Oz Coffee - CLOSED

4.5 star rating
15 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

3066 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2G9
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 613-7141
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The decor: gorgeous and modern." (in 4 reviews)
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"...Mighty Leaf including my favourite: organic hojicha green..." (in 4 reviews)
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"It's bright and clean and has super friendly staff." (in 3 reviews)
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15 reviews in English

  • Review from Roanna Z.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/1/2011

    It's true !      :(      It is closed.

    Oz was like a 'Ray' of sunshine in the neighbourhood and it's a crying shame to see it go.

    The Yelp community will miss this lovely spot and we will not forget you.

    Ray we wish you all the best and remind you to
    Keep your EYE on the HORIZON.

    Good things will come your way again. --and hopefully we will be there to enjoy them too   :)

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      6/28/2010

      Ooh yeah, Oz coffee you have what it takes. You'll own the street.

      Interior:  Spacious, bright,… Read more »

  • Review from Reena M.

    Greater Vancouver A, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/24/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    This place is huge as far as coffee shops get these days!  I didn't get to try any of the coffee here since I just had 4 cups at brunch earlier.  So I decided to go for tea instead.  As soon as I saw Vanille bean green tea, i was sold!  

    When I got my teapot/cup, I was a bit disappointed.  Thinking, "this doesn't taste vanilla-y... hmmm, maybe it's a reaaaallllyyy subtle vanilla."  *sip* "This tea sucks.." (well the tea didn't really suck, I just wasn't in the mood for that kind of tea).  When I went to get a hot water refill, the barista smells the tea and says, "Is it sencha?" And I said, "No, it's supposed to be the vanilla green tea"

    him: "It's definitely not the vanilla.. I'm sure you got the sencha."
    Me: *disappointed* "Oh... maybe that's why I didn't like it. I was really hoping for the vanilla"
    him: "well I'll just switch it out for you"

    After a sip of the vanilla green tea, I was a happy camper!  It was like dessert-flavoured water!  So yummy! And so happy he switched it for me.  He didn't have to.

    I also loved the space.  It was great for a day spent marking papers.

  • Review from Darren N.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    Great place, great people.

    Walking in, the first thing I noticed about Oz Coffee is how bright and airy the space is. I'm going from recollection here, so I can't say for sure if there were any skylights, but it definitely felt like there were. The other thing that really set this place apart in my mind was the front and back deck/patio areas. I'm not sure I've ever seen that before, at least not in Kitsilano.

    Besides the lovely atmosphere, I need to tell a story to explain why Oz Coffee is truly a five star place. A couple weeks ago I was in the area and needed wifi to work remotely. I asked if the barista (possibly the owner?) if Oz had wifi. It did - I asked if there was a password - no, but the router may have been reset recently she offered. I don't know what this means so I buy a coffee and sit down to get rolling.

    For some reason, Windows 7 won't connect with the router - it says I need to get the PIN off the bottom of the router and re-set it up. I ask the baristas about this and offer to help - they say, sure go ahead and go sit in our office and do what you need to do. So, here I am, a complete stranger, never met them before, who desperately needs internet access to set up a long distance skype call, and they say, sure, go sit in our private office and set up the router for us! I mean, wow, it's really nice to be reminded that there are still a lot of people out there who just trust others immediately, and I was glad to come across them at a new favourite coffee shop.

    Anyway, it worked out fine, and the barista/owner thanked me for setting it all up - and then offered to shout me the next coffee. As I said, great place, great people.

  • Review from Ken Y.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/27/2010

    Great place!

    Coffee... I'm pretty boring and 99.9% of the time drink a medium roast black. They use JJ Bean coffee and I've always had a good experience with it.

    Food... For the most part, I think they make their own pastries and treats. I've noticed they slant towards having a lot of chocolate based pastries. For those chocolate fans (me included), this is a good thing. Just tried the chocolate crisp muffin... mmm. Basically, a chocolate muffin with globs of chocolate chip cookie dough lumped in. I haven't had lunch here, so no comment on that.

    Atmosphere... Nice modern look/feel. Very open and don't feel crowded. Some of the tables could be a little bigger if you are working on your laptop. The table top gets to be a little to crowded with your laptop, coffee and nibblies. A minor quibble, but they need more power outlets. (Sidenote: Some of the newer Waves and Blenz understand that and do an awesome job with strategically placed power outlets.) A little too easy to hear conversations next to you as sound bounces easily. Downside of modern interiors. I know it adds to the cost, but there are some sound absorbing materials (without looking like an afterthought), that can help.

    People... Very nice and cool. Customer service goes a long way towards building loyalty and they do a great job.

    Location... Seems like it gets good foot traffic, but a little out of my way to be a go-to hang for me. But, when I'm down here, this is definitely my new place to go.

  • Review from Lynn H.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/16/2010

    Good study spots are rare. They have to have that mystical combination of good coffee, open space, comfort (but not too comfortable, I don't want to doze off on top of my laptop), background noise (but not too much), and the option of food.

    Simply put, OZ has it all.

    Too bad I dropped/shattered a tea cup in the middle of the coffee shop on my first visit. I'm giving it a bit of time before I slink back in... shame always overcomes the need for a study space.

  • Review from Crystal H.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2010 10 Check-ins Here

    Sometimes, my favourite ways to write a review is while sitting inconspicuously at the back of the shop I'm writing about. This modern, new and LARGE coffee shop is exactly what this block of Broadway was in need of. From free wi-fi to a slightly secret back patio and comfy fireplace, I can't help but think eureka! I don't have to go all the way to Simply French for my fix (especially on Monday's when they're closed).

    My medium americano had a nutty flavour which I haven't experienced before, but loved none the less and a lemon poppy seed muffin got my morning sugars up. My one and only lament - comes with the water. It was so sweet that the barista served it to all the tables lounging around, almost like a real restaurant, but one taste of the metallic, bitter and chemically smelling water made me wonder should I spit or swallow and deal with whatever metals might be floating around my belly. Note to self: carry a water bottle always!

  • Review from Tina H.

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2010 6 photos

    I kind of don't want to review this place because  then it won't be a secret anymore and it'll be so packed I won't be able to come here anymore! Even just sitting here it's been filling up quite fast. That's ok, I'm taking the risk! I feel that people should know about this place.

    The service: great. Many of the people working are quite friendly, and there was lots there! They kept asking me how everything was. They seemed very accommodating (offering to open the back window for me). Nice touch. I love attentive service.

    The coffee: quite affordable for a flavoured latte and quite delicious as well. No fancy coffee art like you see next door at Caffè Artigiano but delicious all the same. A tad too hot and a tad too sweet, but other than that, quite good! Beans are from JJ Bean.

    The baked goods: from Monte Cristo. Pretty decent tasting. They're out for sampling which is nice. I didn't try the croissants but sampled on the muffins which were a tad sweet but still pretty good, especially the carrot walnut one.

    The tea: they have 3 varieties of Mighty Leaf including my favourite: organic hojicha green, and English breakfast. I didn't hear the third one.

    The decor: gorgeous and modern! High ceilings. Industrial. Smells brand spanking new! The washrooms are brand new and clean too. A mix of dark greys, lighter wood and reds. Some leather/pleather to sit on if you like that. They even have a fireplace! Also, they have a back patio, which looks onto the lot under construction but somewhat hidden by their plants.

    TCB: free password-protected wifi (just ask), power outlets available by the fireplace, booth benches for putting your stuff beside you if you need the extra space. This space is VERY conducive to getting work done. I've been here for a couple of hours and my bum doesn't hurt yet.

    The price: the coffee is nice and cheap. Very good spot to grab a latte. Tea is about $3, which is more than I'm used to paying for a tea bag (including Mighty Leaf). The sandwiches are about $7.60 plus tax which to me is quite steep for a sandwich that's on regular sliced bread (not even a sour dough baguette or anything). I haven't tried their sandwiches but I don't think I'd be getting one.

    Overall, a gorgeous place with delicious affordable coffee that is very conducive to getting work done. The fireplace looks like it could get quite cozy here when winter comes along. Also a cute spot for a coffee date I'm sure! I live in the neighbourhood so I'll definitely be back here!

    5 sexy stars, as long as you ignore the sandwiches.

  • Review from Tom E.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/11/2010

    Well, over the last few weeks, I've become quite attached to this place and now it's my favourite coffee shop on the Broadway strip.

    I love the way that they actually pay attention to the making of the espresso here.  They time the espresso and every morning they adjust the time based on variables such as humidity &c.. This leads to a great espresso.  Nice creme and great taste.  It's also a little cheaper than Artigiano and of similar quality.

    The staff are really friendly, as is the owner and the place has a nice, relaxed atmosphere to it.  The place is well suited to summer and has an airy feel to the interior.  There are also some pretty cool photos around the place which are worth a look while you're waiting for your fix.  

    The wifi i a nice touch, as is the water bowl for dogs outside.

    The only improvement that I would make would be to the pastries and sandwiches.  There is nothing wrong with them (in fact most look quite tasty), but they also don't really set themselves apart.  I've never felt drawn to buy food.  

    All in all, it's worth a visit, if you're in the hood.

  • Review from Brett C.

    •  
    • 21 friends
    • 108 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    Living in Kitsilano means you have a wide selection of coffee shops to choose from. So when Oz Coffee opened up I was a little surprised; there is a coffee shop literally three shops down the street, let alone the Blenz across the street at the end of the block. What was going to set this place apart in this already overly caffeinated part of Kits?

    With a little trepidation I decided to go try my staple drink on a sunny, windy Spring day: hot chocolate. When I first walked in with my girlfriend I was greeted by a pleasant atmosphere of open space and plenty of natural light. The interior design was modern but not to the point of being obnoxious.

    I ordered my drink from the friendly staff, my girlfriend an iced chai and a nuget ring. All three turned out to be great. For my hot chocolate it was a nice balance between the chocolate and the milk, with neither overpowering each other. The nuget ring was also great.

    I asked the owner about WiFi and he said they had it for free which is a wonderful (the place three stores down lacks it the last time I went there and Starbucks farther down has a time limit). This means I now have a pleasant coffee shop in my neighbourhood that I can go to and get work done when I feel the need to get out of my apartment.

    So there you have it: a new coffee shop in Kits that is worth going to. I suspect I will continue to go there to pick up my hot chocolates as the summer goes on and I want a drink as I meander about town.

  • Review from fred e.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 28 reviews

    West Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/27/2011

    So sad to hear. I really enjoyed the coffee here.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/2/2010

      Was on my coffee crawl when I saw this cafe.

      Just opened and I popped in for an espresso.

      The… Read more »

  • Review from James W.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2010 15 Check-ins Here

    I love this place! It's everything a coffee shop should be. It's got great coffee and treats (I'm addicted to their muffins). It's bright and clean and has super friendly staff. And it has something that makes it unique: the Aussie je ne sais quoi. ... I am a bit bummed they started blocking the electrical outlets, but maybe this is because they've lately grown so popular they can't afford to have so many campers.

  • Review from Suzanne F.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Soquel, CA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    12/8/2010

    Love Oz, though I have only been a couple times. Good coffee, good space, and good service. The baristas have always been helpful and considerate, and not too frustrated with my habit of camping there for a couple of hours while on a study binge. I am slightly in love with their fireplace, since my place (sadly) lacks one and I love studying in front of a fireplace in the winter, and Oz is conducive to that with their big comfy chairs directly in front of the fire.

    Only a couple of gripes.  Firstly, sometimes it takes a while to get a table, which is no good. Secondly, I wish the fireplace was on more often. I've never asked to turn it on (too much of a scaredy cat), but would appreciate it later in the day and when its cold out.

  • Review from Alexandra S.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2010

    Gorgeous space with great light and (miraculous!) a patio. Plenty of outlets, solid wifi, nice mix of cozy chairs, tables & banquette seating; lok forward to sitting by the fireplace next winter! Very friendly staff. And the coffee is good too!

  • Review from Chrissy G.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    7/1/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    We checked this place out on a whim (and after seeing good Yelp reviews), after having dinner in the neighborhood.  They make a wonderful soy latte. The coffee is obviously well roasted and high quality - and has such depth of flavor! I'll be back again and again!

  • Review from bOB H.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/24/2010

    Best coffee around. Awesome ambiance and cool atmosphere. Ray, the owner, rocks - super nice guy!

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