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Continental Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1806 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4A5
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 255-0712
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Continental Coffee
Review Highlights
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"...a welcome break from the Starbucks and Blenz that dot most..." In 6 reviews -
"...for less than what you pay across the street at Starbucks." In 4 reviews -
"...its large plate glass windows and extremely comfortable..." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Raza M.
2/13/2012
I loved this place so much that I take a bus from office to Nanaimo station get off at Commercial then either walk or take a bus again to come here, get my mocha and take a bus back home. I love the creamy texture, and it's actually cheaper than most other places, which is definite plus. The have some gluten-free, vegan treats for those who care.
I once bumped into the owner, lovely lady, and she told me that coffee is roasted by her son, and how she visited Starbucks roasting unit, some 43 years back when she wanted to the open the shop. -
Review from Shae B.
5/4/2012
I needed to split a 20 dollar bill and calm the raging sweet tooth beast within so I stopped by this place. I knew from scavenging online that they had gluten-free dairy-free treats made by Eightfold eats. A few other stores carry them and so far they are GREAT.
The place was pretty full and seemed like a happening hang out spot. There was a bit of a line up and some chick standing in front of the goodie display. I always feel like a crack addict when I'm looking for my sweet fix and too many people around makes me stressed. haha So weird I know. Inwardly I was like 'Get out of the Freakin way so I can browse the goods.' They have a fair selection of stuff. I was hoping for some banana bread or a muffin but they didn't have it. I got a vegan chocolate peanut butter energy bar - sugar free! Biting into it at first I fealt like I was going to lose a tooth since it was pretty solid. But it was very chewy and satisfying - it totally hit the spot.
The service was meh. And it didn't look like there were much places to sit. It's just nice to have a place that serves up some goodies that I can enjoy so I may pop in from time to time. It had a nice local hang out vibe to it. -
Review from Kristina C.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011
My friends and I always enjoy trying new places, so when given the choice between the Starbucks across the street and Continental Coffee, we chose the latter. Perhaps we should have stuck with tried, tested, and true this time around though...
The hipster barista was too involved in a conversation with another customer to barely glance my way as I approached the counter. I gave him my order, and without even asking what size I wanted, he proceeded to start my drink, while still carrying on the aforementioned conversation. Not wanting to be rude and interrupt them, I tried to wait for an appropriate time to butt in and ask for a smaller cup than the one the barista assumed I wanted. Not seeing an opportunity, I interrupted their discussion and asked for an 8 oz. The barista showed me the small cup, so I changed my mind and asked for a 12 oz. To that, he rolled his eyes and transferred the milk to a smaller cup. Gee, thanks...
My friend got the same order as me, and since she didn't hear what the price of my drink was, she asked the barista how much she owed him. He simply held out his hand for the money.
The coffee was nothing spectacular for the price. Even if you're against money-grubbing corporations like Starbucks, you might be better off going there than Continental Coffee, because at least you'll get coffee with a smile. Or better yet, try any other coffee shop on the Drive. -
Review from Renee E.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2011
Sadly the baristas were rude my second visit so I won't return. It was 30 minutes from closing and they were bringing chairs in, leaving the door open and freezing us to death. Clanging stuff behind the counters and turning off the music. Super rude and my guest and I were super pissed. And, it wouldn't hurt to smile.
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
5/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hmmm, another Commercial Drive coffee shop. How odd!!!
I guess the service is slow but the staff are always doing a billion things. I like the people who work there and find them friendly.
It seems to be a popular meeting spot. Always bustling.
The coffee is really good. They make a delicious latte for less than what you pay across the street at Starbucks. Just sayin'....Listed in: Alive on the Drive, COFFEEFEEFEE
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Review from Rachel F.
Vancouver, BC
5/17/2011
Vancouver's Commercial Drive neighbourhood makes for a fantastic wander and one of my regular stops in the area is Continental Coffee, which has been roasting their own beans and serving brew for 30 years; quite an impressive accomplishment. Owner Anita Allen can regularly be seen putting her barista skills to work behind the counter.
More often than not, Continental is pretty crowded. The vibe is pretty laid back (this is the Drive, after all) and people-watchers are likely to get their fill of the kind of local clientele who appreciate supporting a homegrown business that has survived and thrived in the area, despite several chain cafes that have sprouted up recently.
The space itself is quite large, the main counter divided between those ordering fresh drinks on the left and Continental's own beans (to go) on the right. The atmosphere is actually rather sparse compared to other cafes, though the giant picture-windows offer a great deal of light for those looking for a comfortable space to relax with friends or with the company of a good book. There are more than a few tables and chairs and though there is free wifi (!) it may not be the most ideal spot for anyone looking to kill time on their laptop.
Continental does have a limited number of fresh pastries available with a surprisingly large selection of gluten-free options.
I've enjoyed my share of beverages at Continental but can't say for certain that I'd crown it Coffee Queen of the Drive: that's still up for debate. That being said I will say that their beans are really good and I am partial to the Champagne blend, which I have purchased on several occasions. Fresh-roasted beans are not the cheapest option but they do make a better brew. For anyone looking to refill their coffee canister with something hyper-local I would definitely recommend a visit. There's a reason they've been around as long as they have! -
Review from Danielle M.
Vancouver, BC
2/24/2010
Unfortunately I have to give this place one star.
The location is great BUT it is a far cry from the service and consistent quality of product it used to offer. I worked at the Starbucks across the street and would frequent Continental instead - if that's any indication of my former loyalty to this place.
It feels like there's new management or old management that has lost it's enthusiasm. Slow service and bland coffee. -
Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
3/13/2010
It wasn't good, it wasn't bad the coffee was just uninspiring. Disinterested staff, mass confusion with a line-up to order and another to pay resulting in everyone congregating in the middle...something is wrong with this picture. Not the makings for a good coffee shop.
Strange foam cups with no sleeves, just weird! No buzz of happy drinkers, just an awkward silence.
One star for the heart art on top of the latte but minus 1 when staff don't even look up at you or thank you for a tip.
Service is clearly lacking and what the real problem is the place probably did have heart at one point but it is now just worn down and it shows. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
11/24/2008 1 photo
With its large plate glass windows and extremely comfortable seating, this is one of the best places on Commercial Drive to sit and watch the world go by. There are chairs and tables outside, and a cozy nook with couches on the inside, providing ample seating for both occasional drop-ins as well as the daily regulars.
The coffee is not the best on the Drive, but it's still the preferred brew of many, with long line-ups sometimes stretching out the door. This is where many residents buy their beans as well, choosing from several roasts at reasonable prices.
The feel here is friendly, though at times a little hectic, despite the fact that there are 2 other coffee shops that share the same intersection. Best for people looking to be seen reading books in public, and eavesdropping on the somewhat cramped people at the next table over. -
Review from Anthony C.
1/25/2010
Had my first Continental Coffee espresso Americano today and it was pretty darn good. The service was good and coffee was tasty and hot. What more do you need from a coffee place?
Well, if you do need more, it looked to me like Continental could do it - there were many many large containers of coffee to choose from for take-home beans.
Went from 'A-Ok' to 'Yay! I'm a fan' when I realized they're big on the organic front. Yeehaw! -
Review from Kelley R.
Vancouver, BC
7/29/2009
I really can't add much to what others have already said about Continental Coffee - its a Commerical Drive mainstay.
Just a tip, Continental uses the same Tazo product as the Starbucks just across the street and sell its Chai Lattes for a dollar cheaper.
Aces for this tea drinker! -
Review from Carolyn C.
Vancouver, BC
2/2/2009
Continental Coffee on Commercial Drive is one of the cities best coffee shops, and a welcome break from the Starbucks and Blenz that dot most corners. Located at the corner of East 2nd and Commercial, Continental is full of locals and has been around since the late '70s.
Floor to ceiling windows cover two sides of the cafe, and there are lots of tables and comfy chairs to do a little people watching. Bring your laptop and stay a while. They offer free wifi, and there are a few outlets free to power up.
The espresso is thick and rich, and not overly acidic. It almost tastes a bit sweet. Their hot chocolates (ask for extra whipped cream) are amazing, and they have a few sweet treats available to enjoy with your drink or to take away. Try the chocolate covered espresso beans for a back-to-work pick me up! The drinks are priced right, slightly cheaper than Starbucks, and the quality of the beverage is always high. The baristas are talented and never rush.
On sunny days they put out a few plastic chairs, and it seems like the whole neighbourhood comes to gather. Regulars are friendly, and it's a great place to meet some interesting characters. -
Review from James J.
Vancouver, BC
11/17/2011
I have been going to Comtinental as long as they have been on the Drive. They roast their own coffees and they are superb. I buy at least one coffee a day, all my home coffee, and my sugar free vanilla for sweetener. The staff has been nothing but friendly and helpful - although at times the shop is si busy, their is not a lot of time for conversation. Their repeat customer base is tremendous with customers coming from as far away as Surrey. Simply the best coffee on the Drive
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Review from Diesel Y.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2009
If you are a hardcore coffee drinker - Continental may be for you.
Located in the heart of Commercial Drive - it may not be the most modern Coffee Place around....but don't judge the book by its cover. It's decor is old style but for "the best bang for the buck" this is a great place. Large Latte (16oz) is $2.95 including tax!!! Quality is very good. Many customers buy whole beans at a very good price as well. The clientele is very loyal - many repeat customers. This isn't an upscale place with great ambience - but for great coffee - check it out.
Pros - Cheap Price, High Quality Coffee
Cons - The crowd can be a tad rough, limited food (cinnamon buns and biscotti only) Service can be slow at times. -
Review from Megan S.
11/4/2008
The hot chocolate is PERFECT!
I had a hot chocolate there about 2 months ago on one of the cooler summer nights. It was wonderful. I told everyone about it, and couldn't get over describing the mountain of chocolate whip cream on top. But then the weather was warmer, and I returned to my iced drinks. They're good and all.... But I started to think that maybe I had an overrated memory of how good the hot chocolate is at Continental Coffee.
So yesterday I went back for another taste. The person in front of me got 2 hot chocolates, the person in front of them got a hot chocolate, and then I got 2 (not both for me- but actually, I could have drank both!).
It was perfect. This is simply a wonderful drink. It's creamy, a great flavor, without being too sweet. The whip cream is wonderful, and I love the way they pile it up on top- no skimping here.
And the price amazes me. A large is under 3 bucks. I always tip well here, because I feel like I'm getting such a deal. Wonderful drinks at a great price.
There's at least 3 starbucks on the drive, a waves, and countless other coffee places- but this is the best. Make a point to stop here every time you're on the drive! -
Review from Emma K.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2011
they have chocolate whipped cream. repeat- they have chocolate whipped cream!
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Review from Janna Maria V.
Québec, QC
2/24/2010
I'd have to agree with the last reviewer. The last few coffees I've had there were very bad and not hot, also I noticed that the layout has changed and it's confusing and aesthetically displeasing.
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2008
I've toned down my caffeine intake significantly over the past couple of years, drinking green and black tea in the morning instead of 3 plus high-octane, black coffees throughout the day. It's not easy, but I've done it. I'm sure you're familiar, but occasionally a person needs to cheat...and when I do I like to make it worth it. Continental Coffee is a treat for me, although I now downgrade a bit to soy lattes, its still warm and tasty and just what I need. At these prices, I could indulge whenever I choose, but for me, its once a week!
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Review from Michelle B.
North Vancouver, BC
3/26/2011
Good coffee but that's all it's got going for itself. Unimaginative, cheap decor and disgusting washroom. Flies were swarming and it's only March. The staff were not friendly and looked bored.
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Review from teranika t.
Vancouver, BC
3/20/2009
The trick to this place is to go on a weekday morning - preferably before noon. This is when the very best baristas work their shifts. They are friendly, they know how to make a great cappuccino - and even more, they know what EVERY customer wants. I've watched day after day - we bring in our cups and put them on the counter - they don't even ask us anymore - they just serve up my husband's double latte and my dry cappuccino. And then move on to automatically fill the orders of the five regulars behind us. If you want excellent coffee while minimizing the FOOF, go on weekday mornings. My two cents. (p.s. - it's also a great place to watch world cup finals).
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Review from Sylvie Z.
Vancouver, BC
1/15/2009
Probably the least pretentious cafe with the BEST coffee in the city! I've never tried their hot chocolate but now I'm really curious....
