Whether you need a chill spot to connect to wi-fi for remote work, or you just need a mid-day pick me up, here are some of my favorite coffee and tea spots in Vancouver, Washington.
Coziest: Savona Coffee House.
This is a lesser known coffee shop down by the “old” waterfront, and it was one of the places I loved working remotely from, pre-pandemic, because of the big comfy couches that you sink right into, and how warm and quiet it is in the winter. It feels like going to work from my parents’ house, and is 1,000% my fav rainy-day coffee shop. They have light lunch options and ice cream, and when I want to stretch my legs I can take a walk down on the boardwalk along the Columbia River and chill at Surprise Beach for a little while.
Best Energy: Thatcher's Coffee.
They have quality homemade pastries and an open air layout which makes me feel less guilty indulging in a coffee or tea “for here” while we’re still under restrictions. It’s light and bright, with abundant houseplants sparking all the joy. They also sell beautifully packaged, local products that make for a great PNW-themed gift basket. My personal favorite here is the lavender cardamom latte–I sub oat milk because I’m extra like that–which tastes like a hug in a cup. If you’re the type of person that ‘feels energy’ (you’re in the Portland metro, you need to get down with the woo-woo)... this place pours positivity all over your day.
On the Go: River Maiden.
Currently drive-through only but super conveniently located in the center of Vancouver on Mill Plain, do NOT skip adding a Fortitude Brownie or Marionberry Scone to your order. The baristas are super friendly, and they play off a Star Wars theme which is always fun (watch for baby Yoda cookies, SO CUTE). They also serve fancy avocado toasts, for my fellow California transplants, the year-round ‘Christmas Toast’ is my personal fav. Here’s to hoping they bring back the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had, this coming winter.
Bougiest: Kafiex Roasters Gastro Café.
Set in the new Vancouver waterfront using locally roasted coffee beans and featuring a full breakfast and lunch menu of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, this is definitely the fanciest of options. They are exceptionally dog-friendly if you want to bring your bestie…and on a sunny day you can’t pass up the views of the river, bridge, and Portland–it’s morning date worthy, or where you go to impress your friends when showing off Vancouver. The only thing I don’t love about it, is parking is paid.
Portland Vibes: The Great North.
Remote work and a good warm bevvie is perfect at this off-the-beaten-path hipsteresque coffee shop. It's bright and airy with healthy houseplants and locally-sourced bagels and gluten-free pastries. Even better, they make all their own flavor syrups, sauces, chai, and oat milk, which I haven't seen at any of the others on the list. It's quiet and mellow, with less traffic than others in busier hubs like Kafiex or Thatchers which makes it a great place to focus.
Au Natural: Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary.
Worthy winners of the Vancouver Downtown Association’s Launchpad Competition, this two-story brick-and-mortar earned a little startup boost from the city and launched this last May. They make small batch skincare products on site, have monthly tea specials, and show off a gallery of local artists’ work. You may have even seen their colorful restroom featured in a local newspaper or two. I love the Downtown location for business meetings, their eccentric drinks (I recommend the Smoke Signal lapsang souchong tea), and inclusive, small-business feel.
