49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - Lonsdale — Restaurant in North Vancouver

tepping into 49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts on Lonsdale is always a highlight of my day. This spot perfectly marries exceptional coffee with irresistible doughnuts, all served up with a side of genuinely wonderful customer service that makes every visit a pleasure.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is inviting and buzzing with a comfortable energy. The team here truly makes the experience special – the servers are consistently friendly, approachable, and incredibly efficient. Whether it's a busy morning rush or a relaxed afternoon, they handle every order with a smile and remarkable speed, ensuring you get your caffeine fix and sweet treat without delay. The level of care and attention they provide truly stands out, making you feel valued as a customer.

Now, for the stars of the show: the coffee and the doughnuts. The coffee, roasted by 49th Parallel itself, is consistently top-notch. Rich, expertly brewed, and with a diverse selection of beans, there's a perfect cup for every palate. And then there are Lucky's Doughnuts – a truly artisanal treat! Each one is a work of art, made fresh in-house, and bursting with flavour.

While it's hard to pick just one, I highly recommend trying their French Cruller for a delicate, airy, and perfectly sweet experience, or if you're feeling indulgent, the Salted Caramel Old Fashioned is an absolute dream with its rich flavour and satisfying texture. For those looking for something unique, keep an eye out for their seasonal and limited-edition offerings, like the "Mountain Highway" doughnut which celebrates the local area.

49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts on Lonsdale isn't just a coffee shop; it's a destination where quality ingredients, skilled craftsmanship, and truly friendly service come together to create a consistently delightful experience. It's the perfect spot to grab a morning pick-me-up, enjoy a relaxed afternoon treat, or catch up with friends....

49th Parallel Coffee

Visited in the morning and decided to stop by 49th Parallel for a quick coffee break. The café is known for its artisanal drinks and house-made donuts, so I tried a few of their beverage offerings.

Triple Chocolate Donut A rich and indulgent treat. The chocolate flavour was deep and satisfying without being overly sweet, which I appreciated. The texture was moist, and the glaze had a pleasant finish. A solid option for chocolate lovers. Rating: 7/10

Venezuelan Latte Made with a caramelized milk reduction, double shot of espresso, cocoa powder, and steamed milk, this drink was intense and bold. The espresso definitely takes center stage, but it’s well-balanced by the sweetness from the milk reduction. A unique twist on the traditional latte. Rating: 7/10

Iced Mocha Smooth and refreshing. The chocolate and coffee blended well without overpowering one another. It’s a well-executed classic and perfect for those who enjoy a lighter iced drink. Rating: 7/10

Service Service was underwhelming. Staff appeared disengaged and low in energy, which affected the overall experience. While the service was functional, it lacked warmth or enthusiasm. Rating: 5/10

Ambiance The space is modern, clean, and comfortable. It has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere—great for casual catch-ups or quiet solo visits. There’s ample seating and natural light, creating an inviting environment. Rating: 7/10

Price Prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the coffee and pastries. It offers good value for what you get.

Verdict While the service could use improvement in energy and engagement, the drinks and food were solid. 49th Parallel remains a reliable choice for quality coffee and baked goods. I’ll definitely be returning to try their...

Disappointing Experience – Poor Service I decided to try your donuts after seeing the advertisement outside. Before ordering, I specifically asked if you could cut the donuts in half, and your staff said yes, which is why I bought three to go—especially the peanut donut, which is way too big to eat without cutting.

However, after I paid (and even tipped!), a supervisor suddenly walked over and told the cashier they couldn’t cut the donuts. I clearly overheard the conversation, despite their attempt to whisper. The cashier even asked, “But I already told the customer we could, what should I do?” and the supervisor just said, “It’s fine, just smile and tell them no.” Excuse me?? That’s extremely disrespectful.

At first, I thought maybe I had misheard, so I asked again when I received my order—just to clarify. That’s when the supervisor, with a rude and mean attitude, slammed a plate and a dull knife on the counter and said, “If you really need to cut it, do it here yourself.” The entire interaction was hostile and unnecessary. Did I owe you money or something?

I’m not mad because you refused to cut the donuts—I’m mad because you promised a service, and then went back on your word while acting like it was completely normal to do so. If you had just said “we don’t cut donuts” from the start, or at least spoken to me politely, I would have chosen smaller ones and moved on. Instead, you broke a promise and handled it in an unprofessional and disrespectful way. Very disappointing experience.

And honestly, even if I ignore the service issue, the donuts weren’t even good. They were over-fried and way too tough, so much so that I could barely bite through them. Definitely not worth...