Guest post by Marie Erikson, fourth-year Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy Honours student 

Coffee can be a key element of a good work session, and UBC’s campus is filled with choices. No matter your priorities, these recommendations will help you find the coffee you need where you need it.  
 

Best outdoor seating: Great Dane Coffee 

Great Dane Coffee is a local business serving coffee, other beverages, baked goods and sandwiches on the north side of campus. The cafe is owned by a mother and son duo, the son being a UBC alum. In addition to good coffee, Great Dane is known for its sandwiches made on focaccia and its expansive outdoor seating, complete with couches and a fireplace.  

 

Best for dietary restrictions: JJ Bean 

JJ Bean Coffee Roasters offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free food options. Their coffee beans, including some seasonal single origins, are roasted locally in Vancouver. The two-storey space on University Boulevard offers plenty of natural light indoors and patio seating outside. 

 

Best place to celebrate: Loafe 

Loafe offers coffee, sandwiches and even alcoholic beverages in the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre and the Sauder School of Business. Both cafes source their coffee from Pallet Coffee Roasters, a local coffee company. With a large patio, Loafe’s Alumni Centre location is also the perfect place to catch up on work, meet a friend or celebrate a success.  

 

Best value: Sprouts 

Sprouts is a fully volunteer and student-run cafe that offers inexpensive vegan food and baked goods. They use local produce and offer some free meals to support food security. Though their one-dollar coffee is the cheapest on campus, you’ll need to bring your own mug or enjoy it there.  

 

Best location: UBC Food Services 

Cafes operated by UBC Food Services are located across campus, so you’ll never need to travel far. DaBao, Hero, Perugia and Stir it Up all offer $2.60 drip coffee, plus meals and pastries from a variety of cuisines.  

 

Best for families: Bean Around the World  

Bean Around the World is inside the Old Barn Community Centre and right next to Jim Taylor Park and its playground. In addition to coffee and tea, they offer smoothies, sandwiches and treats that people of all ages will enjoy. It’s also the perfect study spot if you need a quieter space filled with natural light. 

No matter what you need from a café, you'll find a great spot here on campus.