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Trees Organic Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
321 Water StVancouver, BC V6B 1B8
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 633-3880
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
17 reviews for Trees Organic Coffee
17 reviews in English
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Review from Tiffany K.
1/5/2012
Organic and fairtrade coffee brewed here. May as well feel good about your cuppa joe, right? As for the flavor, it didn't knock my socks off. I missed my Peet's Coffee.
They are really into cheesecakes here. Must be their specialty. I passed it up as I wasn't in the mood to pay something like eight bucks (?!?!?) for one slice of cheesecake. It had better have some special ingredients.
Like someone else stated, the bathroom is downstairs, you take an elevator. I'm all about safety so I wondered how isolated it was, but turns out it opens into a downstairs bar area, possibly a hotel lobby? Anyway, slightly inconvenient, but better than some Starbucks restrooms I've been in.
The service was friendly and accommodating. I asked to exchange US$20 for some Canadian coins. I was asked if I wanted "loonies or toonies." What? I almost thought she asked if I wanted "Looney Tunes" then it came to me that those are the names of the $1 and $2 Canadian coins. Ha!
I like the ambiance. It's cozy, yet modern. The crystal chandelier is a nice touch! -
Review from Michael W.
1/15/2012
PROS:
+ none
CONS:
- Weak cheesecakes
I walked by this place and was drawn in by the big sign that says "Vancouver's Best Cheesecake and Best Cheesecake on the Planet" I can't visit Vancouver and not try it's best cheesecake. I got the Sin Cheesecake which was belgian chocolate and sour cherries. The texture was okay in the center, but as I got the edge it was dry and tough. The crust was there, but didn't really add anything, it was a bit wet too.
I got tricked into buying a slice of their cheesecake. Don't be fooled. -
Review from Quan H.
1/9/2012
Every time I stroll down the streets of Gastown, I'd peer into the window that is Trees Organic Coffee. They're praised to be "Vancouver's Best Cheesecake," according to the big sign outside.
I prefer lighter cakes (Angel; Chinese sponge) to the heavy cheesecakes, but the boyfriend wanted to try one, so we went. Because it was after dinner hours (~9pm), there weren't a lot of people in the place, so we got to sit wherever we wanted. The seats right at the windows that open to Water St is LOVE. They have cushions for you too. Lemon water is self-served.
We had a blueberry cheesecake and a coffee cheesecake. Honestly, I can't say if it's a "good" cheesecake, as I haven't eaten a lot of it. Based on my personal experiences though, I was able to eat forkfuls without experiencing the feeling of having to throw it back up, like I've had with some other, richer, cheesecakes, so that's a good sign right? But according to the boyfriend, it's "standard." He really liked the blueberry one, but I suspect it's because he loves blueberries, and not particularly the cheesecake itself.
Oh and by the way, ordering two cheesecakes for two people was a MISTAKE, especially right after dinner. If we come back next time, we're only ordering one. -
Review from Christian P.
Vancouver, BC
4/24/2012
Our office just moved to Gastown and Trees has become my go-to coffee shop. Great drip coffee, americanos and lattes. Bonus is the loyalty card you can get - every 10th coffee is free. That's a little perk for regular coffee drinkers like me. Oh yeah the cheesecake is pretty amazing every once in a while.
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Review from Lindsay E.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My #1 pet peeve about any restaurant or coffee shop is when they sell food that you eat with your hands but there isn't anywhere close by to wash before you dig in. This is the problem I encountered at Tree's the other day. I really wanted to enjoy my bagel, but I'd been outside all afternoon and I definitely wanted to give my hands a wash - apparently the bathroom is DOWNSTAIRS? Maybe I'm just being crazy, but by the time I get down there, use the sink, open some doors, press the elevator buttons and open the door to get back into Trees, I really feel like I might as well not have even gone.
Kinda gross.
Otherwise Tree's really is great, good coffee (I'm told), great apple cider, I still haven't tried the Cheesecake but I definitely will at some point. -
Review from Carolyn K.
Vancouver, BC
3/6/2011
Love this coffee place! They remember your order (if you're consistent). The staff are beyond friendly and they seem to go the extra mile for their customers. I love the stamp card that they have for the cheese cake and drinks. If you buy a gift card they give you a free piece of cheese cake to go along with it.
The free wi-fi is a plus too
oh! and they support local musicians by having coffee houses on a regular basis that feature up and coming talent. Great when walking by or when enjoying at one of their tables.
decent seating and but usually full.
Over all an ethical and friendly place to stop! -
Review from Amy T.
3/27/2011
CHEESECAKE!
I had the biggest craving for sweets last night and was 100% cured by Trees Organic. Blueberry cheesecake! If the seats were a little more comfortable, I'd stay longer.
As I walked out of the shop, I had to control my urge to skip down the street. Full and satisfied. -
Review from Karen C.
Vancouver, BC
1/31/2011
Nice coffee, nice service. They bring your order out to your table. They do have OK cheesecake, the portions are huge too. They have cushions by the window you can sit on, it's pretty romantic. The decor is nice. Paninis come with an organic green salad with cranberries and almond chips. Would like to see some home-made soup in the winter? Too bad they don't open longer into the night as I like to go to coffee shops after a late dinner. I am stuck with the 24 hour blenz and waves on hastings...
I come here quite a bit to work. Only complaint would be that I think they might have one person working there who likes to take your empty cups and plates away - sometimes when you are barely done. I find that a bit pushy, but maybe she is just trying to be efficient? That said, I have seen people go there and sit for hours without ordering much. So maybe that is a good strategy to prevent that from happening. -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 3/19/2011
YAY FOR GROUPONS - actually I would come here even without a groupon because their cheesecake is fabulous!
We came here to get a little mid afternoon snack and the staff was so nice. There were sandwich and muffin samples available on the counter and they were even giving us CHEESECAKE samples! Never had that before.
The maple walnut was featured and it was delicious! Some may find it super sweet but I loved it. Boyfriend loved the lemon lime cheesecake which was pretty tart, in a good way.
So we ended up getting a slice of lemon lime and a chicken samosa that came with a salad.
The full slice came with chocoalte and caramel sauce, with a dollop of whip. The full slice was not as limey as the sample but it was still soft and creamy as all their cheesecakes I've tried in the past.
The samosa was filling, although i couldn't find much chicken pieces, which didn't bother me. The salad was refreshing with almond slices, and dried cranberries on greens.
Perfect litle place to meet up for coffee with a friend, read a good book, or even go on a first date!
The other locations also have music nights - something to check out.Listed in: Let's go to Gastown Instead...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/1/2010 First to Review
Trees has replaced the Elle Cafe that I did not enjoy so much.... so hearing this news brings me… Read more »
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Review from Ed U.
I'm not sure what the appeal of the Gastown Steam-Powered Clock is. Throngs of people stare at it, take snaps in front of it, and wait for it to start blowing the opening bars of some old circus tune. But they all congregate around it like it's the second coming. Well, Jamie W. and I decided to duck the crowds quite inadvertently into this somewhat hidden cafe.
Packed with tourists, Trees has a surprisingly nice vibe, but I may have been swayed by the cheesecake. Billed as the "Best Cheesecake in Vancouver" - Jamie W. and I had reservations about that claim since it required a payout of C$5.99 for a slice. But we went for the New York, plain except for a decorative drizzle of chocolate and caramel at the bottom and a smidgen of whipped cream (see photo).
It was very good, although the lemon they use as an accent split us down the middle. I loved it. Jamie hates lemon in sweets. For the appropriate accompaniment, I had a tall latte for C$3.50, which was perfectly frothy and not too sweet (see photo). All in all, it was an unexpected sweet tooth satisfier as we pondered the underwhelming clock. Wait, what's that?...is it magic...or a midget playing a broken kazoo? You be the judge.
FOOD/BEVERAGE - 4 stars... hey they're right, this IS the best cheesecake in Vancouver!...well, it's the ONLY cheesecake I've had in Vancouver
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...compact cafe brings on the cozy in a tourist-heavy 'hood
SERVICE - 3 stars...they certainly brought it over, alright
TOTAL - 4 stars...a nice, unexpected treat in the gassy part of townListed in: Vancouver, Victoria, Veni,…
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Review from Roanna Z.
9/7/2010
While I am a fan of Trees Organic coffee, I have to say I'm not so much a fan of this particular location. *Absolutely nothing against the customer service or the quality of the drinks which was nothing less than perfect.
It's more the location I have an issue with. The tour buses stop right in front and it's wholly obnoxious. I was enjoying the diversity of the passers by and the late afternoon sun's rays were warming me up nicely, but the buses kept coming and going. I sat there with the thought *I'll have to come back on the off season*.
The steam clock is also just steps away so it's funny to watch all the tourists snapping pix.
Personally, I like the sound of the clock, and also the cruise ships extended horns sounding off before their departure.
And just down the street from the clock is one of my favourite views from Vancouver looking out at the trains, the water and mountains on the north shore. *ahhh there's my old friend wanderlust again.*
At this Trees they bring your delicious coffee right to you, and they're pleasant about it. The kind of place you want to leave a good tip. I hope the tourists tip! -
Review from Mark H.
10/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Lured by their street sign boasting they have the best cheesecake in town (according to Vancouver Sun), I gave it a test.
I was drawn to their Sin cheesecake, but as soon as I heard that it contained cherries I passed (childhood memories of worm infested cherries). Went for the blueberry.
Now I'm not a huge cheesecake guy, but this was decently fresh and light. Was it the best? Maybe not, but still solid. They drizzle on some chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream.
They also had some interesting flavours on display like pumpkin spice. I wish they had a mini sample plate of all their flavours. -
Review from Aimie W.
Vancouver, BC
8/29/2011
OK, I am a little addicted to these cheesecakes. I needed to Yelp off again about HOW Fab these are... Last night I went from 6" to 10" Sinful Cheesecake! Orgazzzzzmic!!!! I shared with a great friend the delight and we proceeded to eat only 5" with plenty of leftovers!
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Review from Vanessa G.
4/13/2011
I came in here to use my groupon, but i left feeling not that impressed. I didn't get cheesecake or coffee so maybe that's there thing. We got a boccinni sandwich for $8 and a quiche for $5 which came with salad. The salad was good but the rest was nothing to get excited about.
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Review from Ange C.
Toronto, ON
6/13/2011
The teas here, like at many fancy-shmancy west coast coffee shops, is crappy. Granted, I have pretty pedestrian tastes when it comes to my black teas, but I shouldn't have to depend on Tim Horton's to find a decent, simple cup of black tea that's not all infused with fruits or lavender. They ruin the flavor! That being said, their mushroom bisque was amazing.
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Review from Dana C.
Mission, BC
4/24/2011
Stayed in Gastown for the weekend and Trees was just down the street. Stopped in for Americanos and a little breakfast snack to tide us over until lunch. The coffee was very smooth and the apple cheddar scone was just perfect. We also shared a lemon loaf and power bar (I don't even know what was in it but it was moist and delicious). There were so many choices of tantalizing baked goods that it was hard to make a decision. We had a table by an open window that allowed for a nice breeze and some people-watching. The place is small but bright and prettily decorated with pillows on the window benches and sparkly pendant lights. A nice way to start your morning.
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Review from Melissa M.
9/25/2011
Amazing cheesecake and hot chocolate, and best turkey cranberry brie sandwich ever; very kind staff and cute space with some outdoor seating with umbrellas available.
