Cafe 106 has been a Burnaby neighbourhood staple for over 12 years, known for its friendly vibe and reliably excellent coffee. Walk in and you’ll notice the white subway tile counter, the local art on the walls, and the steady stream of regulars grabbing morning espresso or lingering over laptops. They specialise in small-batch espresso and pour-over brews, roasted locally and dialled in for consistency every day.

Their menu is concise and well thought out. Expect classic espresso drinks like ristretto and cortado alongside seasonal lattes (maple oat in autumn, honey lavender in spring). They offer single-origin pour-overs by the cup, a weekly rotating espresso blend, and cold brew steeped 18 hours for a smooth, low-acid cup. Pastry partners include two Burnaby bakeries, supplying croissants and scones delivered fresh each morning. There’s also a compact lunch selection: toasted paninis, a grain bowl with house-made vinaigrette, and a vegan muffin that regulars swear by.

Cafe 106’s team is small but experienced, with baristas who complete an internal 30-hour training programme on extraction, milk texture, and customer service. They calibrate grinders twice daily and note bean provenance on the chalkboard so customers know which farm and roast profile are in the hopper. Service is warm and unhurried; staff remember names, suggest a new roast based on your taste, and will gladly show you how to tamp properly if you’re curious.

Located near Burnaby Centre, the cafe hosts a monthly open-mic night and donates leftover pastries to a local shelter each week. People choose Cafe 106 because it feels like a cafe that belongs to the community, not a chain, offering dependable coffee, thoughtful food, and neighbours who care. Phone: 604-438-1220. Website: http://thecafe106.weebly.com/