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Innocent Coffee
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
1340 W 4th AveVancouver, BC V6H 4A3
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 730-1155
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
20 reviews for Innocent Coffee
Review Highlights
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"Espresso, french press, pour over." In 4 reviews -
"Fresh roasted Origins beans done up right, pourover style..." In 2 reviews -
"...gallery space on the second floor that features locals." In 3 reviews
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
2/17/2012
Such a cute little place and I hope they get enough traffic to keep brewing! It's run by an Asian brother-sister team..and they bake everything in small batches out of a home style oven. The place smells delicious and is very cozy. They don't have much seating but never seem to be too busy. I had a banana/chocolate bun/bread that they made fresh one morning and it was so good. Asians like making their pastries light and fluffy so it was a good alternative to giant cookies and muffins from other coffee shops.
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011 2 photos
* Interesting cafe layout *
This little nook of a coffee shop has two floors. On the first floor there is a single table (which was occupied), so I went upstairs to find a mixed space room that doubles as an art gallery and art workspace with a big open area in the middle of the room. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
My espresso was decent, but not one of my favourites in Vancouver. It tasted as if it had been over roasted. I'm guessing it would taste better in a milk based drink that would hide the over roasting more effectively. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Based upon reading the other reviews it sounds like perhaps their strength here is their pour over style. I likely wouldn't order an espresso here again though.Listed in: Vancouver Coffee
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Review from Neil H.
Vancouver, BC
9/23/2011
Did I just get a lovely fresh ground, pour over coffee and a delicious croissant for 5$?
Yes, yes I did. Thank you, Innocent Coffee, I wish I lived closer to you.
That croissant was really, really good.
Really. -
Review from Robin M.
7/7/2011 6 Check-ins Here
It's funny how sound can alter the experience of a space. After sitting in Innocent's minimally decorated, mostly white and wood space, I couldn't help but think of this as the whir of 4th Avenue traffic went by.
It's a muffled-quiet here. Peaceful and clean, simple and unassuming, Innocent Coffee has something more than just being a rad coffee shop in an interesting spot going for them: they understand what it means to have an interesting building situated in an unusual spot, and use it to their advantage.
Artwork up top, seating down below, I can't help to feel like I'm visiting my childhood best friend's grown-up version of a playhouse. Go, and you'll see what I mean.
Also, I suppose I should mention: the coffee is awesome. Hand pour FTW. -
Review from Chris M.
10/1/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I'm smitten with this place! It's a tiny, classy little spot, clean and warm and minimal, that feels like walking into someone's idyllic home kitchen with the oven whirring away in the back pumping out fresh, golden-brown baked goods (the croissants are just awesome, flaky outside and super pillowy inside!) The menu is small, the coffee is simple and really flavourful, ground up fresh and brewed to order with exacting precision. You can get French press or hand-stirred pour-over drip from a few different bean and roast varieties, as well as a few espresso-based drinks. There's even a gallery space upstairs - very cool!
My only qualms are as follows: hungry types will find that they can't get a very wide range of edibles, and the space is really limited - they don't outright serve for-here items at all. These are both factors that detract from the initial feeling that I'd like to hang out and relax for a while in their cozy little shop. But even if you're just stopping in, you'd be hard pressed to beat the quality! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Please, for the love of everything good in this world, try their macarons. Almond-flavoured mini sandwiches of delicate sweetness. One bite and I was catapulted to euphoria. Oh please, can I just have one (make that ten) more..?
**Note: Due to space limitation and health code restrictions they are only permitted to serve in disposable utensils. So BYO Mug and save some trees, folks! : )Listed in: Life Altering Items, Vancity Java!, Best Atmosphere, Drinks that change my life, Event Spaces
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2011
Oh My Gawsh. Innocent Coffee, you have won my heart. All of it. Even the little piece that I had… Read more »
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Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2011 6 Check-ins Here
A little truth in advertising please. This place is not at all innocent. They are guilty. Incontrovertibly guilty with extreme prejudice of pouring me consistently delicious coffee.
Fresh roasted Origins beans done up right, pourover style just for me. Perfect temperature and careful technique. Try the funky little shortbread. Like the shop itself they're small, modest, savory, sweet and compliment the coffee perfectly.
Why are my negative coffee shop reviews more fun to read? I got nothing to say. I love this place. I sentence them to years of prosperity and a big warm thank-you every time they pour me some of this manna.Listed in: Coffee. The Good, The Brewed &…
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 4/14/2011 14 Check-ins Here
I ain't no early bird. So I must thank Innocent Coffee for being my guilty pleasure. You make waking up not only tolerable, but also fun. Stopping in on my way out of town. It's early, there's lots of parking, and they're just putting out their baked goods... or if I'm early enough, they're just rolling out their croissants.
The shortbread is sinful. And what you may mistake as a muffin, is actually chocolate chip banana bread. Dense, moist and chocolately. It's seriously the best distraction while racing toward the US border. Paired with a regular coffee (in my own mug, saving me 20 cents every time) it's a brilliant early morning.Listed in: 5 Star Reviews - You deserve…, Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A…, Coffee Lover List
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2011
For a couple of years, I've wondered if a coffee shop would open in this little strip of shops. One… Read more »
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Review from Dave Y.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I have driven by this place so many times and now regret not stopping in sooner. Easy to park, damn good espresso and steamed milk. I will be back!
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Review from Justin L.
4/6/2011
What a cute, cozy little space! Bathed in white tones and handwritten signs, this little coffee cottage exudes a charming innocence--is it purity? cleanliness? naturalness? honesty? Located amidst a fast-paced bend in West 4th Avenue and greasy auto shops, INNOCENT COFFEE is an unlikely tenant in this parking lot plaza. Unlikely, however, does not mean unwelcome.
Okay, the place is tiny. I don't know what happens when things get busy, but hey, why should size matter? This isn't the place to work away for hours on your laptop, but it's perfect for a short rendez-vous or pit stop if you're in the area. There's always some artwork in the gallery upstairs: the cafe doubles as an awesome art gallery featuring local artists. In between exhibits, you can see artwork by co-owner/barista Yahwei.
Speaking of co-owners, Innocent Coffee puts a heart-warming spin on the mom-and-pop shop concept: this is a brother-and-sister endeavour. Yahwei meticulously handles the caffeine (I've never been to a coffee shop that electronically weighs the amount of beans and water per cup!); her brother Jerome bakes the delicious croissants and macaroons that tempt and tantalize you at the counter. It's quite a clever strategy: as you wait for your coffee, it's nearly impossible to resist the call of those almond cookies.
Really, there's no other coffee shop in the city quite like Innocent Coffee, so I hope they stick around for a while. It's a diamond in the rough. The location makes it difficult for the casual pedestrian to saunter by, and the fastidiousness with which your cup of coffee is made precludes a quick in-and-out dash--but, hey, this ain't no Tim Hortons. Then again, it's hard to stay innocent in the big city. -
Review from Melissa E.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2011
Hmmm, i'm going against the grain here (pun intended) in saying that this place left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. So let's get the bad out of the way...
First off, the coffee...I think i mis-ordered - had the regular coffee when i really should have gone for something espresso-based. The process was painstaking and accurate which I do appreciate. But the coffee itself was bitter and not really full bodied enough for me.
Another thing is the regular coffee is served in disposable cups even if consumed on-site...didn't really impress especially when the lattes came in these awesome cool Star Trek-like glass cups...i was having serious cup envy.
As for the space...loved it. The downstairs anyway. I felt like I was hanging in a friend's kitchen for coffee and muffins. It was nice and quiet and bright. It's a bit small so if you've got a motley crew maybe just get things to go. I was psyched to see there was an upstairs but it was sparse and nothing about it made me want to hang out there. I think, if properly designed and set up (good lord please try to put bigger windows in!) it could be a great space but as is, it's completely wasted.
One last gripe...there are very few seats here which in and of itself is not a huge problem (especially when they deal with the upstairs). So when I showed up I sat on the only available sofa chair and waited for a friend. There was someone sitting in the only other sofa who I presumed was a customer. When my friend arrived I ended up sitting on a small stool while my friend took the comfy chair. Then, after awhile, the guy on the other sofa chair (who was eating dim sum) got up and went behind the counter!!! I couldn't believe it! This guy worked there and took up one of only two primo seats for a substantial amount of time because he was eating lunch!! Not good. Not professional and this is a personal gripe when employees treat a restaurant/cafe/lounge/bar as a personal space.
So after all this would I go back? Yes. There are some great qualities going on here so maybe this was a bad moment. Also, they are currently exhibiting the works of Kyu Hwang which i LOVE. So if anything, that is a good sign. -
Review from Eva B.
2/27/2011
I came with a coffee lover on the search for a perfect americano and ended up finding myself tucked into a lovely cup of aromatic earl grey tea. I tried the shortbread as well. The texture is not as good as my Mom's, but I liked the inventive flavours. I wish there was a place like this in my neighborhood (insert long sigh here).
They should really consider putting a few tables upstairs. Then people can sit, chat and look at the beautiful art in contemplation of purchasing it. -
Review from Helen K.
4/12/2011 1 photo
Innocent Coffee with its adorable lamb logo is so innocently simple that you begin to realize upon coming here that all the fluff and frill the "big bad wolf" coffee chains (i.e. Starbucks) add to their drinks and their stores have caused them to stray away from the one thing that's most important: QUALITY, GOOD coffee.
Amidst auto shops shines this cute caffeine haven for coffee lovers looking for a quick stop, a delicious shot, and some art from local artists on the second floor to further stimulate the senses. Art + good coffee= happy helen.
Now, don't let the simple menu fool you. The already carefully preselected coffee beans are weighed to order and prepared with such passion and precision that it's almost tastable in your cup o' joe. If that's not enough, you can opt for one of their pastry/cookie choices that really complement the coffee with rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavors. MMmm. I took Yahwei's drink recommendation and ordered the latte flavored, which was delicious. It had a very bold, yet smooth taste with just a hint of sweet.
Though I don't head over to Vancouver often, I will definitely stop by here again when I do. -
Review from D. L.
4/8/2011
Yahwei and Jerome are a neat brother-sister co-owning duo! Yahwei knows her coffee and I appreciated learning about coffee beans and why she prefers to weigh them when making you a fresh cup of joe. I'm by no means a coffee connoisseur (I'm one of those annoying people that normally likes coffee to taste like dessert!) but for someone who never has their coffee black, I quite enjoyed my small cup of coffee that Yahwei whipped up for us. It didn't even need milk or sugar...and that's really saying something for a coffee lover poser like myself. ;) Of course, if you aren't really a coffee person, I would imagine you'd find the coffee too bitter. This place is not for the fainthearted.
Jerome makes the sweets and we were very tempted by the shortbread cookies on display. Although, hands down, those macaroons were scrumptious! It is a delectable delight in your mouth. You should definitely buy a few before sipping your hot coffee. It's the perfect complement.
The cozy space was probably what I loved most about this place! It's white, the space is open, the decor is minimalist, the cups and coffee bags are simple-chic, and it feels intimate. It reminds me of the MoMa in New York, for some reason. But that's sort of what I find so neat about it. I like the idea of there being an art gallery upstairs--though at the time I went, there wasn't too much being featured. It'd be interesting to have more art up in the mix! I'm sure you could hold some cool hipster events at this place.
I don't know how easily accessible this place is given its location, but at least there's a parking lot if you want to stop by and check it out! If anything, it's a nice place to sit, relax, read, or write. -
Review from Andrew L.
4/7/2011
luurvs this place.
COFFEE: impeccable. start with origins beans from granville island, apply "14-day rule" (discard beans 14 days after roast date), then brew meticulously: ceramic pour-overs, perfectly weighed out amounts of grounds and water (there are two mini-scales on the front counter!), and optimal temperature water. then drink without cream or sugar!
PASTRIES: we tried the almond marines and loved them, they were good-squishy and flavorful without being overpowering. all the pastries are made fresh daily.
SPACE: cute, clean, and bright. lots of thoughtful, hand-crafted details throughout. great gallery space on the second floor that features locals! -
Review from Brent F.
1/9/2011
You will be well looked after here by the friendly, knowledgeable, and stylish baristas who love coffee. Very comfortable space with a nice and quiet upstairs area, I would totally go here and hang out for a while - to read, write, or just admire the interesting art on display and ponder life. Several brewing methods are available, and the coffee list is focused and simple. Espresso, french press, pour over.
They also make their own shortbread cookies, and when they are in the oven, the whole place smells like a cookie heaven. -
Review from Michelle W.
Delta, BC
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great cup of coffee (can't remember the name of it) with almond and a shortbread cookie. Always works well together... Tiny place and you can only get to it from 4th Ave heading east! That took me a bit to figure out...
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Review from P G.
Richmond, BC
10/26/2011
Went at 4:58 with the misses and were greeted with smiles even though they were closing at 5pm (unknown to us). Good coffee. Up there with Elysion, 49th, etc.
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Review from Shannon L.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011
Went here for the first time today and really liked the coffee and the upstairs art gallery. I had a 4 oz espresso with steamed milk (think macchiato-esque/Gibraltar). Nice, clean, creative space. The only flaw I could see is that I don't think this cafe provides for-here cups for larger drinks so be green and order small. It's great to have a coffee place like this in what is a fairly boring area of the city (aside from nearby Granville Island).
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Review from Susanne J.
Hope, BC
Great place to pop in for coffee on your way to work or strolling to Granville Island. The place is clean, slick and simple. They promote the use of black sugar which they say is better for you nutritionally. Other than coffee, a few pastries and fruit there is not much else on the menu. First time I've seen an ipad used as a cash register. Lots of free parking.
