Vancouver Good

Ever been walking downtown and seen a sign that says “Best Cheesecake in Vancouver?” You probably walked by Trees Organic Coffee, which has been self-boasting this honour for years.

Generally, a sign that says “best…” makes me run the other way. Yes in this case, the cheesecake is pretty damn tasty. It’s a light and airy cheesecake, totally different from the dense brick of cheesecake you’d get at True Confections. Additional flavours include blueberry, mocha, chocolate orange – they vary based on what’s in season.

I studied, met professors, and generally treated Trees like my “Central Perk” during graduate school, so I know it well and have love/hate feelings for this place.

Here are some highs and lows:

• High: Morning breakfast deal of a coffee and muffin for $3 (or around that). And the muffins are freshly baked each morning and yummy. I have a weakness for the banana muffin, which I indulge in when I happen to be downtown in the morning.
• High: The spinach and feta scone (I believe it’s spinach and cheddar now). SO good. If I’m going to spend a whack of calories on something, this is a possible candidate.
• High: Lunch specials include freshly made organic soups, which are usually delicious.
• Low: The sandwiches are generally small and dry, although I haven’t ordered one since the first one I ate years ago. And expensive for what you get!
• High: Live music at the Granville St. location on Thursday and Friday. I popped in tonight and the place was full with a great band on.
• Low: Really uncomfortable seats and comically small tables. Come on! The stools are good.
• High: Trees was organic long before organic became a buzz word. In fact, the cafe used to be called “Trees Coffee.” It became Trees Organic during a rebranding activity several years ago. Since 1996 they have house-roasted organic fair trade coffee and all their food products are made with organic ingredients.
• Medium: Unfortunately, I really don’t find the coffee that good. The drip is fine, but I have had my share of burnt espressos there. My husband Dan would disagree with me though – he alleges that they’ve made many great espresso macchiatos for him.
• High: The service is friendly, personal, and fun. They make you feel welcome and let you stay awhile.

Trees is a fun hangout offering great people watching with honest coffee & food.

They appear to have multiple locations now and also appear  to franchise. I’ll vouch for the location downtown on Granville Street, between Hastings and Pender.

Trees Organic Coffee
450 Granville Street (b/w Hastings & Pender)