After the huge success of their Cambie location, cowdog have expanded to West 4th. But tbh I'm…read moredisappointed.
Their drinks are on the pricier side, even by Vancouver standards. A regular Hojicha Latte is around $8, a Matcha Latte is $9. I ordered their signature Cowdog Coffee ($9.50), which combines espresso with hojicha and vanilla. The flavour is quite unique--the roasted aroma of hojicha pairs surprisingly well with espresso, and the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together. It's an enjoyable drink, but at $9.50, it does feel a little overpriced.
The West 4th location itself is fairly minimal. Compared to many trendy cafés in the city, it doesn't really have that aesthetic, photo-worthy atmosphere. One thing to note is that they clearly state there's no Wi-Fi and no power outlets, so it's definitely not a place to work or spend hours on your laptop.
One thing I really appreciated, though, is their no-tipping policy, which is refreshing to see.
I have a feeling a lot of people come here mainly for the branded to-go cups--they've become quite iconic. If you're drinking in, however, the drinks are simply served in standard glassware, so the experience isn't quite the same.
I will probably come to try one of their matcha drinks, since that's what they're also known for. Overall, it's a solid café with an interesting signature drink, but between the premium prices and limited amenities, I don't think it's a place I'd visit regularly.