Paper Tiger Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Vancouver

The very image of a small but passionately run coffee house. Their selection of beverages, all brewed with in-house roasted beans, keeps mostly with the staples. This isn't to say their selection isn't diverse, but rather that they eschew gimmicks in favor of getting the basics spot on. Their selection of whole bean roasts also changes up regularly, including a few select "Off-ee" blends: roasts that don't turn out quite on-point but still show a hint of character that reflects the creativity of the shop's owner. Complementing the coffee selection is a curated offering of pastries and baked goods from other local shops, harmonizing well with the home-grown feel. Staff members are all friendly and wick in their service, though this is the one spot I have to deduct some points, as on more then one occasion I've not gotten exactly what I wanted because I either didn't get asked to choose or the barista was spaced out. I don't say this to mean I think the service was poor; in fact it says something that I find these rare hiccups to be endearing in light of the good coffee and friendly service that never betrays. Come for the good coffee, enjoy the atmosphere, check out the showcase of locally offered food (and hand crafted artistry), stay because...

10/10 [1]Food — Amazing. Personally I'm not a coffee drinker, I go with my partner and he gets the coffee. He said it was great! I got an oolong tea with some vanilla syrup. Never had the combo before, just a vision. I loved it. We also got an apple fritter, and a dark chocolate muffin. Both were OUTSTANDING, on their own and especially in little bites with sips of our beverages. Moist, but not spongey. Sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.

[2]Service — Just one person taking orders and making all the drinks! So obviously, be patient. They were equally patient with us as we asked questions about the menu. The barista was very nice and welcoming. We stayed for a while, and they said goodbye to us as we left.

[3]Atmosphere — Loved it. There is a shabby parking lot, but that rickety feeling fades the moment you start walking up to the store. There is outside seating (one table, I'd say. Fits two, from what I recall). There were many trinkets and doodads to look at and appreciate when you enter. I couldn't find any of their own merchandise, though. That, you can find online. Unfortunately, the item I was hoping to find was no longer being sold. It was a 15oz paper tiger coffee roaster tumbler, with a handle. It was adorable. Hope they...

I just moved to this side of Vancouver, and having passed by Paper Tiger several times on my way to work, I knew I had to give it a try. After just one visit, I'm sold.

Let me make something clear, though: If "the coffeehouse atmosphere" is more important to you than the coffee, you might be disappointed. Paper Tiger chooses florescent lights over Edison bulbs, and they play classic rock, not coffeehouse hits. You may mistake the owner for the building's landlord and not a friendly and down-to-earth coffee lover.

In a strange way, I felt more like I was at a local greasy spoon breakfast joint than a coffee shop. It grew on me quickly.

But what sold me was the most important thing: the coffee. The owner recommended a plum latte, and I worried I may have ordered a coffee with prune juice. Instead, I got the best latte I've had in memory, all without hiding the coffee under sugars and spices. I will definitely make Paper Tiger my go-to when I need my fix...