Five Best Cafes for Writing in Vancouver, BC

Rachael Bell-Irving

11 minutes ago

4 min read

When I need to get work done but I don’t trust my will power to resist distractions at home, I go to a cafe to write. It used to be part of my routine in my twenties — almost every Saturday morning I would head to a local coffee shop and crank out a bunch of words on whatever my current project was, while enjoying as cheap a coffee I could get while indulging in a breakfast sandwich.

Nowadays, getting to a cafe to write is much harder to fit into my schedule. I consider it a treat, and so I want to choose the right spot for the best comfort to productivity ratio.

Vancouver has a plethora of cafes to choose from in every neighbourhood, but not all are supportive for remote work. After several weeks of testing, I’ve compiled my (first) list of the five best cafes I’ve found for writing in Vancouver.

Disclaimer: I was able to test most of these in the middle of a weekday. The only exception is Forecast Cafe, as mentioned below. Your luck for finding a table on weekends may vary.

Rachael, a white woman with long brown hair and classes, holding up a coffee mug and smiling at the camera. — My friend and I writing at Forecast

Forecast Coffee

2980 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3 (but there are several locations in the Lower Mainland)

Forecast is my go-to writing spot. The white walls, wooden tables and lots of natural light offers a satisfying and comfortable aesthetic. There are bakery options, as well a breakfast and lunch menu, and even alcoholic drinks if you’re drafting into the evening. There is no bar or communal seating, but I’ve never had a problem finding a table or found it so busy that I had to give up my seat. That being said, this is a great place to enjoy when writing with a buddy.

A laptop beside a cup of coffee and a golden plate with a piece of salmon avocado toast. — My set up at Gruffo Cafe

Guffo Cafe

161 Robson St, Vancouver BC, V6B 2A8

The combination of the greenery, wooden tables, carpets, and splashes of blue tile accents makes this local spot feel warm and welcoming. They even had fresh lilies on the table last time I went. Plus, they don’t charge for milk alternatives — bonus! Try the Persian breakfast or the smoked salmon sunrise toast, served on golden plates. The Robson Street location is my go-to and has a good amount of communal seating.

Tru Cafe

1500 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 5C5

Sitting just on the edge of Granville Island, I’ve found this place doesn’t get nearly as busy as the cafes located in the tourist trenches (but Off the Tracks Cafe and Bistro is also delicious). Tru Cafe has a large communal table and bar seating along the window. When you’re done, enjoy a nice walk along the seawall to stretch your legs.

A breakfast sandwich next to a to go coffee cup with a cat playing a guitar on the cup. — Love the logo at Octave Cafe

Octave Coffee

1328 Richards St, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2P6

This may not come as a surprise, given that most people in this cafe are on a laptop. There are over a dozen communal seating options, as well as small tables and benches. The coffee is good and the snack offerings range from expected to creative. I’m rarely in this part of downtown, but I like that it’s in a slightly quieter area. Plus, I love a good logo.

Analog Coffee

338 Helmcken St, Vancouver BC, V6B 5L1

This place in Yaletown is always buzzing. The breakfast options are classic, the coffee is good, and big windows means plenty of natural light. It does get busy, however, and while there is lots of seating there aren’t as many communal options. Opt for the bar seating along the window, or go with a friend so you can make the most of a table.

Cafe Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts

While I shouldn’t have to remind people to be polite and mindful of others while using public spaces for writing, there is some basic etiquette that is worth mentioning.

DO…

Do buy something. It can be the cheapest cup of tea they offer, but if you’re using their space you should be supporting their business. A glass of water does not entitle you to a table.

Do adhere to table limits. Many establishments will limit table or wifi use. Respect their rules and move-on when your time is up.

Do be polite to your neighbours. Use your headphones, keep your bag and personal items within your own space, and leave seats open for others. Your backpack does not need its own chair, even if it is quiet in the cafe.

DON’T…

Don’t stay all day. Many places have limits on table seating for a reason. If I am able and needing to stay longer than two hours, I buy more food or drink.

Don’t take up a large table for yourself. There is nothing more annoying than a single laptop user sitting at a table when the shop is busy. Stick to bar seating or communal tables as much as possible.

Don’t leave a mess. Clean up after yourself when you leave, put your dishes in the dirty bins and throw away your trash. This helps tables turn over faster.

Don’t be an asshole. I wish that didn’t have to be said, but keep that in the back of your mind when you’re working in shared spaces.

Why I Write in Cafes

Rachael, a white woman with brown hair wearing glasses, smiling at the camera from behind her laptop while writing in a cafe.

I love working in cafes. Not only do I find the background buzz conducive to my focus, but I’m also more productive. Being in public means I am less likely to waste (too much) time scrolling through social media or watching Youtube videos. The setting works for me, but part of being a writer is finding out the process that works best for you.

If you try any of these cafes, or if there is one that absolutely should have been in this article, please let me know. This is absolutely not a comprehensive list — there may be a part two in the future.

In the meantime, happy writing!