With the weather turning cold, it’s nice to have something tasty to warm you back up. So to help battle against the season’s chills, here are nine places in downtown Victoria to pick up a cozy warm beverage.
Hey Happy
This snug Johnson Street spot is super popular, and for good reason. The devil’s in the details, and Hey Happy takes pride in paying special attention to each drink they make, treating the flavours and origins of their beans like a sommelier might with their wine.
Our recommendation: The cashew latté made with house-made cashew milk.
Address: 122-560 Johnson Street
Habit Coffee
This popular cafe has grown to two locations in downtown Victoria, so you never have to go far for a delicious, ethically-sourced warm drink. Habit sources all of their coffee beans from a great local roaster, Bows and Arrows, who take the time to find the perfect beans from all over the globe.
Our recommendation: The velvety chai latté.
Address: The Atrium, 808 Yates St & 552 Pandora Ave
Shatterbox Coffee Company
Shatterbox is a super cool mix of traditional northern Italian coffee making, and local sensibilities. Found inside Victoria’s Public Market, you can often find owners Kalen Harris and Karen Morrison manning the cafe. According to their website, Shatterbox coffee is ” bold but smooth, fruity and chocolatey, never burnt, [and] never sour.”
Our recommendation: An original creation, the Graham Cracker latté.
Address: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
Discovery Coffee
While you can find locations across the city, there are two locations in downtown Victoria. The coffee you can find here is diverse but always delicious. Discovery selects beans from across the globe and roasts them in-house, meaning the cup in your hands will always be fresh.
Our recommendation: The Discovery Espresso (notes of chocolate, hazelnut, brown sugar, and cherry).
Address: 1001 Blanshard Street & 664 Discovery Street
Murchie’s Tea and Coffee
Murchie’s has been a staple of downtown Victoria for over 30 years. Beloved for its quality and variety, this tea house and coffee shop offers over 130 types of tea and 25 coffee roasts. No matter your taste, Murchie’s has something for you. Hop over the adjoining store to stock up on your favourites for your supply at home.
Our recommendation: The specialty Canadian Breakfast Tea.
Address: 1110 Government Street
2% Jazz Coffee
2% Jazz’s coffee is so good that it’s grown from a small outdoor kiosk in 1996 to multiple locations and a roastery. This popular spot always delivers the highest quality beans while still being accessible to everyone.
Our Recommendation: The dark and delicious Hudson Blend.
Address: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
The Dutch Bakery & Coffee Shop
The longest standing spot on our list, The Dutch Bakery has been open in Victoria since 1956. Stepping through the doors is like stepping into a time capsule! Sit down in this family diner and pair your tasty warm beverage with a delicious meal or decadent treat.
Our Recommendation: Their classic Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Address: 718 Fort St
Irish Times
How about a warm drink with a little kick? Voted the best Irish Pub in North America for 2017, this downtown Victoria staple offers the quintessential warm alcoholic drink: the Irish Coffee. The Times’ version includes Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, sugar cubes, hot coffee, and fresh whipped cream.
Our Recommendation: Of course the Irish Coffee, but their Hot Toddy is also delicious for those who aren’t interested in coffee.
Address: 1200 Government Street
Jam Cafe
This uber popular breakfast spot does more than just food. Jam has an on-going rotation on delicious drink specials. This week we found the ‘Nog Fog latte on the chalk board, putting a delicious twist on the classic London fog. Jam is known for its creative breakfast items, but it’s their drinks that will keep you coming back for more.
Our Recommendation: The aforementioned and delicious ‘Nog Fog.
Address: 542 Herald Street
Check out DVBA’s Facebook page and website for more information on local businesses in downtown Victoria.
