Cardero Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

Tiny little cafe and Latin market (mostly snacks and sauces) tucked into a mostly residential area, but it’s full of character. The woman working the front was so nice and her attitude warmed the place up. No seating inside, but four tables outside. The two near the store are small, but the two on the other side of the sidewalk have seating to accommodate 4-5 people. When I got there for lunch around 12:30 Friday, the tables were all full, but one opened up right when I needed it and things had slowed down by the time I left about an hour later. It’s a nice location to relax for a bit (if it's not busy and someone doesn't need the table). One thing to note is that they don’t have reusable house mugs or plates, everything is packed to go, but they do accept personal cups for drinks. I had their Vegan Panini, a Tres Leches Cake, and the signature Dulce de Leche Macchiato. The panini was alright, but could’ve used more filling. I thought I could taste the eggplant, but couldn’t really see much eggplant. The mustard was kind of overpowering and probably would’ve been less so if there were more vegetables to balance it. I think their ingredients were good quality, they possibly just didn’t really know the right ratios for a vegetarian sandwich. The tres leches was the thing I had the lowest expectation for only because it was in a fridge to grab yourself and was packaged in a plastic cup, but it was possibly the best tres leches cake I’ve tried. The layering was so nice and I really enjoyed the light caramel-like flavour. The macchiato was also very good and the foam on top was cool. With a name like dulce de leche I was expecting very sweet but it was a pretty medium sweetness level. Their espresso is really good, I think even without the flavour, it’s very smooth. I’d say generally the prices are really good. The panini ($10.5) was a little expensive for what it was probably worth because there wasn’t a whole lot of filling even though it was a good size, but the other sandwiches are similar prices and look like much better deals. The drinks and baked goods are pretty affordable compared to other coffee...

An absolutely adorable little place with a surprising variety of food offerings by a friendly, welcoming couple. Go try this amazing little cafe soon and often! You won't regret it!!

I came just to check it out quickly, but I ended up ordering food for now (and later) that I can't get where I live. I do love mexican food.

I ordered a Mexican Hot chocolate (Oaxacan) with a shot of espresso. It is good, but could be improved with a stronger flavour. I also offered a tamale for breakfast. This is my favourite of all Mexican foods. The one that I got here was very good, not at all dry, and a little spicy --- but not too spicy if you're not a spicy person like me.

I ordered today's special "Pastor Tacos" to take back for lunch. The pork is perfectly cooked and it's very tender. I would say that I expected more vibrant flavour. It is very good, but very slightly bland. Don't be discouraged though, maybe they've just muted the flavours for a not-Mexican clientele?

I'll be back tomorrow (later today?) to try...

The person behind the counter hardly greeted me when I came in I asked if they have espresso since couldn’t see the machine She said in a bad way ..,” this is a coffee shop !!!” Well obviously it’s a coffee shop because I didn’t go to have my hair cut ! The horrible attitude by that lady behind the counter surprised me I am just few blocks away and they don’t get much foot traffic and if they rely on the locals they can count me off Anyway I asked for a double espresso Probably the worst in the area ..: cold and no crema and half a cup !!! Was like a bowl of soup ! Does she know what espresso is ? Was looking at the pastries but she never took notice so I saved my money ( maybe better) Should have walked away when I came in Of course I will NEVER go again but I will also tell Others not to support this place . I am surprised they survive still Even though I brought back the cup and nobody else was there she didn’t even say THANK YOU Terrible! No manners no...