I had spent the entire day pouring my heart, soul and malice into work and to put the icing on the proverbial cinnamon bun, I was off to UBC for a three hour night class. Needless to say, my spirits were dampened if not slightly moist from the Vancouver summer rain, and in the moment I was not my usual sunshine-cheery self. I stood on the corner of Alma and 10th- exactly 1 and 2/8ths of a concrete slab away from Grounds' front door. I warn you that if you stand at this exact location, you don't stand a chance, buddy. Before you know it, one of your feet is already through their door- you just haven't physically done it yet. Their windows were open, their baristas were smiling and the odor that wafted straight-up my nose and into my brain just screamed, "I can't TAKE It anymore!" I ordered a baked good topped with white goodness. It was large, it was warm and it was mine for only $3.50. I snuck my first bite during class as it was blatantly staring at me in the face; long sessions of masticating and waiting for the goodness to melt followed by soft echos of, "mmm" wasn't the greatest co-activity with note-taking, but I made it work. I managed to save a piece of the taste cyclone for later on in the evening. As I peeled away the layers, each strip evoked a heightened cocktail of cinnamon and sweetness compared to the last. Pick me up for the entirety of our acquaintance, then knock me down once I've finished your last morsel. Albeit, pun intended, you did save the best of you for last, my little vortex of happiness. Recommended deal: cinnamon bun topped with icing. Score: I want to bite you. read more

Life is too short for a bad cup of coffee. Or a cinnamon bun. After reading the raving reviews on this place I was excited to try it for myself. Yes, the place smells like warm cinnamon heaven. But once you really start to glance around, you can tell it's not particularly well-kept nor clean. The place seems rather muddy and don't have a lot of lighting. It is not a chain place but has a chain vibe, probably due to the unwelcoming servers. I got a cinnamon bun with icing and a 12 oz skim latte. Let's start with the shorter complaint, shall we? The latte was cheap (similar price as Starbucks) and it tastes just like Starbucks. But at least Starbucks doesn't give you a scorching hot latte unless you have asked for extra hot. This cup of latte was so hot that they not only double-cupped it, but I also had to use a sleeve. The foam - unimpressive. The espresso - bland and only has 1 oz. I had hoped that the poor latte would have been redeemed by the cinnamon bun here, which is what they proclaim to do best anyway. But then again, why is the shop's name Grounds for Coffee if you can't really do coffee? Anyways, the cinnamon bun. It just came under a warm lamp with some icing. Let's describe the amount of icing here. So say the cinnamon bun has 4 swirls, and a good amount of icing would be like stretching over all 4 swirls but it would be a moderate layer that you can still see the bread coming through. Ok this bun has icing that covered the inner 2 swirls. And extra icing is going to cost you. Oh, oh, the icing has also hardened so as you're cutting the bun, it cracks. So the bun itself has taste of cinnamon (duh) but it was hard, not fluffy. I've definitely had better cinnamon buns elsewhere - namely, Blenz Coffee. Some other beefs I have: I saw on the board that combo 3 is a cinnamon bun + 20 oz coffee. After some calculation I realized it's exactly the same price if you were to purchase them separately. I gather many people might not need a 20 oz coffee but thought this is a deal and proceeded. As you can see by the double cupping of my latte, this place is rather environmentally unfriendly. When I asked for a bag to put my sticky to go box of cinnamon bun away, they gave me a plastic bag because they don't do paper. Maybe they're having a bad day, maybe normally their cinnamon buns ARE divine. But today was clearly not the day. And as a restaurant, consistency is important. I won't be returning. read more

Yes, yes, and yes. Best cinnamon roll I've ever had! They are about $3.50 each or $12 for a 4 pack. We loved them. They serve good coffee, too. If you're in the area GO! read more

This three star review may be grounds for a good spanking! I am still a huge fan of your ewwwy gooooey buns, but the $3.73 price tag is approaching my cannot afford limit. I have removed one sticky star because for this price I know your company can afford take away containers that are either compostable or recyclable. And yet you serve em up in #6 death plastic with matching forks and knives. Bad Grounds4Coffee. Smack read more

5 stars for the cinnamon buns alone, they are a delicious heart attack waiting to happen. I only go here for their homade buns, but that is all you need. When I first came here my friend was convinced the name "grounds for coffee" meant that you could bring in your old coffee grounds for coffee, hehe. Still can't help but think of her and her silly theory whenever I go to this place. It's super convenient if you are on your way to UBC because the alma bus stop is litterally in front of the cafe. If you love your buns hot, huge and gooey then this spot is a must. read more

It is small, can be crowded... at times, noisy... at times, dusty (flour)... at times, but is the birth place of the best cinnamon buns in the city PERIOD. This is their one and only manufacturing facility so if you are looking for a fru-fru/pretentious coffee place I'd suggest elsewhere. And for those of you whining about $3.48 for a cinnamon bun there is a 7/11, and a Chevron across the street and a Timmy's nearby. Coffees are much better then Bucks or Timmy's swill. The staff are very friendly and helpful, if you are experiencing something different perhaps it's a reflection of the personality your giving off. Or perhaps they are having an off day, try and be nice, maybe it'll help you both. :) This has been my coffee shop of choice/office-away-from-home for the past thirteen years. I do not work here, am not related to anyone here, and am not compensated in any way. Just saying. read more

Overly rated, I personally went twice as I tried to convince my self with the best ast if poor coffe and less the average cinnamon rolls . You can hardly find a clean spot on the floor which is covered with bread crumbs. read more

Quick notes: As a coffee shop, it's simply ok. As a cinnamon bun place that serves coffee (which is what it really should be taken as), it's pretty good. Despite their name, and it's been said almost all the Yelpers here, the reason you come to Grounds for Coffee is the cinnamon buns. Their cinnamon buns are $3.75 for one and are cheaper if you buy in packs of 6 or 12. Over the last 5 years, I've had the buns first thing when they open, mid-day or only minutes before close, and the quality has always been good. What makes the cinnamon buns great is the flavor and the texture. You can tell they are made fresh and in-house. You can get the buns with or without icing, but in either case, the insides are gooey to the max. The coffee on the other hand is a little on the pricy side and nothing spectacular or really bad. It's not burnt, but it's also not really flavourful. It's simply coffee (a little on the weak side for my liking, and I drink my coffee black). The seating area is small with only 4 or 5 tables and is a little narrow/uncomfortable. Since they have free wi-fi, Grounds for Coffee is always full and you may not get a table. For the optimist: the sitting area has an eclectic look/feel to it. For the pessimist: the sitting area sit old, dark and a little dingy. Take the side you would like to go with. In the end, if you want a good cinnamon bun, this is the place to go. Personally, I would suggest picking one up and taking it somewhere else to enjoy. However, if you're looking for a coffee shop to have a conversation or for a place to sit down to watch the world go by, another one of the hundreds of other coffee shops Vancouver may be a more of your cup of tea (or coffee). read more

6/15/2012 Cinnamon Buns. Find me a better one, and I'll be surprised (but delighted!) I personally have to go light on the icing because they give you plenty, and it's just plain rich, but even with light icing, you're good to go. Wifi worked well, and they didn't mind us hanging out for a couple hours. I think one cinnamon bun is $3.75. You get a lot of bun and icing. Chai latte was great (I don't drink coffee). read more

Ordered a vanilla latte and don't regret it. They say they have the worlds best buns, ‍ i don't think so they were okay. Nice place not the best for studied a lot of students and small space for seating but still wouldn't mind dropping in once a while read more

Grounds For Coffee - Vanilla latte with a Cinnabon bun - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Grounds for Coffee makes by far the best store bought cinnamon buns I've ever tasted. These rolls are simple, made with quality ingredients, not overly sweet, and topped with delicious cream cheese icing. They are warm, sticky, and gooey as any good cinnamon roll should be! Basically, they are that rare example of something that simply couldn't be improved upon because it's perfect. These guys also understand the universal rule of cinnamon rolls: freshness is key. This is perhaps more true of cinnamon rolls than any other baked good. Within a few hours they become stale and lose their gooeyness. Proof: the rolls here are always fresh and always amazing; however, the rolls they supply to just about every cafe in Vancouver are totally mediocre by comparison. Same rolls. The only difference? Freshness! read more

This coffee shop has been at this same location since I moved to Vancouver 15 years ago. It has what others tell me is decent coffee (somehow, for being a Vancouverite, lawyer and some kind of yuppie, I never developed any taste for coffee whatsoever), but I personally like their fruit smoothies more. You know you're in for a good experience when you ask and they lug out a pail of fruit from the freezer, reach in with a scoop, and throw a pile of berries with a banana and whatnot to prepare. They sweeten it some, which I don't think is necessary in most cases, but I guess I'll take it. Muffins and cookies are also sweetened to a bit too much of an extent. However, I remember the first time I went in still... Me: "I need something quick for breakfast. What's recommended?" Clerk: "Well, we make great cinnamon buns." Me: "I'll take one." [I receive a bun that's stuffed into a plastic box the size of my head. And when I say stuffed I mean it; I think cream cheese was squeezing out the other side.] Me: "This is one?!?" Clerk: (looks at me funny) "Yup. I guess if it's too little, we sell four packs for the price of three." Fluffy yet crunchy, dry and gooey with cinnamon paste and sweetness all at the same time. Addictive but one of the other reasons I will never fit into my old jeans at this rate. So, coming back from class that day I pick up some for my family. Mom takes one look. Mom: "What are those?" Me: "Cinnamon buns. Four for three," Mom: "We're not going to be able to eat all those and that looks like eight cinnamon buns to me, but that's good. We're Asian and love saving money. Plus, eight is a lucky number." They don't have the 4-for-3 deal anymore, but the buns are still that big and that good. I've realized that the only way to not have leftovers is to use the time-honored strategy of feeding them to hordes of your friends. Groups of males in their 20s can eat through *anything*. At least, in this case, it's all good stuff! read more

Great cinnamon buns. Big cups of coffee. Seating area is a bit small, but hey, these are the sacrifices one must make for cinnamony deliciousness. I wish they used cream cheese in their icing, but really, I'm nit-picking now. read more

What do you consume to nurse an Olympic hangover? A vanilla latte and a gooey cinnamon bun, of course! Here's what the 5 stars are for: -Amazingly, yummy, gooey, soft, and crispy all at the same time Cinnamon Buns -A decent vanilla Latte -Super Close proximity to the 99 B-Line stop -Free wifi -Nursing an Olympic hangover read more

Amazing cinnamon buns, you'll see them around town but get them a) fresh here b) in bulk and save money. The coffee selection isn't as amazing, but it's good enough to go along with your cinnamon buns, and the fact their URL is cinnamonbuns.ca and not groundsforcoffee.ca says it all. read more

You have not had a cinnamon bun until you have been here. Walk in and you can just feel the cinnamon. Perfectly gooey and not too much dough. They are quite large. Personally I prefer to ask for some icing on the side as icing gets too sweet for me easily - but so worth every penny if you like cinnamon buns. You've been warned it smells heavenly when walking in. read more

I was expecting to love this place. Coffee and amazing cinnamon rolls, it just might be heaven. But it's not. I don't think I would ever stay here to enjoy the atmosphere. Can't say what it is, but instead of being an inviting cafe, it feels crowded and though it has no resemblance to McDonalds- all I get is a fast food vibe. The cinnamon rolls have a great smell. You can get rolls without frosting- hooray! Personally I'm out for the texture of the roll and a high cinnamon flavor. Frosting just makes things taste like sugar and exponentially increases the messiness. Visit Grounds for Coffee and get your order to go. read more

Ok, so I haven't actually been to this place personally, but a friend raved about it and proved to me by bringing me one of their famous cinnamon buns. It had been a while since I indulged in cinnamon sweetness. When it comes to cinnamon rolls, I can't stand dry ones that make you run for some milk. For me warm, soft and gooey is the only acceptable standard. And Grounds for Coffee's definitely delivered on this standard. Just the right degree of sweetness and amount of icing. I want more. read more

Grounds for Coffee just came to mind when I saw someone's Cinnamon Bun list on yelp and couldn't believe there wasn't a mention of this place on that list! (Also reminded me that I haven't reviewed it yet either!) They are fresh, gooey, warm and you must get it with icing. (I find the ones without icing are a little dry sometimes, and honestly don't think you'd save that much in calories, so might as well have the proper thing!) It's pure goodness - none of those icky nuts and raisins that are thrown in elsewhere. This is as good as it gets! (To be honest, I've never had anything else here but the buns are worth a stop when you're in the area!) read more

I don't spend much time in Kits, but I just started taking guitar lessons there and had time to kill before a lesson so I figured I'd find the nearest coffee shop. To my pleasant surprise, I wandered into this place. Now, I always picture everything on this side of Granville to be super overpriced and hoity-toity, but the prices here were quite good! I got a very generous vegan wrap for $5. The people working were all very lovely. I asked the young lad working the till how prominent the onions were in the wrap (as I hate them) and instead of rolling his eyes, he gave me a genuine answer and then consulted with the rest of the staff to give me the best answer possible. I decided to go for it, and guess what? The wrap was the bomb-diggity, even with the onions. Overall, I liked this place very much. All of the staff were super friendly and helpful, the food was very yummy, the prices were good. I will definitely be going back should I find myself back in the 'hood with more time to kill. read more

Am so not pleased with today's cinnamon bun (Monday almost 2pm). It was hard and stale-crunchy underneath with very little remaining icing-a poor shadow of previous offerings. When I returned it to the tiny sales lady at the counter she said it was fresh (???) but exchanged it for a 'new' one once conferring with another woman there. She herself couldn't even identify whether it had icing or not so had to ask once again for the new one even though I was the last person she recently served. Needless to say, replacement had a hard crunchy bottom bit which covered at least half the bottom (even though I asked her to check before serving). Oh well read more

You have to come here in the mornings but the cinnamon buns are tasty and the frosting is nice and thick. If you come at a bad time, you loose the goeeyness of the fresh buns hence the four stars, not five and you get a stale texture. The coffee is brewed fairly strong and I even come here for beans sometimes although I've now learnt that Yoka is probably where I should be going. Smoothies are decent. I used to come here for smoothies in the summer before walking down kitslano. read more

Drove clear across the city to see if indeed, the best cinnamon bun lies in this place. Yes. Yes, it does. Unbelievably soft and not overly gooey but certainly gooey enough! Not cheap but worth the price especially if you buy 6. I could have eaten 3 and they are big! Friendly service to boot. Will be coming here again for my next craving! read more

Grounds For Coffee - No icing cinnamon bun! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Without question the biggest and best cinnamon buns in town. Don't like nuts or raisins in your cinnamon buns? You'll love these. Super fresh and warm just out of the oven, slathered with cream cheese icing, or naked if you prefer. Grab a 4 pack to go, or sit in and enjoy your cinnamon bun with a cup of coffee. They'll be so tasty you won't even think about how many calories they might have. read more

What's better than warm, oooey, gooeeey fresh & delicious cinnamon buns! My only wish was that they offered ones with nuts/raisins :-) read more

After months and months of being told this was the best place for cinnamon buns in Vancouver, I finally went -- and was kinda disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting ... chewy cinnamon goodness with lots of melted frosting on top? While mine was okay and very large, it didn't satisfy. It wasn't as soft and chewy as it could have been, and the frosting wasn't the creamy texture I hoped for. I think the bun wasn't too fresh actually. I had bought a box of 4 for about $13 I think. Unfortunately, none of my family wanted to sample the buns, so I was stuck with them. I think it would be better to just order one and eat it there in the shop, where they have seating and wifi. But there's probably not going to be a next time, seeing as I was pretty disappointed. My search for the perfect cinnamon bun continues. read more

The cinnamon buns are amazing! If you come here, definitely order one with icing. The interior is cute and has lots of places to sit down and enjoy your coffee. It is a bit narrow, but there was still room to sit when I was there around noon on a Saturday. I don't drink coffee so I can't review that, but my boyfriend seemed to enjoy his. read more

I went here to try their famous Frosted Cinnamon Roll and I had a mixed feeling about it. While the roll was soft, I found it to be too sweet. I would suggest getting one without frosting if you don't have as much sweet tooth as I am. read more

Grounds For Coffee - Frosted Cinnamon Roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Gooey soft and delicious cinnamon buns with a thick but not overpowering frosting. mmmmmmmmmm. Go towards the morning when it's freshly made though. Also, love love love the soy smoothies because they're all freshly made and tastes refreshingly delicious. Service is always friendly, fast and attentive. Definitely a great place to go to pick up some quick breakfast or snack. read more

My girlfriend learned of GFC while attending UBC, and told me about their incredible cinnamon rolls. I was dubious, but they lived up the hype (and then some)! Upshot: the only time that I partake of cinnamon rolls is when I visit Vancouver, specifically at GFC. Thank you, GFC, for ruining American cinnamon rolls for me! :-) read more

5 stars for cinnamon buns but 3.5 stars for coffee. Only one thing I didn't like about their coffee was bitterness. I usually drink blonde (the mildest in terms of taste) coffee at Starbucks. If you like dark roast, you might be okay with their coffee thou. The atmosphere is somewhat stuffy in summer. read more

My Vancouverite friend told me I had to go here during our visit because "the cinnamon buns they make are the best on the planet:" Well, we went - and the cinnamon buns are quite tasty. $3.50 each with a swipe of frosting applied after you order (why do some people get them plain? Silly!). Warm and fresh from the oven, I definitely enjoyed my treat. Small coffee house with some comfy seating in front. A nice place to stop by for a few minutes to enjoy a tasty treat. read more

Best cinnamon buns in Vancouver. So incredibly fresh with optional cream cheese topping. Only $3.75 for one! Highly recommended with a glass of milk :). read more

The cinnamon buns are 10/10. You can eat a whole bun with an empty stomach and you'd be full for hours. The buns are big enough to inoffensively split between two people as well. They would have 5 stars if the inside was more welcoming. Sometimes it's hard to find a seat and even if you do it's not like you're enjoying the atmosphere that much when you're there. It's one of the best cinbuns I've ever had though. read more

Meh - I came here because of it being recommended and waited to try it for the first time for when my cinnamon loving Mom was in town. At 4 bucks a pop for the buns and the fact it was a specialty I was expecting something legendary. It was just okay. The ads say ooey gooey - well my Moms was warm and of that nature. Mine was cold and stale. I brought it back up to the counter. The same bun was warmed up and served. The exterior you could tell must have been the first batch of the day and sitting. The interior of the bun was good, but nothing superior to a cinnamon bun I've ever encountered before. This place is a drive away and I can't say I would go out of my way to visit again. My husband did have a banana coconut frappe and quite enjoyed it. read more

They get 5-stars for their delicious cinnamon buns and the perfect icing that they serve. Usually, I find the regular amount not quite enough, so I get a bit more (you have to pay extra though). The cinnamon buns are bit pricey (around $3.75). Their coffee is OK. It isn't very strong or memorable. But it isn't watery or bitter tasting either. The thing that is lowering their star rating, is their seating and the fact that it is just uncomfortable in there. It is very narrow and cramp, and there is only one washroom so there's always a wait for it. I see lots of people taking their buns to go, so maybe next time I will do that too. read more

Americano and drip are decent. Cinnamon buns are good but I wouldn't say they live up to the hype. This place really gets its 3 stars from the staff who have been nothing but friendly and helpful every time I've been in there! Interior is nice to sit for a bit but not somewhere you want to kick back with friends for ages or do a bunch of work and get a couple coffees over an afternoon. Just sort of the perfect place kill a bit of time if you're early for something in the area. read more

I came here today because it was recommended by a friend but the experience I had was TERRIBLE. There was no warning about not accepting cash. I was on the transit for 3 hours thinking about having cinnamon buns. When I arrived and ordered, I was informed that cash was not accepted. When I offered to pay cash the workers were extremely rude and gave a shady stare. I do not recommend coming here if you only carry cash with you. read more

Best cinnamon roll I have ever had!! The lady was so nice at the front counter and answered all our questions. Ordered the cinnamon roll and asked for caramel on top as I had seen on yelp, so worth it!! Rode the bus all the way from downtown just to check this out and it was definitely worth it :) read more

This place has, without a doubt, THE BEST cinnamon buns in Vancouver. Honestly, these are the absolute best cinnamon buns I've ever had, anywhere!! I just wish they offered a smaller size in addition to their regular size. I'd buy them way more often if I could get a smaller size. Don't get me wrong, I will gladly eat a whole one -- I just don't like to ingest such large quantities when it comes to treats like this. Now go, grab a cinnamon bun - you won't regret it! read more