t seems that North Vancouver chain Bean Around the World is trying to make good on their name, which would be more apt if changed to Bean Around BC. The 16th coffee house of the local java mandarins just set up shop at 2528 Main Street, and unlike its counterpart located further south down the way, this place is a little more staid. It still has that un-crumpled, new business feel and is lacking the jolly, rollicking scene so familiar to many of its other locations. It may be that through the latest expansion the owners are trying to be more grown up and cater to a different economic bracket. Let’s hope this will change in upcoming months as the place gets better established, because there is nothing worse than a sterile café.

The new BAW has a variety of seating options to serve the restless, the restful and those starved for people watching. Jostle with friends for a chance to grab the coveted seats in the cozy back corner, where padded leather benches line the wall. Those seeking more action can sidle up to the bar stool window seats, where giant glass panes don’t suffer from the typical Vancouver fog problem that plagues so many other establishments. Nope, seat yourself there and get a perfect view of the busy Broadway/Main intersection where endless streams of hipsters and commuters make their way to someplace in skinny-dark-jean-style. The luckiest of lucky will secure one of the four plush seats in front of the gas fireplace, truly a necessity - if not just a luxury - for those of use without home access to fire (beyond candles) during wet Vancouver days.

The fare is fair – standard Pacific Northwest goodies such as Happy Planet, San Pellegrino and a decent variety of locally baked goods and paninis with varied service. You may get the occasional too-cool-for-school, legging-clad barista, but most of the time the counter staff is mellow and friendly, if not a little distant, which is actually the norm along this stretch of Main.

As for the coffee, it’s as much a sure thing as Britney’s drama, and the organic, fair-trade dark, medium, and light roasts all make the grade.

As the company uses a variety of beans from around the globe and roasts them through their sister company, Cowboy Coffee, the nutty, rich flavours are clearly spawned at the hands of professionals. Pick up a bag of the Santa Clara blend on your way out the door and help build a school for children in Guatamala.