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The Elysian Room
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1778 5th Ave WVancouver, BC V6J 1P2
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 734-1778
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 7:30 pm
Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for The Elysian Room
Review Highlights
"They also have fresh baked goods, as well as sandwiches."
(in 3 reviews)
"I like to savor my Americano in the purest possible way."
(in 5 reviews)
"This place makes incredible espresso."
(in 8 reviews)
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Cathy S.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
New day. Different Location. Different Barista. Totally different experience.
After having an unpleasantly bitter espresso the day before at the Broadway location, I sought some type of validation for the high number of stars that Elysian has received for both of it's locations.
Contrary to other Yelp reports of churlish, aloof employees, I found the female barista very pleasant and informative, explaining to me the possible reasons for the mishap with the previous days drink. As I suspected, it more than likely was barista error. She, in turn, pulled a lovely espresso with a rich, full flavor and a nice chocolatey finish using the same type of bean that was used the previous day at Broadway.
This location is off the beaten path but is more worthy of a repeat visit than the Broadway location. -
Review from Edward L.
Elysian is tucked away around the corner in the same building as the 5th Avenue Theatre. Good thing Vincent N. told me to give them a try, or I would never have known they exist. And I drive down Burrard all the the time.
Parking is available on Burrard, and around the block after 1800.
It's interesting that previous reviews complain about the attitude of the baristas. This must be in the past because they were some of the friendliest I have met in a coffee shop in a while. They greeted me the instant I walked in the door, and everyone was smiling.
The inside was somewhat trendy, with lots of dark wood. Some trendy upbeat music was playing in the background. Maybe this is the wrong way to describe it, but I would call it a more upscale version of Starbucks, without the coffee chain feel.
Even though I only wanted a regular coffee, they made it fresh. Took them 5-10 minutes to grind the coffee and make one individual cup's worth. Nice personal touch. Of course, one can argue that it should be expected, as my cup of Colombia La Loma was $3.
Elysian would be a good place to read while enjoying a cup of joe. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2012 1 photo
* My favourite espresso *
Yes, I have searched long and hard for the best and most consistent espresso in Vancouver, and I keep returning to old reliable Elysian. I have yet to have a bad shot of espresso here. Some of reported baristas with an attitude here, but I have never noticed that at all. They are always friendly, professional, and pull an excellent shot. The espresso is smooth, with a wonderful crema, complex in flavours, never sludgy, and never overly bitter. It is what espresso should be. A perfect little shot of joy. Photo: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
P.S. FWIW I find this location much better than the location on Broadway. Both the vibe and the quality of the espresso. Although the one on Broadway does have complimentary sparkling water instead of still if you prefer.Listed in: Vancouver Coffee
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Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
11/24/2011
I'm as about impressed with Elysian Coffee as they were with me as a customer. Which is to say, not much. Too-cool-for-you staff made me a lukewarm mocha - with no whip either. Not even a hint of foam. $5 with tax, screw you tip jar.
As I continued on down the street, off the beaten track where Elysian hides out, I did actually find myself enjoying the coffee. I wish I could make something this good so I could be a miserable git to everyone who asked for one, and maybe even have them come back for more. They should rename themselves Curmudgeon Coffee. -
Review from Kai C.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2012
Great coffee and treats to accompany. First time there, used it as a meetup with friends, we all liked it. I had a cappuccino and a chocolate soft cookie, both were really good :) great mixed ages of patrons, free wifi, good service, and cozy. Look forward to revisit during the day.
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Review from Robin M.
9/22/2011
Yikes, what did I miss? After hearing / reading such great things about Elysian, I was stoked to finally get the opportunity to check it out. Stepping in was like walking through a time-warp -- baristas that look like they came straight out of Portlandia, and a 90s 'coffee-is-all-the-rage' interior to match, I was a bit taken off guard. But I read Sassy magazine as a teenager, I get the riot grrrl thing, I can dig it.
But what I couldn't get into was the attitude. Not a smile, not a thank you, barely even a care that we were there, the baristas were pretty depressing. Not only that, they were argumentative and pretentious -- not what I want while sitting in stained, worn out booths.
The coffee was good, I'll give them that. But I won't be back.Listed in: Caffeinated, Nope, Not Again
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Review from Karen M.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I sampled my first coffee drink two years ago at The Elysian Room. It was so good that it has become my touchstone for successive caffeinated beverages. Hubby and I only come to Vancouver every year at most for the Christmas hols and The Elysian Room has become one of our annual traditions. Today, we took a little field trip to the ER -- *our* ER! -- and our visit did not disappoint. I had a cappucino, hubby had a macchiato and we both shared a ham and gruyère sandwich, accompanied by a carrot/walnut muffin and a blueberry oat muffin. All consumed items were fresh, tasty, and gone within minutes. The coffees were smooth and full-bodied with the requisite latte art. The only other place in which I've enjoyed a coffee drink is Sambalatte in Las Vegas, NV (my current city)....but I think the ER will hold my caffeine-needy heart! My only criticism is that everything is kind of spendy here at the ER, but it IS Vancouver, which boasts both a high standard and cost of living.
Baristas were very friendly and knowledgeable about the joe they serve. Bonus! -
Review from Henry B.
Vancouver, BC
I absolutely love Elysian but this location just doesn't give the same positive vibe as the one on Broadway. It's tucked away on 5th and Burrard and I only come here when I'm getting my car serviced at the dealership nearby. Most of the clientele are from local business.
I ordered my usual Americano on my last visit and told the barista I'll drink it here. He gave it to me in a paper cup thinking I might need it to go. No, no, no Mr. Barista, I need it in a real cup, ceramic all the way! I like to savor my Americano in the purest possible way. And I didn't get a cup of that sparkling water that Elysian is known for; get it together Mr. barista! This guy must be having a bad day but I don't want to knock anybody based on one experience. Besides, I only care about their coffee.
Despite my bad experience that one time, I still believe Elysian has the best espresso in Vancouver and that's why I keep coming back. -
Review from Amanda F.
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Elysian Room is a great little spot. I've never been to it's sister cafe on Broadway, though, so I'm not judging it against that like some others.
Anyway, I stop at this cafe a few times a week, as it's just around the corner from my place of employment, and I'd rather go here than wander further down West 4th into the yuppie abyss of (even more) overpriced everything.
It's got lovely little booths to sip a morning cappuccino (and the coffee is really, really smooth. yum!), and I've never had a bad experience with the staff. Love the high ceilings too!
I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to come here, because it's not anything out-of-the-ordinary amazing, but it's a great little place and as long as I work in the area, they'll continue to have my patronage. -
Review from Jenna L.
7/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
It's my first time at this location. The people here are so lovely. They seem happy to be working here and the positive attitude is contagious :)
I had an amaretto which was chewy and yummy. My latte is of course always amazing. I actually like the vibe of this location!! It is smaller than the Broadway location but it still has a few outdoor seatings. -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
3/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Just as great as Elysian on Broadway. I prefer the contemporary and clean vibe at the other location but I care about the coffee not the space.
So why only 4 stars when I wrote a five star poem for the other location? Because a couple staff members here are always churlish. All things being equal, the service at the other location merits the extra star.
I hope they don't change anything about their product. In the meantime, let's all get together and treat some of the staff members like the divas they are. Bestow praise upon them for their hard work and their nice, I dunno, hair or whatever. And tip generously. They're obviously unhappy working at this location. The neighbourhood is kind of a dump. Together we can bring them out of their funk and maybe their mood will change along with this rating.Listed in: Coffee. The Good, The Brewed &…
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Review from Vancity Girl M.
Vancouver, BC
5/7/2011
I like this place! 1. It's a cute little place to do my homework on a Saturday morning (been here over an hour and a half and no awkward stares that I should be leaving) 2. Coffee is delish.
The food (I had a blueberry oat muffin) is ok. But from the smell of this place I'm sure their other stuff is great.
The "customer service" - I think it's quite great. I don't like fake friendly and these people are the right amount of friendly. -
Review from Vincci L.
The high ceilings, large windows, and a soothing cozy atmosphere is what I like about this place. Their menu is simple and short: coffee, Americano, espresso, macchiato, chai, loose leaf teas. There's only one size for their drinks.
They also have fresh baked goods, as well as sandwiches. (The turkey & brie sandwich looked so good.)
We got macchiatos, and took a seat at one of their small tables indoors. The barista actually brought us both glasses of water, right to our table. (That's a first!)
The macchiato came in this nice ceramic cups, complete with a nice pattern on the foam. Mmmm, this was delicious! Smooth, aromatic...I succumbed to getting a Scottish shortbread. I just couldn't resist. Soft, sweet, buttery....with a sprinkle of salt on the top.
Sip the macchiato, then a bite of the shortbread. Heaven. -
Review from Kaelhub C.
Vancouver, BC
12/1/2010
I have been to this small shop multiple times now. The coffee has been good and the americanos have treated me well. They have, however, been nothing to warrant the pompous attitude that I was treated with on my most recent visit.
Seeking something a little more caffeinated then my usual coffee or americano, I apparently made the "mistake" of asking for a shot-in-the-dark. I was promptly told that no, they would not make what I had asked for on the grounds that I was asking them to "take two great things and turn them into one mediocre thing." I told the barista that this was simply his opinion. The response was that it was the opinion of the shop.
This attitude of the staff being the experts and the customers being wrong if they have a differing opinion is absurd. Especially when it concerns something as subjective as taste. The customer service industry is about the customer, not the staff's ego. If you don't like the simple facts of your profession, find a new one.
There is no reason to give Elysian my patronage when there are so many friendly, high quality alternatives in this city. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
11/24/2009 3 Check-ins Here
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there's no way I can drive any distance without a coffee or a tea riding shotgun. So faced with a long ride today, I mapped my route ensuring there'd be enough time to for a to go americano from Elysian.
I was in luck. No line in front of or behind me so I could watch as the barista skillfully ground, tamped and made the shot. Ahhh, consistently smooth and full flavoured espressos with no hint of bitterness! Nice touch heating up my to go mug before pouring the espresso shot in so it was piping hot! -
Review from Peter S.
11/25/2009
Pretty solid latte, with no complaints. Perfectly smoothe and they still managed a pretty cool design inside my travel mug.
Next time I will lounge around inside and people watch.Listed in: Vancouver's best Lattes
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Review from Carolyn C.
Vancouver, BC
5/1/2010 5 photos
Up until this morning I had never discovered the delights of Elysian Coffee. I'm an early bird, and usually demand my Saturday morning coffee at an unreasonably early hour. Elysian Coffee in Kits opens at 10am on Saturdays, and while this may be a painfully long wait for your first cup of the day, it's well worth it.
We arrived at 11 and the place was packed. We managed to find a table, but there was a lineup of people waiting for a spot and another line hurriedly nabbing takeout. Who knew this was such a neighborhood hot spot!
Their selection of baked goods was great; something for every diet and tastebud. Oat free, wheat free, gluten free, butter laden, low calorie, high calorie - you name it they have it.
I especially loved their tinier treats. There were lots of options for those who wanted something rich and decadent, albeit in smaller portions.
While my americano may not have had the same wow-factor as their art adorned lattes, it most certainly hit the spot! It was thick, rich, and complex.
Long story short - Elysian Coffee in Kits is well worth sleeping in for. Visit their website ahead of time to check their hours, arrive early to nab a prime seat, and be prepared to have your coffee enjoyment be taken to a new level. -
Review from namit m.
2/18/2010 9 Check-ins Here
Ok so if I am looking for a silver lining in the dark cloud of waking up early and driving the GF to work this is it.
I am a sucker for a good cup of french press coffee and no one does it better than Elysian.
However, the real silver lining is the wonderful Mixed-berry Scones. I mean wow - really fresh hot and wonderful. -
Review from Adam G.
Edmonton, AB
6/9/2010 2 Check-ins Here
OK, I've been here twice now, and I've no doubt now that it's one of the best coffee shops in Van.
Elysian Room seems to subscribe to the Light & Smooth school of espresso-making; I'm more partial to Dark & Rich myself, but I still appreciate their more subtle approach.
I have yet to venture to the main Broadway location, but I hear this tucked-away little Fifth Avenue spot is better anyway.Listed in: Coffee time
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Review from Emma L.
6/8/2010
I found my way here on a "what should I do with my life" walk and desperately needed a warm beverage and a place to sit. I'm typing this now on my netbook using their free wifi -- I know that's standard for cafes now, but it really is important.
My chai is spicy and creamy just as it should be, and my date square is hitting the spot. I love the display of coffee grinders (including old school ones with a crank!) and the cute barista boy just spent 5 minutes giving a patron directions.
The Elysian Room might not be helping me make any decisions, but it sure is helping my sanity right now. -
Review from Tyler S.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2010
Beautiful small space, very short menu, one size, everything is excellent. I'm pretty sure that if the baristas weren't so equanimous, the mere mention of "venti" would get you a scalding hot yet perfectly-pulled shot of espresso straight to the face. If you caught more than half in your mouth and didn't sustain any permanent vision loss, it would be worth it. Third-degree delicious!
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Review from Elaine B.
Vancouver, BC
1/16/2010
I am writing this as I sit at the bar in the Elysian Room, looking out onto the street after working until 3am last night. It's a perfect place to sit and read the paper and people watch. The interior is modern and understated, the staff is super knowledgeable and friendly; I always ask them for advice when I'm buying beans. Beans are their own, but are roasted at 49th Parallel. Free wireless is also available.
The first thing I think about in the morning is their cappucino; the perfectly rich, velvety foam (with a heart swirled in) served over smooth, dark espresso in a cute little ceramic cup. They offer you a glass of sparkling water with your coffee and their baked goods are made in-house every morning. I am in love with their cranberry pecan muffin. I'm not usually into coffee shop baked goods. Muffins especially are often overmixed in commercial mixers, resulting in heavy, overbeaten, and rubbery behemoths of flour and sugar. Not these. So good.
I have not been here while in a rush, but if you want a grande venti something something extra super hot with no whatevz, starbucks is down the street. -
Review from Megan S.
12/30/2008
I was early for a movie around the corner so I stopped here for a hot beverage. The drink menu is very sparse- only one size was listed. I had a chai. If you want soy, it's the standard fifty cent surcharge. The drinks come in nice mugs. Lattes get the fancy leaf and heart designs on the top.
The place is nice but not big. About two booths along one wall, a counter with stools and two tables and chairs in the other corner.
I didn't try any food here- but they had a chocolate almond torte by the register that was quite tempting! -
Review from Ali L.
Montréal, QC
9/2/2009
I guess I'm spoiled for coffee living in Vancouver, which means I can give even a place that makes excellent coffee, like the Elysian Room, a so-so review.
The shop is fairly small, with standard coffee shop decor and wireless internet. The sustainable origin and taste of their coffee is great, and the prices are standard for Vancouver's quality-focused coffee shops. The food and snacks compete with anything you'll find in a similar good coffee shop. I liked their very decent espresso and lattés the first few times I came here, until I tried to order an espresso to go. They absolutely refuse to give you an espresso to go. I love to drink espresso in a café, but on occasion I also like to savour it over a minute or two while going on my way. I am as stubborn about drinking coffee the way I like it as they are about making the customer drink coffee the way they prescribe. The "customer is always wrong" attitude is a dealbreaker.Listed in: Coffee Coffee Coffee
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Review from Brad W.
Victoria, BC
3/11/2009 3 photos
The Elysian Room is my favourite place for a latte in Vancouver. The latte is very good, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable, and the cookies and pastries are so good that I usually visit when I'm in or passing through Vancouver.
Listed in: Good Coffee in southwest BC
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Review from Silvia C.
Vancouver, BC
5/28/2010
I think fondly of this place because a good friend of mine introduced me to this cafe. And anytime we're here, we take a leisurely time with our coffee and dessert. Elysian Room also offers a nice variety of tea. It's a great place to unwind and have great conversation with a special someone, whether it be a friend or significant other.
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Review from Luisa S.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2008
Despite having only been here for coffee in recent years, this place is still very solid. The café mochas here are lovely, with just the right amount of thickness and richness. The food is oh-so-very tempting, particularly their oat chocolate bars, and I always leave regretting the fact that I only ever stop in here en route to somewhere else. One of these days....
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
1/22/2009
If you're in need of a relaxed tea, coffee or biscotti before you go to a movie at Fifth Avenue cinemas, you need to stop by here and take a load off. The service has always been friendly and the warmth and characteristic browns and mellow hued walls are relaxing. I like their giant windows and the seating right beside them. The view is of the BMW lot right across the street, but parking is easy and 4th is just a block down, so you can always stroll along and catch the scenery.
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Review from Lev M.
6/7/2010
This place makes incredible espresso. They have good music too.
