Later this fall, one of Vancouver’s oldest and most beloved coffee shops, Joe’s Cafe, will close its doors permanently. The cafe, which has been a fixture in the Commercial Drive neighborhood for decades, is set to shut down just months after the retirement of its founders, Joe and Tony.
Joe, a former bullfighter, and his brother Tony, both originally from Portugal, opened the coffee shop and billiards hall, originally named Continent Billiards, many years ago. The cafe quickly became a popular spot for East Vancouver locals, attracting a diverse mix of characters over the years.
Earlier this year, the brothers retired, and there was initial hope that the cafe would continue without them. However, a recent social media post confirmed that the long-standing establishment will close permanently in October.
Joe’s Cafe has been more than just a coffee shop; it has been a cultural hub. Over the years, it welcomed notable figures such as Sarah McLachlan and Colin James before they rose to fame. The cafe also found its way into the creative works of local artists, with Vancouver rock band The Ludwigs penning songs like “Indecent at Joe’s Cafe,” and writer Wyckham Porteous crafting the piece “On Life and Death at Joe’s Cafe.”
While an exact closing date has not yet been announced, the cafe is currently open Wednesday to Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m.