Hybrid hotspots for a coffee or cocktails in Vancouver
Some meetings are hard to define: is this the kind of date for a coffee or would your colleague-turned-friend really prefer a glass of wine? For when you just can’t decide what sort of drink the occasion demands, these Vancouver cafés offer the best of both worlds – a choice of alcohol or caffeine that avoids any awkward misunderstandings. [Image courtesy of Medina]
Café Medina
780 Richards St, Vancouver BC V6B 3A4Grand decor, upscale food, a gleaming espresso machine and a full cocktail bar all combine to make Medina an impressive location for landing your next client or taking a daytime date. Near the front entrance, a seat at the European coffee-and-waffle bar is perfect for quick catch-ups, while one of many intimate tables – where you can order a full lunch or delicate treat and latte – are preferable for important and lengthy discussions.
Tap & Barrel
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver BC V5Y 0B1Located smack dab in the middle of Olympic Village, this spacious, contemporary tap house is busy most days (and nights) of the week with Mount Pleasant creative types buzzing about the latest app or design trend. Go here to spark your next breakthrough conversation, with help from Tap’s delicious coffees, wine, craft beers and cocktails – oh, and the spectacular patio with mind-bending views of False Creek won’t hurt your left-brain, either.
Our Town Cafe
255 Broadway E, Vancouver BC V5T 1W4Give your project a boost with a delicious coffee or spirit from Our Town Café in the heart of Mount Pleasant. You and your colleague/friend/partner are bound to connect while sipping craft beers (at a reasonable $5.25 per serving) lattes, teas, wine or, better yet, the famous Baileys Americano – a warm-yet-still-boozy option. For discussions stretching long into the night, wines by the carafe or bottle are available.
Catch 122
A-120 Hastings St W, Vancouver BC V6B 1G8This spacious, contemporary café is near enough to Gastown’s office district to make it a perfect locale for your next tête-à-tête. And whether you’re in the mood for a quiet coffee or celebratory cocktail, Catch 122’s got you covered: their robust menu offers an impressive range of non-alcoholic drinks, craft beer, local and imported wines, handmade cocktails, and desserts. Happy Hour specials are tough to beat with $4 hummus, smoked olives or other snacks, and cocktails for $7.
Whole Foods Market
510 8th Ave W, Vancouver BC V5Z 1C5Located just inside Whole Foods in Mount Pleasant, Allegro Café offers the usual coffee, teas, lunches and organic treats plus a long communal table for meetings – oh, and the beloved café serves beer and wine after 9:00 am, too. But the best part about Allegro? After your meeting, skip down to Whole Foods’ hot food bar for a quick lunch break that’s both healthy and convenient.
Caffe Brixton
212 Georgia St E, Vancouver BC V6A 1Z7A straight-up dive bar at night, many patrons may not notice that Caffe Brixton is open all day, every day, welcoming freelancers and others who wish to work and meet in an atmosphere that’s unfussy, welcoming and reminiscent of last night’s party. Amidst decaled walls and loud-ish rock music, grab your seats at one of many well-worn tables, order a coffee or beer (or bowl of cereal) from the bar, and impress your client with how smart and hip you really are.
Sciue Italian Bakery Caffe
126 Davie St, Vancouver BC V6Z 2V4This European-style, bohemian café is a rarity among the many coffee shops of Vancouver’s downtown core – and what’s more, it offers some of the best Italian baked goods and lunches in the city. Ideal for when you’ve hit the 3:00 pm wall and are in need of a jolt of sweetness, Sciué also offers bold Italian coffees, and imported wine and beer for an authentic experience.
