i dropped by on a wednesday around 3:30 pm for the grand opening. slo coffee is located where take five used to be, inside pacific centre, with entrances from granville street or down the hall, between saje and pandora. it's a welcome addition to granville street, a calming café in a busy area.
the interior draws from wabi sabi principles, focusing on simplicity, natural materials, and quiet imperfections. warm wood with visible grain, concrete floors, a curved concrete counter, and rounded benches and stools create a grounded, lived in feel. muted colours, gentle lighting, and touches of greenery make the space feel calm and unhurried. on one side of the wall, there's a fun stadium style, bleacher type seating area, which adds a playful, communal spot to sit with a view of the baristas in action. nothing is flashy or over designed, it's a beautiful, thoughtful space meant to slow down and appreciate small details.
i tried the pistachio matcha latte with oat milk. it was a little sweet for my liking, with the pistachio flavour more prominent than the matcha, but it was smooth and comforting. the drink feels approachable, perfect for anyone new to matcha or looking for a cozy, dessert like drink. overall, it balances indulgence with calm simplicity, just like the café itself. they also offer pastries, breakfast items, bagels, and sandwiches, as well as merch including branded coffee mugs, tshirts, hoodies, and coffee beans.
slo coffee is a thoughtful, well designed space with a relaxed vibe and friendly baristas. it adds a much needed coffee shop to granville street and the downtown core. read more