Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to linger over a latte, a cup of java with a view or quick grab-and-go espresso, Penticton offers plenty of choice.
As a Penticton local for 8+ years, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the city’s coffee scene. I also live downtown so I’m conveniently close to most of these spots. This post highlights the best Penticton coffee shops, from community favourites to hidden gems.
Keep reading to discover the Penticton coffee shops worth seeking out on your next visit.
Best Penticton coffee shops
Use the below map to find each featured Penticton coffee destination.
Wayne & Freda
Wayne & Freda is undoubtedly Penticton’s most popular independent coffee shop. The wait line can get pretty long on weekends in the summer months. The good news is that the staff work pretty fast so it goes quick.
Bright, airy and modern, Wayne and Freda is a wonderful place to sit, eat and people watch. It’s conveniently located too, just one block from Okanagan Lake and also the Saturday Farmers’ Market. On the food side, think toasts, granola, breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls, pastries and cakes.
The cafe’s name has an interesting origin story. When the owners started dating, they realised that their grandparents were in the same Penticton care home. Wayne and Freda’s friendship also blossomed and the cafe is a sweet nod to that.
Location: 105-249 Westminster Avenue, V2A 1K1
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The Bench Market
One of Penticton’s most loved and longest running coffee shops, the Bench Market definitely deserves a spot near the the top of this list. The coffee is made with locally-roasted organic beans and can be enjoyed in to go or on the sunny roadside patio.
Tucked in a residential area just a short stroll from downtown, the Bench Market is the perfect stop if you’re heading to the KVR trailhead on Vancouver Place or Marina Beach.
Breakfast is served all day, with an extended menu served until 2pm and on Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 368 Vancouver Avenue, V2A 1A5
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Soe Café
Soe Café is a relative newcomer to the Penticton coffee scene but it’s made a big impact. This is a kissa-inspired spot – kissa being Japanese cafés that specialise in coffee, conversation and music (particularly jazz). The owners met in Japan and loved these laid-back music focused destinations.
Think of Soe (pronounced so-eh) as a gathering space, with a stylish, minimalist vibe. It fits only around 15 to 20 people, so is pretty intimate.
There is a regular rotation of coffee varieties, with supporting local and organic producers being a focus. The matcha, as you may expect, is excellent. When designing the café, the owners tried to ensure that almost everything was made or created in BC.
Location: 285 Westminster, V2A 0J1
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Stillfood Bistro and Cappuccino Bar
Located on the city’s prettiest downtown street, Stillfood Bistro and Cappuccino Bar is the perfect destination for a coffee and sweet treat or a leisurely brunch. Their freshly made baked items (cinnamon rolls, crossiants and more) are so tasty, especially when you realise that everything is completely vegan!
With that in mind, Stillfood Bistro is definitely not what most people imagine when they think of an entirely plant based eatery. It’s super modern, upscale and has a bright, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to everyone.
As for the java, they have all the specialities you can imagine, made with locally roasted coffee Sandbox Coffee. And even better news, Stillfood opens at 7am during the summer months!
Location: 75 Front Street, Penticton
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Roadz End Café
Looking for a coffee with a view? You can’t get much better than the Roadz End Café (previously the Prague Café). While this casual cafe has minimal seating inside, it has one of the best ‘patios’ in all of Penticton.
Roadz End Café is located just behind Marina Way Beach, a quieter stretch of sand popular with locals (it’s where I go!) There are tables and chairs set up on the lawn just above the beach, all with wonderful views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The previous owners used to offer free coffee to cyclists on the first Wednesday of every month – I’m not sure if this is still true but will find out and update this article.
Address: 102-250 Marina Way, V2A 1H5
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Crêperie Ooolala
For a French twist on a coffee, head directly to Crêperie Ooolala near the SS Sicamous boat on Lakeshore. It’s a pretty scenic destination as well, with lake views offered from this food truck’s lawn area.
Crêperie Ooolala is open from late June to the end of September. Despite only being open around three months of the year (and weather dependent!), this eatery has quite the reputation for coffee. A particularly popular option is the Frenchicano.
I’ve recently heard a rumour Crêperie Ooolala may be extending their hours and/or moving to another location in the off season….watch this space.
Location: By the SS Sicamous, 1099 Lakeshore Dr W, V2A 1B7
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Socialē
Another exceptionally scenic destination for coffee in Penticton, Socialē boasts a wonderful Lakeshore Drive location overlooking Okanagan Lake. They’re open pretty earlier (8am), so it’s the ideal place to grab a coffee to go and walk the lake promenade or sit and take in the views from a seat at the communal bar.
As for the restaurant itself, it’s best described as a coffee bar by day and wine bar by night, with an Italian food focus. The owners of Socialē previously operated the legendary Villa Rosa for more than 25 years. This restaurant is more modern, featuring a tapas menu designed for sharing.
If you don’t want a full meal, Socialē has a choice of baked goods at the counter.
Location: 950 Lakeshore Drive West, V2A 1C1
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