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Grounds For Coffee
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
2565 Alma StVancouver, BC V6R 3R8
Neighbourhood: Point Grey
(604) 224-5282
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Grounds For Coffee
Review Highlights
"These are hands down my favourite cinnamon buns."
(in 24 reviews)
"Just the right degree of sweetness and amount of icing."
(in 13 reviews)
"So incredibly fresh with optional cream cheese topping."
(in 3 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Stu C.
Vancouver, BC
9/16/2011
Quick notes: As a coffee shop, it's simply ok. As a cinnamon bun place that serves coffee (which is what it really should be taken as), it's pretty good.
Despite their name, and it's been said almost all the Yelpers here, the reason you come to Grounds for Coffee is the cinnamon buns. Their cinnamon buns are $3.75 for one and are cheaper if you buy in packs of 6 or 12. Over the last 5 years, I've had the buns first thing when they open, mid-day or only minutes before close, and the quality has always been good. What makes the cinnamon buns great is the flavor and the texture. You can tell they are made fresh and in-house. You can get the buns with or without icing, but in either case, the insides are gooey to the max.
The coffee on the other hand is a little on the pricy side and nothing spectacular or really bad. It's not burnt, but it's also not really flavourful. It's simply coffee (a little on the weak side for my liking, and I drink my coffee black).
The seating area is small with only 4 or 5 tables and is a little narrow/uncomfortable. Since they have free wi-fi, Grounds for Coffee is always full and you may not get a table. For the optimist: the sitting area has an eclectic look/feel to it. For the pessimist: the sitting area sit old, dark and a little dingy. Take the side you would like to go with.
In the end, if you want a good cinnamon bun, this is the place to go. Personally, I would suggest picking one up and taking it somewhere else to enjoy. However, if you're looking for a coffee shop to have a conversation or for a place to sit down to watch the world go by, another one of the hundreds of other coffee shops Vancouver may be a more of your cup of tea (or coffee). -
Review from Leah M.
Vancouver, BC
8/28/2011
Americano and drip are decent.
Cinnamon buns are good but I wouldn't say they live up to the hype.
This place really gets its 3 stars from the staff who have been nothing but friendly and helpful every time I've been in there!
Interior is nice to sit for a bit but not somewhere you want to kick back with friends for ages or do a bunch of work and get a couple coffees over an afternoon. Just sort of the perfect place kill a bit of time if you're early for something in the area. -
Review from Martina M.
Vancouver, BC
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
The cinnamon buns are amazing! If you come here, definitely order one with icing.
The interior is cute and has lots of places to sit down and enjoy your coffee. It is a bit narrow, but there was still room to sit when I was there around noon on a Saturday.
I don't drink coffee so I can't review that, but my boyfriend seemed to enjoy his. -
Review from Leemor Y.
11/20/2011
Best cinnamon buns in Vancouver. So incredibly fresh with optional cream cheese topping. Only $3.75 for one! Highly recommended with a glass of milk :).
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Review from Yuri A.
Vancouver, BC
Their cinnamon buns are good, especially if you like the extra gooey kind, but they only cover up some of Grounds for Coffees other flaws.
Despite their name (Perhaps it's should be called Buns 'R Us?), their coffee is average and a bit over priced, even for Vancouver.
The shop makes it clear that they really are focused on their take out business. The counter is located front and center making it awkward to get to the seating area with your order. Further examples of their take-out bias include: the keyed bathrooms, uncomfortable seating, self-serve coffee, and reliance on plastic cutlery.
If you're in the mood to pick up an extra gooey cinnamon bun to go, check it out. But if you want to enjoy a coffee and conversation with a friend, Vancouver offers plenty of other coffee shops that are far more inviting. -
Review from s k.
12/16/2011
I've only gone here for the cinnamon buns & coffee. If you like cinnamon buns, you'll love this place... try to get them while they're still HOT...yummy & gooey. They're not as tasty once they've cooled off even if you reheat them. The coffee isn't bad either. Parking can be tight.
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Review from Doris L.
Vancouver, BC
5/5/2011
They get 5-stars for their delicious cinnamon buns and the perfect icing that they serve. Usually, I find the regular amount not quite enough, so I get a bit more (you have to pay extra though). The cinnamon buns are bit pricey (around $3.75).
Their coffee is OK. It isn't very strong or memorable. But it isn't watery or bitter tasting either.
The thing that is lowering their star rating, is their seating and the fact that it is just uncomfortable in there. It is very narrow and cramp, and there is only one washroom so there's always a wait for it.
I see lots of people taking their buns to go, so maybe next time I will do that too. -
Review from Peter S.
Updated - 8/18/2010
This three star review may be grounds for a good spanking!
I am still a huge fan of your ewwwy gooooey buns, but the $3.73 price tag is approaching my cannot afford limit.
I have removed one sticky star because for this price I know your company can afford take away containers that are either compostable or recyclable. And yet you serve em up in #6 death plastic with matching forks and knives.
Bad Grounds4Coffee.
SmackListed in: My dirty picks, Best Breaky
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2009
Four stars for your ewwy gooey Cinnamon Buns.
I am not a big coffee fiend, so I will leave that vote… Read more »
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Review from Maha E.
6/10/2010 ROTD 8/22/2010
I had spent the entire day pouring my heart, soul and malice into work and to put the icing on the proverbial cinnamon bun, I was off to UBC for a three hour night class.
Needless to say, my spirits were dampened if not slightly moist from the Vancouver summer rain, and in the moment I was not my usual sunshine-cheery self.
I stood on the corner of Alma and 10th- exactly 1 and 2/8ths of a concrete slab away from Grounds' front door. I warn you that if you stand at this exact location, you don't stand a chance, buddy. Before you know it, one of your feet is already through their door- you just haven't physically done it yet. Their windows were open, their baristas were smiling and the odor that wafted straight-up my nose and into my brain just screamed, "I can't TAKE It anymore!"
I ordered a baked good topped with white goodness. It was large, it was warm and it was mine for only $3.50. I snuck my first bite during class as it was blatantly staring at me in the face; long sessions of masticating and waiting for the goodness to melt followed by soft echos of, "mmm" wasn't the greatest co-activity with note-taking, but I made it work.
I managed to save a piece of the taste cyclone for later on in the evening. As I peeled away the layers, each strip evoked a heightened cocktail of cinnamon and sweetness compared to the last.
Pick me up for the entirety of our acquaintance, then knock me down once I've finished your last morsel. Albeit, pun intended, you did save the best of you for last, my little vortex of happiness.
Recommended deal: cinnamon bun topped with icing.
Score: I want to bite you. -
Review from Katie F.
8/29/2010
Grounds for Coffee just came to mind when I saw someone's Cinnamon Bun list on yelp and couldn't believe there wasn't a mention of this place on that list! (Also reminded me that I haven't reviewed it yet either!)
They are fresh, gooey, warm and you must get it with icing. (I find the ones without icing are a little dry sometimes, and honestly don't think you'd save that much in calories, so might as well have the proper thing!)
It's pure goodness - none of those icky nuts and raisins that are thrown in elsewhere. This is as good as it gets!
(To be honest, I've never had anything else here but the buns are worth a stop when you're in the area!) -
Review from Hipster C.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 7/23/2011
The regular cinnamon bun is still so good - even with 10 minutes to close, they are still warm, ooey and gooey as promised. The interior is bright and cozy, I loved the arm chairs by the window/patio. Staff were friendly too, offering take-out cups for those still sipping their lattes at closing time.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2011
BEST OOEY-GOOEY CINNAMON BUNS!
When I called to inquire about purchasing a few dozen for a staff… Read more »
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Review from Sarah M.
Vancouver, BC
7/18/2011
Amazing, unreal, delicious, almost a sin!
This cinnamon buns have me crazy!
They taste like heaven.
Need I say more? Ha -
Review from Adam K.
8/7/2010 1 photo
I had a cinnamon roll and a coffee and didn't eat again till 5pm...and I wasn't even hungry then! I simply ate out of principal that it had been 7 hours since consuming calories.
I think yelp should have a different scale for bakeries, or maybe some sort of ratio comparing 5-star rating to caloric content, cause lets be honest, even on a bad day, its no contest when rating ooey-goey balls of sugary buttery goodness. Even writing this review is making me salivate a little. Hoo-rah for pavlovian conditioning. A+
Regular drip coffee was surprisingly tasty too. It helps when you add some brown sugar and half and half.
If I lived here I would probably contract diabetes in a matter of days. -
Review from Dani B.
4/12/2009 ROTD 2/24/2010
5 stars for the cinnamon buns alone, they are a delicious heart attack waiting to happen.
I only go here for their homade buns, but that is all you need. When I first came here my friend was convinced the name "grounds for coffee" meant that you could bring in your old coffee grounds for coffee, hehe. Still can't help but think of her and her silly theory whenever I go to this place.
It's super convenient if you are on your way to UBC because the alma bus stop is litterally in front of the cafe. If you love your buns hot, huge and gooey then this spot is a must. -
Review from Endura G.
Vancouver, BC
4/5/2009
Great cinnamon buns. Big cups of coffee. Seating area is a bit small, but hey, these are the sacrifices one must make for cinnamony deliciousness.
I wish they used cream cheese in their icing, but really, I'm nit-picking now. -
Review from Reena M.
3/1/2010 4 Check-ins Here
What do you consume to nurse an Olympic hangover? A vanilla latte and a gooey cinnamon bun, of course!
Here's what the 5 stars are for:
-Amazingly, yummy, gooey, soft, and crispy all at the same time Cinnamon Buns
-A decent vanilla Latte
-Super Close proximity to the 99 B-Line stop
-Free wifi
-Nursing an Olympic hangoverListed in: Latte? Capuccino? Americano?…
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Review from Niall M.
6/24/2010
Cinammon buns are so delicious! They have by far the best soy mocha I have ever sipped upon. The trio of chocolate shavings (dark, milk & white) that are scattered upon top make their drinks a delectable and memorable experience.
The decor is funky. The people are smiling. It smells delicious. It's super cozy and has comfy couches. What more could you ask for from a coffee shop? -
Review from Megan S.
1/19/2009
I was expecting to love this place. Coffee and amazing cinnamon rolls, it just might be heaven. But it's not.
I don't think I would ever stay here to enjoy the atmosphere. Can't say what it is, but instead of being an inviting cafe, it feels crowded and though it has no resemblance to McDonalds- all I get is a fast food vibe.
The cinnamon rolls have a great smell. You can get rolls without frosting- hooray! Personally I'm out for the texture of the roll and a high cinnamon flavor. Frosting just makes things taste like sugar and exponentially increases the messiness.
Visit Grounds for Coffee and get your order to go. -
Review from Adam K.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2009
You have to come here in the mornings but the cinnamon buns are tasty and the frosting is nice and thick.
If you come at a bad time, you loose the goeeyness of the fresh buns hence the four stars, not five and you get a stale texture.
The coffee is brewed fairly strong and I even come here for beans sometimes although I've now learnt that Yoka is probably where I should be going.
Smoothies are decent. I used to come here for smoothies in the summer before walking down kitslano. -
Review from Mark H.
3/1/2010
Ok, so I haven't actually been to this place personally, but a friend raved about it and proved to me by bringing me one of their famous cinnamon buns.
It had been a while since I indulged in cinnamon sweetness. When it comes to cinnamon rolls, I can't stand dry ones that make you run for some milk. For me warm, soft and gooey is the only acceptable standard. And Grounds for Coffee's definitely delivered on this standard. Just the right degree of sweetness and amount of icing. I want more. -
Review from Carol L.
8/19/2009
Gooey soft and delicious cinnamon buns with a thick but not overpowering frosting. mmmmmmmmmm. Go towards the morning when it's freshly made though.
Also, love love love the soy smoothies because they're all freshly made and tastes refreshingly delicious. Service is always friendly, fast and attentive. Definitely a great place to go to pick up some quick breakfast or snack. -
Review from Lauren N.
11/23/2008
After months and months of being told this was the best place for cinnamon buns in Vancouver, I finally went -- and was kinda disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting ... chewy cinnamon goodness with lots of melted frosting on top? While mine was okay and very large, it didn't satisfy. It wasn't as soft and chewy as it could have been, and the frosting wasn't the creamy texture I hoped for. I think the bun wasn't too fresh actually.
I had bought a box of 4 for about $13 I think. Unfortunately, none of my family wanted to sample the buns, so I was stuck with them. I think it would be better to just order one and eat it there in the shop, where they have seating and wifi. But there's probably not going to be a next time, seeing as I was pretty disappointed. My search for the perfect cinnamon bun continues. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2008 2 photos
My nose starts to tingle the moment I get within 10m of this spot. Walk in to smell a light, wholesome scent of cinnamon and sugar that is the perfect indication of this spot's specialty: cinnamon buns.
Order one and it will be cut from the pan, slathered with icing and delivered up fresh in an easy motion. No icing is an option, but if you're avoiding sugar one of these gooey cinnamon rolls is nowhere near your eating plan. Definitely get yourself a knife and fork -- or risk being a sticky mess in 15 minutes. One bun is plenty to share for two people.
This spot does close quite early (5 or 6pm-ish) so it's not the best spot for coffee shop loungers like me. The coffee is a nice accompaniment to the sugary buns although it's nothing outstanding. -
Review from Grayce E.
3/29/2010
These are hands down my favourite cinnamon buns. I like them so much that I emailed them to request a list of all the places that sell their goods (see the extent I go to for food?)- you never know when the craving hits (I've driven from Richmond to pick these up fresh). The buns are a bundle of buttery cinnamon goodness covered in a blanket of cream cheese icing. The bottom often has caramelized sugar...mmm...I better stop writing this review before I need to go get one asap. By the way, most Blenz coffee shops sell their buns but its not the same, if you're in the area its worth trying one fresh.
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Review from Karen R.
Am so not pleased with today's cinnamon bun (Monday almost 2pm). It was hard and stale-crunchy underneath with very little remaining icing-a poor shadow of previous offerings. When I returned it to the tiny sales lady at the counter she said it was fresh (???) but exchanged it for a 'new' one once conferring with another woman there. She herself couldn't even identify whether it had icing or not so had to ask once again for the new one even though I was the last person she recently served. Needless to say, replacement had a hard crunchy bottom bit which covered at least half the bottom (even though I asked her to check before serving). Oh well
Listed in: Home away from Home
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/2/2010
I never give a 5 star rating as I feel those places are amazing yet they could get better... But… Read more »
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Review from Jodi M.
Vancouver, BC
7/4/2011
If you are looking for a great cinnamon bun, this is the place to go!!
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Review from Madeleine R.
8/18/2010
My friend encouraged me to grab a cinnamon roll from Grounds For Coffee because, apparently, they have the best cinnamon rolls EVER. I figured, "why not? I'm on vaca, we've been doing a lot of bike riding, and it's my last day." We parked our bikes in front of GFC and ordered a standard cinnamon roll. OMG. Was I glad she took me there? It was perfect. I never knew that a cinnamon roll could linger in my mind and on my taste buds for so long. I drool just thinking about it. Next time I go to Van I'll be sure to stop at GFC for another taste of heaven in my mouth (and by that, I am referring to the cinnamon roll).
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Review from Sarah Jane M.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2009
Great cinnamon buns and so-so coffee. Great location. Worth the trip if you live outside Point Grey. Feels crowded inside. Any foods service but cinnamon buns are frankly not appetizing.
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Review from Stacey E.
12/18/2008
The cinnamon buns here are amazing. Totally different from the buns at Solly's, these are buttery and fluffy with icing and if you arrive early in the day they are still warm and gooey. I had to take up running last time I lived close to here.
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Review from Shannon N.
10/20/2008
My Vancouverite friend told me I had to go here during our visit because "the cinnamon buns they make are the best on the planet:" Well, we went - and the cinnamon buns are quite tasty. $3.50 each with a swipe of frosting applied after you order (why do some people get them plain? Silly!). Warm and fresh from the oven, I definitely enjoyed my treat. Small coffee house with some comfy seating in front. A nice place to stop by for a few minutes to enjoy a tasty treat.
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Review from Crazy P.
Vancouver, BC
6/1/2010
Cinnamon buns are in the top 5 in the gva. Along with savary island and solly's. Chewy, big, soft, warm. I salivate thinking of them buns.
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Review from Darren N.
Vancouver, BC
2/20/2009
Grounds for Coffee is both a hit and a miss. Cinnamon buns are quite amazing (though they are available at other places around the city as they do a bit of wholesale to other coffeeshops, for example at Kits Coffee on Yew and 4th), but the main drawbacks are the limited quality seating area (4 nice chairs near the window) and really, not very good coffee at all. This place also closes super early (I think it is 5pm) which means an evening lounging is not an option.
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Review from Johnny W.
10/11/2009
I was enticed into making a weekend roadtrip to Vancouver from Seattle based solely on the attraction of the cinnamon rolls at Grounds for Coffee. We ate here for breakfast both days of the trip, and I was not disappointed: the drive was worth it. Best cinnamon rolls on earth.
