the hide out cafe — Restaurant in Downtown

Please read it all!

Yesterday, I needed a place where to grab an iced latte while I was waiting for my appointment to get a tattoo nearby. I had a small snack with me (a very small egg sandwich and salsa) that I had gotten before I came to this place. I came in, there was a man who wasn’t that all nice since the beginning: he didn’t say “Hello” and his costumer service was poor. There was a lady who then came and she was actually very nice, she asked me how I was doing and then we talked about the plants they have in the cafe. The problem here was the man. I got my coffee to go just in case I had to go sooner, went outside to a small table that was on the sidewalk (see photo) and started to eat my small snack with my coffee that I had gotten at this place. At this point, I obviously did not notice this place also served “well prepared” food (well, I suppose they do, who knows) I thought they only had small snacks and crazy expensive sandwiches. I understand that, usually, it’s not allowed to bring any food from other places, some places are intolerant with this, some are more tolerant or nicer about it. The guy came out, stood up in front of me with no social distancing, spoke over my food and me. To “kindly” let me know that I wasn’t allowed to bring food. Okay, I can take that, it’s okay. But what he said next left me speechless, he said: “If someone else comes and wants to have food and coffee, I’m gonna ask you to leave so they can take a sit” WHAT? You can ask me to put my food away, you can ask me not to do it again. But you cannot ask and expect me to leave after I bought something and I’m consuming in your cafe, that’s unacceptable. People next to me were having just coffee (no food) as well. And there was 2 more free tables on the back patio. That was just really mean, poor costumer service, and stupid. All I said was “okay, thank you and sorry about that”. I finished my snack which took me three bites, and left after a stranger came and sit next to me.

Come to this place but try not to be served by a 40sh years old white man. He’s not nice!

Sorry if it’s...

This place is not for me. I tried to refrain from the mega franchise coffee places to support local. Walked in to a long line (must be good?). Coffee is self-serve which is ok but a customer informed them it was empty. She was told to lift the empty and hand it over and lift the full one. Customer seemed confused but the “barista” instead of walking around the counter, she motioned for her to give the empty and lift the lever of the other coffee canister. We ordered a hot chocolate and mocha. It is very tiny (3/4 plus 1/4 foam) for the large amount you have to pay. The “hot” chocolate was barely lukewarm. She was apologetic but then microwaved it to heat it up. Like I said. This place is not for me and can not recommend this to a friend. However, looks like locals enjoy the place, I was trying to figure out if it’s because of the proximity in location or the mango wrap- did not try. To be frank, I was uncertain about the cleanliness.

Overall, average coffee shop with...

If you find yourself near the BC Provincial Law Courts in New Westminster and you’re looking for a place to hide out, you only have to go across the street to duck inside The Hide Out Cafe.

The Hide Out Cafe is a self-acclaimed “hidden gem” which serves up paninis, wraps, salads as well as Fair Trade coffee. I showed up on a sunny May weekday and decided to try their Grilled Chicken Panini ($10.49) with meaty chunks of chicken, creamy melted cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Their menu appears to be limited to whatever they have already prepared for that day.

The panini press gave this sandwich a nice crunchy exterior and turned a rather ordinary sandwich into a pleasantly hot, ooey-gooey treat. Perhaps not the best sandwich that I’ve had and I’d prefer if the sandwiches were made-to-order, but adequate for the neighbourhood. They also have a hidden patio off the side of the cafe where you can enjoy the...