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JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2206 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4B5
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 254-3723
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
Review Highlights
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"Coffee is great, and awesome location for people watching." In 4 reviews -
"Monster muffins, cookies and bars, and sandwiches." In 5 reviews -
"Not only does it have amazing espresso, its laid-back vibe..." In 3 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Michaela B.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
JJ definitely serves up the best roast in the city. Most of the baristas are delightful and friendly, and oh so cute. Who doesn't love a little heart flourish in their americano misto? Of course, there's a bit of Vancouver hipster snobbery floating around, but it's still one of my go to places for a cup of joe
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Review from Robin M.
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't know man, the baristas here are nice -- like, really nice. They're just a bit burnt out is all. Really, there are a couple of things to realise when it comes to these JJ peeps: (1) baristas are not ever, ever supposed to be chipper. This is only acceptable at Starbucks. JJ Bean is not Starbucks. Chances are I'm just waking up -- they're respecting my need for quiet-time. (2) this is Commercial Drive. COMMERCIAL DRIVE. People are friendly, just in their own unique flower-petal kind of way. Sure, if there were a hipster parade, these folks would take the lead -- actually, no they wouldn't. They *should* take the lead, but wouldn't.
But I digress.
Baristas aside, I like this JJ just fine. Whether intentional or not, it has clearly been built to be a community gathering space. Super laid back, with ample outdoor seating, there's nothing saying not to stay a long while. And so long as they offer the same smooth brew as I've come to expect from them, don't mind if I do, JJ Bean. Don't mind if I do.Listed in: Coffee Love, Commercial Drive
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Review from Louise G.
3/15/2012
A-OK
Convenient location. Always busy. Sometimes even super busy.
Loud music even later at night. It is convenient place to meet and grab a coffee, but can't say I'm the biggest fan of the atmosphere of the place. -
Review from Cody S.
2/3/2012
This place is in a great location but the service is terrible.
Who says that you need to be rude to your customers? Who's in charge of this place?
The coffee and atmosphere here are really good. I really like the coffee. So why do I avoid this location now? Easy answer, the staff sucks and doesn't care about their customers. Stupid. -
Review from geoff a.
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friendly neighbourhood coffee roaster. This JJ Bean is my regular home brew coffee supply. I don't spend as much time in cafés as I used to, but when I do, this is one of my favourites. Perfect for East Van puppy watching or grabbing a coffee and grilled sandwich with a friend. The lack of wi-fi keeps it civilized with most patrons having actual conversations or discussing business.
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Review from Roanna Z.
Updated - 12/5/2011
I really do love JJ's Soy cappuccino's they really are 'the bomb' and I love their roasts
but
i
hate
those
barista's
attitudes!
This is the 2nd worst location for baristatude.
They don't even say thank you when you tell them what a great drink they made. Grumpy buncha b*&^s.
Argh!
Please note it was Saturday and crazy busy. But STILL...!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/2/2009
I really must tell the story of a cold winter afternoon at this JJ's. We were having a tete a tete… Read more »
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Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2011 4 Check-ins Here
JJ Bean is some of the best coffee in the city. Their muffins are huge, dense, and chock full of both calories and flavour. I have never had a poorly made drink at JJ Bean, even at the Commercial Drive location, which is absolutely always busy.
Probably my favourite thing about this particular JJ Bean is that it's a meeting place for the neighbourhood. Some very interesting people watching can be done here, especially on the patio on a sunny day. There's a rather large group of guys who seem to pass through and/or congregate here. I've witnessed some great conversations and altercations. As well, any seat facing the Drive is a great place to ogle good-looking and interestingly-dressed people, and perhaps play a round of "gay or not gay".
One final comment about this JJ Bean. It is perhaps the location that most embodies the "JJ Bean Look". Every JJ Bean location has one or two employees that have the "JJ Bean Look", but every employee at the Commercial Drive location has it - even with a high staff turnover rate, they seem to always hire people with the "JJ Bean Look". Or maybe it's working at JJ Bean that gives people the Look.
Let me describe it for you. The Commercial Drive JJ Bean employee looks tired, like they haven't slept much, but moves quickly - probably because of coffee. They smoke, every hour or so on the other side of the patio wall at the curb, and have coffee- and nicotine-stained fingertips. Their clothes hang off of them; not only because they are underfed, but also because the clothing is thrifted and threadbare, and worn in carelessly assembled layers. They are quiet, perhaps shy but perhaps just tired and apathetic, and unintrusive in their mannerisms.
Anyway. What I'm saying is that the Commercial Drive JJ Bean is more than just a coffee shop - it's an experience. A very East Van experience. -
Review from Gabriel C.
Vancouver, BC
5/24/2011
Q: How many hipsters does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: Its an obscure number, you've probably never heard of it.
Ok, now I got that hipster slag off out of the way...yes. This place is hipster central. The staff are outrageous. And I gotta say I love it. Like my previous review for the Cambie, you know what you came in for. This place is on the drive (I live pretty much across the street) and it is a place for hipsters, serious political conversation, and damn fine coffee. The selection of muffins and so forth is vast and damn good. -
Review from Jena J.
Vancouver, BC
11/23/2011
i go here in the mornings with my man friend, The coffee is always the best and i love how rustic this jj is. I wish i lived closer to this one :(
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Review from Irena L.
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
it's an acquired taste location. But, hey put me in an abandoned crack house as long as you give me good coffee!
Coffee is great, and awesome location for people watching! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
5/6/2009 2 Check-ins Here
This JJ Bean makes me feel at home on the Drive. The service felt genuinely kind and humorous, which surprised me when I rocked up on a busy, Sunday afternoon.
Lots of outdoor seating, big space, with what appeared to be a decent sized kitchen in the back. That accounts for the just-out-of-the-oven taste of my raspberry oatmeal.
The only annoyance was the barista who insisted on chatting with a friend who was hanging out instead of making coffee for the 5 of us who were getting impatient listening to their private conversation.Listed in: Commercial Drive's Worth the…
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Review from Allison F.
5/21/2010
I just got back from a quick coffee break here and find it pretty funny that many reviews express irritation towards the baristas spending more than socializing than making coffee. Ditto today, though at least there were just a couple of beverages to be made.
I've never been to this location before but was immediately impressed with the giant patio that wraps around the side of the building. I would assume this is packed on a sunny summer's day! The inside offers lots of seating, including seating around what looks like an old bar. Odd but whatevs.
I had a look at the delicious delights they offer to go with your beverage and was impressed. Monster muffins, cookies and bars, and sandwiches. Though why is a giant muffin the same price as an average sized cookie? At $2.25 each, I went for a peach and oatmeal muffin to satisfy my post-workout hunger. Add on a medium drip coffee and I was set to head back to the office.
The only downside to the experience was that my muffin liner was firmly stuck to the bottom of my muffin. I lost a large portion of the bottom and had to do some tearing and reinspecting to ensure I didn't get a mouth full of paper. Heyyy baking Pam! -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
1/9/2010
I generally love the JJ bean chain but this location just doesn't compare to the one on Main & 14th.
reasons why i'd go somewhere else when on the Drive:
-JJ bean roasts its own coffee- which is awesome- BUT this location just smells funky because of it. It's got that kind of burnt smell inside- not very pleasant.
-Small location- difficult to sit in groups, or at a table..and the levels are weird- like if your at a table your head can be right beside somebodys ass on a high stool.
-As a chain it's one of the better cafes, BUT when on the Drive? there are soooo many nicer indie coffee shops that line both sides of the streets- much rather go to those than stay in a smelly chain.
it's a-ok..but why would you go here when there are better places just steps away?Listed in: Double Takes: not all…
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
6/17/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I hit this JJ up almost everyday now and I like it!
The service is good, I find, and the coffee is yummy! (It needs to be considering I drink it black and w/o sugar).. I also reeeeeally love the breakfast buns they have there. So soft and warm with spinach and onions.. mmm I want one now but I bet they're all gone.. -
Review from Melissa J.
Vancouver, BC
9/8/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Interesting spot this JJ Bean. When I first moved to East Van, driving by you could have mistaken it for a restaurant, a nightclub, or perhaps an employment centre.
It seemed WAY too busy to "just be a coffee shop". But it is-- and as such, the ninja side of me was immediately intrigued.... Did they serve their coffee in golden cups? Offer tea served to the Ming Emperor? Free massages and happy endings?
Alas, none of the above are true- I would have really loved a Golden Ming Emperor Happy Ending- but they do serve a decent brew.
If you're in a hurry, don't even think about ordering a mocha-frappa-cinno-latte, just go straight for the drip coffee.
If you don't like drip coffee, you're out of luck. If you do like drip coffee, we can't be friends.
But I'm okay with that.
Yours faithfully: The Ninja Pirate
MJO -
Review from Amanda W.
Vancouver, BC
2/26/2009
JJ Bean is the perfect fit along Commercial Drive. Not only does it have amazing espresso, its laid-back vibe keeps me coming back. In a neighborhood known for it's coffee, JJ Bean sticks out as one of the top contenders on the Drive. Their espresso is rich and creamy and the coffee is strong enough to give you a good kick in the pants! The baristas are not your typical coffee shop types, they are tattooed and have the forever hung-over look (which I'm sure they are because I've frequently run into them at local bars the night before!) A few words of warning: don't expect your coffee in a jiffy....this place is laid-back in every way, including their speed of service. It's more of a place you want to go on a lazy Saturday morning not when you are rushing to work :)
Final Word: WOOT WOOT I love JJ!!! -
Review from Kate H.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2011
best coffee in the city, in my opinion.
but more importantly, its 100% ethical and fair trade.
Not only does JJ adhere to fair trade standards, they actually OWN a bunch of their own coffee farms and ensure their workers are treated above and beyond just "fair trade."
JJ bean used to be Neate Coffee, and the Neate family is from North Van. So you're supporting a real local joint with this one. JJ is the initials of their son.
they roast coffee fresh down on pender.
it just doesn't get much better .... -
Review from Food Ninja D.
Vancouver, BC
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lil pretentious at times, like "my plaid is drabber than your plaid", but so delicious.
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Review from Jen L.
Vancouver, BC
9/3/2009
Great coffee, awesome decor, awesome cookies. I like. very much.
Only complaints: some baristas seem more interested in socializing - I usually come here when I'm not in a hurry and on the go. -
Review from Reena M.
6/11/2010 6 Check-ins Here
Good coffee, cool atmosphere, bustling, friendly staff, huge muffins, huge muffin selection. Life is good!
Actually I ordered a Crystal H. special (Americano) and they left me with more than enough space for milk, which i love. So I almost turned it into a Reena M. special (latte). ;-) -
Review from Megan S.
12/20/2008
An interesting version of a chain coffee shop. I like that the center of the store is taken over by the fresh bean varieties. It kind of says a lot that the coffee beans are at the center of the store.
Did you notice what was missing on the wall behind the counter? I'm so used to seeing large menus on display, that it's odd to see the lack of one here. However, I felt confident ordering my hot chocolate without a menu.
The barista was interesting. He wasn't making drinks all that fast, but never fail each drink he placed on the counter, sloshed over the side. Not terribly concerned with presentation or concerned with the customers hands. Oh well.
The hot chocolate was great, had chocolate whip cream. Extremely good. -
Review from Tim L.
1/2/2010
This JJ Bean provides a real decent place to hang out with friends at the tip of the Drive. Easily accessible by car and a short walk from the Skytrain station this location makes it easy to meet up with friends at.
There is a decent amount of seating inside for groups no larger than 4 and plenty of outdoor seating around the side as long as you don't mind braving the elements.
The staff I've encountered are friendly enough and they get everything whipped up pretty quickly. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2008 1 photo
As with all JJ Bean House of Coffee's, I am head over heels for the coffee here and all the more surprised by the quality, considering that this is a chain, albeit a small one not on the world dominating status of Starbucks.
This JJ Bean on Commercial Drive is always busy, overrun with business folks, students, entrepreneurs and the like, all meeting for meetings, chat sessions, study groups and work time. The store is a decent size and doesn't feel too cramped in comparison to some smaller stores and the outdoor patio is a great place for coffee sipping and people watching! Be forewarned, as this is not Starbucks, there is only a small menu at the front counter to choose from and the sizes are in English. They also have fresh-baked muffins and tasty sandwiches for your noshing delight! -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
12/23/2008
I've talked about my feelings regarding JJ Bean's coffee before so here I'll just stick to the location. Commercial Drive is the best one, hands down.
JJ Bean with its hand roasted coffee is just on the edge of being an intolerable foodie hangout and in many of its locations it becomes just that. Yaletown and even main are a bit too standoffish and spic and span for my tastes.
Luckily this commercial location is just great for atmosphere. It tends to be pretty bustling but with all sorts of people and the vibe is pretty relaxed and caring. it tends to be easy to get a seat, especially in summer and overall it's a much more enjoyable experience heading here, whether you like the cofee or not. -
Review from Simon R.
BC
12/1/2008 1 photo
Even though it's kind of disturbing, it's nice when a larger corporate coffee company correctly predicts the kind of décor and service that a neighborhood wants. JJ Bean on Commercial is mellow, interesting and unique, with rustic decorations and young slacker baristas.
The seating is what really wins JJ it's stars in this review. It has stools arranged in a circle in the middle, with oddly shaped piping instruments partially obscuring the view. There are couches in the corners, high chairs on the sides, plate glass windows, and a full patio outside.
The coffee is decent, so it's worth a visit. Besides, there's usually someone you know already there reading the paper. -
Review from Elvis A.
11/17/2010
I ordered the Cappuccino. Espresso is weak but still better than any iteration I have had in Toronto. Milk could have been frothed a little more. Good Safe Bet
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Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
9/2/2009
JJ Bean is Vancouver's Good Coffee Chain, where you can get a combination of great atmosphere, tasty food, and excellent coffee. This is one of the best JJ's in town. It is laid back, and has good people watching, a warm ambiance, tasty food and a nice patio out back. It's the place where JJ Bean lives up to its sterling reputation, and hands down, it is one of the best cafés in Vancouver to hang out in. JJ's tends to perfectly match the style of their cafés to the neighbourhood setting they're in, and the Drive's JJ is absolutely on point in that respect - and its success on a street with tons of café competition reflects that.
Unfortunately the service is typically slow for a JJ Bean, which is a mix of popularity (there's almost always a line) and the JJ Bean tendency for the barista to labour for minutes and minutes over your drink as if he or she is an 11th century monk slowly illuminating a manuscript. If you are seriously jonesing for some caffeine the 10-15 minutes it will take to get your espresso here will seem like a painful eternity.Listed in: Coffee Coffee Coffee
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Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/8/2008
The place is as relaxed as it gets! Love, love, love it!! Although I have to admit, this coffeeshop is only for certain types of people - definitely for the carefree, bohemian types... There is no large menu telling you what to choose from, and they ask for your name to call out the drinks instead of giving you a drink name (ie. at Starbucks, they call you a double tall caramel macchiato... well, here they call you "Insert your name here"). I love that they have a small size here that's in between a Starbucks short and tall -- its that perfect amount for the perfect latte that JJ Bean makes for you on their manual bar. A must try!
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Review from RJ V.
Vancouver, BC
1/2/2010
The coffee is good, but I don't go there very often because of the service. The staff hardly acknowledges the customer (would it kill them to smile and say hello?) and they are often too busy talking to each other than to make my coffee in a timely manner. I get better service up the street.
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Review from Jenni B.
2/9/2009
When I worked in the area, JJ bean was my coffee of choice. If you like to avoid large corporate dominance and have refined coffee taste, JJ Bean will serve you up one of the best cuppas in Vancouver. Americano is to die for. The place is consistently busy (but line doesn't take forever if you are just swinging in for a coffee at lunch or whatever)
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Review from teranika t.
Vancouver, BC
4/2/2009
I've been to this JJ Bean's twice, and both times I couldn't finish the coffee - it was either watery or tasted like old grounds. The server was friendly enough and the place was packed...and with all of these great reviews I'm a little mystified. I wonder if I went on an off day, or if I just have a different taste. Or maybe I need to bypass the filtered, drip stuff for some espresso art. Or maybe this JJ Bean's just isn't for everyone. huh.
