Walk into The Birds & The Beets and the first thing you notice isn’t the espresso machine, it’s the greenery. Flowers and plants fill the room, light pours in from Powell Street, and the menu reads like what you’d cook for yourself on your healthiest week. It’s a breakfast-and-lunch cafe that has become a Gastown favourite for people who want good coffee without a heavy plate.
The Birds & The Beets at a glance
| Address | 55 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9 |
| Neighbourhood | Gastown, just east of Maple Tree Square |
| Type | Breakfast and lunch cafe |
| Known for | House-made bread, avocado toast, grain bowls, plants and flowers |
| Best for | Healthy brunch, a catch-up with friends, vegetarians |
| Price | $$ |
| Nearest SkyTrain | Waterfront Station (about 12 minutes on foot) |
Location and getting there
The cafe is on the first block of Powell Street, steps from Maple Tree Square and the Gassy Jack statue, at the quieter east end of Gastown. Milano’s espresso lounge is a few doors away and Nelson the Seagull is around the corner on Carrall. From Waterfront Station, walk the length of Water Street to Maple Tree Square, then turn onto Powell.
What The Birds & The Beets offers
- Breakfast and lunch: Bread made in house, sandwiches, toasts and bowls. Avocado toast and a miso barley bowl are long-time favourites.
- Coffee: Well-made espresso drinks and drip; the latte is a solid daily order.
- Pastries: A small case of baked goods for a lighter stop.
- Flowers: The room doubles as a pretty, plant-filled space, which is part of the reason it’s so popular for photos.
The vibe
Bright, green and relaxed. Counter seating, small tables and plenty of natural light make it a calm place to start the day. It skews toward friends catching up and solo diners with a book rather than laptop marathons. On weekends it fills with brunch groups, and the mood gets livelier.
What to order
- Classic: Avocado toast on house bread and a latte.
- Hearty but healthy: The miso barley bowl or the seasonal grain bowl.
- Light stop: A pastry and a drip coffee.
Who it’s best for
This is the Gastown cafe for people who want to feel good after brunch. Vegetarians, anyone eating lighter, and friends meeting for a long chat will all be happy here. It’s also a good choice when you’re showing a visitor the old part of the city and want somewhere pretty and calm. If you want a sugary dessert drink or a late-night coffee, look elsewhere.
How it compares with nearby cafes
Nelson the Seagull is the closest comparison: both bake their own bread and centre the menu on simple, quality food. Nelson leans toward toast and bread; The Birds & The Beets leans toward bowls and greens. For straight espresso, walk a few doors to Milano.
Tips from a regular
- Weekend brunch peaks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- It’s a daytime cafe; plan for morning or lunch.
- East Gastown can be busy with foot traffic, so keep an eye on your bags on the patio.
Find The Birds & The Beets
- Address: 55 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
- Neighbourhood: Gastown
- Map: Open The Birds & The Beets in Google Maps
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes in Gastown
- Milano Espresso Lounge, a few doors down Powell.
- Nelson the Seagull and East Van Roasters on Carrall.
- Sadacci Cafe on East Cordova for Persian-inspired espresso drinks.
Explore more
See the full Gastown cafe guide, or the Vancouver cafe guide for every neighbourhood.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Birds & The Beets vegetarian friendly?
Yes. Much of the menu is vegetarian, with toasts, bowls and salads.
What’s The Birds & The Beets known for?
Its plant-filled room, house-made bread and healthy breakfast and lunch dishes like avocado toast and miso barley bowls.
Is it good for brunch on weekends?
Yes, but it gets busy from late morning, so arrive early.
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.
