BE Coffee — Restaurant in Kaskitayo

I’ve been a loyal customer at this café since it first opened, and I genuinely love supporting local businesses. I’ve always appreciated the excellent coffee, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere. Unfortunately, my recent experience was so disappointing that it has left me questioning whether I’ll return.

During my last visit, my friend and I were seated at a table for just under an hour, waiting for two more people to join us for lunch. We spent over $25 on coffee and treats, yet out of nowhere, we were told that a group of six needed our table. The manager didn’t even ask if we were expecting others or how long we planned to stay. She simply assumed that we weren’t. While I understand the need to accommodate larger parties, it was the manner in which the situation was handled that left me frustrated. The manager’s demeanor felt both insincere and rude, as if she took issue with us sitting at a table that could accommodate more than two people. Be forewarned: if you’re seated at a larger table with extra space—especially as a smaller party—the manager may take issue with it. What made the situation even more uncomfortable was that other groups of two, seated at larger tables, weren’t asked to move. It honestly felt like we were being singled out, which only added to the discomfort. We were so taken aback that we felt compelled to get up and leave.

To add to the frustration, the café doesn't take reservations, and seating is typically first come, first served. If reservations are a thing at this café, perhaps that should be communicated, and everyone should have that opportunity, as I would have made one for my party. This interaction was especially disheartening, considering how welcoming this café has always felt in the past. Unfortunately, this experience has caused me to reconsider my support for the business, and I’ve become a lost...

This is a cute place with great decor that attempts to bring some nature inside a minimalist interior. Most of the decoration is up and out of the way so you never feel crowded and it helps the light colours and warmer wood tones avoid feeling too utilitarian like you might expect from some chains. The decoration also helps it avoid being too echoey although on a busy weekend like the one I went on the noise will be noticeable though not excessive. There’s a decent amount of seating, but like most cafes be prepared to be disappointed when a singular person on a laptop is commanding a table of four for an extended period of time.

As for the coffee and bites it was all very acceptable. The flight is a fun idea but in practice it meant I had one very nice warm cup, two like warm cups and an affogato that felt like it had waited too long. Part of this may be the speed at which I tend to enjoy coffee, slow and steady, but it meant I didn’t get the best presentation of three of the four options. My cinnamon bun was quite large, and just what you’d expect. Though I had asked for it to be warmed it arrived cold, and without that bit of reheating it was a bit dry and crumbly. Though that made it an excellent dunking companion for the flight of coffees. Overall I’d certainly recommend BE Coffee, as it’s pleasant to sit and stay in, though I think a single larger cup of coffee is better suited if you’re planning to...

Coffee was good. Food was okay, small and a bit pricey. But that’s all fine, it was my choice to buy it or not. The service was pretty disappointing.

When I ordered my drinks and food they did ask if I was in a rush as the kitchen was ‘busy’. I thought that was okay and agreed but I guess I should have asked for clarity? 5 mins or less you’re in a rush. 10-15 mins, no biggie. 25-30 mins? Well I was warned. But 40 mins for toast? I guess if the kitchen was ‘busy’ it’d be understandable. But I’m not sure if there were more than 5-6 food items that came out of the kitchen while I was waiting (and I mean 5 items, not 5 orders). That’s not ‘busy’, that’s ‘slow’.

The lady did apologize for the delay when I finally got my food. Based on reading some other reviews I’m guessing there will be a standard reply ‘we’ll strive to be better, we’ll talk to our staff, please come back so we can make it up to you’. But why does it take a public review on Google for that? How about in the moment ‘darn, that’s not how it usually goes, can I refund you for that?’ or ‘Can I give you a coupon for next time?’ I think it makes a difference between willing to try again, or just try...