SOMA Kombucha Taproom — Restaurant in Vancouver

Firstly I’d like to say bomb kombucha. Great, awesome concept. I really enjoy how authentically healthy they are and not in a soap box preaching kind of way, it feels genuine that they care about their product and the people. We were out at the farmers market and a woman from Soma stopped us to offer a sample; she was excited to get a bunch of information out to me all at once; which bless her heart tho it was the first really hot day and my feet were killing me so I asked for a info pamphlet and went about my way. The info sheet didn’t give a whole lot of information on the concept of the 24/7 self serve taproom unfortunately, which I was really excited about, it’s pretty cool concept. It solely gave information on the brand/ flavor, and while I do respect what they do and who they are, I think it could have been a QR code or summarized better. I went out late shopping and decided it may be a good time to try out the store same day (I was excited, I love niche and this concept was it). I arrived and it was pretty simple to setup the pay portion for entry; although I do recommend having Apple Pay/ Samsung pay already! It’s much simpler that way instead of fumbling around with a card in the dark when it doesn’t give you the option to scan your card. Also keep this tab open! This is your cart!! I thought there may be a physical pay station (which I may prefer given if my phone gives out) but your phone is it, darling. Upon entry it was HOT, I’m sure it’s not always this hot but man- it was hot as heck. The music was pleasant, Miami spa almost, the lounge and finishes were gorgeous. It smells very very clean, which was awesome. Given self serve I was hoping for a large infographic with steps or suggestion- I’m a simple mammal in this consumer driven world and I have been given step by step instructions for a lot of autonomous things. At first I thought I could bring my own cup and fill. I’m still not sure as the signs of the booch will say how much $ per fl oz, but then they do have growlers to purchase and cups (which I assume are reusable). It was unbearably hot and I was a little confused. I just want my probiotics in my fizzy drink man. There’s no signage (at least not obviously by any of the stations) that state to use the page you got in with as your cart, and it doesn’t instantly pop up after you unlock the door… but you can see the products listed and realize what you’re purchasing, (best have good network service). A wee pricy on the cbd drops considering I couldn’t get a full dropper and I wasn’t going in for another even if I was honest about the amount. There’s no tips on how to fill your growler of said fizzy drink so that you don’t end up with a bunch of foam like I did. I’m a newb- sorry - but a lot of people that are interested like myself will be as well. I also left my glasses in the car- and I didn’t realize what the tubes were, I admittedly filled my growler without using the rubber tube- thankfully it’s a new one- which if the tubes are there does that suggest reuse of the growlers? Is it a sanitary thing? Is it a less foamy thing? But the signage for the tubes are actually on the wall which didn’t register as they were above the used tubes area, which contextually I thought that’s all it would state. No- you must use tubes. I sincerely apologize.

Checking out. Not terrible, I would have preferred physical even tap, because the website is a little awkward and difficult to navigate. Ce La vie. Keep your browser open because at the end of the purchase there’s just a screen that says “unlock” . That button unlocks the door to get back outside. Overall- I think it’s a very great concept and I’d love a space to go hangout with friends and purchase a healthy drink, alcohol free, especially in the evening. The kombucha is top notch. But the store isn’t new user friendly, honestly, and not a lot of info. I wish I was a cool -hip chick that just “got” things, but I am not. I’m quick but not familiar with this concept. It needs more physical instruction and maybe an easier...

It's a pretty cute little store for sure. I was surprised to find that it was completely automated therfore it is open 24/7. There are some things I liked and didn't like about it. It was super clean. 👍🏻 The store charges you a small one time fee to enter the store, I found that I was curious enough to pay that. I do wish there was a menu outside the door so I could have better made the decision to enter or not. 👎 I enjoyed browsing the different types of kombucha 👍🏻though the one that really interested me was not in stock. That was when I really wished there was a employee who I could ask when that may be available. 👎I really wanted to try the coffeebucha. I did end up purchasing the strawberry kombucha though I think I might not have if I hadn't already paid to enter. They do have a small parking lot, you do not need to pay to park there though so give & take I suppose. 👍🏻

I did enjoy it. I'll be happy to describe my Kombucha: it was in a beautiful bottle, the flavor was a light strawberry. There was an additive of cbd that was not noticeable in the least, flavor wise. The bottle I tried had little to no carbonation. I think I paid 6.50 for the bottle. I would really like to know if they intend to do a recycling/bottle exchange program. That...

Lots of fun.

Very easy to unlock the door and buy products. Reasonable pricing too! It was a welcoming and comfy atmosphere to relax in and try some samples. A/C was pumping and it was a nice temperature for the warm August day I visited on. Unfortunately on my visit there weren’t many flavors that I liked, but I definitely had favorites: Try the raspberry mint and the fennel pear. The pear is sweet where the raspberry is more mild. Both have that signature kombucha taste. Finally, I’d like to give them props for composting and really encouraging customers to sort their waste correctly in the taproom.

Now, two recommendations: Though I do not mind, my buddy was hoping for an ice machine to scoop into our pint cup. The kombucha did come from the tap cold, but crunchy ice could be a nice addition.

Second, I bought a can of kombucha and carried around downtown as I shopped. Unfortunately the can started popping open and gaining pressure about 15 minutes after I left the taproom. I was forced to open it, where the can proceeded to explode and fountain up. Then I only had about 2-3oz left. 😔 I then found on the back of the can that it said to keep refrigerated. Post up a sign advertising that please! 🙃

That’s all, and...