Waves Coffee House - Broadway — Restaurant in Vancouver

I’m not usually one to write reviews, but today, I feel compelled to make an exception. There are two reasons for this. First, after working in this neighborhood since 2020, I’m about to be relocated back to our head office in Burnaby. That means I won’t be stopping by for my morning coffee at Waves for the foreseeable future. Before I go, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people who make this café such a special place.

Second, as I was reflecting on this review, I came across a few negative comments online, and I found myself truly perplexed. Could they really be talking about the same Waves I’ve been visiting for years? With decades of experience in retail management, I know it’s impossible to please everyone, no matter the business. Waves is a franchise, and the operators have to follow many rules and guidelines. It’s not always an easy job. But I’m not here to defend the team—they don’t need it. Their actions speak volumes. I simply want to share the appreciation they’ve more than earned.

This café is everything we’ve come to expect from a franchise: cozy, clean, and inviting. But what sets it apart is the genuine warmth and humanity that flows from the people who work there. It’s not often you walk into a café where the operator knows the name of a regular, even a homeless person who gets a warm cup of coffee to fight the chill. This place is more than just a spot for caffeine; it’s a sanctuary. Every morning, I’ve been able to take a breath, collect my thoughts, and start my day with a sense of peace—something I never thought I’d find in a café. The energy here isn’t just about the coffee; it’s about the people. The staff radiate kindness and passion, and it creates a vibe that’s more uplifting than any double shot espresso. It’s a place where I’ve felt welcomed, valued, and respected—not because of what I buy, but because of who I am. And that feeling is something I’ll miss deeply.

Of course, there are always those who expect more than what’s reasonable, or come in with attitudes that can cloud the air. But the team at Waves doesn’t let that define their space. They keep the energy positive and focused on serving with heart, and that’s something truly special.

I’m going to miss this place more than I can put into words. To the hardworking Team Waves: thank you for everything. Your dedication and care make this café a place I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of. Keep up the amazing work, and don’t let the few sour notes spoil the harmony you’ve created. Wishing you all the best as you continue to serve your community with...

I'm compelled to write in response to the recent trio of negative reviews alleging rude staff behaviour to customers. This is so surprising and could not be further from my personal experience with this Waves Coffee location.

This has been my go-to coffee shop in the Fairview neighbourhood for many years. In all that time, regardless of staff changes, customer service has remained unfailingly polite and professional and beverage quality has remained consistently high.

I cannot imagine staff raising their voice or aggressively arguing with customers!

Here are some features I particularly like about this Waves location:

It is comfortable and low key, with an absence of distracting music and a variety of seating types -- plus lots of electrical outlets.

I meet a lot of friends here.

The breakfast wraps are really tasty. As are the croissants and cookies -- which are apparently now baked fresh in the store. I don't know how long that's been going on for but the aroma of fresh baking is great!

I like the fact that when I ask for "extra hot", my latte or mocha really will be extra hot!

In my experience, Staff is unfailingly friendly, prompt and professional. For example, they repeat the order to confirm they have it just right. And they remember regulars' orders.

I find the Waves app by Spoonity to be a real plus. It's versatile, consolidates gift card values, allows value transfers between app users and racks up the loyalty points.

Here are two things that annoy:

Improved awnings/blinds on the south and west sides of the location would help with the problem of glaring sun!

Face masks are really annoying but wearing them is necessary for the safety of the community. I constantly have to remember that my mask muffles my voice a bit and I need to speak up and enunciate clearly when I order. However, I cannot remember staff every mixing up my admittedly simple orders.

Anyway, I just wanted to get my long-time positive experience with this Waves location...

Last long weekend after a Dimsum lunch go have a coffee with some Cake or dessert. I step in to this store. However the amazing feeling from this store is very clean people sitting around is quiet and respect. One of the young lady staff said hi with us with very sincere smiling. I don't expect to us. I asking my companion you see your friend you know her? for sure we don't know. Because my daily coffee store visit Only Starbucks. Well I go and see anything we would like to have. The same Young Lady come to us asking anything we or anything she can answer and recommend. Such amazing experience. I go the Richmond store and The Kingsway store sometimes. I don't have any Good before. The above both store the staff alway NO smile at all. Looks like Customer just Order and Go. Even I Order a coffee in Dark Roast Black no Sugar No Cream. Still get wrong & never think they make their mistakes. Today I going to hospital to visiting my Mom. Is a good excuse to reconfirm my good feeling experience into the Broadway store. I'm so lucky to see the Same Staff. Exactly as the same experience. This time go and ask her name. She show the Name tag Karen. I talked with her about I'm friends of Starbucks Gold reward program over 10 years. I keep on asking her how you can maintain this professional hospitality service to the customer. She's at that I learned hospitality management from college. I believe customer will like it and the business will keep on coming back. Wow👍👍👍🙏 much people like this. I wish you also would to have the same experience like me in the store with staff Karen. Thank you Karen...