Second Cup

I spent Sunday afternoon hanging out at Second Cup. Yeah, I’m *that* guy — hah. I’ve been to this newish location, on Portland Street, a few times. And this review is more about my experience enjoying a productive and caffeinated afternoon and less about a review of their standard coffee shop menu options on offer. If you want friendly and efficient service and a relaxed, clean, and comfortable hang out, this new Second Cup has it goin’ on.
First off, I’m an occasional (not a dedicated & discerning) coffee drinker, and the medium roast Paradiso was hot, flavourful, and caffeinated. That does the trick for me. It doesn’t take much to get me there – ZING!
If coffee shops are all about ‘lifestyle branding’ as they seem to be these days, I have to confess (especially while highly caffeinated!) that I had a fantastic afternoon at this Second Cup location. I went alone. I had lots of writing to do, and the vibe was perfect for that purpose. It was relaxed and allowing, yet bustling. If you have some work to do and you enjoy a bit of ambient noise and bustle, you can set your laptop up at one of the high back stools along the front window and get to work. There is free WIFI and a power outlet by every window seat. It’s an ideal spot, unlike other smaller coffee shops in older buildings, where java jockeys vie for chairs near outlets.
The people-​watching isn’t great here. (I’m not the only person who does this!) The windows overlook the (still snowy) parking lot, but things will liven up in the warmer months once the outdoor patio opens. There were a lot of chatty lingerers in today too: snacking at tables, parked in lounge chairs, and situated in the various seating sections throughout the large seating area. There is ample free parking in the lot, and a drive-​through if you’re in a hurry.
Bottoms up. Two thumbs up.

I love that I now have a great coffee spot close to home.
I do find they’re in a bit of an odd location, however. Or, rather, getting in and out of their parking lot is sometimes a test of patience. I suppose that really isn’t the fault of the shop, more something that bugs me.
I’ve been in a few times and have found their service to be consistently good. They’re friendly enough and efficient enough.
I love the fire place and with comfy seating areas. I’ve spent a few evenings here with friends relaxing over a warm bevvy. Like Ben mentioned, they’re the first of its kind to venture this far into Dartmouth. And lucky me they’re close (ish) to home!

I’ve been here 3 times so far and I do enjoy it.
Everything I’ve ordered so far from this location have been delicious, and it’s a nice place to relax. I personally believe it’s in a weird location but a good location none the less.

This brand new Second Cup is the first major café chain to land this far into Dartmouth — not counting the Dartmouth Crossing locations — and I’m weirdly rooting for them. Mostly because coffee options of any kind this close to home are appreciated in my books. Unfortch, I found this Second Cup really lacking compared to the great experiences I’ve had at the Dartmouth Crossing location from time to time.
For starters, it’s really strangely designed. There’s a big floor to ceiling counter in the centre of it all with both merchandise and coffee add-​ins. I know this seems like a silly thing to take issue with, but you go in and tell me what you make of the flow. Where do you order? Where do you wait? Which way does the line form? Help!
Next, for having so very many staff working on a quiet Sunday afternoon, no one seemed to know what they should be doing. Only two seemed to be handling customers while others milled about counting change, refilling this and that, but mostly just awkwardly slinking away from customers trying to order.
Last, and probably worst, my two latte order was lukewarm upon arrival, cold once I made it home five minutes later.
I’ll try again the next time I’m in the mood for a seasonal drink of some sort, but with Café Brea just around the corner, they’re going to have to step up their game.

This is just around the corner from me, so I was hoping it would be awesome, it was not.
In fairness, it was drive-​thru. The service was just fine, friendly enough, prompt, helpful, so no issues there.
However, I got a green tea latte and it was not good, nope. Nothing redeeming to say about the drink. Taste, no; Heat, not hot enough. I also got a scone, it was good enough.