BOWS X ARROWS

UPDATE THIS LOCATION HAS NOW CLOSED :(

Bows x Arrows is a much-loved Victoria coffee roaster that opened its doors on Fraser Street at 26th Avenue in 2016. In addition to its renowned coffee, the café has an extensive food menu curated by Trevor Pruegger of Birds + Beets and a well stocked drink list with several regional craft beers and wines.  

The bright space is open and full of wooden furniture and greenery. In the centre of the café is a long communal table that sits under an impressive planter and light fixture. It's the perfect place to meet up for a coffee with friends in the morning or mingle with strangers over cocktails in the evening. Bows x Arrows seems to thrive on not fitting directly into the traditional box of 'coffee shop' or 'bar'. Its identity shifts throughout the day creating a unique and welcome addition to the Vancouver café + bar landscape.

MUSETTE CAFFE

In a city renowned for its love of bicycles and coffee, Musette Caffè must be the most quintessentially "Vancouver" caffè around.

Named after the small bags used to pass meals to bicyclists during a bike race, Musette has married bicycling and coffee at its two downtown locations. As you may have already assumed, both locations are adorned with bicycle paraphernalia, from the various parts of bicycles and outfits hanging on the walls and from the ceilings, to the chandeliers made of old bike wheels. And, as you may have also already assumed, Mussette is also a caffè. 

What you didn't probably didn't assume was the level to which Musette has joined bikes and coffee - to the point that you can literally ride your bike into the caffè and order while your shoes are still clipped into the pedals. 

Looking around either location, there's usually at least one group wearing spandex, sometimes even a few people whose bikes are so loved (read: expensive) they join their owners inside. But there are also a healthy contingent of "regular" people who just want a good cup of  Forty Ninth Parallel coffee or a pastry.

If you're intrigued by the city's love of bikes and coffee, Musette invites riders of all abilities to their weekly group rides, which leave from the Burrard Street location every Saturday at 8:30am.

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CAFE BICA

Tucked between the bustle of Kitsilano and Granville Island lies Café Bica, a small coffee shop that’s not afraid to slow things down in order to do things right.

Café Bica is completely unassuming and unpretentious. You would never assume from its exterior that through its doors are some of the best coffees and baked goods you may ever have. Not only does this café know how to make a really good coffee, they also know how to create an environment where time seems to slow down. The décor is simple, with exposed concrete floors and wood furniture. Choose from a long communal table, or grab a smaller one if you can. You’ll need plenty of space, though, for all the food you will inevitably order. Brunch is offered until 11:00am on weekends and 2:30pm on the weekends. They offer soup, sandwiches and salads for lunch, and baked goods all day long. And in a delicate balancing act of making sure there are enough spaces for patrons to sit, and for students to “write” their essays, free WiFi is available after 2pm.

While you’re in the area, if you’re looking for something made in Vancouver, head to the café’s south wall. There, they stock things like candles from Vancouver Candle Company and packaged goodies from Butter Baked Goods. 

Click here for more information and photos.