Delany's Coffee House — Restaurant in Vancouver

I went there for the first time when I moved to the West End three years ago, followed by the "Neighbourhood Cafe House" slogan and its rank in the Readers' Choices Awards. I had a bad experience with the barista from the beginning. I feel that morning shifts are hard, especially if you're not a morning person. But hey, I'm not expecting you to make my day; I just want to start my morning with a nice cup of coffee. The taste was good, but the barista yelled at me after asking the question one more time. Since that day, I tried to avoid that place because of it. Nevertheless, I gave it a second chance last week. I brought my own thermos to get my coffee. The clerk gave me a funny look when I asked to get it there, as not many people bring their own thermos to keep the coffee warm in a cold morning. While waiting for my coffee, I noticed that the barista laughed after the clerk gave her the instruction to fill the thermos. While waiting for it, she just looked at me and filled a paper cup with tap water, drinking it as if giving me the message, "You're not going to save the planet by bringing your own thermo." Anyway, call me Karen, but with my previous experience, I wasn't surprised that some condescending attitude runs around that place. I received my coffee and thanked her for it, but she didn't even look at me. This isn't meant to get anyone fired, but if this is the 1st ranked coffee shop voted for 25 years in a row, I have my doubts about what standards they...

Prior to ordering, I was torn between 2 different wraps. When I got to the til, there were 2 people in line behind me, by no means crazy busy. When it came my turn, I was greeted by an impatient unsmiling face. Of the 2 males working, this being the one of lighter features and no beard. I asked the gentleman in question which wrap he might recommend and was shrugged off with a mumbled comment of how he couldn’t do that (or something to that effect). I work in the service industry as well, and never in my right mind, when a paying customer asks for a recommendation, would I ever blow them off like that. That is literally your job. While waiting for my kimchi wrap, I continued to observe this employee with other customers and found the experience entirely unwelcoming/unprofessional. I am shocked that this is what customer service has come down to. The other people were lovely, the other male snd female employees that I had interactions with while there. I have to say, the wrap was quite unflavourful and I regretted my decision, I should’ve gone with the other one. In the past I’ve always had good coffee and pastry here, but will be skipping the wraps from now on. And will be going to the opposite side...

We are long time patrons and still go there but I'm afraid the quality of this place has been on a dive and it's very disappointing. Here are a few major reasons:

they hire staff on seasonal basis therefore baristas are on for a few months and then gone. So you can't expect the same quality coffee.

most of their baristas are not professionally trained. Espresso based coffees could be over extracted, under extracted, overly sweet, or.. you name it. NO CONSISTENCY.

there's no set vibe on music selection. You could go there and hear punk rock music, oldies, top 40 mind numbing music or just no music.

owner lives and works on the North Shore and he doesn't really take care of the place. I met him a few times over the years and mentioned a few important things but he ignored me with a smile. I included better choice for music (background, jazz, coffee shop type of music), having coat hanger installed under the window counter for rain coats, and having staff trained for proper espresso extractions.

Bottom line, Vancouver is the mecca for coffee culture. Places like Delany's on Denman don't have a chance to survive. I'm afraid we may see this place...