Whitebark Cafe — Restaurant in Banff

The food is delicious, but the service was unfortunate. I ordered a tea which was served with a smile by the only friendly barista I encountered (the person in glasses and a red beanie). I had also ordered a parfait so went back to the counter to enquire about it (I didn’t realize it would be served in a bowl, as it was in a plastic container in the display). I asked one of the women, who repeated “You’re waiting for a parfait?”; she then continued to go about making drinks for other customers without even letting me know “It’s on its way”. I stood there and she just completely ignored me after acknowledging that she had heard my inquiry. It’s quite the experience as a racialized woman to be treated with dead stares and then see servers perk up and smile at cute white men. Two servers walked past me later (separate times) on their way to the stairs, as I was sitting at a table near there. I smiled at one, but she didn’t make eye contact. Fair. The other who walked by me 10 mins later, I smiled at her, and she stared then continued to walk past me. This may all come down to just unfriendly people, but when you notice the smiles received by young attractive white men, it makes a racialized person feel othered. Just food for thought. Still giving this 3 stars because the food was good and it’s a great atmosphere. But I caution BIPOC folks walking in; this was not a friendly place for me.

Oh and not that this should warrant differential treatment, but I tipped. So I can’t chalk this out to them being annoyed for being a...

I visited Whitebark Cafe in Banff on Saturday morning. It was extremely busy, and I understand that can be stressful for staff, but unfortunately, my experience with the service was very disappointing.

The person who took my order wasn’t particularly friendly he got upset when I asked if there was a vegetarian version of the breakfast wrap ”no they are pre made”! I didn’t know that sorry for asking such a silly question! and the baristas making the coffees seemed very visibly unhappy. I received my pesto focaccia first, then stood at the counter for quite a while before asking a young man in glasses about my bacon wrap. He checked the slips twice, told me it wasn’t on my order, and when another staff member suggested making one, he shook his head, stormed toward the ovens, and made it with clear frustration. I offered to pay and explained I didn’t want to wait in line again as I had already been waiting a long time and needed to get ready for a wedding. When I finally received my wrap, I thanked him, but he just said “yeah” and walked away.

I was nothing but polite, yet I was made to feel like a major inconvenience. It genuinely put a damper on what should have been a beautiful Saturday morning. That said, I have to give credit where it’s due — the coffee and food were absolutely incredible, some of the best I’ve had. I just wish the service had matched the quality...

I HOPE A MANAGER OR WHOEVER IS IN CHARGE WILL HEAR ME OUT.

I’m a regular customer who lives in banff for a long time and I only ever buy coffee in this shop because I think this is the best in town.

Few weeks ago my friend who is working at the aspen lodge invited me to hangout with some of her coworkers and so I went and spend my time with them and they seem alright.

But few weeks later, I got a news from my friend that her coworkers are gossiping about me and tell everyone at work that I’m a stalker. I was disappointed when I knew about that coz I was just going there to enjoy a cup of coffee. I am a quiet person but I have a lot of friends here in Banff who actually know me and they know that I frequently go here for coffee and not stalk someone, this ruins my appreciation for this coffee shop, I love spending my time alone and I thought Whitebark can be one of my safe space but one rumor changed everything, Now I don’t even wanna go near there coz I might be judged and it affected me mentally.

I wish the management will do something about this or reach me so I can explain my side. I really love the coffee in Whitebark and I still wanna go there but if I’m going to be labeled as a stalker or if people will give me anxiety like that I think that’s not fair.

Thanks for understanding and I hope you guys will...