Picture this: It is a relaxing afternoon and you can be found with a latte in one hand—book in the other—all while being surrounded by the rich smell of coffee beans and a lingering scent of bibliosmia. Make that dreamy situation a reality at one of these five cozy spots perfect for reading and sipping.
1. Melriches Coffee House
Melriches on Davie Street has it all, from tasty sandwiches to Mediterranean quiches and (of course) coffee. Equipped with your beverage of choice—and maybe even a snack—you can now go on to hunt for the perfect spot to read. Between cozy chairs on the inside, a select few patio spots in the back as well as bar-style seating (perfect for people-watching) Melriches has space for everyone. The highlight? A small library of books—open to all guests— that is just waiting to be taken off the shelf and given a good read.
Location: 1244 Davie St
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 6:30 pm
2. The Garden Strathcona
The Garden in Strathcona brings lush outdoor vibes inside thanks to an abundance of potted plants and greenery. This cozy-yet-chic shop offers an ideal environment to sip a latte and manifest tickets to the Taylor concert—or reading your latest book.
Location: 868 E Hastings St
Hours: Daily 9 am to 4 pm (note: the kitchen closes at 3 pm daily)
3. Nelson the Seagull
Surrounded by snug burgundy-coloured rugs, fairy lights and mismatched—but well-chosen—furniture it’s easy to enjoy a crispy avocado toast (my must-eat) while riffling through a good book. This Gastown coffee shop is an ideal location for Vancouverites trying to escape the rushed downtown environment or tourists who just got done with their visit to the Steam Clock—which is only a 5-minute walk away.
Location: 315 Carrall St
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 4 pm
4. The Federal Store
Getting your shopping done while sipping a pitch-perfect matcha and reading your fave author’s latest release sounds like a fantasy—but it’s possible at Mount Pleasant’s The Federal Store. Thanks to a small—but usually well-sorted—free library just outside the building, there’s a selection of books ready for eager readers who’re ready for a caffeine break after picking up some of the city’s best local goods inside.
Location: 2601 Quebec St
Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 am to 6 pm
5. Caffe Cittadella
Hidden inside an old heritage house, this coffee shop brings cozy vibes ideal for curling up with your Kindle. Between breakfast bagels, waffles, sandwiches and soups, Caffe Cittadella offers tasty bites for any time of day. Originally built in 1894, this hidden gem has been transformed many times—and features a don’t-miss patio.
Location: 2310 Ash St
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 8 am to 6 pm and Thursday to Saturday 8 am to 7 pm
