Three friends, one shared obsession with coffee and another with trains. That’s the origin of Timbertrain Coffee Roasters, which opened in February 2014 in the heritage Petrina Block on West Cordova Street. More than a decade later it’s still one of Gastown’s busiest cafes, and one of the few in the neighbourhood that roasts its own beans.
Timbertrain at a glance
| Address | 311 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC |
| Neighbourhood | Gastown, between Homer and Cambie |
| Type | Roaster cafe |
| Known for | House-roasted beans, slow-bar pour-over, nitro cold brew, train-car seating |
| Best for | Coffee nerds, quick quality takeaway, buying beans |
| Price | $$ |
| Nearest SkyTrain | Waterfront Station (about 4 minutes on foot) |
Location and getting there
Timbertrain is on West Cordova across from the Old Faithful Shop, in a tall, narrow heritage storefront. It’s one of the closest specialty cafes to Waterfront Station and SFU Harbour Centre, which is why office workers and students pour in at 8 a.m. Revolver is around the corner on Cambie, so the two make an easy back-to-back stop.
What Timbertrain offers
- House-roasted coffee: Timbertrain sources and roasts its own beans, with blends for espresso and rotating single origins for filter.
- The slow bar: Pull up a seat and watch your pour-over being made. It’s the best way to try a single origin here.
- Nitro cold brew: A signature, smooth and creamy without milk. A strong summer order.
- Espresso drinks and baking: All the classics plus pastries and snacks.
- Beans, gear and classes: Retail bags and brewing equipment, plus coffee classes from time to time.
The vibe
The design is the conversation starter. The long, narrow room is styled like a modernist 1920s railway carriage, with communal tables up front and booth seats at the back that regulars call the caboose. It’s lively, a little loud at peak times, and full of people coming and going. Staff are warm and genuinely knowledgeable; ask about the roast and you’ll get a real answer.
Seats are limited, so think of it as a great stop rather than a place to camp for the afternoon.
What to order
- First visit: A pour-over from the slow bar.
- Summer: Nitro cold brew.
- On the go: A flat white made with the house espresso.
- Take-home: A bag of their own roast, check the roast date and ask for a grind if you need one.
Tips from a regular
- The 8 to 9:30 a.m. rush is real. Mid-morning or early afternoon is calmer.
- Grab a caboose booth if one is free; it’s the best seat in the house.
- Weekend hours start a little later than weekdays.
Who it’s best for
Timbertrain is built for people who like to know where their coffee comes from and how it was roasted. Coffee enthusiasts will enjoy the slow bar and the chance to talk origins with the barista. Commuters from Waterfront Station get a fast, consistently good cup on the way to work. Visitors exploring Gastown get one of the most photogenic coffee rooms in the city. It’s less suited to long study sessions or groups, simply because seats are limited.
How it compares with nearby cafes
Timbertrain and Revolver are two minutes apart and represent two philosophies. Timbertrain roasts its own coffee, so you’re tasting one roaster’s style; Revolver rotates beans from many roasters. Try a pour-over at each on the same morning and you’ll learn more about coffee than any article can teach. For food, Nemesis or Nelson the Seagull are stronger choices.
Buying Timbertrain beans
If you’re taking beans home, tell the barista how you brew (espresso, pour-over, French press, AeroPress) and ask which current coffee suits it. Buy whole beans if you have a grinder, check the roast date, and use them within about a month. Our roast levels guide explains what the roast description on the bag means.
Find Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
- Address: 311 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Gastown
- Map: Open Timbertrain Coffee Roasters in Google Maps
- Website: timbertraincoffeeroasters.com
- Instagram: @timbertrain
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes in Gastown
- Revolver, around the corner, to compare a house roaster with a multi-roaster bar.
- Nemesis Gastown on Hastings for brunch with your coffee.
- Café Kitsuné on Water Street for a Paris-meets-Tokyo detour.
Explore more
See the full Gastown coffee crawl, browse the Vancouver cafe guide, or learn how to brew those beans at home with our brewing methods guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does Timbertrain roast its own coffee?
Yes. Timbertrain is a roaster cafe and sells its own beans.
When did Timbertrain open?
Timbertrain held its grand opening in Gastown in February 2014.
What is Timbertrain known for?
Its train-carriage interior, slow-bar pour-over and nitro cold brew.
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.
