Groundswell Cafe offers a space to meet, mix, socialize with our neighbours and friends, strategize the democratization of the economy, collaborate and create – and get caffeinated! Being right in the Downtown Eastside right by Oppenheimer Park is not the nicest area in town, but Groundswell Cafe is making a difference in the community.
I was on my way to the Powell Street Festival and I saw this small wooden sign pointing towards a cafe a few meters away. We kept following it and ended up at Groundswell Cafe.
They took over the space of Fat Dragon BBQ, which was open a few years ago.
The space is quite large and you can even rent the space for special events. Lots of seating too.
They support people to contribute meaningfully to their community and work together to create a more just economy by:
- fostering entrepreneurial and community building skills
- providing mentorship
- bridging sectors
- supporting an ecosystem of change making individuals and projects in here in Vancouver
- collaborating with movements around the world
My main goal coming here was to get caffeinated. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. It’s not a large menu, but it’s just what you would want to see in a cafe.
Latte ($3.50) had a good balance of espresso and milk. I’m not exactly sure where they get their beans from, but it does have a slight sour taste to it.
Overall, my friends and I thought this was an awesome place in the neighbourhood. Good addition as it’s not just a cafe. They hire people from the area and offers a lot of resources to those who need it.
We Rate Groundswell Cafe:
Addresss:
566 Powell Street, Vancouver
Website:
groundswellcommunity.ca/cafe/
1 Comment
Nice find! Will be sure to check it out. Good to see something food related go in the Fat Dragon space, a tough spot even with the continued gentrification nearby. Their website says they are using Bows and Arrows beans, and has a different menu than the chalkboard one you posted.