Kitanda Coffee & Açaí Soft Opens in Downtown Vancouver: Brazilian Flavors by Esther Short Park

PC: Kitanda

Downtown Vancouver has a new conversation starter. After months of speculation, the soft opening of Kitanda Coffee Vancouver has quietly brought Brazilian street‑food flavors to 304 W. 8th Street, in the space once occupied by Starbucks. Locals who wandered in during the unannounced launch have been sharing first impressions on Reddit and they’re a mix of excitement, culinary curiosity and gentle patience.

A Peek Inside the Soft Open

The limited menu during the soft launch reads like a roll call of Brazilian comfort food. One commenter raved that paying $2.69 for a hot dog tucked into a beautifully baked roll was “a good deal,” while another was impressed by a ham‑and‑cheese roll that cost $4.29 and looked big enough to be a full meal. Others rejoiced at wiener wraps (“Hell yeah, baby!”), chicken cones and other savory pastries. Several users were thrilled to see classics like coxinha (fried shredded‑chicken croquettes) and esfiha (meat‑filled pies) on the menu, treats rarely found in Southwest Washington. The consensus? Portions are generous, prices reasonable and the bakers clearly know how to achieve that perfect golden crust. A few customers noted that service was slow on opening day, but they chalked it up to a team still finding its rhythm.

From Seattle Roots to Vancouver Streets

Kitanda’s origins go back to a Brazilian corner store in Seattle in 1998; by 2002 the company moved to Kirkland and began adding caféscolumbian.com. It now operates multiple locations in the Puget Sound region, along with shops in Florida and Beavertoncolumbian.com. As the company enters the Clark County market, the new Kitanda Coffee Vancouver promises to deliver the same authentic flavors. The chain’s menu has grown beyond coffee to include açaí bowls, smoothies and its signature cheese‑filled Kitanda Bread. Early visitors to the Vancouver soft open confirmed that these staples will make an appearance alongside the savory rolls and pastries. Comments also show a split of excitement and caution about gluten‑free offerings: some shoppers applauded the presence of tapioca‑based items, while others pointed out that the kitchen also uses wheat flour, so cross contamination is a possibility for those with celiac disease.

Location, Hours and Atmosphere

The café’s new home sits across from the north edge of Esther Short Park, making it a natural stop before or after the farmers market. It’s housed in the former Starbucks at 304 W. 8th Street, a space that had been vacant since Starbucks closed last fall. Official hours haven’t been posted on the Vancouver storefront yet, but the company’s website lists 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundaycolumbian.com. The décor is simple and bright, and early visitors describe a warm atmosphere with friendly staff despite the opening jitters. As one commenter put it, “I love this for that location; I’ll have to check it out after I wander the farmers market.”

Community Buzz and What’s Next

Enthusiasm in the r/vancouverwa thread reflects how eager locals are for more diverse cafés. Users swapped the address (304 W. 8th Street) and confirmed that the shop is indeed across from the park. Some posted photos of their first haul, while others asked whether the beef pockets resemble piroshkies or more like a bulgar meatloaf. A debate broke out over chicken cone pricing, with one person clarifying that the “mini” cones refer to an order of five. There was even a brief discussion about gluten‑free pastry options and suggestions for other bakeries in White Salmon. Beyond the specifics, the overarching sentiment was one of excitement: people are ready to support a Brazilian coffee shop that offers something new to downtown, and many appreciate having a walkable lunch option.

For now, the team behind Kitanda Coffee Vancouver is still dialing in its operations. If the chain’s track record is any indication, the final menu will include its signature coffee drinks, fruity açaí bowls and those addictive cheese breads. Once the grand opening is announced, expect longer hours and a smoother service cadence. Until then, consider the soft open an invitation to sample Brazil’s street‑food staples, sip a smooth espresso and watch downtown Vancouver’s culinary scene become a little more global. You might find yourself making this café your regular stop when strolling through Esther Short Park and the farmers market.