I found this cute café today. I love how much sunlight it gets. The round tables are a little old and kept sticking on my stuff which was unfortunate. Otherwise everything else including a drink was 10 out of 10. read more

See all

This shop is a small and simple operation, which isn't what I'm usually drawn to, but they nailed it for me today. I came to try the Polish Pillow! It's a unique drink - the taste is not quite the same as coffee but very similar, and the raspberry and almond flavour is very nice, not too sweet. I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine so I'm glad this is caffeine free! I also had their vegan wrap and a cranberry pecan spice cookie for my lunch while I was here, both of which were very satisfying. The typical coffee shop jumbo cookie is bigger than I usually want so I like that they sell small cookies designed to accompany a drink here (there are bigger ones too). The staff was polite, and everything I ordered was presented very neatly which was a nice touch. It's not the trendiest coffee shop, but I found the unpretentious vibe to be very approachable and refreshing. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Vegan Wrap, Polish Pillow, Cranberry Pecan Spice Cookie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Don't get me wrong. All went well on the visit but this place just very lacking in selection overall. I felt the menu was a little too small. The location is a tad out of nowhere the whole area not a single and then bam there's this tiny coffee shop But the 4 choices of cookies and no original chocolate chip cookie is just way weird, and while gluten free is great , not everyone wants gluten free or actually can eat gluten free. The ingredients used to make GF actually doesn't agree with some people. They had a few wraps and sandwiches and that's it. Didn't see any of them on display like typical places. You can see the place is set up for one person to run the shop solo so I guess that's why the menu is a tad small. If there was music didn't notice it and it wasn't a cozy vibe. Slim long set up and a few tables chairs line both sides of the shop. Cookie was $4 and nothing epic about it. BREKA cookies are a lot more exciting. read more

This place is great. Full of light due to its triangularity. Great latte. Great salted chocolate chip cookie. Relaxed atmosphere. Service is polite and quick. Lots of people have given this place bad reviews. I can only assume they are miserable for other reasons. Oh well. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I love the location. Right at the fork on Main and Kingsway, the triangular cafe offers style while practising minimalist decor. Staff is low key but very polite. They craft a darn good cup of latte. Seating is quite limited due to COVID and there's only one table. The rest are along long benches shared with others. I like to return next time and try the pastries. They looked delicious! read more

This is mainly a review of the polish pillow (a yummy drink). Amazing, very delicious. Fruity and nutty without being too sweet. Would be nice if it did have caffeine so I could make it a part of my daily wakeup routine, but I'm just happy it exists regardless. Very good. read more

I missed my bus on cold rainy day. So I decided to try this place while waiting next one. But I guess it was wrong choice. 1. I hate the entrance door. It doesn't close itself. Cashier lady asked me closed. Ya alright. Then there is cashier counter just behind me. So tight! Very unpleasant welcome door in my life. 2. I had latte with almond milk. Strange but it was very sweet. I don't need sugar nor sweetner. Yucky. 3. Small cup is very small. I felt smaller than other chain cafe' cups. As it was quick trial, I didn't feel like complain but sure I won't come back even I missed my bus. read more

What the!?!?! Sunday morning, 9am. I walked into this place and was first of all shocked by it's ghetto-ness (i.e., fake teeth hanging from the door, i can do without. It's not cool or eclectic, it's just stupid). And i love me some ghetto, but this place needs some work. It also needs some heat. I swear it was warmer outside. But we were going to get coffees to go so no biggie... Except for the 'barrista' or whatever who was clearly challenged this morning by life in general, and specifically by orders of coffee and croissant. I have never seen someone struggle so much to get a croissant off of some wax paper. Wow. It was like performance art. Only problem was...uh, we all kinda wanted coffee and this guy really could not deal with multitasking. So my friend ordered a mocha, he took the order by pressing about 20 buttons on the computer screen. Then when I said i wanted an americano and it would be on the same bill, you would have thought I just told him I ate his cat Fluffly for breakfast. He then, seemingly distraught, proceeded to press another 30 buttons on the screen and told my friend the total was 9$!!!! WHAT THE!?!?!? Uh, dude. No. He then, sighed and, you guessed it, pressed another 20 buttons on teh screen, did not tell us the total and just gave us some change. Good lord. Oh and now it's coffee making time! At this point, there was a line up of about 5 people. Oh and did I mention the other staff person who was walking around putting baked goods out and turning on the music...again, what the!?!?! Help the dude out!!! *head desk* Ten minutes later (no joke) we got our coffees. Pretty decent and what warranted the 2 stars. But I can tell you, I won't go back if I can help it. I don't care how hipster you are this was piss poor service. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Came here with my bf on a Saturday afternoon. Very bright and modern cafe. We were lucky to find front center seats right at the tip of the cafe facing the beautiful view of North Vancouver. My bf and I both got their regular drip coffee which was really good because it wasn't acidic and it was quite tasty. Spinach Croissant - This was quite good. The pastry was flaky and tender. It would of been extra delicious if it was warmed up but we forgot to ask. The filling, on the other hand, was savory and flavorful but there was very little of it so it was kinda disappointing. (3.5/5) (Gluten-Free) Salted Double Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookie - This was also quite good. It was rich, gooey and extra chocolaty. The salt sprinkled on top was quite pleasant because it helped cut the sweetness. We just wished the espresso was more prominent because it would of provided more depth of flavor, and it would of been nice to taste both the chocolate and coffee together. (4/5) Overall, staff was friendly and pastries were good. The only thing that we weren't fond of was that it was quite cold inside. You would think they have a heater somewhere to keep people warm on cold days or they just forgot to turn it on. So if you do plan on coming here during the winter, ensure you bring lots of clothes! read more

What?! They're STILL renovating? This has got to be one of those do-it-you-self jobs. The "renovating" does not stop people from being pulled into Gene like magnet to metal. It's the coffee. It's certainly NOT for the personality of the proprietor (eek) I wish she would at least pretend she knew how to smile. Well, maybe it's the endless "renovating" going on around her that makes her so cheery. NOT. But the Coffee ! the Coffee! man it's SO good. read more

I'd just emerged from the Mount Pleasant library, in need of a quick coffee fix. Gene was directly opposite, so over I went! It's possibly the brightest cafe I've ever been in! Would be great for reading and drawing in :) Also the view down Main to the mountains is great; don't think I'll ever tire of looking at them. I approached the counter, and the guy who'd been standing behind hurriedly ran to the side, sat down, and started browsing on his laptop. I wasn't quite sure if he worked there or not! He was doing his best to ignore me, but after enough of a glare, he looked up and said, "Someone will be along soon." Another minute, and a friendly smiley lady came out, and made me the strongest latte I've ever had in my life *head explodes* ;D Very bitter too, not quite what I was after, but not bad either. Turns out the guy did work there, and was just being a weirdo :S read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Strong latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Deep into the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, Gene's quaint, teardrop shaped cafe where Main Street and Kingsway converge (a kind of nexus between West and East Vancouver) is the apex intersection for attracting hipsters and trendy shoppers with a strong second-hand store vibe to it. Their no-nonsense, barebones (and relatively inexpensive) coffee menu is appealing in a comforting way. The basic decor and homey interior screams of the artsy, young but affluent kind of crowd. As for the coffee, my standard drink, an Americano, was noticeably strong and crisp with a nice, rich taste and flavour. Also, the all-day breakfast burrito looked very appetizing with its warm, egg-iness. It's hard not to be charmed by the strong coffee and open space completely surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing all the sunlight of every corner inside to its great, central location. The indoor and outdoor benches make for an inviting feeling at Gene's. You can't beat the ambience and its simultaneous hidden gem yet centre of the universe quality. read more

See all

I have a soft spot in my heart for this little coffee shop. They were here before a lot of the newer additions to this neighborhood and although the seating is a little uncomfortable, the coffee is always great and the vibe feels authentic. read more

Wedged between Kingsway and Main is Gene, an architecturally funky café wrapped in windows and complete with high ceilings and very white walls. The interior's a little stark for me, and as soon as you enter you know you've come to a place that's aiming for chic and sleek, a style that doesn't often touch my heart but no doubt wins over many a minimalist. I did enjoy their menu items however, especially this rare find: almond milk, banana, fig, and spice smoothie. Their coffee also rates a mention and I think this might be their pride and joy. Gene also has wi-fi but when I came to settle in and do some work I had problems hooking up to the Internet. The owner himself came to help me and spent quite some time fiddling with my machine, but to no avail. I appreciated that he tried so hard to sort out my computer problems, but it was a shame I couldn't stick around after I finished my delicious smoothie. I would of liked to, as this place has are some great long wooden tables at which to perch where you can tap away and watch the Main Street action go by. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

Excellent, excellent espresso drinks, some of the best in Vancouver, and wonderul croissants, both plain and chocolate. If you go mid-morning, you may be lucky enough to get a warm one... OMG, so good! Yes, it's known for it's lacklustre service, but since the service, IMO, isn't downright bad, I'm fine with it. I've been there enough times to know what the baristas are like. For example, if you're the next person in line and they're making a drink and you're just standing there waiting, they won't say "I'll be right with you" or acknowledge you in any way until they are ready to actually serve you. However, the usual guy (he must own it?) remembers what my drink is, which I appreciate, even if he doesn't engage in conversation. It's a total hipster hangout, which sometimes gets on my nerves, but I'm there for the coffee after all, so I let it go. It's a tiny space, with an unfinished look, and they seem to keep rearranging the interior. On nice days you can also sit outside and stare at the Lions way off in the distance or watch the hipsters pretending that they aren't trying desperately to be noticed. ;) read more

Gene Coffee Bar - YUM! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Gene's got great bones, but doesn't quite live up to its potential. Wayyyy back in the day this was a candy store; An old fashioned candy store where you could pick your box - including Valentine hearts with bows & flowers - and fill it with your choice of chocolates. I suspect some of the markings on the floor are from some of the cases that used to be in the shop. It was gorgeous and ancient...and then, in the 90's it became a punk clothing store for awhile.... Now it's Gene's. You could do almost anything to this space and it would be fantastic...it's the building. Currently, the drafty interior, the half executed "modern" design, the messiness that doesn't jibe with the modern, the musty smell are not inviting, but it's still striking. It can't help itself. Good coffee. I had a well made, large vanilla latte that kept me up on my trip back to Seattle ($4). It had a thick layer of foam and was tasty, no bitter notes. Bad service. For the record: I do not patronize Star*ucks...nor do I accept that a rude barista is part of the Indy Coffee Experience. Give me a break. I'm not asking for insincere chirpiness when I buy something....I ask anybody to be as polite to me as I am to them. I would stop by again if in the area, since there's decent coffee to be had in this old friend of a building...and just hope the barista's loving life that day! Cheers! 26/30 read more

At the crossroads of Kingsway, Main St, and E. 7th, we see this brightly lit triangular cafe that doesn't claim to be anything else but simply a coffee/tea shop. They have limited eats - sandwiches, cookies and brownies and unfortunately I didn't have the appetite to try any of that. I ordered a yerba mate ($2.75) and sat down on the bench, plugged my phone in (ample outlettage available) and started to type this review away. The vibe is quiet, informal with soft indie tunes flowing in the backgruond, and a bar bench of thoroughly focused laptop users. This place is decent and doesn't make any bold claims to culture or decor, but I like the space and will probably be back. read more

So the guy behind the counter didn't smile at you? Ok, we get it. You want to be treated to a fake, sugar-coated, bubbly barista experience to go along with your mediocre coffee. No problem, there are plenty of those places around. But you go to Gene for the coffee. The hair-on-your-chest, burning-hot, so-thick-as-to-be-able-to-tar-your-roof espresso is easily one of the best in the city. The cappuccinos are equally good, and the croissants are fresh and flaky. You're sometimes lucky if you can get a seat, but when you do, you're thankful that this place is small and intimate. I'm sorry, you're still reading and fuming about the guy behind the counter? Seriously he's part of this place. He's part of the atmosphere. He rarely smiles, but the longer I come here the more I think it's just because he's a bit... weird. He's not rude, and he's genuinely happy you're ordering one of his carefully crafted coffees, but don't expect him to wave pom-poms and ask you if you want a regular customer stamp card. This is Gene. Take your amazing coffee, sit at the amazingly bright window, and forget about it. That's why you came, right? read more

A raw space with lots of light. If a coffee shop could embody a home it would be a studio space/loft with lots of light, exposed beams, some brick and lots of metal. I think a sculptor or painter would live here. The Americano I ordered went down fast and smooth. I probably should've had my own to go mug...felt a little bad for asking for a disposable...and I wish they had raw sugar (not brown sugar)... But regardless, an hour later -- I was bouncing off the walls -- Yowser! that's some strong brew-tastical beans Gene's got! read more

You know what, I don't like Gene. And that is a shame, because it's in my neighbourhood and occupies a great piece of real estate. I wish I did like it there! But the atmosphere is just so damn oppressive. This is a joint for pretentious hipster art types, and it shows - it's uncomfortably quiet, and the only thing I feel when I go in there is "uncool". And I'm kind of a hipster myself. Also, I've heard great reviews about the coffee, but the two or three times I've gotten some there it's tasted bitter or burnt. It's great that they offer both soy and almond milk - and I remember that they used to also offer hemp and rice milk, though this is no longer the case. Unfortunately this is just not the type of place for someone like me. I feel like I'm making people uncomfortable if I have a conversation at normal volume. I just feel... watched. Maybe it's because it's basically a fishbowl. Three stars because I understand how this place is great for some other people. I have plenty of friends who I like despite their pretentious attitudes, and they seem to like Gene, so whatever. read more

I'm always so on the fence with Gene. It's a BEAUTIFUL space, I wish they'd managed to keep the Bocci light they had up for a while last year (the green one) - it added some great ambience to the space when the sun wasn't shining. I think their collection of geraniums is super cute and it's hilarious that they have to keep reminding people NOT TO WATER THEM. They grew some veg outside last summer I think - that was pretty cool. Gene's got a great ginger hot chocolate - they even have almond milk! I wish they'd bring in some more muffins or something.. Here's the thing though - oh my goodness, SMILE! also, I dunno, maaaybe be a bit speedier? Or say hi or something when you serve me? It's why I don't really stop in other then to see some pals that I spot through the window. I just don't really feel welcome there too often. This Spring I think I might spend some more time in Gene, maybe it needs another chance and I just need an excuse to sit in the window, bathing in sunlight. read more

Oh Gene. This cafe is definitely not tucked any in any inconspicuous corner. It's very conspicuous standing loud and proud on the corner of Kingsway and Main Street. And they certainly have a good reason to be standing loud and proud: THE COFFEE! Oh the coffee! So smooth and velvety, and yet powerful enough to fuel you for the day... And the ambiance = beautiful and unique! With windows on both sides showering in an abundance of natural light, you almost feel like you're sitting outside (minus the rain) when you're enjoying a cup of coffee here. read more

I thought I would give this cafe a try for the third time and yet again was greeted by a sour face. The main barista was quiet but answered my questions in a friendly tone. The girl who was taking our order was rude and unpleasant and short to answer my questions. When asking where the espresso came from she was quick and short and did not once look me in the eyes. I am extremely laid back and it takes a lot to rub me the wrong way. Being in the coffee industry myself this is not how customers should remember your cafe. I enjoyed my espresso but the service was complete crap. If this is the image they are trying to portray then all the power to you and you have nailed it!! I hope the unhappy lady at the till can find some happiness today and everyday! read more

Gene, maybe you should try drinking some of that coffee yourself cos you damn slow. I was standing waiting behind some guy as their card machine wasn't working and they were very slowly trying to figure out how he could pay. Good customer service would suggest you ask me what I want and get to making it, so I am not left standing here with an irritated look on my face. Sure, i was not in that much of a hurry but i hate to be ignored. Also you need to refinish your benches, I got black plastic dots all over my hands from that upholstery. Not nice when wearing a pretty dress. Decent iced coffee, lots of caffeine. Simulates a heart attack. read more

I totally agree w/ the review here: http://www.yelp.ca/biz/gene-vancouver#hrid:ZiAjHbl1Trkv57Jmq2NJ_w Great space - love the open windows, & the location. (though furniture, walls, & tables are quite dirty - but i guess that's vanouver's thing). However, the service leaves such a bad taste in your mouth, i'm gonna think twice about coming back because of it. They didn't tell me when my order was up. When i finally went to ask her, she was quite rude - surprisingly so. No smile. Not "sorry it took so long & we forgot about you" It's such a shame because the space has lots of light from the windows. I'd recommend the owners hire nicer baristas & clean up around the cafe read more

As part of the gentrification (i.e. cannot fit into a pair Cheap Mondays and without a creative slacker job) of my neighbourhood, Gene is cooler than I am. Better looks (i.e. clientele), better address and better culinary skills. The coffee here has been rated some of the best in the city and it is in fact so good, that they would be popular even if it was just a cart on a nondescript corner. Coffee is strong and traditional - half caf, 2 pump princesses be warned. I love that this is a great place to sit (if you can get a seat) and people watch. And I don't find the service to be snotty, quiet but nice actually, but the crowd can be. The great thing is, they are too cool to stare for long. I love the breakfast wrap; what a concept to actually make a breakfast wrap that tastes like real food (Starbucks...I am talking to you) and they also have this yummy apple filled pastry that is worth the calories. But I really love Gene because it meets my great cafe standard: a comfortable, good looking place with its own personality where you actually want to sit for a couple of hours. And it is within tripping distance of home. And I get lazy. read more

Good coffee, strange music. I used to dislike this place - I found it a little cold and sterile, and not at all welcoming. I'm not sure if it's changed hands, or there are new folks behind the till, or if i've just come around to the minimalistic, hipster coffee shop vibe but Gene is growing on me. They brew a decent cup at a decent price. Their iced tea is proper iced tea - not that silly syrup you occasionally get stuck with. They have all the fandangled coffee condiments you could ask for - for the days where I think i'm healthy and opt for honey, or the days i'm honest and fill that sucker full of white sugar... they have the bells and whistles, and then they have them again in liquid form. The staff are quiet but friendly. It's only recently that i've found the folks here to be lovely - but they are. So keep that up. Go you. It will never become an out of office office. Simply because i'm not hip enough to get the soundtrack and I can't check emails when it sounds like i'm in the middle of a weird experimental movie. But it's a good spot to grab a cup on a sunny day, plunk yourself outside and watch the world go by. read more

Gene, can I come live in you? With tons of light pouring in from every angle, Gene's exposed beams, white walls, and mountain glimpses make for my kind of inspiration space. So long as I'm not in any serious hurry, Gene is a great space to plug my headphones in and work a few hours away. Sitting alone in this bright and clean room makes for the perfect creative environment while I down a (couple of) delicious Americano(s). The Americano, by the way, is where it's at when ordering at Gene. Smooth, rich, and strong, this bad boy keeps me alert for hours. While I can't necessarily live in Gene, I can at least visit every once in awhile. Well worth it, I'd say. read more

Hip hipsters are hip. I really want to love Gene, but so many times I'm disappointed. Each time I go in, I hope for a different experience but I'm often met with surly, aloof service. It's like I'm being sized up as a customer not good enough to be there. And I so love that space! I love the location and its unique perspective of the city. My favourite spot to snag is at the very front, flanked by windows. It's prime people and street watching and you can truly watch the world go by. The coffee is solid. Never had a problem with that. If only the service were better, so would my rating.... read more

In a town with quite a few coffee shops that take their brew seriously, I can't really justify getting an attitude from a barista for the privilege of purchasing a high priced Americano. So that is why the low marks for Gene. Yes, they make a good cup of coffee. But the service here is sub-par and downright unpleasant at times. The last time I went in there, I found myself wishing I had just walked the extra block up Main Street to Cuppa Joe or Kafka. read more

Gene's ginger hot chocolate is the bomb diggity. Sip on a cuppa that, bring your laptop, book, notes, buddies, and spend a solid few hours hanging out. This is well worth the visit to prop down and study or work. The decor is minimalist, and the tables are long and sort of communal. There are windows that seem to wrap around 2/3 walls of the triangular-shaped space, that means tons of natural light even on grey days! Definitely check out the vegan brownies, so dense and delicious! read more

A uniquely situated flat iron building coffee shop. A unique interior aesthetic with lots of light. The iced Americano was good and generous and the service was friendly. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Iced Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Yeah yeah yeah, has anyone mentioned the hipster-y atmosphere? It doesn't actually make me FEEL uncomfortable and what were you expecting on Main and 8th?! Espresso drinks are nothing spectacular, but not bad by any means. Just ok. The space itself is gorgeous. Lots of seating in a little space. Tons of light. Lots of outlets for laptops. Good music. I hummed and haw-ed on adding a 4th star because I actually really liked the to the point, no-small-talk service. read more

Very simple place but with a fun twist. Like the way they put it on the corner with windows showing both streets on either side. The barista was very sweet. I only ordered a black coffee because that's all I wanted, but it was really delicious. It has to be if it is to be consumed straight. Good spot! read more

Gene became my new favourite place for coffee last summer. The quality of their espresso is about the best I've had outside Italy and the informal atmosphere is great when I bring the kids along. It would have got a 5 except for the recent changes in layout that they made a few weeks back. They have expanded the counter area parallel with Kingsway so that it takes up about half of the already cramped space. They also seem to have raised it above the floor of the public area by about six inches which means the staff have to really lean over the top to serve you. I don't know what they were hoping to achieve, but I hope they don't think they've got it right. read more

If there's only a way to give this place a negative star... Gave this place another try after two months, and really hoped it would be better, as I live so close to this cafe, but this experience was worse than the last: for an espresso, the worst tasting one yet and couldn't finish it; the espresso spoon was not just dirty, but gross coffee stains were caked on; and the coffee saucer had a larger coffee ring stain already caked on which i tried to remove with my fingernail. Saying this place is dirty is an understatement. I paid 3 dollars for this. I told the staff the coffee spoon was dirty; she just stared and looked away. Great customer service! Keep doing what you are doing, b/c the only reason why this business is still running is due to it's great location, location, location... read more

We needed some caffeine and were in the area so we stopped by. Ordered an Americano, latte, and an affogato. The drinks were not strong at all and very over priced in our opinion. The affogato was nice, but again over priced for one small scoop of ice cream. Service was fine, but we won't be back nor would we recommend coffee from here. read more

Gene Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

See all

The corner of Kingsway and Main is sort of an East-meets-West in Vancouver. The long diagonal of Kingsway abruptly ends and presents you with the vista of downtown. At this vantage point, sits Gene. A unique triangular shop with a raw canvas of an interior, slightly art-school workshop and slightly industrial deconstructive. The coffee is great, although the menu is a bit messy. My americano was rich, and as well-made as some of my favourite places. However, the best part about this place is on the outside: The apparently pilfered "Tim Horton's Coming Soon" huge sign from up the street. Love it. read more

See all

Welcome to the epicenter of Mount Pleasant's café culture. This little place is a true community hub...a spot where the neighbourhood gathers to chat, sip coffee, or waste some time on a MacBook. The coffee/tea menu is simple but excellent... with interesting items like a "ginger hot cocoa" or a "Polish pillow" (ingredients unknown...but it's delicious). They serve a satisfying selection of croissants, brownies, and a good ol' breakfast wrap. I'm a fan because I like bumping into people there...and the layout of the space makes it very social (two long wood beams act as tables with people sitting on either side on stools or a cushioned bench). New owners (as of Nov '12 ?) are very friendly...and the service is now a tad faster. Disclaimer: if you're looking for a "comfortable" place to sit (i.e. a couch or some puffy chairs), this is NOT your spot. Disclaimer 2: I'm not a coffee drinker...so I cannot comment on the quality of their beans. read more

Hipster heaven. Just being in there makes you feel cool. Two baristas here make the best Americanos in the city, but you have to figure out which ones. read more