Discovery Coffee — Restaurant in Victoria

Oak Bay location.

Food rating: The Apple fritter I had was super oily - their bakers had a bad batch, not usually like this.

Coffee is always solid and very well made... if it were not for this core aspect, I would not be back as often as I am. Don't loose that, PLEASE!

Service: functional but nothing more. See below.

Atmosphere: LP playing ambient music (a bit loud) but is a nice accompaniment to the buzz of local convos.

My recommendations for the owner:

1. branded to go cups with QR for Google or FB reviews.
2. QR codes on tables and at the door for menus... maybe offer a promo on the table menus for discount on 2nd drink or a Togo item when leaving, and maybe to eliminate lines, have a table runner bring the item and collect payment so you get shorter lines and the walkin walk out traffic can get in line faster.
3. would be nice if staff greet customers, or at very least at the till.... they NEVER EVER SMILE... they seem like they hate being here and not super friendly. They comply with orders, but do nothing to be welcoming or even friendly. Training!!!
4. menus.... covered this already, but if you don't do the QR thing, at LEAST print a larger menu or do a chalk board or something.
5. setup a drink of the day or some kind of special bevy that is shown in a photo and displayed on a sandwich board outside or on an easel inside the door so you see it right away. Make it 10-15% more than regular priced similar drink, but just add some twist.... a special latte or bring in some Merchies tea for a...

The owner/s of this business should be embarrassed by his lack of thoughtfulness and ability to execute well on things, as evidenced by the high glare of the spotlights on this cloudy day. This is what happens when one "trusts the experts" for surely someone was hired who decided that this is the "trendy" thing to do. Not to mention, this cannot be considered a "nice" spot with what is surely a blue (rather than vioetet) phosphor pump LED. The turntable playing music does not go unnoticed. Clearly there is a yearning here to do things better, and I would encourage the owner to see it through properly, or sell the business. The light may be unpleasant, but not nearly as unpleasant as it must be to have to live with knowing that one was the person whose work led to this unfortunate...

Edited: gave it one more shot and was worse than the first time. Extremely rude staff, dirty vibe, and the music is too loud. They removed all the outdoor seating over half an hour before closing on what is the warmest and nicest day of the year so far. Lazy. Donuts made by a different company are about the only redeeming feature of this place.

Original: Came around 2pm, didn’t have a single thing to eat at all. Still using paper straws despite the carcinogenic glue used to make them and how they ruin your drink. Didn’t like the atmosphere either, full of entitled Oak Bay hipsters. Coffee worse that others within...