to put on your headphones and just get your taxes finally done. -
Review from Carla J.
Maple Ridge, BC
12/15/2010
Full of uni students, this is the off campus version of irving during exam season.. its 24hr appeal with tonnes of tables and delicious treats make it a great place to escape the cold and study.
Yummy tiramisu and good coffee make this an ideal place for getting some off campus study time.. not so much for just hanging out though, the atmosphere is very study study. -
Review from Daniella F.
Vancouver, BC
4/12/2009
I *love* Calhouns!
I might be one of those annoying laptop people, but I will say that I think the vibe of Calhouns depends on what time you go. I usually go in the morning or after lunch, and the crowd tends to be mums with toddlers, or freelance graphics designers/ writer-types getting work done or having meetings.
The coffee is good and the old fashion fudge cake is AMAZING :) I've also found the staff to be nice, too, and they've been the same people at this time of day since I've been going there.
Free wi-fi is a plus, too. I've also had their catered food, and it's really tasty also. I definitely prefer their catered food to the food they have in the cafe, and I usually stick to just coffee and a desert.
Generally, if you have a problem with someone taking up a whole table or hogging all the plugs, I've found that you can just ask them to share and it's no big deal.Listed in: Coffee Shops in Vancouver…
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Review from Thu N.
8/6/2010
I've recently discovered Calhouns and its an awesome 24h free internet cafe! It's a great place to do some work - although the power outlets are few and my laptop plug just refused to stay in the outlet.
It's interesting to see different people that meet at the place - book clubs, job interviews, students studying, entrepreneurs, randoms from the neighbourhood. Also it's quite ok to come here alone...the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
I switch between an ice chai latte and beer here and have yet to try to the food so I can't comment on that. But ...ahh...beer!! This is the best place to work/study ever!! :) -
Review from Kirill Z.
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
A very cool pace to work and relax.
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2008
The only thing I love about Calhouns is that it remains open 24 hours. Like my appreciation for the Naam on fourth, I am grateful for options on the rare occasion I'm out at 3am.
Calhouns offers some surly service, mediocre hot chocolate, and uninteresting, giant cookies that I so desperately want to love. But can't. The patio here is nice on a sunny day--it's one of the few places on West Broadway to enjoy a coffee in the sunshine thanks to the southern exposure and lack of an awning.
Inside, the expansive room teems with students tapping away on their laptops and drooling while napping on their textbooks. I'm not a fan of the vibe here and really only ever stop by to give it one last shot. If it's a weekend and I am out at 3am, I'd rather go to Benny's for the 24-hour scene there. -
Review from Shelley V.
12/5/2008 1 Check-in Here
I was very grateful for Calhoun's this past Tuesday night at the witching hour as it was the only beacon of light guiding me towards... well, guiding me towards PIE... well, pumpkin cheesecake actually...
Vancouver has a limited amount of 24 hour dining that do not involve a DENNY'S or petrol. Luckily the atmosphere worked well enough for our needs, even with the joint full of students clicking away at their laptops resembling an army of worker bees with soul patches and nerd glasses.
The staff wasn't particularily thrilled to have to make a sandwich at 12:30am but they at least made it well enough for E to eat it without complaint. My cheesecake was super yummy and had a small dollop of cinnamon whipped cream. Marcel had the same and gobbled it down and L had a greenish sort of cheesecake or pie.. looked good and he seemed to like it.
There was a large assortment of desserts available, full coffee bar (although i would've been afraid to ASK one of the staff to make one at 1230am) and sandwiches, pototo salad type things and other goodies I can't remember.. I would definitely go back if it was a late night sweet fix need that I needed to quell...or it is quench? -
Review from Gladys M.
9/14/2008 3 photos
This is a nice coffee house in terms of their settings and variety of offerings, but the fact that it's 85% occupied by laptop users at each table more focus on using their computers, surfing the net and watching YouTube instead of enjoying a cup of coffee is a major turn off for us. The long tables were also occupied by students working on group projects...It feels more like a library than a coffee house. I guess they have to compete with Blenz Coffee by providing unlimited free Wi-Fi to attract more business.
Oh, about the coffee and food - it's nothing memorable. -
Review from Ken Y.
Vancouver, BC
5/11/2010
Food... OK. Nothing overly special, but good quality. They also have a beer selection, so it could be a good warm summer afternoon/evening hang.
Coffee... Usually get the medium roast and it is decent. It's usually hot and fresh. Not sure if they over heat it, but I've never had burnt coffee.
A lot of room with wifi and 24/7... As such, you get a mix of students, and business folks (I'm one of those). -
Review from Eric F.
Calgary, AB
9/27/2010
what essentially looks like a big barn
+
many treats (thumbs up for the brownie and the tiramisu)
+
many teas (mint tea reminds me of the Turkish bath)
+
already full of students
+
laptops and plug-ins everywhere
=
an "interesting" experience
I think it has its fans (I can see why), but I'm not one of them - I guess you either love it or hate it. -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
6/1/2010
Food: healthy, tasty options (not made to order, but fresh enough), yummy desserts-- ZERO presentation. Casual, rustic atmosphere. Great for doing work from the computer-- most people in here are doing work, incl myself ; ) I had the quesadilla today and the grilled veggies tasted awesome. Yep. But for 7ish bucks with minimal presentation, it should. Do I sound cheap? haha
Listed in: Vancity Java!, Workin' with WIFI
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Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
1/1/2010
Calhoun's is open 24 hours a day. I'm a night person.
By default, Calhouns is my hangout, because nothing else is open, especially if you want to hang out and read, or work on your laptop. (Free wifi!)
They have coffee, typical café food (plus some savoury stuff and cakes) and beer, and the people who work there are nice. But hey! If it's 1 am and you want to chill out somewhere, Calhouns is open! -
Review from PhuDie S.
Powell River, BC
7/2/2010
I love the sandwiches at Calhoun's. They build them to order, and all the ingredients are nice quality. And they are HUGE. Basically, if your sandwich doesn't taste wonderful, you have only yourself to blame.
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Review from Emily S.
Vancouver, BC
8/16/2010
Probably my most favorite coffee shop in Vancouver. You can sit and work or read, it's great for going by yourself, and they have awesome desserts. The hot chocolate is just OK and they have a get-it-yourself attitude, but I really enjoy the huge ceilings, ample space, and techie/college vibe.
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Review from Sheridan P.
7/15/2009
i, too, love that freakin' old fashion fudge cake. a good friend told me that i had to try it--so went on 3 different occaisons and finally got a taste the day before i flew out. very much worth the wait. not too sweet, or overwhelming and very moist. i miss that cake :(
the other food there isn't great. nothing to write yelp about. -
Review from Tina H.
12/25/2009
Food is pretty mediocre. I'd never recommend going to this place unless you were studying and need free wifi and not so expensive food, but though it's inexpensive it still isn't good value for what it is. The service is not very friendly but they have a lot of space and it's an ideal place for studying and doing work. A younger crowd goes there usually.
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Review from Sarah Jane M.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2009
I went in very early one weekday morning to buy a breakfast wrap and coffee. The place smells funky and you can really tell when it's almost empty. Got the coffee.. it smelled strange (which in itself was strange.. it's coffee?!). The wrap had been sitting in the display case since the previous day according to staff but I was hungry and didn't want to make a fuss - so I bought it anyway. When the wrap arrived the stench of it made me almost vomit. VERY GROSS. Yuck. Whatever, you do, don't get the breakfast wrap.
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2008
Calhoun's has a great location, and it is open all night long, both of which make this place a fairly desirable default hangout. In addition to both of these, Calhoun's serves up good coffee as well as a number of fresh eating options such as lasagne, quesidillas and wraps. They also have some very tasty looking desserts. Still, this place is a bit on the dark and cavernous side, and the service isn't always that friendly. So, come here for the coffee or to burn the midnight oil, but don't come here for the warm ambience.
