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The Buzz Café & Espresso Bar
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
901 Homer StVancouver, BC V6B 2W6
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Yaletown
(604) 732-9029
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for The Buzz Café & Espresso Bar
Review Highlights
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"Real art, soft lighting, staff who smile at you." In 22 reviews -
"Red (roobios tea) latte and blueberry scone." In 11 reviews -
"Word to the wise: don't eat the gluten-free baking." In 4 reviews
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Billy C.
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Traveling for work:
I come to Vancouver for work all the time. Its hard to find a great work space where I can get down and dirty in between meetings. I am always looking for some time out of the office or hotel room, so its perfect.
Enter Buzz Cafe, a great coffee shop and art gallery. Work within the confines of comfortable sofas and beautiful art. The coffee shop itself is separate so you are in a quite atmosphere. The staff from the gallery and the coffee shop are enjoyable and are quick to learn your name and drink type.
Get the grilled cheese sandwich and the cheese scones! CHEESE SCONES! -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
5/3/2012 1 photo
* Nice space and good espresso *
This art gallery/cafe was a nice place to park my butt for a while waiting for a meeting. The air was a bit stuffy and warm, but the espresso was good. It had a nice crema and smooth taste. No bitterness. They are serving 49th parallel beans. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...Listed in: Vancouver Coffee
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Review from Katy L.
3/24/2012
I love this place! Great for laptop campers and for meeting up with people. I ordered a delicious and decadent Rolo latte and cinnamon roll, so I can't speak to the quality of their "real" coffee (ie not overwhelmed by sugary chocolatey goodness) :) Great ambiance...not hush-hush quiet like a library, but easy to concentrate on work if you need to, and I loved being surrounded by interesting art.
As others have said, look for the smaller sign on the building saying "Buzz cafe" since the bigger one is for the art gallery...I almost missed it the first time walking by.
I wish there was a place like this where I live in Boston!! -
Review from Richard S.
Vancouver, BC
4/25/2012 1 photo
This is great little place. You'll definitely find yourself a quality coffee/latte/espresso here.
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Review from Gary M.
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have walked by this place a million times. maybe 1.2mill
Today I had the pleasure of coming inside, having a delightful cappuccino and enjoying this amazing wide open space. It is the quintessential place to have a meeting. It's like the perfect boardroom away from your boardroom.
I'll be back.
g -
Review from Michael C.
3/13/2012
Buzz cafe is great. Awesome seating areas and the coffee is reasonably priced. It's cheaper than Starbucks, which to me is reasonable!
It's first and foremost an art gallery (but more contemporary, i.e. you're more likely to see your Grandmother looking at the art rather than the students who just come here to lounge) and they decided to install a coffee bar too with lots of nice seating.
The only snag I have about this place is the music, it's kind of annoying. I come here to relax and work and am met with random bouts of realllllly loud club music. Im not sure whether to order a coffee or a glass of mdma!
The other snag is that it closes at 6pm, which isn't too much of a deal since Im already home by then. (but, should I wanna be here beyond 6 etc etc)
Either way, my two snags weren't enough to reduce my 5 stars down to 4. I love this place, especially the lovely barista ladies. They love my white shoes. -
Review from Irena L.
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a quaint little place! Just being inside of this place makes you feel like an artist. Seriously!
It's very spacious, which I love love love! Don't be fooled by the downstairs area, get your coffee and go upstairs. There are a few sofas and tables up there as well, and it's more private. Not to mention the art. Now that I think about it, it's the best idea ever - sipping coffee surrounded by art! Louvre should be a coffee shop...well, ok, maybe I went too far with that...
We didn't have food, but as far as the coffee goes, it's really good. They have a lot of options too, next time I'm going for a chai latte!Listed in: My cup of Joe
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Review from Cyrus G.
1/12/2012 26 Check-ins Here
This place wins because it's one of the few coffee shops that doesn't jam people in like sardines.
It doesn't hurt that the coffee is excellent and the upstairs area has some charm (i.e., doesn't follow the Vancouver-coffee-shop-template).
I was disappointed with the roast beef sandwich, but I'll have to try a couple more before I judge harshly. -
Review from Lolia S.
10/20/2011 4 photos
Laptop camper here. I like the ambiance of the café, the brick walls, the shared space with the art gallery, and the option to sit upstairs. It's warm and cozy with free wi-fi...a good place for laptop camping.
The menus have fancy picture frames. The cases are filled with panini sandwiches, wraps, pastries, etc. They had gluten free items, smoothies, red eye espressos, flavored lattes, etc.
* Latte - 49th Parallel Roasters beans, the latte didn't have the depth and richness and the aftertaste was a bit bitter. I like how it was served with a square of chocolate.
* English muffin breakfast sandwich: with ham and egg, tasted oddly sweet, it was premade but they warmed it up
You know you love me. X0 X0, laptop camper.Listed in: Confessions of a Coffeeaholic, Canada, I love you
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Review from Monica M.
3/19/2012
Went for the first time a couple weeks ago to meet a friend for coffee. We'd both never been before, but enjoyed the atmosphere, the coffee, and the space. As other reviewers have mentioned, it's located within the gallery and has a lot of upper level seating space with nice windows. My friend ordered a decadent-looking Rolo Latte which came with whipped cream and drizzled in caramel and chocolate. Yum!
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Review from Reena M.
11/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is the best cafe ever! Tons of space, and it's a gallery too!! This is the perfect place to study as they have free wifi. It's also a perfect place to bring that first encounter with a date from an online dating service (not that I would know...ahem ahem). They have sofas upstairs and space to walk around and look at the art work. The coffee quality is great!
Best of all, they have MAPLE flavour for lattes!!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!Listed in: Latte? Capuccino? Americano?…
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Review from Jc B.
West End, Vancouver, BC
3/28/2012
Awesome!
Great place to study!
Why?
- free internet - server is named willow
- outlets
- large tables
- spread out
- beautiful art
- great customer service
- great coffee
- not overly priced
Cons
- Only open until 6pm
I have a Mac and for some reason, my internet wasn't working at first. I went into settings/network/wifi and played around with the advanced settings and all of a sudden it started to work. Try restarting your computer, turning the airport on and off, goto the advanced wireless settings/TCP and renew your DHCP lease. Hope that helps! After that, flawless. -
Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
My hubby got an Espresso and I got a Soy Chai Latte. His Espresso was good, I didn't like my Chai so much, but I think it's because I'm so used to Starbucks syrupy chai crap ;-)
We shared an ooey gooey good Cinnamon Bun. Warm and comforting.
I liked the space concept with all the art. Makes me feel arty and cultured in a mad, mad world.Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Marc K.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012
Cutest coffee shop ever! It's an art gallery! Very spacious
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Review from Marc S.
Vancouver, BC
11/8/2011 3 Check-ins Here
my favourite coffee shop! It's located inside the Harrison Galleries has approx 4000 sq ft available so that you can have a conversation and not be overheard. Great for client meetings and small events up to 200 ppl.
Coffee is fantastic! -
Review from Robin M.
7/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Why did it take me all this time to come here?? And better yet, why did it take me all this time to write about it??
A perfectly cozy cafè, Buzz hits all the marks I set for a good coffee joint to hang in. Bright, spacious, a variety of seating options (read: both tables AND big comfy couches), separate spaces, friendly people (staff and patrons), and above all, a good cup of coffee. I'd say this well-kept downtown secret is a pretty perfect spot to get away from the sometimes hectic urban noise. A win in my books.
Word to the wise: don't eat the gluten-free baking. Just don't. -
Review from Trudi C.
I could not find this place for the life of me! I stood on the opposite corner with my bike, the sound of roadworks drilling, and stared and stared. There's a gallery, there's a bar, there's roadworks...wait, the gallery!
Nice place inside, funky art on the walls. 3 friendly ladies greeted me from behind the counter, and I ordered a lovely creamy latte! Just the right amount of thick foam, and a little free chunk of chocolate (your choice of light or dark - can I have both? :P).
Recommended - oh and they play great music! Had some Beatles remixes on in the background :) -
Review from Melissa K.
Vancouver, BC
2/17/2012
The overall experience of friendly staff, comfortable environment, great tasting treats, and free wifi makes me come back to Buzz Cafe. O, yes, and it's actually an Art Gallery. You can make arrangements there for special events. They brew 49th Parallel Coffee and even have an upper shelf full of healthier options; vegan, gluten free, organic, etc. Their sandwiches are good and reasonably priced. They have ample seating but does get busy. This place deserves to be a lot busier than they are but I think it's just hidden with an unassuming front. It's a good alternative to JJ Bean and Starbucks just a block away on either side.
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Review from Purdy J.
8/31/2011
Cosy, quiet cafe with lots of drink and baked goods. Excellent place to relax and get away from the busy downtown core. The cafe has 2 floors and showcases a lot of artwork. A Really neat concept. Staff is super friendly and didn't rush me as I carefully inspected the menu and looked for something to jump out at me.
Tried the double chocolate chip cookie raspberry fruit smoothie and a second ginger cookie for the road (i really love cookies, especially big ones). The Smoothies are simple and made with fruit puree and ice. Was a little sweet, but hey it's a fruit smoothie. The Cookie was really chocolately and apparently being discontinued! There were many other options including the gluten free alternatives, yay!
Will consider giving it 5 stars when I've had a chance to try the coffee. I was feeling fruity and chocolately today so that just means I have to come back again for the coffee. Can't wait to try the lattes that everyone is raving about.
Cookies were $2.50+, smoothie was $4. Prices are what you'd expect. The Free wireless is awesome (and yes, Robin M is right, the Internet is so fast!) and is allowing me to yelp as I enjoy my delicious cookie. Lots of comfy seating too... Very spacious, yet cosy. Tables aren't close together and you really feel like you have privacy and relax for hours! -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
In the past number of months, I've found myself soaking in the speedy and free wi-fi at The Buzz on an evermore frequent basis.
I think it's because:
-that free and fast wi-fi can't be beat
-enough plugs
-49th Parallel coffee that is tasty and fresh
-iced teas are made to order (go for the fruity one!)
-tomato and bocconcini paninis are fresh and lightly grilled
-the tables downstairs means "serious" business
-the sofas upstairs mean "business casual"
-the noise level is low which means you can work and hear yourself think
-the artwork is inspiring
-there's always parking outside
-Oh, and Chris and Jen, the owners, are probably the friendliest, most kind hearted people I have met, in a long time.
See you guys again soon!Listed in: Vancouver's Coffee Culture: A…, Where's My Wi-Fi? These…, Solo In Vancouver: One Can Be…, Service with a Smile!, Artful Vancouver
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/6/2009
Rats, I actually thought I was going to score FTR here! It's been on my list of places to try out… Read more »
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Review from Awesta M.
8/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I really, really like this place. I was studying for some serious exams a while ago. I was going all over town for places to meet my study group and eventually we ended up here.
Chris quickly figured out what we were doing and made every effort to coordinate a space for us to study in. So NICE!! This place became our go to spot for studying.
But before you think, well that's nice and all but how's the coffee. Well, let me tell you. They make a mean chai tea latte and latte (yes, I don't venture far from my comfort zone, why do you ask?).
And the food, spot on. I've indulged in a many a scone over there and have never walked away disappointed. If you're over the chain coffee places then this is your best bet to make you never want to go back... -
Review from John P.
5/15/2011
Staying downtown Vancouver, I was kind of surprised at the dearth of coffee shops within walking distance. When I asked for suggestions, the desk clerk mentioned the Starbucks just down the street. Really? You can't do any better than that???
Well, after a bit of yelping, I found that the Buzz was a few short blocks from the hotel, and I'm glad that I did!
It was, without a doubt, the best espresso I had during my entire visit. The pastries were tasty as well. A larger selection of them would have been nice, but I wasn't unhappy with any of the ones that I tried.
What set this place apart for me, was the artwork. I'm not talking about a smattering of works here and there. The entire second floor is a gallery and there were some impressive pieces. It made for a great vibe.
If I had to find one knock against the place, it would be the short hours. It seems that a large number of coffee places in Vancouver shut down at 6PM. That's just about the time that my eyes are fully opened. -
Review from Sarah H.
Halifax, NS
7/6/2011
Went here this morning for a cup of joe and something for breakfast. The place was adorable and the food was great, but I'm not convinced it was worth the money I paid.
The atmosphere is cute and great artwork all over the place. I would like to go back and get a pastry (they seem to be all the rave here). The breakfast wrap I had was absolutely delicious, and the barristas were really nice, so I'm I fan! -
Review from Nicole F.
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
The moment I walked in, I was silently praising Yelp for helping me find THE MOST PERFECT place to study, EVER!!
Right on the corner of Homer and Smithe is where you can find this cute 2 floor coffee shop and art gallery with a wonderfully quiet atmosphere and a variety of big comfy couches where you can set up camp for a few hours with a latte.
There only seemed to be one girl holding down the fort, which wasn't a problem since there was almost nobody in there. She was such a sweetheart too.
They have a list of the drink syrup options which is surprisingly extensive. I went with a Gingerbread latte (it was delicious by the way) and while I waited, I browsed the little display case with all the goodies. There are tons of muffins and goodies and even a small selection of gluten-free vegan snacks. I also saw a good variety of sandwiches and wraps including a few veggie options. The grilled cheese sounds amazing... I will have to try it next time.
We stayed for a few hours and went through a few drinks and it was so great. I'll definitely be back, even if I don't need to study. You've won me over Buzz Cafe!Listed in: Favourites, Study Spots!
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Review from Erin U.
12/6/2011
Great little cafe and bakery right next to my apartment, honestly cant really go wrong when its like 12 steps away. Yummy treats, wifi and art gallery and of course great coffee. Veggie stuff and gluten free stuff for those who need it. YUM!
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Review from L M.
3/23/2012
Finally, a fantastic, non-watery cappuccino! Great customer service, and to add yet another heavenly touch: an art gallery! A truly great experience. Will definitely come back when in the lovely, liquid-sunshiny Vancouver.
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Review from Jen A.
9/9/2011
I had coffee and the Minestrone soup, both were ok but not great. I was expecting a better food selection.
This seems like a good place to study since they have nice big tables and the people that work here are very nice. I'm not sure I considered it cozy since it was a little big and open. -
Review from Kenny F.
York, ON
1/7/2012
I love this place, a friendly and inviting place with great espresso.
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
3/4/2011
I'm here right now on the 2nd level in the breath-taking Harrison Galleries listening to their selection of U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Elton John, etc... Great place overall!
49th Parallel Cappuccino made quite straightforward no fancy Latte Art so I would think for people who return, this would be an excellent place to get away and relax with a cup of Tea. It would fit the mood quite nicely as this space is definitely fitting for a relaxing afternoon.
It reminds me slightly of Cafe 260 in Toronto but the Paintings here have more of a Nature theme with bold brush-strokes. Note: It looks like they painted the walls on the 1st level using the 49th Parallel Blue or is it Turquoise? Sorry, I'm pretty bad with colors.Listed in: Vancouver'ing for the Week, VanCOFFEE
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Review from Brittany W.
North Vancouver, BC
5/28/2011 5 photos
A coffee shop with health-conscious pastry options remixed with an art gallery for coffee-dwellers to enjoy. Very unique concept! Paintings in the gallery change every 2-3 weeks - highly recommend it!
Had an Iced Americano ($3.50) and Almond & Quinoa Vegan Cookie ($3.25) - both amazing! -
Review from Mike S.
Vancouver, BC
10/12/2011
4.5 stars... Great space - there's art upstairs w/ample, comfortable seating and you're not on top of each other. The staff is really friendly and laid back but not too laid back. Oh yeah, the coffee - excellent...
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Review from Faraaz J.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2011
4.5 Star.
First, it's connected to an Art Gallery, very cool.
Second, it serves the strongest (and tastiest) espresso in town (49th Parallel beans).
Third, friendly staff who are always smiling.
Honestly, this is my "goto" coffee shop... great espresso and service! I've taken all my friends here and they're always a fan (they're also baked goods for the non-caffeinated inclined folk)
I docked the .5 star because I'd really love to have them stay open later... it's a shame after you get home from work you can't go out and enjoy a nicely pulled espresso from them, but such is life.Listed in: Best Places for Espresso in…
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Review from Youna C.
Vancouver, BC
3/10/2011 1 photo
Despite the fact that this cafe is less than a block away from my house, today was the first time I checked out The Buzz Cafe & Espresso Bar in the 6 months I've been living in Vancouver -and let's just say, I am kicking myself for not having done so earlier!
Let's talk about the ambiance - an art gallery AND a cafe? can it get any more artsy and chic? And the best part is, you can enjoy both at once! I was so excited to find that among the painted walls and hung paintings of local artists were cozy couches and snug tables - perfect for those students looking to find some extra study space away from home (as i did today) or for some friends to come in for a hearty chat. Plus the music selection is perfect - a nice variety of jazz, alternative, some soft rock, and classics. "All you need is love" by the Beatles totally made my day today.
Now, I'm no coffee connoisseur, but the latte I had today was darn good! And the chocolate croissant - well, you can't really go wrong with that. I must read up more on 49th Parallel because a latte as good as the one today deserves some kudos for its amazing coffee beans.
And on my way out, a lady, who I think was the owner (?) gave me the biggest ear-to-ear grin and a 'have a nice day' which wrapped up my experience at the Buzz on a very pleasant and memorable note.
I will definitely make my way to The Buzz again - if only it was open longer! -
Review from Jenna L.
11/12/2010
I would sum this place up as "MEH". That is a big "MEH"
The reviews below were so good so I thought I would walk 5-6 blocks to get here. When I got here, the lady was chatting away at a table nearby and then came to serve me. When I handed my mug and asked for a drip coffee, she suggested I go for the large size to fill up the mug..
I thought "I don't think so" I asked for medium size and she hesistently obliged. I mean I know I goto Starbucks and asked for tall and they just fill it up to the top no problem (my mug is not that big btw) how much more ml of coffee going to cost? Well, at the end of the day she did fill it to the top but with reluctant look on her face, well there goes a service I tell ya. Plus the drip coffee was sooooo sour I absolutely hated it. I think I should have gotten something else instead.. But anyhow I won't be returning to this place in no time. -
Review from Ramon V.
8/5/2010 2 Check-ins Here
The first coffee of the day is like a new pair of shoes. It can put wings on your feet, or it can ruin your day. In my case, I like to have one good coffee in the morning, and ride out the day from there. It can set the mood and lightens the load if done properly. This is why it's a big gamble to try a new place.
Only slightly out of my path to work, Buzz stands quiet and strong on the corner of Homer and Smithe. A front door that reminds me of the bookstore in The NeverEnding Story (the bookstore was actually in Gastown). Particularly the scene where Bastian twists the doorknob and enters the strange shop with lots of peculiarities after escaping from the bullies.
An art gallery peers down on the cafe below, giving the feeling of a much larger space than perceivable from outside.
Oh yeah, this is a food review. The coffee is rich, smooth and on the mark every time. I'll be back. Often.Listed in: Vancouver Americanos
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Review from B C.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2011
Great atmosphere. Lovely art gallery and very nice selection of tea and food. Best of all, very friendly staff! Recommended! ^^
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Review from Anna W.
8/4/2010
My 69th review, what! The Buzz Cafe is totally worthy of the honor.
My cousin and I were wandering around downtown during the Olympics, and wanted to take a break. After she ordered, I warned the barista about my habit of coming up with random combinations. Not only was she cool with it, she asked me for my name so that she might name the drink after me. The baristas chatted with the other people there, who seemed to be regulars, while my cousin and I amused ourselves with the crayons (what color represents me? silly jelly pink?).
I went back a few days later, ordered something off the menu again (pumpkin hot chocolate--you have got to try it). It was so much fun watching the US-Sweden game; I should really try watching games in coffee shops more often (when they have TVs). I felt like I was in some artsy movie, with the baristas talking to the regulars about their hair, dogs, and flava of the moment. I wandered upstairs, which I knew was a gallery, but I thought it was uber-awesome that there was a table, a few chairs, and a couch, so you could take breaks between enlightening your artistic sensibilities.
The coolest part for me was that right next to the cashier, on a maple leaf, there was a Canadian special called Cafe Anna (white chocolate and maple latter). It should've been an American special, but with the impending US-Canada hockey game, I think a few espressos would've been thrown. Apparently, according to those who have ordered the drink, the Cafe Anna's tasty. Damn straight! -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
5/24/2010
I've read such awesome things about this place and always pass by it on my way to work but never had the time to stop.
However, I needed a coffee before going into work because I knew it was going to be a long day... so I choze the Buzz as my coffee spot. It was pouring rain on Tuesday morning and I didn't have my umbrella... so walking into the Buzz just before 8am made me feel warm and cozy. I had no idea at how large the space was behind the coffee bar as the large art gallery held conferences and meetings (one was happening as I made my order).
I saw so many different flavours of drinks all over the place - I was soo delighted! They use Ghiradelli chocoalte so I knew that if i felt like it, I couldn't go wrong. However, I went with the Maple Spice Latte (essentially maple flavoured.. the name comes of the bottle.. no actual spice).
The staff were so friendly, made me feel right at home... my mouth was watering while I was waiting for my drink, starring at all the large pastries! When the drink was called out, I thought it sounded wrong.. I remembered ordering no foam.. the the gentleman said.. "foamy".. sure enough, I confirmed and they politely apologized as the gentleman making the coffee indeed heard the order wrong.
They were just so nice about it... and I was all smiles despite the incorrection. The coffee was delicious and I was very pleased. I will be back to try the irish cream latte and the wonderful smoothies this place has to offer! -
Review from Peter S.
5/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Just like a few of my undergrad classes, this 5 star review of Buzz Cafe was a no-brainer.
I don't know how they do it, but as soon as you walk in it feels like you are visiting a friend in their cozy home. A warm smile greets you every time.
My latte is always just right, and the artwork is worth a gander if you have a sec.
A+ to the owners for creating this masterpiece surrounded by a city full of knockoff coffee shops.Listed in: Vancouver's best Lattes
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Review from Matt K.
6/5/2010
Every time I'm in Vancouver I make a point of stopping into the Buzz. Rich coffee and an appealing atmosphere make this place a lasting memory rather than simply another coffee shop.
Anyone from Seattle (or from anywhere for that matter) visiting the Couv should treat themselves to an afternoon at the Buzz Cafe.
