Prado Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

I don’t know what’s happened to Prado over the last while, but what once was my favourite place to go on the drive is quickly becoming a place I will actively avoid, despite the coffee being quite good. It’s seems like all the old and awesome staff has left and there’s a revolving door of inexperienced staff who lack basic customer service skills and organizational skills. The other day the person at the till took the order before me then walked away from the till and didn’t come back at all. I had to ask one of the two baristas standing there idly to finally take my order. The good music selection is gone as well - I loved the tradition of the baristas playing their vinyl selects and putting the cover out so everyone could see. Lastly, the menu overhaul was completely unnecessary. The food before was awesome, the breakfast wraps were so good and well priced. I’ve now been on several occasion where they are out of eggs on a Saturday or Sunday morning. What’s the point of having those menu items at all? Overpriced avo toast is...

Over the last year or more, I have been frequenting Prado Cafe at various locations, mainly during my morning commutes to meetings at various locations in and around Vancouver. When I realized that they had cafes in a few spots close to my travels in Vancouver, and even a location in Surrey City Centre, where I often have meetings, I started planning my travels around my ability to have breakfast at one of their cafes, or even to meet others over a mid-day coffee.

I know I can get consistent fast service with a superbly prepared espresso-- 49th Parallel Roasters beans-- and they offer a really great, simple breakfast menu, featuring freshly poached eggs on a really nice toasted organic bread. The baristas as friendly and skilled. The atmosphere is casual and really has a local vibe. I love their coffee bar in the spectacular lobby of the Civic Hotel, immediately adjacent to Surrey Central SkyTrain Station, right next door...

I ordered a chai togo as I’m sick and it personally helps soothe my throat. However, this is the MOST disappointing chai I’ve ever had. Starbucks chai taste better than the one I’ve had here which alone says so much. I should’ve paid closer attention to how it was being made.

The chai was extremely small (I paid $6 including small tip) but it did not taste anything like chai— only tasted like steamed milk. I couldn’t even finish it despite the small size because all that was left were grainy bits. Which only worsened my throat. So I believe they use an instant version rather than a concentrate. Not only that but during my time ordering, the barista was on her phone TEXTING the ENTIRE TIME. I also asked if it would come sweetened. IT DID NOT.

This is my first impression of Prado Cafe and it’s safe to say I am never coming back. Nor trying any other Prado...