Sip your coffee under a canopy of majestic, lush greenery.

The Mighty Oak is a quaint cafe and grocery store located just off of Cambie Street in Vancouver West. Nestled within a residential community at Columbia Street and 18th, it’s the perfect spot for neighbourhood residents to grab their morning coffee and other supplies like jams and tea for their pantry.

Outside a pink scooter is parked by the entrance, depicting a tranquil scene where morning bikers are passing by, while regulars are seated at small wooden tables outside enjoying a pastry and a coffee.

Cookie jars and tasty pastries are displayed at the counter for those who have a sudden impulse to satisfy their sweet tooth. The cheery barista greeted us with a smile and asked for our order. After an internal debate of which pastry would best suit my mood that morning, I settled on a Maple Caramel Latte and Chocolate Banana Bread. In hindsight maybe not the best decision because the sweetness of the latte overpowered the banana bread so that I could only taste the latte. Well, lesson learned.

We parked ourselves on a black bench outside and enjoyed the chatter of conversation surrounding us. Bikers zipped by along the quiet inner street, and parents ushered their children along on their training bikes. A neighbourhood grocery store like The Mighty Oak really serves to tie together the community, acting as a spot to bring people together. It is through the daily hellos while getting your morning coffee or while picking up groceries, that community relationships start to blossom.

Our visit to The Mighty Oak certainly made us want to live in the area. Who wouldn’t want to live in such a serene environment sheltered by a canopy of majestic trees?

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198 W 18th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

The Mighty Oak

Photography by Florence Leung