Prototype opened in 2019 in half of an old storefront on East Hastings in Strathcona, and immediately earned a reputation as Vancouver’s most experimental café. Owner Matt Johnson built it around variety: more than a dozen coffees on the brew bar at a time, a full espresso menu, and a pandemic-era invention that became a signature, the waffle donut.
At a glance
| Address | 883 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC |
| Neighbourhood | Strathcona |
| Type | Micro-roaster café and tasting room |
| Known for | A huge rotating coffee menu, waffle donuts, seasonal drinks |
| Best for | Coffee explorers, weekend treats, buying unusual beans |
| Price | $$ |
| Transit | The 14 and 16 buses along Hastings |
What Prototype offers
- Coffee: Unique, traceable coffees, many roasted in house, with 14 or more options on the brew bar plus espresso.
- Waffle donuts: House donut batter cooked in a waffle iron on the bar, iced and topped with seasonal fruit and flavours.
- Seasonal drinks: Creations like an orange latte or honey orange latte, plus matcha drinks and bottled cold brew.
The vibe
Tucked away and a little tricky to find, which makes it feel special. The 1,300-square-foot room is calm, design-forward and built around the tasting experience. There’s a dog-friendly sidewalk patio.
A second location
In August 2024 Prototype opened a daytime “tasting room” inside Please! Beverage Co. at 222 West 5th Avenue in Mount Pleasant, which turns into a cocktail bar later in the day. See our Mount Pleasant guide.
What to order
- First visit: Ask for the most unusual coffee on the bar as a pour-over.
- Treat: The seasonal waffle donut.
Who it’s best for
Curious coffee drinkers who want to taste something new each visit. It’s daytime-only and closed some days, so check hours.
Photos
Find Prototype Coffee
- Address: 883 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Strathcona
- Map: Open Prototype Coffee in Google Maps
- Website: prototypecoffee.ca
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby
- Catfe near Chinatown.
- The Gastown cafés, a short ride west.
- Commercial Drive, a short ride east.
Explore more
See the Vancouver cafe guide and our coffee bean types guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a waffle donut?
Prototype’s signature: donut batter cooked in a waffle iron, then iced and topped with seasonal flavours.
When did Prototype open?
In 2019, in Strathcona.
Does Prototype have a second location?
Yes, a daytime tasting room at Please! Beverage Co. in Mount Pleasant.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
