Paper Crane Cafe

213 reviews

531 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4, Canada

About

Paper Crane Cafe is a Coffee shop located at 531 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4, Canada. It has received 213 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday7AM-3PM
Tuesday8AM-3PM
Wednesday8AM-3PM
Thursday7AM-3PM
Friday7AM-3PM
Saturday7AM-3PM
Sunday7AM-3PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Paper Crane Cafe: 531 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4, Canada

  • Paper Crane Cafe has 4.3 stars from 213 reviews

  • Coffee shop

  • "Update (05/28/23): Been back a few times over weekends just to pick up some pastries and had great experiences with two different staff and baristas"

    "I’m a real newbie at the Paper Crane"

    "New to the neighbourhood so excited to find this place so close"

    "The barista who served me was unwelcoming and hostile"

    "Not many low key quality coffee shops like this left in Vancouver"

Reviews

  • OPC

Update (05/28/23): Been back a few times over weekends just to pick up some pastries and had great experiences with two different staff and baristas. I am a fan of their vegan muffins and croissants. Their croissants are even better than the chain French bakery on the same block. The last couple times, I even got drinks as well and no orders were messed up or made callously. Changed my rating up to 4 stars. The drinks themselves are a bit on the pricy end but no real complaints if they are made as ordered. —————- Drinks and pastries (largely made by a separate bakery I believe) are great. No complaints there. But the service is one of the worst in town. A few times already I have caught one of the baristas in a foul mood where they look as if they would rather do anything else other than offer you service. Twice now they have botched orders, given me the wrong sizes that I paid for, don’t bother using the milk substitute I paid for and never actually gave me an apology for their mistakes. I live right in the area and was so excited to have a small independent cafe in my neighbourhood but this is far from a neighbourly institution. I would rather walk further than keep coming here hoping I get the one friendly barista who doesn’t hate her job or hates her patrons.

  • David Shymko (DJ Dave)

I’m a real newbie at the Paper Crane.. but it doesn’t matter if it’s a gig, a guitar, an event, a shop .. I go by ALL gut. I was at the good will store next door and found some pretty decent items .. a Calvin Klein dress shirt, pair of boots, a leather clutch for my gf (Diesel) and each item $5!?!? Back to the Paper Crane.. I told you about my little shopping stint because when I get in a roll like that it becomes rolling thunder, no pouring rain and comin’ on like a hurricane as I discovered the PC on my way to Starbucks. Turns out.. I didn’t need to go .. what a surprise and relief! I am SOOOoo fussy about the way my London Fogge is made I thought there’s just no way.. WAY! Way! The day I was there the 2 girls behind the counter were very hospitable, kind and put a lot ( I watched ) into making me their version of their London Fogge it was awesome .. I also had the best iced tea I’ve had in 2 years

  • Mike Wnuk

New to the neighbourhood so excited to find this place so close. Service first thing in the morning was amazing. Probably was the first person in. Latte was very good. Bit on the pricy side. But all around great. The only issue was the croissant. Every bite oozed grease/butter. I know how croissants are made. But have never had a croissant that basically squirted grease every bite. Definitely a hard pass on the croissants for next time. I do believe they are a third party supplied. But not for me. However will definitely be back for the coffee and great vibes. The back patio looks brilliant.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Jess Victoria

The barista who served me was unwelcoming and hostile. Very snobby attitude. Prices were fair. I noticed many fruit flies in seating areas outside and to a lesser extent indoors. The outdoor seating area in particular is practically unusable because of this issue. The coffee was marginally better than a chain cafe, but at least at a place like JJ bean the staff isn’t unnecessarily condescending and rude to me. Wouldn’t go back.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

  • Michael Buescher

Not many low key quality coffee shops like this left in Vancouver. A hang out of mine when I lived in Strathcona. Definately a place to bring a friend. Nice patio in the back also.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Croissant
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking
Kid-friendliness
Lots of room for a stroller

  • Harran Shi

Reply to comment: the rice crispy was available before the pandemic. Thank you for reading and making new desert options. Moreover, I think you should have recognized that I am, indeed talking about your location. “Old looking… small desert option”. Original review: The place is old looking. Their desert option is very small and the availabilities of the foods vary from day to day. I got a rice crispy from here and the taste is ok though it had hard and dry parts here and there. The coffee is standard.

  • Prajay Mehta

Likely my favorite small coffee shop in the city. And imo their croissants are wayyy better than the 'upscale' bakeries in the area too, by a long shot! Definitely a hidden gem. Recommend the turnovers too, super filling, super delicious, one of them can keep you going for most of the day.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Turnovers, Croissant

  • Faith

The place has potential (nice space) but it’s not used very well - seems thrown together and not taken care of very well. Staff was nice enough but seemed uninterested. Coffee was okay (a bit bitter). Used plastic cups for a drink I was drinking inside, quite wasteful. There was no menu that I saw.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Jamie Togher

Best Croissants in town, they're not made in bulk, so you know they're fresh. Seating is form over function. Looks great but not the most comfortable Also, whoever is managing the playlist is great
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Croissant

  • Jordan Eunson

Amazing coffee place, you can tell the people that work here are part of work family together. The rear entrance makes for a great flow through the restaurant. Good coffee, on point cappuccino and this potato turn over they have is to die for. Best breakfast weekend work session I've had in months.

  • Walker

Very friendly little local coffee shop. There's no seating right now because of the pandemic, but when there is it's a great place to hang out and have a coffee and a read. If you live close by you should swing in. The space always strikes me as somewhere you could host an awesome after party.

  • lindsey laviolette

Love love love the space. If I could eat glutenous things, I'd be all over their pastries as they look incredible. The coffee is consistent and delicious. Being a new neighbour to Paper Crane I'm getting to know the ladies that run it and must say I enjoy them quite a bit.

  • Grace Fong

Cute place with high quality coffee, a friendly staff, and a clean bathroom. Not that much seating, so it's better to take your drink to go. But the tables are large and good for laptop work if you can grab one. I like the barstools at the window for people-watching.

  • John Ho

It is a bit of hole in the wall, but kept well. But I am not here for the furnishings! Barista uses a machine similar to what I used 20 years ago! Old school La Maazocco, old school hand foaming…. Awesome barista!
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

  • Ponda Baba

Cool spot, interesting space and decor. Coffee was good and staff was friendly. Not much else to say. Adequate room for seating and chilling.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Amelia Guimarin

I haven't been here that often, but every time I do go, the coffee is just amazing. I don't know what they do, but it's just always so good. That's the highest compliment I can give a coffee shop. So, there you go.
Service: 5

  • Ara Wilmot

A great local cafe with amazing lattes and apple fritters. Staff are always kind and polite. I haven't been able to dine in yet but I'm looking forward to sitting down for my coffee sometime soon now that restrictions are lifting.

  • Leni

Great little cafe with a nice vibe and friendly staff. They have good coffee beans from Moja.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Joel Timmermans

Great Service and Delicious Coffee and Latte! Def be back again!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Lucy McDougall

Nice selection of teas in addition to coffee. Very welcoming staff & environment. I’ll have to pop in earlier in the day next time so I can sample their well reviewed pastry selections.

  • Jennifer Northrup

One of our favourite spots in the neighbourhood. Nothing pretentious, just delicious coffee and pastries baked in-house.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • paul scheffer

soooo good amazing staff And the coffee is just dang dang yummy Large Americano. Splash of steamed cream and a kiss of vallia. Winnin
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Dannon

Great local coffee shop. Great owner and staff, who make sure the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Had a half sweet mocha, life is good.

  • Tsefaye

Sweet barista, clean and tasty lattes! Plus smoking area in the back :)
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10

  • Rebecca Glazier

They have vegan options, as lactose intolerant, this makes me very happy. The banana and chocolate muffin tastes AMAZING!

  • Linden Querengesser

Great cafe with tasty coffee and the BEST croissants in Vancouver
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Omid “Omidia”

Good little place. Great coffee!! Ok croissant (and I have high standards, don’t get me wrong it was delicious)

  • Aspen Murray

Absolutely love this cafe :) very friendly vibes, dog friendly, and the pastries/baked goods are hard to beat.

  • Jason

Hidden gem. Great staff, coffee, baked bits and dog friendly. Very chill atmosphere. Easy as you like.

  • Sid Bangar

Great flat white, great barista Update: the barista is Sarah. She's the best. …

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