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The Prophouse Cafe
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Coffee & Tea, Restaurants
1636 Venables StreetVancouver, BC V5L 2H2
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 733-5665
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for The Prophouse Cafe
Review Highlights
35 reviews in English
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Review from Deniz T.
4/7/2012 11 Check-ins Here
Yes, the servers would keep you waiting sometimes while they chit chat, yes the coffee is not tip top, every once in a while the sandwich bread would be stale.
First things first, it is very unique and cool, comfortable. Reasonably priced, the staff is very sincere, smiley and awesome. Real people, real cafe feel, rather than simulated with scientific facts or super technical coffee making with state of the art machines. You know, good old coffee.
To me that's the essence of a real cafe, comfort, people and a decent cup of joe. I like the romance a bit more than practicality. These guys are just themselves, as is, no fake attitude or over the top customer service, which I hate.
Awesome job prophouse! I am a fan. -
Review from Felicity D.
Vancouver, BC
5/26/2012
i agree with marc d here * Nice vibe, average food *
love the space, will definitely give it another try, but the food was very meh
the jamaican patty seemed (over)heated from frozen, sandwich wasn't anything i couldn't make from my fridge with very basic ingredients, the bread was a bit stale.
however, the coffee (oso negro, lovely roasters from nelson,bc) was perfect and in such volume! my large was almost slapstick in proportion... huge novelty mug o coffee just like i make for myself at home. -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
4/24/2012 1 photo
* Nice vibe, average food *
I like the feeling of this cafe - very eclectic. Literally like a prophouse with all sorts of random goodies to explore everywhere. (I would hate to have to dust the place though!)
The sandwich was just ok though. They gave a nice choice of toppings, but when it all came together it was rather commercial tasting. Take supermarket quality bread, add dijon mustard, thinly sliced supermarket quality turkey, a very thin slice of havarti cheese, and a smattering of veggies, and you have got this: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
I would consider going back to try the coffee, and to sit there to read with a big drink. But I likely wouldn't order the food again.Listed in: Which wich is which?
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Review from Cara P.
4/10/2012 5 Check-ins Here
The decor and ambiance are beyond compare, this cafe is in a realm all it's own. Velvet paintings, panther sculpture, 70s kitsch, countless lamps and lights... love it.
Oh, and the coffee and food isn't too bad either. :)
I wish it were closer to home as I'd be in here every other day, to sip a latte, eat a sandwich and read. -
Review from Rob C.
North Vancouver, BC
4/25/2012
This is my favorite place in the Commercial Drive area. It is probably the most comfortable coffee shop in Vancouver. I never feel rushed. This place has personality. The only reason for the four stars and not five, I think the coffee could be a little better but it is expectable.
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Review from Paul A.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2012
Great place to hang out, meet some cool people and to get some great food and coffee. Its full of antiques and Pumas or Panthers(not sure) Also has board games to play, free wifi (with outlets), tv, record player music and the occasional live band. Its a hidden Gem really. I recommend it. Its an experience as much as a cafe.
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Review from Ramon V.
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is really unique. It's a feast for the eyes. There's so much to look at that you'd probably have to make multiple visits to see it all.
Lots of retro quality goodness, from the glass box of 8-tracks, to the couch on the wall, to the vintage stereo, to the myriad of chandeliers and colourful lights above you, keep looking and you'll see even more.
One would never expect this from the outside appearance.
The downside for me is that the coffee is a little disappointing. The americano here is overpriced for a double shot ($2.75), and the espresso itself tastes a little burnt. The cafe also has a musty smell from all the old stuff and dampness within.
2 stars for my coffee.
+1 for the crazy decor. -
Review from Liv F.
West Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012
I had a lovely (fairly priced) London Fog. Will be coming back here to try their food.
This is a spacious, very clean and welcoming café, with comfy seats and lots of fascinating art and design books to look at (e.g. "1000 Chairs"). -
Review from Marcel G.
Vancouver, BC
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Indy style, very unique atmosphere. The 'best carrot cake' is true to its name' and the Green Tea they have here is nothing short of amazing.
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Review from Rachel F.
Vancouver, BC
6/15/2011 ROTD 2/12/2012
I first started coming to The Prophouse Cafe when a friend of mine who is a citizen of Commercial Drive introduced me to it. It has never steered me wrong and is one of the few places I always, always, always recommend to people.
Here's why:
1) It's not a chain. It's a real place staffed by real people not wearing uniforms.
2) Great coffee in big-ass cups.
3) They have live music here in the afternoons.
4) This place looks like a "Friends" set decorator's wet dream. Vintage awesomeness every-which-way you turn (see "Prophouse"). Charm, kitsch, retro-vibey-goodness. There's a record player with records you can play. Earlier I head George Michael's "Faith" interspersed with CCR and Supertramp.
5) A totally cute boy who overheard my earlier conversation approached me when my companion left and we ended up shooting-the-shit. Yes, a stranger talked to me and was into being social - in Vancouver! That never happens. (Clearly, this place is a portal to another dimension of awesome.) If this coffee shop can get me laid I will swear my allegiance to it forEVER.
6) Free wifi and places to juice my pooter.
7) Kid-friendly.
8) They have complimentary almond milk available you don't have to pay extra for. (I'm a Lactaid activist in my spare time.)
9) Food that is made here is delicious and very reasonably priced. It's made with love. You can get a fresh, made-to-order sandwich for $5. They even have desserts that are under a $1.
10) A clean bathroom that doesn't smell like stale urine. -
Review from Trudi C.
I came for the decor! Is it ok to admit that? I would give this place another 2 stars solely based on that. It was like a kitsch collectors heaven. I took a few photos, sent them to the boyfriend, who responded with a 'Wow!' text, which is saying a lot from him ;) I would also bump it up a notch for the friendly lady who greeted me.
But alas, I give it 3 stars for the latte, which is partially my own fault. I was asked how many shots I wanted in it, and fearing a Starbucks level of strength latte, I said 2. This in turn made the latte pretty dark underneath that initial layer of foam, and way too strong and bitter for my poor little taste buds. But it really is my own fault. Perhaps I should return for the 1 shot. I loved the unique mugs at least! And the cheap, home made cookie was *lovely*. Also, having someone else with me would have helped, to enjoy the interior together!
I would give it 3 and a half stars for now if I could! -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Thank you yelp, for the recommendation!
Wanted a cool coffee shop, and this place seemed to fit the bill. Adorable little shop off commercial, with cool quirky props and knicknacks all over the place. All the chairs are different, and they have colouring books! (when was the last time you coloured?). We had the apple pie, a couple of coffees, and enjoyed the cool atmosphere and a chat with the owner. THe bathroom has a chalkboard where people have written all kinds of notes, and the whole place just has a cool boho indie vibe. -
Review from Sarah D.
3/25/2011
I am SO happy that I live 2 blocks away from this place, as it is the coolest coffee shop I have found in this city. Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in this café is a feast for the eyes. There are so many knick knacks and other interesting things crammed in this space that you can never get bored. You can sit in a different seat each time you go, and have new things to look at. I especially like the small room in the back with the couches -it reminds me of hanging out in my friends' basements as a teenager. It's the perfect area to snag if you come with a group of friends.
Oh yeah -the beverages are good too. Specifically, their London Fog is one of the best I've had in the city. I've never tried their food, but from what I can see in the pastry case, it looks mighty good.
Overall this is a great place to take someone if you want to bring them somewhere original. It never fails to impress! -
Review from Louise G.
3/6/2011 1 photo
Not a huge fan of having to wait forever to be served. It's one thing if the place is super busy, but when the counterstaff is too busy chatting and goofing around to even pretend to notice you - I'm not sure why I stayed really.
Finally did get served and the coffee and food was just average.
For some reason they hadn't taken our money when we ordered so I had to go through the same agravation on the way out. I could have just left without paying, that's how little attention they were paying to me standing there, standing there, standing there.....
As much as I like to give places a second chance, I might not bother...Listed in: The Best Of The Worst
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Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
EFF YEAH!
An original space... and even the word 'original' feels like an understatement.
The name 'PropHouse' comes from cafe's biz of renting out props (you're welcome for stating the obvious). Truthfully though, I wouldn't have guessed it but it does explain the explosion of quirky vintage lights, furniture, ceramic jaguars, etc., on display. Rad. Rad.... so rad.
I dig this space... I dig it like Richard Simmons digs the oldies... and in case you didn't know, he digs them a lot.
My sandwich (the Wreck Beach special) was tasty and loaded with goodness, though the bread wasn't as hearty as I'd like. I can't be picky though, this place is one of the most special places in Vancouver. Yep, I said it!Listed in: East Side wonders!, Best Atmosphere, Live Entertainment, Workin' with WIFI
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Review from Nicole F.
3/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Holy hell. What did I walk into? It may or may not have been been my Grandmother's attic with more chandeliers and hanging lamps than you'd see in a lighting shop.
I feel like I should go back there right now because everywhere else I've gone today is incredibly boring in comparison.
Anywho, I had a chai tea latte that was pretty decent, and a bowl of yam and black bean soup that definitely tasted home-made. It wasn't a super exciting soup, but it was good either way. I was too busy looking at all the awesome stuff to think about the food though.
The highlights include someone randomly putting on a Smith's album, the amazing antique chairs and other furniture everywhere, the decent prices and having vegetarian soups!!
I kinda wish I'd used the washroom after reading Evilyn's review. -
Review from Rachel P.
Vancouver, BC
3/28/2011
I love when people take risks. Risks to be themselves, risks to be different, and now, risks to cram your cafe full of a crap load of crazy antiques. This place has CHARACTER!
Spring had sprung so we biked to the Prophouse to see what all the hoopla was about.
The service was friendly and the coffee was nice (made out of some big old blustering copper R2D2). I love that the area for sugar/milk for your coffee was on a beautiful old side/dressing table with mirror and they offered organic sugar.
We had an assortment of sweet treats like the Swedish Cookie, Haystack and Lemon/Lime square and they all hit the spot. I would like to go back and try the other food options. It looks like they have some brunch items, soups and sandwiches.
But the star of the show here is really the unique space and cool quirks like being able to play records at your leisure and coloring booking with crayons provided (I colored me a sweet psychedelic t-rex).
Maybe we were just at the kid table, but whatevs, I had fun. -
Review from Renee P.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2011
Props to the Prophouse!
I am currently sitting in here on a rainy-grey morning. I'm comfortable and I have great coffee and free internet access. I feel like I'm in my own living room...actually it is much cooler than any living-room than I will probably ever have, so I'm happy to pay a little to sit here.
Here are some of the many reasons to go:
The service is awesome. Not 'plastered-on-smile' style at all. You just walk in and chat in a neighborly way. It seems as though the people who work here are comfortable and happy, which in turn contributes to the 'living room' vibe.
The space gets used for various events, both day and night, often of the musical variety. There are instruments in the corner. Once I was in here and some random guy came in and just played a few tunes on the piano and then left.
Food is made in-house. They are sustainable and local, and offer vegan options. The food is served in small portions but is reasonably priced and fresh. The baked goods are particularly tasty.
It's not usually super busy so you can linger but it's also quiet enough to focus. But the thing that might distract you most is the decor: full of old lamps, books, a glass case of 8-tracks, another glass case full of old telephones, mirrors with ostentatious frames, strange paintings, leopard-print seats, an old (40's?) kids tricycle propped up on some rusting wheels (etc etc). As I write this I am noticing more and more and getting completely distracted... -
Review from Mark B.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2010
Starbucks may the company that has most famously incorporated the concept of the "third place"--a place that anchors community outside of home or work--into their strategy, but Starbucks is too formulaic and American (to me) to serve as a substitution for my living room. I think I might have a little bit of hippie in me.
In sharp contrast, when I first walked into The Prophouse Cafe, I immediately felt at home. The huge space is literally filled to the rafters with samples of quirk and kitch, with antiques and memorabilia providing endless things to look at while you sip on your latte.
And speaking of coffee--this is a neighbourhood café after all--no matter how comfortable or interesting a room, if the java or service suck, I won't be back. But I was pleased with rich taste and crema of my Americano, made with Oso Negro coffee (roasted in Nelson, BC) and a sexy shiny brass vintage Italian espresso machine. And the homemade baked treats were as delicious as the servers were friendly and helpful.
Considering I live mere blocks from this café, I was curious why I hadn't heard anything about it. I was told that the owner Ross had only opened the coffee shop as an extension to his antique/prop business less than a year ago and marketing efforts had been essentially relegated to word of mouth thus far. They don't even have a Facebook page or Twitter account. Old school! I love it.
With excellent coffee, friendly service, tasty food, good prices, frequent live music, local community support and a fun, original ambiance akin to a giant version of your crazy grandma's living room, The Prophouse Café is likely going to be one of my favourite "third place" hangouts. If you have a little bit of hippie in you too, I encourage you to check it out--ping me and I'll meet you there. -
Review from Dice K.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here when the business was slow, so I had to wait a little for the employees to help me. But they were very nice and chill. If you're into unique, but chill, cafe experience, I recommend this place.
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Review from Hilda H.
Vancouver, BC
11/14/2010
One of my favourite cafes, since it caters to my quirky tastes.
Basically walked right into their sign on Venables and couldn't help but walk in. What my friend and I found was a little piece of Wonderland!! We spent a good half hour just looking at everything that Ross (the owner who oh-so kindly let us browse and conversed with us) collected. He even let us snap a few pics here and there! Ordered a small coffee, which in my book actually looked like a large, and all for a cheap price (I did like the fact that it came in a Tim Hortons mug though).
Highly recommend it, especially for those looking for out of ordinary places to sit back and just talk with a friend. -
Review from Ai S.
9/26/2011
Just a tourist here, visiting Grandma's house, the kick-ass cool grandma that I never knew existed. I wanted to snag the vintage bicycle and take it for a ride around the neighborhood, singing joyfully to the masses. I just had a latte instead. Maybe next time when the staff's not looking.
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Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
10/1/2010
A quirky friend described this place as a "quirky cafe," which led me to imagine just how quirky this place could possibly be.
His words were a slight understatement - The PropHouse is fascinating. I adored it, filled as it is to overflowing with vintage lamps, telephones, ceramic panthers, and more. They've even got a room at the back stacked with wall-to-wall records and a turntable to play them on, a perfect little hangout spot with vintage couches, and enough cool collectibles and memorabilia to drool over for many a visit to come.
Best of all, the prices are great - for two choose-your-own-sandwiches, two drinks and a tip I spent under $15. -
Review from Shaun L.
Vancouver, BC
10/5/2011
Great community cafe. This is the type of place you walk into and are able to experience a glimpse of the "Commercial Drive" lifestyle.
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Review from Shelly M.
Vancouver, BC
10/24/2010
Weeee!! This place is a hoot! We stumbled across the PropHouse Cafe while looking for a place to work near the Drive one sleepy weekend morning. Let me begin with some explanation about this place- it doubles as a prop storage place for movie sets so there are shelves and shelves (and display cases) full of fun vintage and unique kitschy stuff. Wait, wait- there's more! It triples as a burlesque house! Yes, kiddos, it's true, they have a staging area (a not so green room) where ladies can change just behind a curtained area where the girls can really rock the party~
Oh yeah and the coffee & teas are wonderful! Didn't have a snack, but heard good things about them.
Only thing that might be worthy of taking off a half star is the smell- it kind of smells like my great grandma's attic used to. It's a bit musty and cold, which can add a little edge to an otherwise glorious feast for the eyes and imagination. The front room is wheel chair accessible but there are stairs to get up to the main room, so the access is limited, but possible.
Definitely will be bringing out of town guests here...and we'll be back for a gnosh. -
Review from Evilyn T.
3/20/2011 ROTD 11/14/2011
After walking by this place probably a million times, I decided to stop in since my friend was in a burlesque show here. Burlesque? In a coffee shop? Are we that low on venues Vancouver? WTF? Could you imagine watching an episode of Friends where they had a burlesque dancer at Central Perk? Yea, me neither.....
Anyways, I'm giving some props to this house, cuz its a pretty fuckin cool venue! The place is filled with lighting fixtures, and crazy old lamps, it felt like I was hanging out in my Grandpa's den which was clad in 70's paraphernalia and black panthers. However, I think my favourite part of this venue was the bathroom, and I barely even spent any time in there! It kinda sucked that there was only one ladies bathroom, however, the decor definitely made up for it.
The toilet seat had red hearts all over it, the only thing that could possibly have been cooler than that would have been if they were lips because then that throne would be kissing your ass. On the wall across from the toilet is a giant blackboard, so while you are doing your business you can read the wall of chalk graffiti. (This kinda reminded me of our old house because we had a board with perverted magnetic poetry on the wall, so you could make beautiful things ...while making other beautiful things...?) Errr... anyways, I added a little something something to the chalkboard, nothing nearly as eloquent as some of the classical bathroom wall scribblings that sounded like yearbook dribble, and certainly NOT my phone number. And then I noticed the PHONE on the wall with the sign on it that said it was for calling GOD. Okay, first of all, what the heck would I say to God? Like, hey buddy, you should be here checking out all these broads taking their clothes off! Good times! He doesn't wanna hear me talk shit (get it, a phone in the bathroom = talking shit... ok bad pun.) Secondly, the man is probably so freakin busy, carrying all these people who only have one set of footprints in the sand and answering prayers that my request for turning this tapwater into wine would probably just get shot down anyways. Needless to say, I didn't call God, but when I come up with a really good question, I'll be spending some time in that bathroom, and you better hope you aren't waiting in line.
I meant to order something, but I didn't quite make it that far since I was already three sheets to the wind when I showed up. I had a sip of my friend's chai latte and I gotta say it was pretty darn watery. However, I didn't pay for it, so I didn't really give a shit. Maybe next time I'm there, I'll make a better point of actually buying something instead of just paying the $5 to get into a coffee house to see burlesque. And in all honesty, it may sound weird, but the place actually worked as a venue for the show, I was just too busy visualizing pole dancers at Starbucks to wrap my brain around it, so I'll be back with a quarter and a question for God. -
Review from Roanna Z.
East-siders and people who generally enjoy experiences "outside the box" will like this newly reincarnated Cafe/ Music venue / Antique shop just down from The Drive.
Across the street from Uprising Bakery on Venables, (and with limited signage as of yet,) this location was for many years a treasure trove of collectibles and film props.
The dream child of Ross the owner who was ready for some changes and now, open for the community as a cafe and music jam house for locals and friends.
The place is almost overwhelming with the clutter of old lamps hanging from the ceiling like Stalactites in a limestone cave. Actually the place feels a bit like a cave. A museum in a cave. Art is everywhere in here.
Would you like to have Espresso coffee from one of those tall brass Vintage machines,
http://tinyurl.com/y9y...
whilst sitting on a plush, faux leopard skin couch ? Or how about some high back chairs that make you feel like royalty?
The beans are fair trade and organic, freshly roasted weekly in Nelson BC. by (one of my favourite coffee roasters, Oso Negro.) Just look for the familiar logo out front.
At the door right away you almost lose focus of the yummies at the counter like the dipping platter and homemade Carrot cake, looking past to the paraphernalia like the two juke boxes and antique coffee makers on the many shelves. Even the condiment counter is beautiful and antique like. I can't even begin to describe all the (special) household items that can be seen in there. You won't know if you're in your grandma's basement or some Gothic castle.
Ross introduced himself to us with the energy of a true entertainer. Both charming and warm, open and clearly ready for this new chapter. -
Review from Randy P.
Saskatoon, SK
6/16/2011
Very cool place. The staff was really friendly! Food was delicious. The nachos a little bit greasy. Over all a very nice coffee shop.
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Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
3/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is just too cool. It's also cold, windowless, and not particularly vegan friendly, but honestly, who cares? It's cluttered with interesting movie props and interesting people and you can play records from your own or their collection while you chat, study, or stare off into space. It's an incredible concept and an incredible space.
Listed in: Coffee & Tea
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Review from Pi F.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2010
Even on The Drive, I can't help but feel that Vancouver is lacking in a diverse cafe culture. Thankfully the Prophouse is one attempt at changing that.
Definately my current favourite cafe when I'm down that end of town. -
Review from Sara Katelin P.
Saskatoon, SK
6/16/2011
Very cool place. Nachos were a bit greasy. But over very nice and cheap!
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/7/2010
BEST PUMPKIN PIE EVER. the end.
Listed in: Greatest Hits, Alive on the Drive, Where you'll find me, COFFEEFEEFEE
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2010
Wow, did east Van ever luck out with this gem! Since my friend took me last week I can't stop… Read more »
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Review from Chris T.
Vancouver, BC
5/11/2011
Best peanut butter chocolate chip cookies I've ever eaten. Can't wait to go for breakfast.
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Review from anastacia w.
Vancouver, BC
5/1/2010
I love this place, the staff is always friendly the coffee is delicious and reasonably priced.
To give you an idea of the price I had the wrap, a brownie and a coffee for under $12. The turkey ceasar wrap was homemade good, not fancy reinvent the wrap good and their brownies are delicious (on multiple occasions). Other than that I've had their pie, which is storebought but delicious and served in big slices, the rest of their food is homemade and looks delicious but I've yet to try it. Best of all is the cool atmosphere the props are unique and intriguing and they have some great records playing when there's not a jazz artist/band their entertaining. -
Review from Naomi Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/4/2010
If you enjoy good coffee and an amazing collection of vintage furnishings, the Prophouse cafe is a must! While a part of me loves the fact that this place is yet undiscovered by most, I feel like its time to share this gem! The owner, Ross is a incredible host who makes you feel like you are in his home. You can't beat the ambiance of this place. Plus, they also have paid attention to some small details in true vintage style-its a lp record only played place and Ross invites customers to pick out a favorite record from the collection when the room goes silent. Food is fresh and tasty, and they also have wireless. As an avid coffee drinker I would say that this is the best amongst all the cafes in the commercial drive area, in terms of coffee and ambiance. Go see for yourself!
