Pallet Coffee Roasters

I love this place!
Love the staff, love the owners. It’s clean and pretty and they have some of the best coffee products for sale (french press, aeropress, and much much more)
–Double Baked Almond Croissants!!! yes!!!
–Make your own Sandwich! yes!!!
–Almond Mochas! yes!!!
This place rocks. I love it. If I owned a coffee shop, this is what I’d like it to be like, though I’d play different music but that’s a personal thing. ;-)

Quick Review. I like this place. Great coffee. Sparkling water on tap. To be continued…

Pallet Coffee Roasters in Vancouver’s East Village neighborhood 323 Semlin Street is a full service coffee bar with freshly made in house sandwiches and baked goods. It is just around the corner from Basho Café. The high ceiling space is gorgeous with pallet boards and waterfall dangling light bulbs.
Partners Sharif and Shane of Pallet Coffee has a background in construction and used to own a café in Yaletown. Nowadays, they are sourcing coffee and tea for your enjoyment.
I like their cappuccino with a earthy, robust and sharp espresso finish.
I like the subtle quietness of Pallet Coffee’s corner lot. It is perfect for those quiet moments you want to have some «me» time and get some work done. There are plenty of seats in a mezzanine split level.

Pallet definitely has respect for the bean and truly offers quality coffee at the roasting facility. They even offer fresh, in house baked gluten free items. Unfortunately they’re also baked with dairy to which I’m allergic, so it’s like torture to see all the lovely items in the case. They’re truly beautiful! The dark chocolate pecan tart especially. *i die*
But for me, the overall experience of my visit is as important as the quality of the product I’m consuming. Sadly, the experience of visiting Pallet has been diminished lately due to an employee who seldom smiles when interacting. He simply lacks a greeting or humour program. Until lately it was tolerable because Rev was there to counter balance the deal with his genuine kindness and a smile.
YES customer service is a deal breaker when competition is high.
PS Shane, we still love you, but we never see you there when we visit.

Great place to treat yourself or that special someone! If you’re lucky they’ll be roasting when you come.
Be forewarned though, the coffee is a bit on the pricier side. But oh is it good!
Love how Vancouver has so many indie coffee companies! The rest of the country could learn from this!

I’m a big fan! Tastefully understated, delicious foods and the Iced coffee was really good. My husband accidentally spilled his Americano and they quickly made him a new one. Such nice staff! I’ll be back for sure

Truly went here with the intention to be wowed other reviews sung the praises of so many different elements maybe my expectations were too high. We ordered two beautifully designed sandwiches that were meant «to go» and unfortunately not knowing that one of the sandwiches was served open faced it really wasn’t packaged for lasting well in a to go container. The salad ran onto the single slice open faced sandwich containing chicken and avocado and really ended up with the soggy unappealing meal. We don’t need gluten-​free but respect when the option is there for those that do so decided to try both the brownie and carrot cake as gluten-​free options. The non-​gluten-​free options seemed a bit sparse perhaps it was the time of day being after 1230pm. The deserts were very dry. I have explored a fair bit of gluten free as my son’s diet required it. The texture difference is expected but dry is not. The mocha was delicious — a good hot temperature which sometimes isn’t the case when ordering milk heavy drinks. the chai tea latte was tasty but unfortunately had quite a lot of tea residue inside the cup.
The atmosphere and layout with other customers was very appealing and is clearly a very busy and well attended café. I would give it another try.

I saw this reviewed by Rick C that appeared on the front page of Unilocal on May 4^th (he reviewed another coffee shop that I book marked that same day). This was part of my 100 coffee shops in 52 weeks challenge.
This place is just off Victoria and Hastings. It is one of the only businesses in the area.
LOTS OF seating in strategic areas. Small amount of pastries.
The barista was very nice.
First time in a specialty shop in which they actually had flavor shots in a good coffee shop.
There is a kitchen down below, therefore, you can have a birds eye view and watch your sandwich being made.
I had a London Fog that was made perfectly as specified.

Bought a social shopper for some pastries, lattes and sandwiches. Relaxed atmosphere laid back staff. They were out of the sandwich we wanted to try and the ones we did try were ok but nothing special. My spouse really enjoyed the croissants and I thought they were ok. The coffee on the other hand was really good.

Over on the Eastside of town, Pallet has already become known for its open and inviting warehouse feel amidst its caffeinated setting.
Full of character and charm, the café seating area overlooks the workmanlike vibe of the kitchen and an obvious wood theme and décor inside and out.
As for the coffee, their café mocha was refreshingly light and not too sweet.
I’ve become quickly obsessed with the ornamental hanging lights among all the clean finishes and elements full of style.
My standard drink of an Americano was crisp and smooth tasting and well-​brewed. The sharp espresso flavour was on point for my afternoon fix.
Pallet’s around the corner location, subtle yet ornate style is authentically appealing, not to mention the good coffee and eclectic morning/​afternoon menu of sandwiches and quick bites.

Great new Café that roasts their own beans!
I know there have been a few grumblings about staff, but honestly, I’ve never faced an issue.
The good:
— Baked goods are done in-​house and taste great.
— Single origin espresso that they roast was great. Not as «bright» as 49^th which is a great change of pace. Good extraction.
— In an area with low foot traffic
— Great minimal décor.
The bad:
— The hours. On weekdays, closing at 430 on weekdays is ridiculous, in my opinion.
— Very limited parking outside.
— Two outlets in the Café for our use.
— No back support on any chairs.
Overall, I’d recommend it. If you manage to get there for lunch or breakfast (served until 2) I think it’s well worth it.

I was here with my bf one Sunday afternoon for a late lunch after purchasing their Groupon deal which was 20.99 for 2 create your own sandwiches, 2 pastries and 2 tea or coffee. I rarely give 5 stars to places but this place deserve a 5 star for their food and services.
This place was close to home and at a nice walk-​able distance. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, this place is pretty packed at 2pm in the afternoon. There were 2 or 3 tables outside the café with a bar table against the window, 3 – 4 tables inside, about 4 tables upstairs and a bit of space next to the coffee bar for people to sit. Though I would suggest maybe more comfy chairs (that may affect the atmosphere of the place) and stable tables. About 2 tables upstairs were wobbly.
I love how once I walk into the café, there is not only a strong smell of coffee (they do roast their coffee in house) but also a nice smell of food and pastries. I have to say this place is very hipster like where it’s really bright inside. I wouldn’t mind sitting here all day with my laptop and enjoy a cup of coffee. The kitchen is a open concept kitchen where customers can see how their food is made and how coffee is roasted.
We went to order our food and drinks to find out that they ran out of some of the ingredients from their create your own sandwich menu. So, they offered us the regular sandwiches on their lunch board. Which I had no problem accepting because I didn’t really want to think of what I want in my sandwich. I mean I did want a relaxing/​chill Sunday. I got a London Club sandwich with an apple turnover and an iced vanilla latte. My bf got roast beef sandwich, gluten free nanaimo bar and a hazelnut latte. All the sandwiches came with a side of greens. Pretty healthy in my sense though bf thinks that was too much greens for him.
I really liked the sandwich I had. But I forgot to tell them no tomatoes because I don’t know why I don’t like raw slices of tomatoes. I loved the apple turnover because I liked how it was so fluffy. The coffee was really good. Bf liked his food too. Only too much greens for him.
We sat upstairs because at the time we couldn’t find any seats on the main floor. We noticed that the place was a warehouse before hand and it was very impressive for the owners to turn it into a coffee shop. Though I can imagine it being pretty warm during the summer time. We also suggest people who are probably 6 feet tall or taller to not go upstairs. Or you will have a hard time walking around because you might hit your head without ducking down. I’m about 5“7.5 and i’m like a few inches away from the ceiling when I stand up.
Overall, I would come back here even if I were to pay full price for this place. Their service was great. The guy behind the counter patiently explain the Groupon deal to us (yes i have a tendency to ask in case they’ve changed anything in the details of the Groupon). He even checked up on us while he was picking up empty plates upstairs and helped us packed our other half of the sandwich to go. I don’t expect this type of service at a coffee shop. Especially when there was only like about 2 people working behind the till, 1 in the kitchen and I believe the owner was sitting by the bar just enjoying his lunch while he picks up empty plates whenever he sees it.
If anyone is in the area, give this place a shot. It may look like your average coffee roaster place with food but the way they make you feel is also just as important. So, kudos to them that they can keep this up even when the place is busy.

I came here to use a Groupon. I had the opportunity to try their house-​made vegetarian Panini, brioche bun from East Village with butter and jam, and a large Americano.
I came here after 2PM which the sandwiches were no longer available. I was offered either a vegetarian Panini or chicken Panini, which I opted for the former. The Panini was average but the grilled vegetables tasted fresh and there was a generous thick piece of fresh bocconcini. I was surprised the Panini did not become soggy towards the end. The brioche bun from East Village was delicious. I usually ask my brioche bun lighted heated up but the place was busy and I did not want to trouble the staff so I ate the bun which had been sitting at room temperature. The brioche was delicately soft and fluffy considering it was already late afternoon. The highlight was the JAM. It was so good I had to find out who made it and where I can find it. The answer is East Van Jam
. I have tasted a lot of jams at Farmer’s Markets and shops never once had I felt so compelled to purchase a bottle. I went to East Café to get a bottle of Saint Claire Plum, which did not taste quite exactly like the one at Pallet (I think Pallet uses Fuzze Peach Jam?). What is so special about the jam you ask? The jam tastes like real fruits and not too sweet. The consistency is less «Pectin solid» than your Smucker’s jams. The disclaimer is that you have to consume the jam within two week after opening, which I dismiss it as a problem.
At this point I know I am making a big deal out of the food rather than the coffee since after all, this is where people are supposed to come for — coffee. I am not discounting the coffee. The coffee here is solid. The Americano I got was deep, full bodied, full of flavor, with no unwelcoming acidity or bitterness. Having delicious baked goods and quality condiments with excellent coffee only enhanced a consumer’s experience at Pallet.
I am sold and absolutely a fan. I cannot wait to return to try their sandwiches which I heard are delicious!

There are a few businesses nearby and an apartment complex across the street, but the neighborhood doesn’t necessarily encourage a lot of foot traffic, so a place like Pallet is, in a manner of speaking, a gem in the rough.
The interior is spacious and clean, with a mix of modern fixtures and natural wood flooring and tables to give it that expected West Coast feel. The main floor overlooks the kitchen and allows customers a behind-​the-​scenes peek at their operations. The ground level seating is fairly open and busy, but if you’re looking for a bit more privacy there are tables on an upper-​level landing overlooking the space. There is free Wi-​Fi provided by Telus that only requires your e-​mail address to sign in. (Heads-​up: You will probably get spammed with marketing junk.)
Service is okay. The servers are polite and attentive if not necessarily smiley, so while you may not get a «Hiiiiiii there! What can I getcha?» kind of reception, you’ll at least feel like you’re not quietly being judged and ushered out for not wearing a retro-​enough grandpa sweater.
Their pastries are better than usual, the best one being an absolutely decadent chocolate hazelnut croissant. The spicy capicollo sandwich I chose for lunch was warm and tasty but not very exceptional, although there were four other options (pulled pork, chicken, etc.) that seemed worth a look-​see for next time.
Their drip coffee is very bitter though. I typically drink my coffee black so that cup woke me right up. I mostly go for milder, more medium roasts for comparison so some may not mind the intensity, but I wouldn’t be able to drink that stuff on the regular.
Overall, I’m impressed with Pallet, but kinda sorta glad it’s not anywhere near where I am in the downtown area. I think that part of its personality comes from being in such an out of the way location, so having one downtown may make it less «special», but man, that chocolate hazelnut croissant. My waistline does not thank you.

The double-​baked croissants at Pallet are some of the greatest things of all time. They have almond and chocolate hazelnut… and they are out of this world.
However, the coffee is terrible! I think it’s a Vancouver trend, but it’s sour and way too strong. And WHY would you do a 40-​second espresso pour? It makes it sludgy and excessively strong… undrinkable. I have also tried the pour overs, and I had to leave the whole cup because it was sour as hell, even after I loaded it up with cream.
But apparently people in Vancouver love this sort of thing, so … ?
If someone wants to meet you here, though, come for the double-​baked croissants and the lovely space.

If this place was anywhere that was in some area that had high foot traffic I guarantee line-​ups and packed tables would be the normal scene here. For me, I am glad a place like this opened close enough to my neighbourhood, still a drive, but nothing where I have to fight off cars, fight for parking, and in the end… fight for a spot to enjoy this great brew they are cooking up here. The first thing you wonder is… where is Semlin? Well use your smart phone and find it… you can’t miss the place once you get here, with all it’s windows, taking up a nice square building with the big words ‘PALLET’ right on the building, it’s got that new age, ‘hipster’ type feel, but it’s missing that traffic that these normal places usually command once popping up in areas… for now!
When you come in here you get a great feeling of roominess created by the high ceilings over the main checkout area. This place is clean, and simplistic, and very open, from the balcony area with a few tables, to the bottom area, you can almost see the entire operation when you are in here. They don’t even hide their backroom, and the dishwashing that takes place, which actually gives a very comforting feel of what they are doing… nothing hidden!
So why do they need such a big place… and why doesn’t it have more seating… this place is a roasting house. so they do everything on sight, but most of us will just be coming in for the coffee to get our day going, that is fine. I am a creature of habit, and I keep going for their normal drip coffee… sometimes if I am there too late (I think they don’t do drip after 3:30) I do not always get what I want… but I haven’t tried any of the sweet drinks they have. from their lattes… etc. They also have some sweet baked treats here. not too sure where they get them from. but they offer a cut-​up of some samples everytime I have been there. My friend is a sucker for this kind of thing, as she always orders this white chocolate berry loaf with her latte.
I’ve been here on sunny days. and rainy days. and regardless of when you are here, you will get a beautiful brew in your cup, for me and my pure black coffee the acidity is always just right, such a smooth cup, and also being able to enjoy it while being in this comfortable surrounding. Definitely a place you can let time pass, before they kick you out at 5 (when they close). If you are looking for a real good coffee, and have some time not to just come in here and run. but to sit down and enjoy the surroundings… this is how coffee should be, don’t be surprised if time flies by.

Even though this place is open concept with the bakery and coffee roaster in easy view it seats only about 19 in a squeeze. There are only a couple of electrical outlets as well so be sure to have power for your laptop.
The coffee here is pretty good and the bakery items and sandwiches look really good at reasonable prices.
Décor is modern minimalist using west coast
decorating.

Love love their coffee! From regular drip to their latte’s, they are all very very good!
Sandwiches’ are tasty and a good portion! Everything is made fresh and you can tell that the staff cater to please their customers.
We have been there about 5 times now and will keep on going! You will not be disappointed!

A delightful and much needed addition to the neighborhood. Beans are roasted on the premises and there are three seating areas to accommodate different sitting scenarios: window bar, tables, and upstairs tables overlooking the main room. The cortado and iced Americano I ordered were both nice and smooth: flavorful yet not extreme in either acidity or bitterness.
Baked items are spot on: flakey croissants, pain au chocolat, square-​shaped scones, brownies… Of the meat sandwiches, I like the pulled pork best.
Laid-​back, industrial-​chic, friendly service.
You and your friends can also play spot-​the-​pallets!

Love the new concept of this place! Coffee roasting, coffee bar, and AMAZING food!
THE SANDWICHES ARE TO DIE FOR! and the croissants are so good. The atmosphere of the place is also trendy and comfortable. I definitely come here with friends and guests. top place on my list!
I also really like that you can watch them make the food and roast the coffee in the back given its just a clear glass separating customers.