The best of Vancouver's chain coffee houses

Popular plate: Don't just come for coffee; the muffins are equally famous. Try a jalapeno cheese or zucchini chocolate chip variety.

Word to the wise: For the coffee-nut roadtrippers out there, pull into a Tim Horton's for your caffeine fix. The strong, sweet brews at this roadside Canadian institution will perk you right up.

There are plenty of JJ Bean outlets across Vancouver, but this is the original and the best. Situated in the middle of the busy Granville Island Public Market, it's more a kiosk than a proper sit-down coffee shop. This is the place where market traders come to get their early morning espressos, followed by a stream of market-goers throughout the day.

There are four main blends of coffee; the full-bodied Espresso JJ, smoother Eastside, smoky Railtown and pleasantly sweet Decaf, as well as many 'guest' blends introduced seasonally. If you're intending to 'do' Granville Island's shops, markets and parks, this is a great little pitstop.