The Best Coffee Shops in Kelowna
I lived in Kelowna for a few years when I first got off the boat in Canada.
In my experience, Kelownians fit into one of two categories.
1 – Some of the most incredibly lovely people in Canada, who will give you the shirt off their back (if you’re at the beach and don’t have a six-pack).
2 – Roided up, Chihuahua toting, lifted truck driving, drug dealing COVID denying bumble fucks that listen to the song Kelownafornication.
The comforting part about this amazing city is that #2 is really easy to avoid if you steer clear of Cactus Club, Social 242 and Tinder.
OK, shade-throwing aside, I love Kelowna.
And DAMN has it changed in the last few years.
They used to be a summer town. But now they’re an all-singing, all-dancing hipster paradise.
There are more breweries than you can shake a stick at.
There are trendy restaurants everywhere.
But more importantly…
What is the coffee scene like in Kelowna?
Well, it’s no Vancouver, but if you know where to look, it’s actually pretty good.
First off you need to realize that the light roast struggle is real.
It’s a city that most definitely has a leaning towards the darker to medium roast end of things, in most coffee shops.
But if you stay away from the chains, and use my list below, you’ll be in safe hands.
Where are the best coffee shops in Kelowna?
First off, this is an alphabetical list. So if the owners of these shops are reading, don’t get salty with me over the order!
Bean Scene
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The OG specialty coffee shop in Kelowna, Bean Scene has been roasting since the mid-’90s. Back then, the town only had a Bean Scene, a saloon and everyone rode horses.
You can expect a more traditional cozy coffee shop look and feel. They have a great selection of food, with house-roasted coffee that does edge towards the medium-dark end of things.
Don’t be scared of the darker stuff though, it’s really rather good.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: The carrot cake muffin is outrageously good. Their Landmark cafe (where they roast their beans) offers a traditional macchiato, with heavy cream and a ristretto shot in it.
Bright Jenny
984 Laurel Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7G5
This is the one coffee shop in Kelowna that would put many Vancouver businesses to shame.
It’s a stunning indoor/outdoor space, with buckets of elegantly designed seating.
Their coffee program is all roasted in-house and starts at rich chocolatey flavours, all the way to bright and fruity light roasts.
Food-wise, there are sweet treats and pastries.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: Always, always go for the pour over. They have an incredibly talented roasting team and their ‘Bright Club‘ offering is always light and juicy.
The Local Chemist
Inside rustic reel – 760 Vaughan Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E4
Local Chemist is an epic story of a guy that used to have small popups and sling coffee at events, turned coffee shop, turned roastery!
The owner, Dan, focuses on high-quality, medium to darker roast coffee, that’s roasted in-house on their amazing Bellwether Roaster.
They have a full espresso bar, alongside some amazing filter and cold brew options.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: Their espresso shots are insanely juicy and delicious plus their cinnamon buns are the size of birthday cakes.
Pulp Fiction Coffee House
Disclaimer: I’ve not been here for at least 4-5 years.
When I was there last, it was a tremendously interesting venue/book store downtown that has plenty to do inside if you’re drinking alone.
They use 49th Parallel beans and the coffee was a bit hit and miss, but the staff were really friendly.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: Load up an espresso drink with loads of milk! I’m talking latte’s all the way here.
Sprout Bread
1295 Cannery Ln #125, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V8
An absolutely huge venue, with heaps of lighting and even more seating.
Their coffee lineup is from Social Coffee Roasters in Vancouver and they have a massive in-house baking program with some incredible pastries and sourdough.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: I really enjoyed their filter coffee and their insanely delicious ham sandwich.
Third Space
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Third Space is a really unique business in that it’s a non-profit. They provide “supportive counselling, education and events related to mental health to our community”
It’s an amazing venue. Huge, has lots of seating and looks like a Restoration Hardware store exploded inside it.
They’re a multi-roaster, bringing in coffee from around West Canada usually. I’ve seen Monogram, Phil and Seb, Bows and Arrows, Tug6 and Detour on their shelves on my many visits.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: I’ve always been really impressed by their straight-up, batch brew, filter coffee. It’s insanely balanced and usually edging towards a crushable medium roast.
Honourable Mentions
Neon Coffee Roasters
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Neon Coffee Roasters are NOT a coffee shop, but I’d highly recommend trying to get hold of some of their beans if you’re in town.
They’re light, bright, fruity and immensely delicious.
I’d compare them to the bright club offerings from Bright Jenny, or similar to the lineup from Luna Coffee Roasters.
Krafty Kitchen and Bar
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281 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6L2
OK, I know this isn’t a coffee shop, but I had a surprisingly good coffee here, so this place gets an honourable mention.
They have something called the Hip Hop Brunch on the weekend.
Their food and cocktails are incredible.
I had their pancake breakfast and was blown away by how great it was.
Vancouver Coffee Snob Recommendation: Go for their filter coffee or their breakfast Caesar garnished with fried pork belly was the most obnoxiously delicious cocktail I’ve had in a long time.