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The Boulevard Coffee Roasting Co
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Coffee & Tea, Art Galleries [Edit]
5970 Univeristy BlvdVancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Neighbourhood: UBC
(604) 827-4488
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for The Boulevard Coffee Roasting Co
Review Highlights
21 reviews in English
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Review from Laura S.
Vancouver, BC
2/7/2012
UBC was in dire need of a coffee shop with real coffee, and Boulevard filled this gap perfectly! Despite the student staff turnover (which can be the downfall of an otherwise decent coffee shop), the coffee is consistent and delicious! They cater to students and staff/faculty alike!
I occasionally get lunch here, as my office is very nearby. Their sandwiches are ok, but nothing special. Their food choices would be much improved with a bit more variety (particularly in the veggie department).
As far as coffee goes, this is the only place to go at UBC. -
Review from Youna C.
Vancouver, BC
3/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Three words: Hipster Coffe Joint.
After months of just passing by this place to-and-from the bus loop, I finally checked out this place this morning, when I was nearly dying of hunger. I already had a coffee on me this morning so I just grabbed a breakfast sandwich to go (tomato, arugula, and egg). Good combination of flavours, and they heat it up really nice and hot so the cheese is all oozing and yummy. Must try their coffee next time though, as I hear they have an amazing roast. Very roomy, and simple decor, with kind of a JJBean-like vibe. Nice-sized menu, with lots of options for desserts/treats/sandwiches. People working there are...yeah, pretty much all hipsters, suave, and might I add quite good looking? =P Shall come here to study sometime, or to kick off the morning with a good caffeine boost. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
5/13/2011
Disclaimer: I actually work with Boulevard Coffee's founder (yeah, the man has a day job in addition to the coffee shop!).
I was skeptical. On-campus coffee? The universities I went to were not particularly well-known for their coffee - we just needed the caffeine to survive. I didn't have the 'skim milk-1 pump vanilla' habit until I started a real job.
But here? WIN! a latte the way I like, no 'burnt coffee taste' like you get at your local SB, and an interesting shop to boot.
If my universities had a coffee shop like this, I might've never left to study off campus! Looks like a place you could chill and watch the hipsters for a few hours. -
Review from Jenna L.
2/1/2011
I thought I review this place already but maybe I am wrong..
I come here before my night class and grab a large latte to go. But I have sat down as well. The price is good, especially if you order a large size. It was $3.75? I am guessing here...
The foam has nice thickness to it, and the coffee is not too strong nor weak, just the right roast. I have to say I have tasted better coffee elsewhere though.
The choice of food is not very extensive and never appealed to me in both the price and the appetite.
The baristas definitely have some attitude going on like the previous post. It is generally, "I am too cool for you." But in all fairness, the girl who took my order was chatty and friendly. I will come here again on the way to class. -
Review from orly v.
Vancouver, BC
6/25/2010
I think that the Boulevard Coffee Roasting Co. has the best coffee in Vancouver, with the finest flavour and texture. It is also very nice place to sit in.
The only disadvantage of this place is that the thing that supposed to come with your coffee, some kind of a pastry, in not that great and sometimes overpriced.... -
Review from Tim S.
6/27/2010 43 Check-ins Here
The best coffee for miles around and a hub for hipster fashion at UBC. ;p Their highlight for me is their drip coffee, especially when they feature one of their lighter roasts.
Boulevard has good execution, good breadth, and a good vibe. They carry a selection of teas and have pastries, salads, and sandwiches. Drip coffee is excellent. I've found the espresso forgettable but not bad. A coworker has excellent things to say about the soy latte, but, alas, I'm allergic to soymilk, so you'll have to tell me whether she's right or not. Food prices are oddly high enough to have dissuaded me from ever trying anything, but it always *looks* good.
Their roaster is parked in the window and it's not just for decoration -- I've walked past after closing before and I've seen it in use. Keepin' it real -- I like it!
I'm gonna say this and I'll even keep a mostly straight face -- but Boulevard patrons and staff tend to rock a California-inspired hipster style distinct from the more traditional Pac NW breed you'll see at other coffee hotspots around the city. It's, like, way bloggier. I'm gonna chalk up to the university influence. You get the sense they screen employees for style. It means they play good music, though, so no complaints here. As for the shop, the room has a slightly unpleasant monolithic minimalism -- blank white that makes me hear "austere" louder than "design aesthetic" -- but then I never stick around anyway.
All in all, a pretty satisfying coffeeshop experience. All praise to Boulevard for keeping me awake through my morning lab meetings...Listed in: Coffee that doesn't suck
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Review from Jodie L.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2010
Ahh... the Boulevard.
It was my favourite place to study, but I'm just not digging it as much any more. While the atmosphere and the music are amazing (you're transported back to early 2000 with the tunes of Emiliana Torrini, Cafe del Mar & Manu Chao) , the snacks and service really need a make-over.
The servers are just too cool for school - the cafe needs a Type A personality to get in there and clean up the dishes which can sit out on empty tables for hours, and restock the washrooms with toilet paper & paper towels that is always out.
Sometimes I study there long enough to need to order a lunch - a sandwich & soup special is the only option. I've learned that the sandwiches need be grilled as the bread is often stale otherwise. I've had a few "you've got to be kidding me" moments there - for example, last month, when I ordered a sandwich and the server plopped it on my plate, plastic wrap and all, & shot me a look of great inconvenience when I asked if it could please be toasted. Dudette, it's in your job description...
I try to be a good customer - I tip, I'm polite, I don't over-stay my visit (i.e. I always buy something and often whole meals) but I am just not comfortable there any more. I can't seem to make these people happy (shouldn't it be the other way around?) It's too bad, as they have the best Jasmin tea ever... take out, I guess? -
Review from Tina H.
1/10/2010
Sometimes when I go the latte I get is really good and sometimes it's bad with a sad attempt at coffee art. Don't get me wrong, I can't do the coffee art thing but I don't work as a barista. Anyhow, it's not just the art it's the actual flavour sometimes. Sometimes it's really good, sometimes it's sub-Starbucks.
The cookies are yummy. The sandwiches are overpriced for what they are ($7). I can't eat most of the sandwiches because of the pine nuts.
Service is not friendly, but I guess because it's on campus and there's a lot of people, it's hard to be nice to everyone... (??)
On the other hand, the tea options are delicious! I bought a bag of the white tea to brew at home because I liked it so much. They use two different temperature water to brew tea, which is stuff I usually only see at fancy tea shops so I was very impressed. It really DOES make a difference!
If you're a UBC student, there's Wifi.
Overall, they're the best coffee and tea option on campus! They're usually quite good, there's just usually a line up and the service isn't always that friendly, but I still go back because it's the best there is at UBC... But there's room for improvement. -
Review from Louise L.
Vancouver, BC
3/7/2010
The Boulevard Coffee Roasting Co. is one of the best coffee spots I've found in Vancouver.
The coffee is strong, rich and worthy of the price. The atmosphere is modern and relaxed with consistently good tunes.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia I consider myself somewhat of a coffee snob having frequented St Ali, Gas, Journal and Degraves. While this isn't quite the institution of those, I'm delighted to call Boulevard my home away from home. -
Review from Sarah A.
5/13/2011 19 Check-ins Here
This is a great little spot on campus. Good atmosphere, good music, great coffee and excellent service. Gets crowded at lunchtime and peak hours when classes are in session.
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Review from May B.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010
One of my favourite places to study at UBC and an awesome place to catch up with friends for coffee dates. You can find me here at least three times a week enjoying my regular mocha, or a matcha latte if I'm feeling the tea.
I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I am addicted to their mochas and I find myself craving them way too often. The tea is really good too, and they have italian sodas for those hot days. The mango ginger is a fave. I really enjoy the sandwiches but they are on the pricey side so they're a once-in-a-while treat. Still, spinach and roasted red pepper = yum. Pastries and cookies I find kinda meh, they come in frozen and they just pop em in the oven.
WIFi is free if you're a student so I spend alot of time either blogging or essay writing at the Boulevard. Actually, its common to find a shortage of outlets as most people at the cafe are plugged into their Macbooks. Music is mostly a hit, depending on who's controlling the iPod. They`ve also got a pair of great leather couches on which I`ve spent a couple hours catching up with old friends. Nothing to complain about on the service end either; they're friendly enough and get my drinks out in good time.
Yeah, the Boulevard`s pretty much my go-to coffee joint on campus. -
Review from Peter S.
4/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
A little under four stars for their teas and fair trade coffees. Their baked goods are over priced and not the greatest. Everytime I have caved and ordered a cookie I regret it. Undercooked and not even close to Blue Chip.
I usually end up squinting at the menu on the wall too! Which is odd as it's not really that complicated or wordy for that matter.
But overall, Boulevard is a nice lil spot for a break from class, and I almost always find a seat.Listed in: Vancouver's best Lattes
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Review from Adam K.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 4/22/2009
Came here three times since the last review, usually on a late night run studying for exams. Latte's were consistently cold and when we asked the counter person to heat it up/redo it she was kinda rude and unapologetic.
Also, the regular coffee last time was disgusting. They either put wayy too little beans in or re-used an old coffee filter but it was basically like drinking bitter water.
The americanos may still be good because theres no milk component for them to mess up but I will be going to the more consistently reliable village starbucks from now on when I need a coffee on campus late at night.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/17/2009
Its the best place for coffee on the UBC campus. Four stars mainly because the coffee is good, not… Read more »
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Review from Adam M.
Vancouver, BC
5/12/2009
Good for times when you don't want to hang out in the colder atmosphere of a Starbucks or Blenz, but also want a decent cup of coffee.
The drinks aside, I have come here mainly to hang out or accompany someone who wants a coffee. I would not recommend the "italian soda", as it's a waste of money spent on club soda and a shot of flavouring. Regarding service, the staff had a negative reaction to questions regarding their products, so we would certainly not return for that. However, there is something to be said for beating the alternative, so I guess I will once again end up here if friends want a late-night java fix. -
Review from Mike A.
Vancouver, BC
3/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great tea and service.
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Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/31/2008
Stop for a delicious coffee at this bright location, which is conveniently situated on University Blvd. across from the bus loop.
It's a popular area to study (obviously) but also offers a little more feel and diversity than the nearby Blendz. The selection of tea in particular is unique with varieties such as Noce de Thé -- a blend their website describes as "China white tea with flowers of water lily and yuzu, infused with pale petals of pink." Didn't know "pink" was really something notable to add to tea, but you learn new things all the time.
Coffee is freshly roasted here and comes with the warm-fuzzy stamps of organic and fair-trade.
The menu is projected onto the wall behind the cash (what's the hint that the owners were once UBC students and have attended many a lecture?) and I found it a bit hard to read. Wow, I sound like my parents.
But overall the light, airy, and cozy atmosphere draws a very rewarding four-stars from this judge. -
Review from Dani B.
5/21/2009
This place is a bit pricey, but I like the atmosphere a lot better then other cafes on campus.
Their food selection is pretty limited and small but they do have a good tea selection (sorry, I don't drink coffee).
I've also been to many social justice events here so it's nice to see they are using the space for a good cause (at least for a part of the time). -
Review from Reena M.
4/23/2009 38 Check-ins Here
The coffee is good. I'm judging it based on my vanilla latte's. It's always made to perfection. The bean's not over-roasted. The sweetness level is perfect. And there's usually a pretty design in my drink! The atmosphere is nice for meeting a friend for coffee and what not. I like it. It's a great alternative to the numerous Starbucks on campus (boo!).
Listed in: Yelping 101 at the University…
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Review from Amy K.
Vancouver, BC
6/23/2011
The best soy latte in Vancouver! Love the place, great atmosphere and friendly staff.
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Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
11/6/2009
For the area it's ok. Coffees and teas have always been good (at least for me), however their baked goods are way overpriced. I paid $6 for a ham and egg breakfast muffin (yes, I am a chump.. a hungry chump), only to find that someone thought it'd be a good idea to squeeze 1/2 a bottle of ranch dressing in the sandwich. I ended up throwing out the last 1/4 of the sandwich because it was just so ranchy.
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Review from Julie L.
Vancouver, BC
1/9/2011
The Japanese tea here was delicious.
