Proprietor Sam Jones is an encyclopedia of coffee expertise. He gets the best beans, roasts them in small, easier-to-control batches, and brews them like no one else. His equipment is state-of-the-art; his staff is above reproach. His 2% Jazz Café is always busy, but don't let that stop you from checking it out. Like many other fans, you may reach coffee nirvana here. Jones' other business is Discovery Coffee, just a few blocks south — it's definitely worth a visit as well.
A small BC chain, Bean Around the World gathers the best coffees from all over the globe, many of them organic and/or free trade, and roasts them on-site. The baristas are a truly talented bunch, and well-trained in the finer points of customer service, too. Décor is rustic in a stylish Wild West way, and it's equally good for studying or chatting over java with friends. Soups are noteworthy, making this an especially good lunch spot as well.
Traits of a winning coffee shop include a comfortable atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and above all, good coffee. Moka House has all three, plus a fireplace and a patio, and it's locally owned, too. They offer a full range of coffee drinks, from espresso to mocha, plus non-coffee beverages such as chai, cider, hot chocolate, Italian sodas and fruit smoothies. Hungry? Try a panini, bagel sandwich, hot soup or pastry.
This elegant coffee bar is the perfect place to enjoy a frothy cappuccino after a hard day of sightseeing. In the winter months, an open fire keeps you snug as you snack on homemade soups, salads and sandwiches.
Serious Coffee buys beans from all over the world, mostly fair trade and organic, and their baristas are exceptionally well trained. A small local chain, the shop also has a nice selection of baked goods, paninis and soups.
A most relaxing coffeehouse in Victoria's old town area, Solstice Café serves as a quiet asylum from the hustle bustle of the city. Every tea on the menu is strictly organic, and each snack is made using locally-produced foods. The cafe often features local musical and theatrical talent, as well.
Sam Jones' second coffee enterprise (his first is 2% Jazz Café), Discovery is the cutting edge of coffee in Victoria. Using the most up-to-date and refined techniques, the beans are roasted in small batches on the premises, and the brewing equipment is the best on the market. The ambience is inviting and bright, the coffee is amazing, and the staff friendly and extremely knowledgeable. This is a coffee connoisseur's paradise.
Well respected among coffee savvy Victorians, Buon Amici's is credited with introducing the table-poured latte. The small locally owned shop is welcoming and comfortable, staffed by professional coffee people who know what they're doing. Sandwiches and sweets are on hand for hungry patrons — sandwiches, salads, noteworthy cinnamon buns, sausage rolls and homemade cookies.
In true coffeehouse fashion, the Spiral Café offers a space for regional singer-songwriters to perform, and never charges a cover. Live music is generally scheduled for Sunday mornings and most evenings, and tends to fall under the acoustic-folk banner, with occasional performances by talented rock 'n roll bands. On the menu there's coffee of course (organic), plus a nice assortment of sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods.
A funky, colorful and inviting place to enjoy a cup of excellent coffee, Mirage roasts its beans in-house for the freshest results. The effort is appreciated, giving the shop quite a loyal following of regulars who stop by for their favorite lattes, espressos and chilled caffeinated concoctions. Food choices include baked goods and gelato.