What a Nice Cafe

Another dreary Vancouver day and the weather can't make up its mind. Rain, rain, oh look now it's slush! Blah! I dropped my daughter off at a friend's place for a play date with her daughter so I can complete some errands. Seriously, I do spend some time with my children, but it's really nice there are parents who understand a play date is crucial to one's sanity. I can only play so much Barbie! Besides, I'm returning the favour tomorrow when my friend goes for her facial (who has the better end of this stick?). 

In the meantime, I searched for a greasy spoon, cheap breakfast joint that serves decent coffee and a place where people will just leave me alone. I found Nice Cafe. Well, I didn't find it. I read reviews on Urban Spoon and googled its location. Nice Cafe is located on East 8th Ave, just off of Main Street in Mount Pleasant area. Parking was a bit of a pain and I finally found a metered parking about a block away. Parking in Vancouver in general is a pain! 

There were a few people inside, mostly couples and I read a sign on a blackboard "please wait to be seated" when I entered. Since there were a few tables empty, I decided to sit myself down. But, I wondered how long I would have waited to be seated as there seemed to be only one server around, and she walked passed me three times (I must note though, she did have her back turned towards me). However when she noticed me, I was greeted and coffee was promptly offered. There were colourful landscape paintings on the wall from a local artist which gave the cafe a comfortable, almost bohemian look. But, the decor wasn't eclectic, nor plain. I noticed the large windows allowed natural light but with today's weather, the cafe's ceiling lights brightened the room.

I ordered the Albernie (smoked salmon Bennys served with hashbrowns). The server asked me how I wanted my eggs, and I hesitantly replied "not too runny." I don't recall anyone ever asking me how I wanted my eggs on my Bennys (this was different).

I was also left alone to ready my book and check my emails on my phone. When I ran out of coffee, I flagged one of the servers and my cup was filled. There were small packaged creamers, sugar and hot sauce on the table (no need to call server frequently). My Bennys arrived and the eggs weren't runny. I looked for a greasy spoon place but the food wasn't greasy. It was tasty and looked well prepared (healthy even). The hashbrowns tasted like potatoes and there were real fried onions on the hashbrowns. You could taste the fried onions and I love fried onions. I've been to places where the onions were the dried up ones sprinkled on top of the dish (not very pleasant). The coffee was decent, but needs improvement. Perhaps, they could find out where the coffee shops in the area obtain their coffee beans (Gene Cafe comes to mind). I finished my meal and placed my book down, I was offered the bill. Final bill was $10.08 with tax! Really? Now that's nice. 
Oh by the way, the place also serves burgers and sandwiches. Next time, I will bring the family.


Nice Cafe
(604) 874-4024
154 E 8th Ave
Vancouver