As the entire PNW moves towards the cold, stark modern coffee shop look, this little gem has a strong foothold of cozy in a refurbished house in the charming town of Nelson. Surrounded by warm wood accents and the delightful morning song of people waking up and spending time together over really effin delicious coffee, I enjoy an amazing breakfast bun and an almond latte. If I could pick this place up and move it to my town I would. Excellent customer service, fast and efficient and great product, what more is there? Well done oso negro, even though I’m only here for a couple of days, I’ll be back!
Christine Y.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Baltimore, MD
A good cup of coffee is always high on my list when vacationing in a new place. This is our first trip to nelson and I am sooo happy to have found this spot on day 2 of the trip. Excellent coffee that requires no frills to make it palatable. Other bonuses: the staff here are friendly and very quick so you’re not waiting long, blackberry pear poppyseed muffins(!!), having a nice place to sit, and dogs are welcome.
John D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Nelson, Canada
Consistently the most satisfying coffee I have ever had. It is a testament to the quality of both the green beans they choose for roasting and their loving handling during the whole process that shines in the cup. Somehow possesses an enduring magic that exists in precious few things
Scott L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Francisco, CA
some of the best coffee in BC. Prince of Darkness is the roast to go with for sure. Great outdoor garden
Kris L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Phoenix, AZ
fantastic coffee and excellent selection of treats including many gluten free options. I had a decaf double shot and they pour the water in front of you so you can tailor the strength of the coffee. Also had a gluten free blueberry muffin which was delicious, large and very reasonably priced. They have a beautify patio garden and the place was very busy with locals.
Katie P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
I’m getting real tired of these post-modern designed, hole-in-the-wall, third wave coffee shops. Sometimes I just want to have some SPACE to sit down in, drink my coffee, enjoy some ambiance, and not have to fight for a table to do so. Oso Negro Coffee answered this wish on my recent visit to Nelson. They have an impressive pastry selection, all of which is on the healthy side of things, and a whole array of coffee and tea drinks with your choice of dairy or non-dairy milks. They use ice cubes specific to your drink if you get it iced too, so it won’t be diluted. Yeah seriously, they even have chai ice cubes for your iced chai. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? Genius. There’s so much seating here. All of it is beautiful, whether you’re outside in the garden or inside with all the wood and plants. It seems the whole community comes here to hang out too. Can we go back to having coffee shops like Oso? If not, we’re all gonna have to go to Nelson.
Dan S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Nelson, Canada
The best coffee house in town, great coffee great food, The owners have good ethics and very community minded. Same employees for years. I love it!
Nicole T.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Calgary, Canada
This is the most beautiful café I have every been too. It get full marks for ambience with the garden and patio. The coffee was fine but as others have mentioned, leaning on the strong taste which I suppose some like. We waited over 25 minutes for our breakfast buns. They were delicious but we were not expecting the long wait. I would go again but not when it is that busy. Update: We visited again and enjoyed the wonderful garden patio. We saw hummingbirds! :-) I had two delicious spicy chai teas and a yummy cookie. My boyfriend had a decafe americano and found it a bit bitter, but okay.
William B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sharon, Canada
The attached garden is reminiscent of a Japanese country inn. My capichino and carrot pinapple muffin were great. Recommend it just for the view.
Adrienne A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vancouver, Canada
Oso negro is one of my quintessential spots to hit up when I come home to Nelson. Since the reno’s years ago it now attracts all walks from mountaineers to suits n ties. Really a lovely unique place to enjoy some of the best coffee around and sit around a beautiful collection of people. I feel amiss if I don’t get a chance for at least one cup of joe here in my home town of Nelson BC. Enjoy!
Charlie W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vancouver, Canada
One of the best café patios! Beautiful wood benches, flora, and water fountains. It’s a serene tranquil spot to have a coffee. I wish we had something like this in Vancouver. :-)
Gina B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Nelson, Canada
Your main reason for going here is to check out the local wildlife — as in humans. The eclectic spectrum of Nelson’s town folks flock to this morning watering hole in hordes, so don’t be surprised if you show up and find yourself added to the end of a growing line. But this is a line that’s worth the wait, not only for their fine array of hot & iced beverages but also because it gives you a chance to observe the nature of the unique species that call this town home. OSO provides the perfect environment for them, as it supplies everything from strictly herbivore to omnivore options in both the drinks and meals and brings all types together in a comfy place where the bold can sit out in the open to people watch indoors or the timid can hide in the folds of a Japanese garden-like landscape outside. This really is a great spot. Just go. ;)
Sasha G.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Calgary, Canada
We stopped in here to meet a friend before departing for Kokanee Glacier. Busy but pretty speedy with drinks. We had a couple of breakfast sandwiches that were ok. Parking is everywhere, and there’s an outside are as well. Walking distance to shops etc… Good coffee, decent breakfast, good spot to meet up.
John W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New Westminster, Canada
Talk about having a following. Oso has that and then some. Everywhere you go in Nelson, you are sure to find their beans. And they have a very nice café. Friendly staff. A cool vibe to the place. Prices are reasonable, food as well as coffee. The only ‘but’ is that they kick you off of their Wi-Fi after 30 mins. I was in town on business and wanted somewhere to chill for a couple hours and ’Get out. Squatters.‘ Figuratively, not literally. There were plenty of people there for longer, chatting, with just a cup of coffee. But… You better not be using our inter web.
Lady G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Okanagan Lake, Canada
eat a panini. drink a coffee. people watch. Life is good here.
Lauren A.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Seattle, WA
I went here twice on my visit, this place has a great outdoor space. I loved their iced coffee, which had ice cubes made of coffee in it, so it didnt get diluted as they melted in the heat. Definitely delicious! …But I have to ding the place for two reasons. One, the barista was pretty curt when I asked about the types of muffins were on the back wall(the labels were small and handwritten, and I was just confirming what type I was asking for), and once I got my muffin, there was a long black HAIR baked into it. I was already on the road when I noticed it so it was too late to go back and get a refund/replacement. Cest la vie. So, go for the coffee, maybe avoid the muffins.
Nick K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Francisco, CA
This is the best coffee shop in Nelson. — Unique décor with plenty of room to lounge — Steady flow of customers but never too crowded — Delicious coffee and a few small food items — Miniature water cups! — Interesting name I was in Nelson for two days and I came here three times. It’s that good. Check it out.
Kathleen B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vancouver, Canada
My favourite place for a cuppa and a quick snack in Nelson. The décor is beautiful, and the café is very clean and charming. There is a separate cabinet of gluten-free goodies — which I really appreciated. The coffee is really good, and the baked goods are amazing. I had their rice krispie square that was filled with other goodies as well, and their nut bar which was hearty, chewy, and delicious.
Robert B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Surrey, Canada
Awesome place for coffee, absolutely love the tranquil garden! Coffee and the garden seems like such a logical pairing, wish we had this place in Langley it would clean up! If your ever in Nelson bc you gotta check out this place. The only thing that would make it better is having some free wifi
Brian B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Abbotsford, Canada
There was a line up Sunday morning at 730a and it was not even open, so we knew we found Nelson’s coffee house of choice. Came back at 800a to see a longer line but with 6 girls behind the counter it took no time before we had a hot cup of Jo in hand. Nothing fancy this morning and no food but a great cup of blended half java and ethiopian. Was enjoyed on a nice sunny June morning Can’t wait for tomorrow… to be cont.