Continental Coffee - Vancouver

Continental Coffee has been around a long time. In fact it was one of the first coffee shop on Vancouver's famous Commercial Drive. Today, there's a second outlet at 26th and Main. The business actually began in 1960 when Theo Grippo, an immigrant from Italy, opened an espresso bar on The Drive. Business was good but he closed it to concentrate on selling beans wholesale out of the garage from his home. His daughter brought back the retail operation in 1979 again on Commercial. Her sons have joined her in the business as has a grandson.Continental's second shop along trendy Main opened at the end of 2012. It offers much the same blends as the Commercial Drive location, with the added offerings of small lot estate coffees. There's a small roaster in the Main Street location, and syphon coffees are available too.

This place was really small but it was cozy. It's an unreliable place to study given the limited seating and only a handful of outlets. It's a great place to relax and catch up with friends though. Prices are pretty average but they serve a good cup of tea.Parking: Next to corner so easy street parking.

Good coffee. Would defo give them another try. It was quite busy when we were there.

The coffee and pastries are fine, the service is subpar. Been here a few times as I live in the area, and never receive a greeting or thanks from the staff. When I order pastries they throw the paper bag across the bar. I don’t get it. At first I thought perhaps a one-off, but it’s consistent. Plenty of other friendly and delicious coffee shops on Main.

I'll say first off, yes there's one washroom. It's clean, spacious, has a timed fan, and even a little table to hold your bag or care for your baby. Regular tap, soap, paper towels.First time here. It was open bright and early after a rough night. Soothing music: long chords of choir and other acoustics, not pretentious tho. Just one person working there, her polite voice carries well; I'm a little hard of hearing and anxious, but had no trouble communicating with her. Had a cortado and turkey panini.The cortado had notes of apple, toffee, toasted almond. The milk art was a subtle and sweet heart.The panini I asked to be made hot to melt the cheese, and it was Gooey. The banana peppers were a vinegary highlight to cut through the richly cheesy panini just right.I didn't feel pressured to get in and get out quickly either, which I value in a morning cafe especially. Highly recommended, they seem to be open before anywhere else on MainWheelchair accessibility: The place is flat and there's a wide enough area for one wheelchair. The chairs can be moved out of the way for a wheelchair. The bathroom is spacious.Dietary restrictions: Alternative milks available, bakery options for gluten sensitivities and vegans. Sweeteners and common allergies are listed