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Elysian Coffee
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
590 W BroadwayVancouver, BC V5Z 1E9
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
87 reviews for Elysian Coffee
Review Highlights
"Plus free wifi and sparkling water XD."
(in 8 reviews)
"They also had two Clover machines and the choice of three..."
(in 3 reviews)
"1) Excellent traditional-sized cappuccino."
(in 19 reviews)
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87 reviews in English
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Review from Jason G.
1/22/2012
Honestly, I usually drink mocha's or latte's because I don't enjoy black coffee very much. If you feel the same way, I think most people do, come here. Walk in, order an Americano and enjoy the best coffee you're going to get anywhere in Vancouver.
I have to think that all of the blends are going to be great as well, though I didn't try them.
The pastries aren't bad either. -
Review from L J V.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2012
This is the place to take someone when you want to impress them with your effortlessly cool yet painfully trendy coffee selections.
Slightly confusing menu for anyone lodged deep in the Starbucks Black Hole...but definitely worth poking your head out.
Coffee is soooo West Coast, strong, clean and flavourful. Their chai is pretty...authentic tasting. I always order dirty chais, and this was one of the spicier, more aggressive ones.
Their baked goods are effing gorgeous. Great croissants.
It's expensive, but they do have some fancy taps on the side which expel fancy still and sparkling water, and the place is beautifully designed.
Great for first dates, business meetings, impressing that cute non-profit graphic designer slash bike mechanic. -
Review from Cathy S.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not feeling the Elysian love at all.
An espresso pulled with Intelligentsia Black Cat beans that has a bitter finish is a big problem. If I wanted a bitter espresso I could have walked up the block to Starbucks or Blenz and saved over a buck.
I normally don't add any type of sweetening to my coffee beverages but in this case I had to. Sadly, their only sweetening options are sugar and Sweet 'N Low.
There is nothing here to ever bring me back. -
Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 1/26/2012
This week we made our annual sojourn to the temple of Elysian, paid a respectable homage to the caffeine gods, drank our holy carbonated water and ate the wafer, er-- I mean the non gluten, non dairy Almond tea cake.
As usual it was all good including the counter help.
We even had a chat about the lovely, ornate hand grinders for sale and I made a little prayer for one (somewhere in my future).
We are once again absolved of our coffee sins!Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats., Connect the dots on a coffee…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/7/2010
It's been well over a year since my bean-dar spotted Elysian. After all this time, I FINALLY had the… Read more »
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Review from geoff a.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2012
Elysian looks bright and charming, but turned out slow and bitter.
They were quick and friendly while taking my order, but super slow. I waited patiently, and just as I was going to ask if they had forgotten my coffee and tea order they put it up. The coffee was much too bitter and the sparkling water just weirds me out. -
Review from Eugene G.
1/16/2012
Apparently its rare to have coffee from the clover machine Elysian uses. I do feel quite lucky and special to have had coffee here. Not to mention the coffee I had was very special in that it was a Kenyan that had obvious notes of citrusy and lemon flavors. Be prepared to pay more than you are use to pay for a cup of coffee, and also be sure to be fully invested to the whole drinking experience. Order your coffee, have a seat, relax, sniff the coffee, feel the complex aroma embrace your nose and mouth, then take a taste and feel in awe in the complexity of flavors in your mouth.
The only downside appears to be they do not offer all the various other different styles of brewing coffee such as the pour over method. Solid win, also this place gets pretty packed. -
Review from Hilda L.
12/14/2011
How to Meet a Boy in Vancouver
You'll need:
- a coffee shop
- a travel book
Step 1 - Go to a coffee shop alone
Step 2 - Sit at the loner, I mean singles/communal table
Step 3 - Start reading your travel book. You want to pick an exotic, yet moderately common destination, so that chances are, the potential boy or his friend or a friend of a friend has been there before.
Step 4 - Wait for said boy to turn to you and say "Oh.. so you're visiting Moderately-Exotic-Land soon?"
That may or may not be a true story.
Either way, Elysian is a neat little place to enjoy a cup of joe. It is bright and modern inside. I'm no coffee drinker, but I can say that the chai was only ok. Too milky for my liking. And I was a little bummed when it didn't come with a delicate little latte foam art. Elysian didn't impress me but didn't disappoint either. Solid 3 stars. -
Review from Nancy W.
Port Coquitlam, BC
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've always loved the location. It is a part of an old apartment you will see along the streets of Broadway. We came in to the minimalistic space. There is a long bar type table that is by the front window. If I was by myself (which happens quite a bit), I would want to sit there and look at street traffic all day long. There are also small round tables for you and one more friend. This place is not setup for a large group of friends wanting to hang out.
We ordered an Americano and I was recommended their featured special - Mexico / La Perla de Daxaca.
As you can see, they have two Clover coffee machines. I first came across this machine when I was watching my wired subscription on Youtube. This equipment costs approximately $11,000 each. I won't go into the details, you can watch the Video.
We were served carbonated water with our coffee which was a nice touch to clean our palettes and also extend the after taste of the coffee.
First, the Mexico / La Perla de Daxaca. Relating to my experience with Revolver, this brew is on the acidic side but not as bold. I drank it black just like all the other coffees I've sampled.
Americano / Before I became a student of coffee brewing, having interest in how coffee is brewed and beans selections from different countries, this was my go to drink at Starbucks. I was looking forward to tasting the Elysian version and it did not disappoint. Bitter to every taste, and followed by the carbonated water they serve, you can actually taste the sweetness.
We were told that the baked goods were done in house by their pastry chef daily. One of the best sellers are the Amaretti, Short Bread, and Cranberry Muffins. Which were sold out when we were there.
Lastly, we couldn't resist on a little treat while we enjoy our coffee. We had a hard time picking but settled on the shortbread. It was soft, and possesses a sweetness with a hint of saltiness that isn't overpowering.
I am happy that I've found a place where I want to sit in front of my laptop, and sip coffee for a large portion of my day. I think I'll skip on going to Blenz, Starbucks, and Timmy Ho's all across the street. -
Review from B C.
Vancouver, BC
11/29/2011
There's a gang load of amazing coffee shops in Vancouver and we definitely have some of the worlds best. Elysian is definitely one of the best and is holding down the West Side. Their attention to detail is perfect, and their staff is very schooled.
If you're a true coffee aficionado this place is your wet dream. -
Review from Karen M.
12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Hubby and I came here today after our annual visit to The Elysian Room (5th and Burrard). We heard that there was another ER location and since we were 1) curious, 2) on our way to Mountain Equipment Co-op, and 3) wanted more good coffee, we decided to check out Elysian Coffee. Located on Broadway (at Ash Street), this Elysian location boasts an updated interior and the same good caffeinated beverages as its sister location. We both had espressos and the effects lasted for a while....the barista was chatty and proved to be a coffee geek, something which impressed my coffee-loving hubby. Check it out and be prepared to enjoy a great drink.
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Review from Jason R.
Vancouver, BC
11/21/2011
This place was pretty good. I indulged in 2 drinks during my visit; an espresso macchiato and an Ethiopian coffee.
The coffee was pretty tasty. nice flavour and acidity but overall I thought it was far too pricey for what it was. The macchiato was ok but a bit thin. Also, the decour of the place was underwhelming. It wasn't warm or hospitable. Overall a pretty average experience.
I would probably return if I was in the area looking for a java but wouldn't rush back. -
Review from Louise G.
*Three and a half stars*
Yelp, Thank You. We were out on a monster trek and had become severely uncaffeinated. A quick check for what was in the area led us here.
Wearily a coffee ordered
Merrily you iced my mocha
Verily, an amazing chocolate cake ( http://www.yelp.ca/biz... )
Temporarily ..... speechless -
Review from Michelle P.
Vancouver, BC
1/23/2012
Once you've had Clover coffee it's hard to go back. The baristas at Elysian know their stuff and are always spot on with their descriptions of the beans they are brewing on any given day. In a neighborhood with cafes on every corner it's well worth crossing the street to get to Elysian.
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Review from Joseph H.
Richmond, BC
9/21/2011
Best coffee in Vancouver. The latte I had was so creamy and smooth and fragrant, without any hint of bitterness. The most delicious one I've had in years.
The taste of the coffee here is uniquely West Coast. It doesn't aspire to be like Italian coffee; rather, it is after its own identity, its own sense of reality. -
Review from Annie W.
9/21/2011
Black. That's how I take my coffee.
Coffee for me is usually a sad, watery, bitter, means to an end. A "wake me up so I don't nod off in my morning meetings and get fired" necessity of life.
So when my sister brought me here one groggy morning, going on about how they brew their coffee with some special method...insert some technical jargon about coffee beans & temperatures...I pretty much tuned her out because I was too tired to care.
I ordered my usual cup of black brew from the very hip barista with a sunny disposition, took my first sip and I swear I heard some kinda gospel tenor note in the background. It was the smoothest cup of coffee I'd ever had, and it was actually a pleasure to sip away at it.
I've never tried any of their food, but it appears (based on the other reviews) that I've been seriously missing out! Will have to go for lunch and report back! -
Review from Colene C.
8/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I won't lie, this place is close to my place, which is why I first started going to it....but, it was the fabulous americans that made me stay. Well, the americanos AND the great people watching. Grab a stool right up front by the bank of windows and watch the world walk by.
Bonus: Free wifi! -
Review from Karen M.
Burnaby, BC
7/9/2011
Hands down the best coffee I have ever had in Vancouver :) Typical Karen behaviour would have meant two tablespoons of honey automatically being dumped into the cup to remove the bitter/sour aftertaste. But today, God predestined me to do something else: I tasted the coffee BEFORE adding the honey (gasp) and entered into a state of caffeinated bliss. Smooth and rich - those are the two unoriginal but accurate words that instantly come to mind.
Their muffins are also flavorful, moist and healthy. They steer away from the typical blueberry and lemon poppyseed muffins and instead, offer selections like carrot ginger and cranberry walnut with zucchini.
Vancouver, it's time venture out of the Starbucks bubble and become addicted to something different! -
Review from Peter L.
Vancouver, BC
8/31/2011
I am a huge fan of Clover Brewed coffee, which is a bit tough to find outside of a Starbucks ever since they bought up the company that makes the machines. So I was thrilled when I saw the two Clover machines inside.
I only had a cup of brewed coffee, so I can't speak to anything else there, but it was a great cup of coffee, and there was a good amount of seating. It got busy at times, but the staff seemed able to handle it and there weren't any major backups. I look forward to going back. -
Review from Henry B.
Vancouver, BC
I'm a yelping coffee snob.
As I entered the little quaint cafe surrounded by newly built concrete buildings, I was greeted by a friendly smile from an Elysian staff. I ordered a cappuccino and watched the barista make the espresso; it's like an art form as he trys to make perfection. I let it cool for a few minutes on the counter; letting the air permeate with the strong smell of espresso seeping through the steamed milk and foam layers. I take a small sip to minimize any burning to my delicate taste buds. I savour a second sip and I'm in java nirvana and well on my way to a life of coffee snobbery. The cappuccino had perfect consistency with no hint of bitterness or burnt taste.
From humble beginnings in Tim's and Bucks, I have come a long way to the zenith of the coffee world. I started my coffee drinking back in University when it was just about the caffeine and not about the culture of coffee. What was I thinking? Then came the trip to Italy, when I sipped my first espresso without any sugar, cream or other fillers that disguise the true taste of the perfectly roasted coffee beans. It was like I got kicked in the mouth and I realize there was more to coffee then just caffeine, what an epiphany. My palate was going through a java baptism.
But seriously, coffee snobbery doesn't have to be something negative. It means one have the appreciation of the finer points of coffee; the different roasts, varietals and brewing methods that impact on the final taste. It means one is educated and passionate about our beloved bean. Coffee snobbery is the pursuit of the perfect brew of java or espresso with the ideal crema. It may mean you have a good collection of filters and French presses at home to make your kitchen look like a chemistry lab. But, no one said perfection is easy. -
Review from Greg C.
10/26/2011
Terrible Service, took 20 minutes to get 2 crepes, staff horrible, find another coffe house
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Review from Maureen K.
Vancouver, BC
11/20/2011
I'm new in Vancouver and besides the abundance of Lulelemon's and joggers, I have noticed that coffee is a BIG deal here! So, I have tried out about 10 of the coffee places in the Commercial and Kitsilano area and my favorite is definitely Elysian Coffee. I have purchased both a latte as well as a mocha there and both were exceptional. The mocha especially was very smooth without any bitterness and the chocolate they used was perfect and had a nice earthy, rich taste. The barista was entertaining (the tall guy with the ponytail) and I loved how is baritone voice brightened up the space. Oh, and did I mention, if you love shortbread, there's is "to die for". Good experience!
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Review from Jordan S.
Vancouver, BC
6/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
A while back I decided to kick my caffeine habit, I hesitate to use the word addiction because I may still be in a bit of denial, and I actually found it pretty easy.
Once the omnipresent craving subsided after a few weeks I found myself able to sit down and enjoy a cappuccino or espresso as a past-time, rather than just another hit.
There's a review in here somewhere and I'm getting to it now...
Elysian combines the things I love best about most of the other coffee bars I've been to and drops the stuff I hate.
The Staff: A+. Everyone here is friendly, helpful and super cheery. The negative connotations of "hipster doofus" get washed away by a staff that is hip, trendy and has excellent taste in music and, more often than not, some sweet mustachios.
The Coffee: A+. I'm not an expert on roasted cocoa beans but they seem to have the process down pat. In addition, their ethically sourced beans come with a binder of family pictures from the plantations that provide their delicious brew. I find their humble nod to the hardworking people who provide their coffee wildly more tasteful than Starbuck's schlocky attempt at ethics.
The Food: A+. Fresh squeezed orange juice and real Scottish Short Bread. I don't think I said that enough. Real Scottish Short Bread. The salty, sweet, buttery kind that kind of falls apart/melts/crumbles/explodes when you bite it. If I didn't feel myself losing a year off my heart everytime I ate one, I'd probably be able to down the entire display plate.
The Atmosphere: A. The only gripe I have about Elysian, and the reason why it gets 4 Stars and not 5 is really a toss-up for me. I'm one of the new breed of Coffee Executives. I love doing my work out of coffee shops and Elysian only provides internet for part of the day. I get the motivation for this, they are a small operation with limited seating and they want it to be a place to sit and chat, not to sit and type.
Given my new found appreciation for just siting and enjoying a coffee, this slight irritation will probably fade in time. If you're not a Coffee Executive then I suspect that Elysian will be a 5 Star for sure. -
Review from Faraaz J.
Vancouver, BC
7/21/2011
Rarely do I ever have the baked goodies at a coffee shop, but at Elysian, I always make the exception.
Pros:
- Great decor
- Friendly staff
- Fresh baked, perfectly balanced shortbread cookies
- Amazing espresso served with complimentary water (how it should be!)
- Beautiful latte art
Cons:
- Sometimes too packed to get a good seat... but you really can't blame them for that.
Vancouverites, it's time to step out that local Starbucks and embrace the world of better coffee!Listed in: Best Places for Espresso in…
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Review from Christopher P.
Victoria, BC
7/28/2011
I happened to be in the neighbourhood for a few hours and decided to stop in to Elysian. I was excited by all the rave reviews and it had been some time since I'd had a good cappuccino.
I didn't have a 'good' cappuccino, but an excellent one. With my cafe-partner, we also got a mochachino, pair of muffins, and shortbread. Both of the drinks were excellent and met the expectations that were raised by Yelpers' reviews. The muffins (oat-blueberry and cranberry walnut) were terrific, but the Scottish Shortbread really stole the show. It was, hands down, the best shortbread I've ever had. When you're there, get it!
That said, there were a few things that took away from the experience. First, my partner was lactose intolerant and there was no lactose-free milk. Perhaps we've just been spoiled by places we frequent locally and in Toronto but the lack did take away from the experience. Soy milk, rather than lactose free milk, is the substitute at Elysian. Also, where we sat (towards the back of the establishment) was uncomfortably warm. I'd be concerned about just how hot it would get on a hot day.
On the whole, I'd strongly recommend checking out Elysian Coffee. If I were a local in the area, I'm sure that I'd be a regular (daily?) patron! -
Review from Annie H.
Vancouver, BC
7/6/2011
Great place, the decor, atmosphere and coffee are all just right! With so many coffee places around, and a starbucks around every corner, it's hard to be different and standout, but this place knows how to be simple and with quality.
I had their cappuccino both times and they were delicious. Most of the times I prefer less sour beans, but this is the first I encounter coffee with more acidity that I actually enjoyed...now I know why some people prefer this certain taste.
I love their coffee so much, I bought a bag of beans today. Average size packaging... $17 dollars!! Shocking. -
Review from Megan M.
Vancouver, BC
4/19/2011
Stopped in here on my way home the other day for a quick afternoon pick me up, and after reading so many stellar reviews on Yelp.
Ordered a non-fat latte-I usually like it with flavoured syrup, however I couldn't see any on display anywhere and didn't want to ask, so I ordered it plain. I'm glad I did. The latte was so flavourful even without any syrup-strong but not overpowering and bitter. One of the best lattes I've had.
Grabbed an oatmeal cookie with it as well, and it was delicious but a little pricey. Would definitely return for the coffee though.
I noticed they had chemex brewers as well, which I've had my eye on for awhile-I had planned on asking the barista some questions on brewing with it, but I was in a rush. Guess I have an excuse to go back and get another latte! -
Review from Kevin F.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2011 6 Check-ins Here
The perfect spot for a spontaneous weekend coffee stop. But maybe I'm just a sucker for mid-century modern interiors, street front people-watching, and good-looking baristas? The only thing I couldn't help but be disappointed by is the lack of gallery space. Before this spot was taken over by Elysian, there was an ever-rotating wall of local artists. And good ones - which doesn't often happen with coffee shop galleries. Unfortunately this has now been replaced by a blown-up photo of coffee growers in a field. The sentiment is nice, but I'd still rather have the gallery!
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Review from Doug S.
Vancouver, BC
4/10/2011
This is pretty much five star all the way:
1) Excellent traditional-sized cappuccino
2) Complimentary sparkling water to cleanse your palate pre-espresso
3) Friendly, knowledgeable staff who take pride in the coffee they serve
4) Great tunes and a chill atmosphere
5) Simple, uncluttered menu (no 32oz. "cappuccino" or crappa-frappuccinos)
If there is one change I would make, it would be to have more appealing food options. Otherwise, this is one of my favourite coffeehouses in the city. -
Review from Nicole J.
Vancouver, BC
8/21/2011
Way too expensive! And there's only one size for every drink (12 oz), which is very small! I wanted to try their mocha today (because I've heard such good views about it), and it's $4.75 for 12 oz - that's the most expensive I've ever seen in any coffee shop! To make things worse, their mocha is not that much better than other ones I have tried. The price is really what turned me off, and I am NOT coming there ever again! You have to be a rich person to be able to afford their products, which are not even that much better than other coffee shops, and very few people have a lot of money to spare in spite of the bad economy!
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Review from Rommy G.
Vancouver, BC
I woke up at 4.30 this morning.
Why?
At some point in my life I must have pissed God off. Thus He sold my soul to The Devil. So every morning this week I've woken up at the crack of dawn with Lucifer at my bedside taunting me, farting loudly, and scaring off the women (the farting may or may not have been him and the women may or may not have been imaginary).
Or maybe it's just never-ending, crippling jetlag.
So I spent the next two and a half hours of my early dawn waiting for Elysian Coffee on Broadway to open. I actually spent two of those hours staring in disbelief at Yelp and at their website at the fact that they open at 7am ON A SUNDAY. I hadn't even been, and yet I wanted to make sweet love to the entire staff as a measure of my epic gratitude.
So I stumbled across the Cambie St. Bridge, cutting right on Broadway and walking into Elysian Coffee. Almost instantly, I fell to my knees, buried my face in my hands, and sobbed like a little bitch. THIS was the hard-earned payoff of what I'd spent an entire week seeking out - cracking myself out on what was mostly shitty, sometimes good, and rarely great pulls of coffee/espresso.
These baristas were artists of their trade. They were knowledgeable about their coffee. They knew exactly how coffee was supposed to be kept, roasted, ground, and prepared. And when they didn't get a pull right, they tried and tried again. They were masters and students of their artform.
Their menu is minimalistically basic, as a coffee/espresso menu is supposed to be. Espresso, Cappuccino, Americano, Latte, Mocha. They also had two Clover machines and the choice of three single origins roasts. None of this Mickey Mouse bullshit, soy double latte mochaccino frappe with vanilla pineapple flavoring. This place was the real deal.
So I went for a Clover brew (a Colombian bean) to start. And it was silky and beautiful and perfectly served. Earthy and rich in flavor, and smooth in taste. It was damn near perfect.
And God, who had previously punished me, now forgave me, and pooped out this amazing croissant to accompany my coffee. For the record, 99% of the croissants I have here are unfresh, nasty, lumps of stale, chewy garbage. This croissant, proudly advertised as "all butter", was the best croissant I've had here. Because a croissant is supposed to be all butter. And any croissant that isn't all butter, isn't a croissant.
So I sat and bathed in the glory that was my Colombian Clover and my buttery croissant. I was so excited about it, that I praised the baristas, congratulating them on pissing out a great cup of coffee. I told them about all the places I had tried in Vancouver so far and how they seemed to be lacking something and they nodded their heads attentively. Furthermore, we talked about the other great places in the city. Because a real café doesn't see their peers as competitors, but rather as places they learn from and aspire to be like, they humbly gave me a list of all the other great places I needed to try in Vancouver. (If you think I'm about to share this with you, you're out of your goddamned mind. Sorry God.)
At that, they suggested I try one of their espresso drinks and I gushed at the opportunity, so they recommended the Honey Badger espresso. After a few subpar pulls (the first few did not meet the barista's standard of what a good espresso should be), he gave me one they still weren't completely satisfied with, but I insisted I would be ok with one that didn't suck. I was taken aback once more by an espresso that I would end up tasting the entire day. An espresso whose sweet, dark, honey taste you can instantly recall hours after you've drank it, is a damn good espresso.
Upon leaving, I was a bit euphoric and almost got hit by a car on Broadway. So I guess what I'm saying is, you should try Elysian Coffee. -
Review from Angela L.
11/23/2010 ROTD 5/20/2011
My favourite cappucino in Vancouver. I haven't tried the food, don't love the service, don't wish I lived in the space...but the coffee, the coffee! She has my heart! Tasty every time I've had it, and served with latte art to boot. Small, dark, strong and pretty. I couldn't ask for more.
The staff here are obviously very serious about their coffee, and it comes through. I've been here when someone was serving to (what appeared to be?) his friends a number of different coffees made in the Clover and speaking about them in a very knowledgeable manner. I immediately proceeded to become jealous...then tried to devise a plan to befriend someone who works here. Any takers? No? I'll just continue to sip my delicious cappucino and watch from the sidelines then. It's not such a bad life.Listed in: Dates are Great, Liquid Lunch
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Review from Doris L.
Vancouver, BC
1/31/2011
A-OK from me!
The coffee is good here! I haven't had their cappuccino but I'm sure this isn't the here or now for a whole Lactose-intolerance story. Like that time I was trapped in a bus and I had drank a whole quart of milk the hour before...
Anyway, the coffee size here is smaller than average. This being the fact, it's fine by me.
The only thing I don't like is the ambiance. Everything inside is very clean looking and modern. So there's nothing comfortable about it. I see lots of people inside all the time, and most of the time they sit where the softer seats are. Those bastards probably won't be moving for a while, because those are the only comfortable seating in the whole place. That being said, if it I wasn't so self-conscious then I'd break out a soft cushion for those high stools by the windows.
So overall this coffee place is A-Ok. Definitely not more comfortable than a Starbucks, but if you want a good tasting coffee to go, this place is good for that! -
Review from Chantal I.
Vancouver, BC
A dear friend's Facebook post (who also happens to be a Coffee Roastmaster) inspired me to finally write my Elysian review. He spoke of Elysian Fields, and it's the first time I gave thought to look up the meaning of this word.
Having visited the first location sporadically over the past couple years, I hadn't been to the new Broadway location until I became I fast regular late this summer. Travelling back and forth from the island to Vancouver, mobility and the ability work remotely have been key. Coffee is part of my work, and I certainly won't get it just anywhere. Having heard they'd switched from 49th Parallel to Intelligentsia, I was thrilled to discover this to be true.
Someone dear to me is currently fighting to regain the sight in his left eye after an accident at work, and Elysian became my reprieve from hospital visits, surgeries, and clinic wait rooms. In Greek mythology, Elysian fields were the final resting places of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous. It certainly offered us a resting place, with warm welcoming baristas, who thoughtfully ask of his progress, and ask how we are doing. They recognized us together, and alone, and always ask. For a shop that is doing such great volume, this is very impressive.
My favourite thing to order in a cafe is a Cappuccino, and thanks to their simple, clear menu, I knew I'd never have to ask for it to be traditional, or 6oz. They don't make 20oz cappuccinos, and it's quickly apparent. They focus on quality, and highlighting, I believe, the way coffee should be explored. If you don't know what a Clover is (they have two), or normally take enough sugar or cream to mask the taste of your coffee, you won't be intimidated here. I actually think the small menu helps you choose quickly, feel less overwhelmed, and perhaps opens you to try new things.
Order a single-origin brewed on the Clover. It doesn't matter if you don't know what that means, they'll tell you, without patronizing you, rolling their eyes, or staring blankly. The staff here have embraced quality from procurement to cup, and they do it a way that doesn't alienate the customer who may be be a recent Tim Horton's convert. What good will specialty coffee do if it's too cool for school anyway?
Well done Elysian. Your Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso is executed well. Consistency and quality shine through. Single origin coffees are brewed on the Clover, and served in French Press carafes, an excellent touch, drawing your attention back to the fact that all coffee here is made to order. Serving it with an endless supply of complimentary sparkling water is one of my favourite touches. I stopped buying bottled water years ago, and sparkling water I've certainly missed.
The food program seems well chosen and successful as well. Croissants are among the best I've personally tried in the city, second to Thomas Haas. The chocolate torte has come home with us a dozen times over. Sandwiches and quiche have both been great and as always, I wonder if the meats are local? I've failed to ask this, but have only had vegetarian options.
So, thank you Elysian, for your compassion, the coffee geek conversations, and your wonderfully inviting, perfect for people watching, front bar. Conversations with strangers are frequent here. A rarity in Vancouver. That's saying something.Listed in: Craft Coffee.
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Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
These were dark days for Dan. It was a time dominated by the unholy trinity of Timblenzbucks. A time of muddling through the day in a miasma of burnt beans and mediocre mochas. He had abandoned all hope for fresh coffee outside of his home. Until one day a few years ago our hero found himself in a little cafe on Broadway ordering a coffee to go.
With one sip of this manna the clouds parted. Elysian Coffee had delivered Dan from the dark days of jejune java and percolated poppycock. And he lived happily ever after.
The End.Listed in: Coffee. The Good, The Brewed &…
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Review from Stephen Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2011
Pretty damn good ! My regular AM caffeinator
The americano is a work of perfection - and gives me the necessary jolt to get me through the day... slaying evilness at work... righting wrongs perpetuated by bad people... but that's another story
Latte pretty damn good as well... Mocha - wish there's a choice of the chocolate stuff instead of the generic syrup
Food wise - the lemon/raspberry thing is my regular breakfast
Highly recommend the almond thingie... it's golf- ball size/shape and made of almond flour and honey and some other magic ingredients that make it freakin addictive...
Wish the cream/sugar table is bigger... occasionally flies into cream/sugar table rage.... GETOUTTAMYWAY NEED MY CREAM ARRGGHJHH -
Review from Isabelle G.
Vancouver, BC
5/14/2011
It was a cloudy day both outside and inside my heart. I was walking one day on Broadway and stumbled upon this place. I wasn't necessarily looking for a coffee shop per se, just somewhere to rest my thoughts and relax for a bit.
The décor is simple, lots of dark wood colors and simple, the same reflection as their menu. There wasn't a huge variation like Starbucks, however, you got what you needed, plain and simple.
I am not a coffee drinker, however, judging by the crowd and the satisfaction, I gathered that everyone was pleased with their order. Myself I ordered Vanilla Bean Soda that I have seen once on a trip to Seattle by the Dry Soda company. It was just as awesome as I had remembered it.
The grilled cheese croissant sandwich was to die for. It was simple, however, something just made this so good. I got the lava cake, however, it more resembled a brownie....still good. The mushroom leak soup was nicely spiced and probably the best I've had in the city.
The service was awesome as I was served at my table which was rare for a coffee shop. The guy at the till was very pleasant, cheery and was up for small chat which is rare in most food service industry employees. Defiantly not your Starbucks service....very friendly.
The price was a bit pricey, however, not that pricey and considering the service which put a smile on my face, I would pay the extra $2-$3 just for that alone. -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Some of the best coffee in Vancouver, but I felt like an ass for having to ask for non-sparkling water. Am I super blue collar, or what?
Wish they had vegan snacks, but no dice. -
Review from Rob K.
Vancouver, BC
5/27/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I came here for espresso twice and was ready to give up. I just didn't like "the coffee". With a bit more curiosity in tow, I went in and asked the crew what I was missing since everyone seems to rave about this place. I knew I was getting acidity and bad coffee mixed up and this is where they set me straight. Turns out, I'm not a fan of acidity at all and their espresso is like the granny smith apples to me - not my thing - but delicious to others. They brewed me a fantastic Honduran with great aftertaste and I only had to pay for it if I liked it, which I did. Then we retried an espresso shot which confirmed it's not my thing, but the barista sipped it and said "delicious". Now I get it - granny smith apples can be great apples, but I like my red delicious. Thank you guys! My coffee I.Q. jumped a whack today and I will be back!!
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Review from J S.
Calgary, AB
4/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite cafe to go to when I visit Van. I've tried to go to a whole bunch of other cafes to gaina perspective but there is a special something about Elysian that makes it my favorite. If you haven't already, check it out.
**(Also, if you know of a really superb cafe, please message me, I love checking out new places. I have already checked out Umbria, 49th, Everything, & Crema.) -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
8/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
I could share how perfect an americano is here, or how the clean minimalistic tables are comfy and modern looking, or even how the little courtyard off the east side of the building makes me yearn for a never ending summer, but I won't... no, I'm here to say the have DRY soda! How'd they get Dry soda? Does anyone else in Vancouver have it? And if so where?
I now know where to go when I'm wanting a morning coffee, followed by a gin-esque drink, long before the appropriate late afternoon. Go juniper berry soda if you're a G+T lover.
PS. If you're pecking away at your keys for hours on end, pull up a stool at the front - there's lots of outlets there!
