Good things come to those who wait. This is certainly true at Vancouver’s Jam Cafe, where the line forms before they open. On the weekends, waits can stretch as long as two hours at this popular local restaurant. With this knowledge in hand, we planned our well-timed visit on a Monday morning around 9am and escaped with only a 20 minute wait.

They’ve certainly squeezed as many tables as they could inside their dining rooms, which are decorated with various country knick knacks. Their vast seasonal menu spans both breakfast and lunch – nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned comfort food.

My husband’s Harrison Salmon Scramble, a heaping pile of eggs scrambled with onion cream cheese, topped with a few slices of smoked salmon, came on a hearty multigrain toast. Usually salmon dishes tend to skimp on the fish, but this one certainly did not. At $15.50 ($11.70 USD), the scramble was generously portioned, served with a side of mixed greens, with chickpeas in a vinaigrette.

My teenage daughter sulked when I told her to only order a single double chocolate pancake ($9), instead of the triple stack ($14.50). Although I hate to pass up on a good deal, she could not even eat the entire chocolate-laden pancake, leaving 1/3 on her plate (which I eagerly ate). Turns out, mother knows best.

After much deliberation, I finally decided on the Dutch baby with apples and cinnamon ($12). It arrived in a hot cast iron skillet, a beautifully puffy ring with the fruit in the middle. I liked that it was not too sweet and didn’t send me into a sugar coma (though that double chocolate pancake managed to do the trick).

Even though the food has that homespun charm, Jam Cafe takes extra care in the presentation, with each dish photo-ready.  Service was friendly and efficient, too. We emerged, bellies happy and full.  If you’re willing to wait, Jam Cafe’s definitely the place for generous portions of food made with love.

Location – 556 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada. Additional locations here.
Website – https://jamcafes.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Friendly – Yes