Loading...
- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
402 Davie StVancouver, BC V6B 2G3
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
(604) 684-9253
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
Review Highlights
34 reviews in English
-
Review from Ryan G.
Richmond, BC
12/1/2011
Best muffins in Vancouver. Good coffee. Service usually good, but sometimes seems to casual like their just hanging out and not working.
-
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I seem to gravitate towards JJ Bean when in YT, even if the service is a bit cold and the coffee tastes slightly burnt. The atmosphere of the shop is okay, and I can imagine that the patio is a nice spot to hang on warmer (where are they?) days.
You can always find some reading material and the lines go fairly quickly. The pastries look pretty good, too. Too bad it costs at least an additional extra couple of dollars to park a few streets over, at least, if you don't live in the hood. On that basis, I'm not so sure if it's worth it to come here, but not a a bad vibe compared to the other options in the hood, nonetheless.Listed in: Anything but Starbucks....
-
Review from Gary M.
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't come here too often. What's up with that?
I had a meeting this afternoon and since I was at CooCoo yesterday AM, Sbux yesterday PM and it was frikking cold out I crossed the street to JJ's.
KEYPOINT: The baked goods are made on site. They are good. The sandwiches are too.
KEYPOINT: The coffee here has that kind of earthy flavor. Although not my favorite, it's good too.
KEYPOINT: It's loud in here. The acoustics make it hard for conversations.
KEYPOINT: It's stylish. Not quite warm, but it's cool. Nice patio.
Somehow I still don't come here too often. Some mysteries can't be explained....
g -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2011 1 photo
* Off the chain *
I'm always so hesitant to visit a chain anything, and regularly passed up JJ Bean for some other cafes. But I was walking near this location and it suddenly started raining really hard. I needed to pop in to wait out the downpour.
I was really pleasantly surprised with my espresso. It was quite large for an espresso - very generous! It also had a wonderful crema, and a smooth finish. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Yes, it is a chain (at least only a local one?!?!?!). But their espresso was great!Listed in: Vancouver Coffee
-
Review from Angela L.
10/10/2011
So, I have mixed feelings about the coffee/ambiance/service here. I like the patio, and the Americanos, and have been helped by friendly staff before. But there's still a kind of unease that I feel about patronizing this location of JJ...I don't know what it is. Something about it just feels extremely contrived. Like, guy compiling code on Macbook pro, yuppie couple with tiny dog, suits tapping away on Blackberries...are you fo' real? Also, major points lost for not having wifi.
Anyway, I'm still giving this location of JJ four stars, primarily because I discovered the breakfast bun here. TEAM SAVOURY, WHERE MY PEOPLE AT? I'm not a fan of sweet things in the morning and/or as the sole component of a meal/snack (after meals is a whole different story), so typical coffee shop pastries are decidedly not my thing. But the breakfast bun, the breakfast bun! It LOOKS like a cinnamon bun, but is so much better. The bread is soft and slightly sweet, and is swirled with spinach, feta, scallions, and spices. Cinnamon bun who? -
Review from Yassir N.
9/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Whenever I see handful of good review of any business, I lose my appetite to write another review! But anyways, I will keep my review quick and simple this time.
I tried JJ Bean (this branch) twice and in both times I ordered ice Latte, which was much better the first time, but was also fine the second time. However, the service was shocking! The server(s) has that disgusting attitude that will stop me from coming again! as a matter of fact I asked the server what ice latte's flovor do they serve, and she replied "ALL FLAVORS" :S give me a break! do I need to do a crash course about coffee flavors before I get to any coffee shop or what!
So if the coffee is good and the service is poor! why should I pay the premium price of JJ Bean coffee! I don't usually give one start to any business, but I guess it's well deserved this time! -
Review from Allen W.
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
No wifi. Coffee seemed kinda weak. Muffin was good. Service was rushed but ok.
I like its patio space and location -- lots of people watching to be had. -
Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like JJ Bean.
I like their coffee, as in the beans I buy and the ones they make. They have a really great selection of locally roasted beans from around the world. I am a fan of the Eastside Organic personally, although I have tried many of their other roasts and there isn't one I don't like.
I like the coffee they brew in house. I've never had burnt or awful coffee bought by the cup or from espresso or latte.
The only downside is they don't carry any gluten-free treats. I love that they bake most everything themselves and it's always fresh and yummy but I'd love if they had at least one gluten-free option. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
1/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
"Oh poo Agro Cafe is closed today. Okay I'll give JJ Bean another try. It's been a year or so. Just don't get your hopes up Dan.
Hmm okay no fresh coffee that I can see, just a couple of stainless steel urns. I think I remember hearing that they roast their beans in small batches so at least the beans should be fresh even if the coffee has been sitting in those metal coffins for God knows how long. Don't get your hopes up Dan.
Okay order the medium roast. Oh, it's an espresso bean. Don't get your hopes up Dan.
Wow! That's a lot of steam coming out of that urn. Betcha that steam tastes great. Oh nice, she put a sleeve on my cup. Nice to know this coffee might burn my tongue but my hands will be okay. It takes a lot of heat to steam away all that delicious flavour.
Hmm. Robust! Smells a bit like a tire fire. And is that cigar ash I taste? It sure is. With subtle notes of charcoal. Mmm and a delicate tar-like finish.
Okay, add some sugar. Okay a bit more. More. okay more cream. Okay lotsa cream. Ah forget it. I'm just gonna leave that full cup of coffee on the table for someone else to drink and head on over to Coo Coo. Good thing I didn't get my hopes up." -
Review from Megan M.
4/18/2011
I love JJ Bean. In a land of Starbucks on every corner (and in some cases, more than 1 on a corner) it's great to see a local company holding its own.
I only order drip coffee (I like the Eastside Organic) or a latte here. The lattes are nice and strong-I can't believe I drank the overly sweetened crap Starbucks calls a "latte" for so many years. The coffee is a bit pricey, but I usually only stop here on the weekends or when I'm in the neighbourhood, so it's a treat for me to get a cup of JJ Bean. I do wish the place had wifi though, and the Yaletown yuppie crowd leaves a bit to be desired in terms of eavesdropping opportunities (which, let's admit, we all indulge in a bit when lounging at a coffee shop), but overall I love it here. -
Review from Jenna L.
5/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
These days JJBeans are springing up in Vancouver !
It was first time going to the Yaletown location and the patio is amazing place to people watch under the cherry blossom trees. As I recently ran out of beans to use for my mokapress, I bought a bag here and had it grinded. For all I can remember, the name is forgotten, but the description has it called "creamy" - Yes, that's how I like it!
JJ Beans don't have any stamp card but you do get a complimentary medium coffee. The staff was really nice and everyone genuinely seemed happy to be working there! -
Review from Brittany G.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2011
I'll stop in here for french press if I have time to read the paper before my commute out of town. The crowd here is kinda self absorbed, but maybe everyone just has a lot on their minds in the morning.
(like wondering why there is no wifi!?) -
Review from Whitney D.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2011
Is it a chain that is spreading through Vancouver like an infectious disease? Totally. However, it is local and their coffees are 99% of the time bang on for my tastes.
Pretty sure the staff hasn't really turned over in the last few years at my location, and they are all relatively awesome. I hope this means they treat their employees like stars, which always makes you feel good about continued patronage. *Fingers crossed my moral assumption isn't faulty.*
My only complaint is that I am pretty sure they lace their grilled cheese with some sort of addictive drug.
For reals though, they need wireless internet. -
Review from Joshua N.
2/18/2011
Good coffee shop. Not as intimidating as the one on Commercial. Lots of seating, which I appreciate and which you can't get as easily at, say, a Starbucks. $3.50 for a decent-tasting medium hot chocolate, incl tax.
Downside: they automatically gave me a "to-go" cup instead of a "for here" one, even though I was clearly staying (I wasn't wearing my jacket anymore, and it was very visibly raining snow outside. Man I love Vancouver. No really, I do). Anyways, doesn't anyone care about the environment? Or is it just me? -
Review from Ramon V.
8/4/2010
I figured it out! JJ Bean is Artigiano is JJ Bean! Ok, there may be differences in service and decor, but the coffee (and fanbase) are essentially the same. I say fanbase, because I did a little un-scientific survey of my friends, and correctly guessed that if they liked one they liked the other. I also tried to find pleasure by drinking an americano from each and was equally underwhelmed on many occasions. While latte art may be for some, I like the a rich crema on top of my americano, and here I found that it had all but dissipated by the time I made it to the lid and milk station.
While it's a nice step up from Starbucks, and I do appreciate coffee shops that feature small batch roasts, I encourage Vancouverites to keep exploring the city's coffee landscape.Listed in: Vancouver Americanos
-
Review from David v.
Surrey, BC
9/2/2010 1 photo
Okay, I've read some/most of the reviews and I wanted to voice my side of things. I'm a regular there. Every Saturday morning my friend and I show up and sit down, talk and play a couple of board games. Once the staff get to know you they are quite friendly. I like this J.J. Bean. The neighbourhood is nice. Their patio is wonderful. What's not to like?
I'm trying to think back to when I first started going. I didn't find them rude, but maybe just not as friendly as they are now that they recognize my face. It's a busy coffee shop. I never seen rude service, just perhaps not the happy-happy, joy-joy service that some are expecting.
I'm trying trying to refute the nay-sayers, but just offer another viewpoint. There are a lot of us regulars I see every week, so clearly it can't be all that bad, because (as another yelper pointed out) there are many other coffee shops to frequent in the area. I say, give this a go. It is not like they make horrible coffee or anything.
One thing I like about JJ is that if you buy a gift card, everytime you fill it up they give you a 10% bonus. (I.e., $20 gets you $22 on the card.) -
Review from Christie S.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2009
Here, I experienced possibly the worst service I have ever received at a coffee shop.
Seriously, how difficult can it be to be pleasant, polite, quick and clean? Isn't that the very base level of service one would expect? Oh no, not here. My friend stood at the counter reading the menu while I waited at the end of the line, and was told by the snarky coffee-chicks in no uncertain terms to get to the back of the line.
My coffee was fine. It was a simple black dark-roast. Not a difficult order. My friend ordered an iced Americano, which took about 10 minutes to make.
It had a long green slimy thing floating in it. When she brought it back to be replaced, she was offered no explanation nor apology.
JJ Bean on Davie, you just suck. There are oodles of other choices around. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 3/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Ahhh, nostalgia, it's sort of like Folgers in your cup. Or JJ Bean in my case. I was curious about what my first "Yelp" was. So I went digging... and 43 pages back I found it, JJ Bean. But jeesh, did I really only write two lines?
It's still true, I have meetings there sometimes, sitting up on that little second level alongside of others chatting or typing away. And every now and again, I grab a cup to go. Heck, I've even gotten some work done sitting in one of those almost comfy arm chairs.
But I think what I love most about this JJ Bean is the coffee condiment station - that's right a station. I've had some of the friendliest smiles, "Good mornings" and just pure pleasantness here. Which is why their four stars stay put. If not for this, I'd probably dock them for not having free wi-fi.Listed in: Favourite Vancouver…, Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A…, Yaletown's Open for Business, Vancouver's Best Meeting Spots
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/7/2009
I have loved JJ Bean coffee since I was a struggling student years ago. Their Yaletown location is… Read more »
-
-
Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2009
It makes my heart break - just a little.
Such fabulous coffee; but no sense of service. I headed here after lunch to satisfy my caffeine wants (you know, to get me through the afternoon), and well I walked in and stood at the counter for what seemed like 5 minutes (but was probably only 45 seconds). It may not sound like a long time, but when you're in a hurry - time is something you don't have!
Anyway - when I was finally acknowledged (after the baristas finished their conversation), I ordered myself an iced vanilla latte. Easy enough? You would think so, and as a former barista, I KNOW SO. But no. My HALF EMPTY iced vanilla latte is slammed on the bar...
Now usually I'm a "half full" kind a person - but after this experience, I can definitely say that this particular JJ Bean's service is half empty. -
Review from Kirk C.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2011
Great coffee and amazing service. Even with a line the turnaround is quite quick.
-
Review from Trudi C.
7/8/2011
A very trendy looking coffee shop. Is it ok to say maybe even a bit posh? Looked great, but not quite cozy, at least out in the open area. I was greeted with a hello and smile when I walked in, always a good sign. It smelled great in there too, as a fresh batch of muffins had just come out the oven! I had a small latte, and it was cheaper than I thought. It was not bad, perhaps a little stronger than I usually prefer. There was a long bench, with people seated alongside each other all with their Apple laptops perched on front. Beside me sat a lady browsing he Internet on her iPad. Definitely home to the Apple crowd (I say, typing this on my iPhone!). Good for a quick coffee, but not ideal for a quiet coffee and gossip.
-
Review from Bradley C.
Vancouver, BC
7/9/2009
I love JJ Bean's new patio, and I think they've done a great job with interior (a huge improvement over what used to be there!). The coffee is consistently good, and I've enjoyed their loose leaf tea, as well.
Since my big beef in general is customer service, I have to comment here as well. Things have improved over the last several months, but I still find a degree of indifference from some staff members. They seem put upon by each order, and can't bother to force a smile.
I generally visit JJ Bean because it's convenient - I probably wouldn't go out of my way, but it serves its purpose. -
Review from Tracy S.
Vancouver, BC
3/27/2009
I love this location! I am glad that there is finally a great place with great coffee and real espresso / latte artists / people who care about what your coffee tastes like in Yaletown!
I've never been disappointed in any drink I've ordered: traditional cappuccino, americano, even their tea is great!
As well, living so close, I always see the same owner/manager (?) who greets us with a Real smile and hello. I don't want over-the-top, and you don't get it at JJ Bean Yaletown. The place is down to earth - I like that.
My only one small complaint is that I can't wait for the Summer hours (open past 6pm) and hopefully open until 10pm at least! During winter hours I have definitely missed stopping in to relax after work or dinner. I have hope of summer hours coming soon though as it looks like they are adding to their patio area! Can't wait!!! -
Review from Mehs m.
Vancouver, BC
9/6/2009
-Fruit flies all over the food in full view of any customer that walks in.
-Brought it to the attention of the guy behind the counter and he shrugged his shoulders. Literally.
- Cacophony which was supposed to pass for music might not appeal to anyone who isn't high on something major.
- The kids that were working there look like they haven't had a shower in months much less received any sort of rudimentary training in front line work.
What is this ? Where are the Hygiene Standards Inspectors. Even if they are being bribed to look the other way , how about some discretion?
This was gross. I cant help wondering what carries on behind curtains where no one is looking. I am going to have nightmares about rodent and cockroach fests @ J.J . Beans...eeeuuuu -
Review from Roanna Z.
7/21/2009
This JJ's has 2 strikes from me. Ya, hard to believe.
It's a nice location for sure, but when I went at the end of June (the 27th to be exact, and then again around the 1st or 2nd July), I was appalled at the mood of the counter servers. I tried to make a joke to lighten them up, but it dropped like a lead balloon. EEK!
You could actually cut the air with a knife it was so tense.
We have been to this location before and (if I'm visiting Yaletown Gelato across the street...) I will try it again.
If I get even a whiff of that attitude again, I'll be dangerous! -
Review from Jim P.
Vancouver, BC
11/22/2011
Loses a star because their drip coffee isn't as good as it once was. They decided to get rid of all dark roasts except one so they can be "origin based." Bad decision. Also, no Wifi. Fantastic location and patio though. Would like to see some low fat food options but muffins are good.
-
Review from Margo D.
Vancouver, BC
10/2/2010
Slow service. Tasty coffee. No WiFi.
-
Review from Y. C.
10/20/2011
Like JJ Bean coffee beans, but they do a great disservice to their beans with their french press. Completely over extracts the beans and you lose any subtleties. It's pretty much coffee mud.
-
Review from Rob K.
Vancouver, BC
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Eastside blend is what's on tap for the espresso. Ordered a medium americano. The tasting notes are given as very dark, bold coffee with hints of chocolate and a couple other flavors I don't recall. Those flavors typically associate with low-acidity coffee which is what I want. This coffee is BOLD! Holy s**t!! Right off the pull this baby smelled like it should melt my hair (smelled really acidic) so I didn't touch it for a full minute or two. At this point I was thinking this one was going to be a write-off. My first sip was a blast to the upper palate, skipping over the tongue and concerning me that my taste buds would be wiped out for the remainder of the cup. I'm guessing this baby was pulled a bit too hot? I took the next sip in a bit more refined manner which is when I could tell the smell thankfully did not equate to taste. The coffee was indeed low acidity but possibly the most bold low-acidity coffee I've had in recent memory. There was something I could not quite put my finger on and didn't like - it wasn't burnt, just possibly something I didn't like. It mellowed very quickly as it cools and after 5 min, it's a mild chocolaty brew. I want to try this one again to see if I can hone in on what I liked and didn't like. I'll probably try to hammer down as much as I can 1-5 min after it's pulled, temperature permitting. Timing is key here. There are a number of the new JJ Bean blends that I want to try out, this was one of them.
-
Review from Adam G.
Edmonton, AB
9/22/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Yet another solid JJ location. Not a ton of seating, and can get overrun at times. The sun-exposed patio seats on the east side of the building are at a premium (though there's always plenty of room on the dark, noisy, street-facing side). Anyway, scarcity is usually a good sign at coffee shops, a testament to the product and location.
Listed in: Coffee time
-
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/19/2008
Relaxed attention to detail is the ticket to great coffee at JJ Bean. I was happy to hear that a location was opening in Yaletown, the closest one to me before was Granville Island and that just ain't gonna cut it! It just tastes... better. Oh and it is open everyday 6am-10pm. All the more to fuel my once a week craving!
-
Review from Mike N.
7/4/2009
Good coffee with bold tastes and very little acidity. Food selection was okay. Decor was soothing, inviting and refreshing, especially near the sidewalk sitting.
-
Review from Bob D.
Vancouver, BC
5/26/2010
Great Americanos. My favorite make and brand. Baked goods like muffins and cookies are really tasty. I go to the Bean on Davie, Commercial and sometimes Victoria/Powell where the roasting beans are a pleasure to the nostril region. I sympathize with Christie S review.
Sometimes staff can seem like being non communicating is hip. Once in a rare while staff act like they are being forced to work against their will. Once at the Davie location had a cashier nearly throw a piece of banana bread at my wife. She was not a happy woman though 2/3rds of the time staff are pleasant and even try and spark up a little conversation. Go for the Americanos just watch out for banana bread. -
Review from Carol C.
Vancouver, BC
12/26/2010
I will go out of my way to have a JJBean latte. They are consistently beautiful in appearance, with perfect foam, just-right temperature, and a smooth, mellow flavour that is less bitter than Artigiano's but with enough body to satisfy my love of a rich coffee aroma and taste. They also have absolutely to-die-for vegan-friendly berry muffins. My friend and I were very familiar with the North Vancouver location, where Jonny, in particular, had given us beautiful lattes and very friendly service for a couple of years. We also knew the Main Street location, where I had talked to several of the baristas, Jesse for one, even going so far as to remember me the next time we went. Then, I moved to Yaletown, and one of the huge bonuses of the move was that I could now walk to JJ's at 402 Davie Street. I'm an older woman, and sometimes, young service people seem to barely notice us senior folk. But, this has never been the case at JJ's. Imagine my surprise when Jesse, now managing that location, again remembered me, even though we hadn't visited for a latte in quite some time. On another day, a barista reached forward, shook my hand, and said, "Hi, I'm Eric." He had no idea that I knew Jesse, nor does he still know that. A girl barista there has not yet told me her name, but she notices my little dog waiting outside, and always asks how she is doing. Honestly, I have come to count on a friendly greeting and a perfect latte every time I visit JJ's. The baristas work very hard and I believe they genuinely care about the people they serve. Maybe, those people with the negative comments might consider that everyone has a less-than-perfect day once in a while. A smile, and a moment to let the baristas know that we see them as human beings, and not machines programmed to serve us, would yield more satisfying results.
