By Kristi Alexandra
The pandemic has left many online workers feeling a little Zoom-fatigued, and at the moment, co-working spaces aren’t quite as bustling as they were pre-COVID. Luckily for those getting sick of the “digital-nomad” life, and miss seeing other folks around the watercooler, there are a few “Out of Office” spots in Vancouver where one can flip open a laptop while sipping better-than-homebrewed beverages. Here are our favourite YVR places to do work away from work.
The Birds & The Beets
Transit: Ten minute walk from Waterfront station
Due to it being such a tech hub, Gastown has some of the best bandwidth in the city! And now that Microsoft will be opening offices there soon, it’s about to get even better. Located on Powell and Columbia, The Birds & The Beets is nestled comfortably in Vancover’s oldest neighbourhood. Every morning, this community favourite serves up breakfast and lunch featuring fresh-made, in-house bread, sandwiches, pastries and more. Seating here is open and spacious, so bring a friend or co-worker to comfortably share silence with as you get to work.
Kafka’s Coffee
Transit: Take the 99 B-Line to Main Street and Broadway
Located in Mount Pleasant (2525 Main St. right off Broadway), Kafka’s boasts a great selection of in-house roasted beans, delicious sandwiches by Lil Bird, and plenty of seating so you can get into your work zone without worrying about distractions.
Our Town Café
Transit: Take the 99 B-Line to Broadway and Kingsway
Another destination for digital nomads in Mount Pleasant, Our Town is a cozy place to quietly get work done. The V-shape of the building offers various nooks and crannies to set up shop and focus or have a private meeting with a co-worker. To mark their recent reopening, they’ve launched a new food menu in collaboration with Plant Me vegan, making it the perfect spot for introverted vegans.
Find them at 255 E Broadway on the corner of Kingsway and Broadway.
Angus T
Transit: Three minute walk from Yaletown Roundhouse Canada Line station
Sophistication is the vibe at Angus T. Located at 1036 Mainland Street in Yaletown, this bakery/cafe’s french influence is evident as croissants and fresh pastries are revered just as much as writers and artists. As they put eloquently put it on their website, “Our vision is to bring the community together, fostering an interactive environment that brings local businesses, writers, artists, and neighbours together in making a difference.” The pistachio and blueberry croissants are a must-try while getting pages done.
Forecast Coffee
Transit: Take the #3 Main Street Bus until 14th Ave
Now open at 2980 Main St, this is the newest spot to join the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. Bright, airy and home to a lovely patio, Forecast attracts group meetings and solo workers alike. Originally hailing from Whistler, Forecast’s newest location brings along the company’s signature coffee beans (available to take home) and a unique selection of fresh pastries baked daily.
Platform 7
Transit: Take the R5 Rapid Bus on Hastings to Nanaimo Street
If you need some peace and quiet, look no further than visit East Van’s Platform 7. This dreamy spot boasts a secret garden patio tucked inside the veneer of a Victorian London train station. Stumptown Coffee Roasters from Portland is the spot’s flagship brew, while gourmet sandwiches and pastries are offered all day long. Find them at 2331 East Hastings.
Small Victory
Transit: Five minute walk from Yaletown Roundhouse Canada Line station
It may be named Small Victory, but this Yaletown café has quickly become a big deal since it opened. Hip and modern in design, this popular café offers a clean and comfy spot to enjoy a gourmet lunch before your afternoon Zoom meeting. You’ll want to order the croissant donuts, avocado toast, a pumpkin spice latte, and of course, the Wi-Fi password. Find them at 1088 Homer St.
The Narcissus
Transit: Take the R5 Rapid Bus on Hastings to Commerical Drive, then walk five minutes north
Grab a spot by the window for extra inspiration at this artsy, atmospheric coffee shop. Located in East Vancouver at 1701 Powell St, this hip spot is great for keeping solo laptop warriors on their toes. Open from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday, The Narcissus will inspire you to meet your deadlines and keep up your office hours, all while serving up a daily assortment of cookies, croissants, loaves, and gourmet sandwiches.
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