Second Cup

It’s with a heavy heart that I write this review. The writing it already on the wall for this location, but let’s just enjoy it while we can, ok?
This Second Cup has been here as long as I can remember, and I’ve always really liked it. I like walking past it and checking out the patrons through that huge front window. I like going inside and admiring how different the inside of this location is from any other SC. The staff is always friendly and professional, the drinks are always perfectly made…
Sigh. I hate that this place is closing. I’ll have one more cup to go.

Tuesday deals for iced coffee!

Love the barista’s here!!!
always so happy and friendly :)

Having been a student at Dalhousie over a decade ago, I used to go to the Second Cup by the Killam Library on almost a daily basis and enjoyed what they served — whether it was tea, hot chocolate, snacks, etc. — this was also true for the Spring Garden location.
After a doctor’s checkup at the clinic by the Public Gardens, I decided to stop at this Second Cup to see how much the place changed; in addition, I wanted to see what the prices were like as I remembered them being somewhat reasonable.
To my surprise, the place hasn’t changed too much in terms of looks; however, I found the prices a little more expensive. I did enjoy my small hot chocolate with whipped cream, but it was almost $ 3.50.
With that said, it was really good and the service was excellent; I still prefer the Second Cup over Starbucks, so unless they jack the price up more in the future then I will return.

This is probably the best second cup in Halifax. The basement location creates a cozy environment. In terms of prices, and this isn’t the cheapest café in Halifax but it is not too expensive. Good place to meet with friends and chat for a while. It is roomy and should be easy to find a place for 5 or 6 people.

Firstly, it must be said that the staff at this location all seem to be lovely and do their best to make the customers feel welcome. The food and drinks is standard Second Cup fare, so I haven’t got much to add on that point.
Now to my chief gripe. The space itself looks just about ready to be condemned. Buckets collecting dripping rainwater, ripped couches, crumbling walls and electrical wiring that looks ready to give up the ghost does not make a pleasant environment in which to sip a beverage (or to work I imagine).
The wireless seems to have gotten worse lately, and is making me nostalgic for dial-​up speeds. More often it just doesn’t work at all and I give up in frustration.
The power points are mostly in terrible condition and many cannot hold a plug properly. The notable exceptions are those located under the long bench facing the outdoor walkway.
It’s a popular spot in prime downtown location, and a decent sized space. I can’t imagine that a little more TLC wouldn’t bring in a regular crowd. In the meantime I’ll likely be looking for a seat across the road at Starbucks.

My very favorite coffee shop in Halifax. Lots of little areas to sit and chat with friends and a great spot to just sit and watch the pedestrians stroll by. If you’ve ever been to Spring Garden Road, you know what I’m talking about.
They don’t have anything to offer a vegan to eat but their smoothies are quite good.
Love hanging out here and bringing a board game to play with friends.

Confession: I’m a die hard Starbucks drinker.
Being from the Seattle area (birthplace of Starbucks) I’m used to seeing the lovely green mermaid-​y beacon of coffee love on just about every corner. When I moved to Halifax it was a pre-​requisite that there be a Starbucks within a short walk from where I lived (pre-​req was filled as I can see a Starbucks from my apartment window)…
Now that I’ve been here a few months I am taking a big step out of my comfort zone and trying a few of the Canadian Coffee Moguls.
I’ve been eyeing Second Cup for a few weeks from the comfort of a Starbucks window and decided to give it a whirl…
My first reaction walking into the Spring Garden location was I LOVE the window seating. I could spend hours sitting there watching the continual beat of people walking by. If you don’t want to sit and watch the people go by there is a plenty of seating in the back area (which I didn’t even notice until I’d been in a few times because I am always vying for window seating).
Personally I love the chaos that is Second Cup. An eclectic mixture of people sitting at small tables on high stools, or hunkered down in the worn out, over sized chairs. The staff is really friendly and earned my love when I ordered an ice tea with lemon and the woman who was helping me went on a serious hunt down for a slice of lemon only to come back empty handed but most apologetic.
Oh speaking of Ice tea… try it! It’s the best in town and NOT sweetened with anything. Just straight up ice tea. Ask for lemon and if they don’t have it, don’t worry it’s still that good!
Take a few moments and stop by. Grab a drink and settle in at a window seat. Listen to the array of music (as of this writing I was listening to some Spanish Guitar followed by Motown) and enjoy the people watching… it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!

I used to visit this Second Cup when I lived in downtown Halifax and Spring Garden perusing was my weekend outing… That was 1998. Has it changed at all? hmmm, not much.
There is plenty of seating in the front and the rear of the shop. Unfortunately some of the comfy chairs are very worn and I was reluctant to plant myself there. So a table and 2 chairs it is. It’s a large shop with plenty of products for sale.
The coffee was… good? I have had much better though and even from other Second Cups. It was hot at least and tasted like coffee. Just unremarkable for an americano.
If convenience is your goal while on Spring Garden then sure. But if you want a quality cup of joe, or a place to wile away and chat, there are better options.

I honestly havent been in here in years but frequented the place in the mid-​late 90s and early 2000s. It looks pretty much exactly the same. Also, there is a guy working there who worked there back then! I guess that is a good thing.
I popped by yesterday just to grab a hot chocolate and was served by a stunned (but pleasant) woman. She literally looked shocked that I wanted hot chocolate without whipped cream and her face held the reaction for far too long. But it was yummy. Thats all that matters. The décor could use some updating and the stairs had furballs living in between the railings, sweep, sweep, sweep!

Full disclosure here: I am not a coffee aficionado, connoisseur or anything else in a Latin-​based language that means «one who knows a lot about _​_​_​_​_​_​». I drink coffee when I need an energy boost, or am on a social occasion where drinking alcohol would unfortunately not be the best idea. That being said, when I need caffeine/can’t drink booze, Second Cup is where I like to go!
Second Cup has a lot going for it, and I will list these attributes in somewhat fragmented sentences as a numbered list would stretch out this review and make it unwieldy. It’s miles better than Tim Horton’s. It’s less pretentious than Starbucks. It’s a Canadian chain. There’s great people watching inside and streetside through the cool sun room –eque windows. The coffee is tasty, and is at a very reasonable price. Holiday drinks up the ying yang. Last year I bought three different girls a can of SC’s white hot chocolate mix for Christmas as a part of their gift (I wasn’t dating any of them, so it’s not as sketchy as it sounds. It just makes a damn fine gift for the ladies).
Cheers to thee, Second Cup!

How much do I love thee, let me count the ways
1. Great location
2. Fabulous chatty, helpful barrista’s
3. The most decadent chocolate dipped, peanut butter oatcakes
4. Great atmosphere
5. Free wi-​fi
6. Two words… caramel americano
Need I say more?
This is my favourite coffee spot in Halifax! You need to go there and get a caramel americano and chocolate dipped peanut butter oatcake like yesterday.
Seriously it will change your world!
Pair it with a walk through the public gardens or along the waterfront and you have heaven on earth!
Just remember to limit the oatcakes to an occasional treat because let me tell you those babies pack a calorific punch and your fave pair of jeans may give you the evil eye and mysteriously shrink if you overindulge! ;)

I’m almost hesitant to write a review of this Second Cup, because I am close with much of the staff. That said, I’m going to do my best to keep this as objective as I can.
Second Cup is one of those unique cafes that thrives on its own character, almost entirely for two reasons:
1) Its location. The café is slightly underground, with a large window spanning its front. I’ve yet to mention the café to a person who didn’t mention how great it is for stranger-​stalking/​people-​watching. Everything about the location makes the café unique, especially when compared to other Second Cups in the downtown Halifax area, most of which tend to be cramped into malls or university buildings.
2) Its staff. This is where my bias will show the most, but there is a genuine sense of community at this location and it is completely the result of a vibrant and eclectic staff. Each member has such a distinct personality that it’s really hard to say what you will experience on any given day. You might run into a barista who is sweet and will make you a latte complete with gorgeous coffee art. Or you could meet one who will give you a great laugh in the morning.
All the staff members are different. This can have its ups and downs. Some staff members make better drinks, some staff members are friendlier, some talk too much. But you’ll never mistake one for a robot. (And some of the staff members will take the time to write holiday greeting cards for their regular customers, which I just can’t imagine happening at another shop.)
Your experience will differ, depending on when you come in. It’s up to you whether or not you prefer consistency or the inherent quirks of community.
Those are the high points of this Second Cup. The worst aspect of the café is that the building is showing its age. You don’t have to look far to notice the cracks in the walls. The bathrooms are clean, but if you’ve been to The Wired Monk or a newer Starbucks, prepare to realize that you’ve been spoiled. Also it is FREEZING in here during the summer months. It’s nice for a while, but if you spend hours at a time inside, you’ll find yourself heading out to the sweltering heat to warm up.
Additionally, the lack of power outlets is incredibly annoying, given that many students come here to do work on laptops. Up until *very* recently, although the WiFi is free, the reception was horrid. However, this was recently fixed and you should be able to get full bars anywhere in the café for no price.
The location has a wide selection of coffee accessories, such as travel mugs and Bodum products, in addition to their own take-​home teas and freshly ground coffee beans. The drinks themselves are good and I typically prefer them over Starbucks. I will concede, however, that Starbucks generally has better food, with the exception of the sandwich selection. If Second Cup had samosas and French macrons, however…
With plans to demolish the location sometime within the next year or so, I have to recommend visiting this location as soon as you can. All of you have to do is listen to the conversations that the baristas have with their regular customers, in order to realize that this Second Cup is doing something special. Don’t miss out.

I don’t love the coffee here. Actually, I don’t love the coffee at any Second Cup. It’s always just meh for me. Better than Tim Horton’s, but not as good as a lot of other places. They do have a tasty oatcake and the staff at this location are friendly.
Free, easy to get at wifi is nice, especially if I’m there to meet with a group about school work. It’s a good place for that kind of meeting, except it’s maybe a little too good — depending on the time of day, it’s hard to get a table for a group.

I’m usually not much of a «Second Cup fan” — I find their beverages aren’t quite as satisfying as Starbucks or the locally-​owned independant chains (they’re often syrup-​y), and I’m not sure if their drinks are free trade (sounds trivial, but I feel less guilty about my caffeine habit when I know I’m supporting south American coffee growers.). Plus the majority of Second Cup cafés that I’ve visited have been uncharacteristically dark, which makes reading and catching of perwork somewhat of a chore.
This location is different, though. The windows here are HUGE, which provides an incredible amount of natual daylight (and a front-​row-​centre view of the hustle and bustle of the passers-​by on Spring Garden. Not that I spy on people or anything!). By night, this place has a very lively and exciting atmosphere, which is nice when you want a cuppa joe to unwind after a day of work. It does tend to get a little noisier after nightfall, so if you’re looking for a café where you can go and work/​study, I’d suggest the Starbuck’s on Spring Garden– it’s slightly more chill.
The quality here is actually very decent– better than what I’ve come to expect from most Second Cup locations. I’m sold!

This is my favourite Second Cup location in the city. It’s slightly subterranean locale sets it apart, giving it a quirky vibe. You can sit and watch the shoes go by!
This Second Cup is outfitted with quirky tables both front and back, giving you lots of place to stretch out with a copy of the latest Coast. The staff are masters at brewing, able to customize any drink to your exact specifications.
Try popping in on a rainy day; there’s something very soothing about hearing the rain patter down outside while you’re curled around a steaming latté.

My first evening experience at Second Cup. Hmm. Its a bit different from when I’ve come in the day time. I don’t know if it was just my timing, but I’ve always been able to come in and find a quiet nook for my tea… trés low-​key. Night time seems to be a different story. Its like the java night club ova here. Music is bumpin’ and people are rolling in and out all a chatter.
This is fine, but I don’t think its the best spot to get work my done. Easily distracted, I need peace and quiet to get into my zone. But wow, this would be a fun place to come out for a lounge and a chit-​chat. The whole vibe is pretty electric and filled with an eclectic bunch.
Loving my extra large mug of camomile and d-​e-​l-​i-​c-​i-​o-​u-​s date square. I take my date squares seriously and these are divine. I’ll come back when I want a little more buzz buzz.

Second Cup has the most convenient cup of coffee in town. This fact is based on the following; it is located by the great shopping on Spring Garden Ave, there is never a long wait for drinks, and there is a bus stop is right outside the doors.
I am a sucker for a good Café Americano and that’s what usually brings me to Second Cup. I’m pretty sure it’s because I just like the roast of espresso that is served here more than Starbucks. A wide variety of great tasting drinks can be found here.
I usually just grab a drink to go, but I stayed recently to finish my drink and discovered they have free wifi. Second Cup should do more to advertise this service, they have plenty of room and private nooks to do some work and would be a great place for students to study. The downsides are the washrooms (pretty dismal and dingy looking) and the fact that the lounge chairs aren’t nearly as comfortable as they look.
Hot Hint: Just behind the espresso bar there is a collection of paperback novels for you to enjoy while you enjoy your coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

The Second Cup is the home of my second favorite cup of Hot Chocolate in the city. Beyond The Just Us Café, this is as good as hot chocolate gets in this town.
This location is usually very busy, so be prepared to fight for a seat when one becomes available. Due to the high traffic it can also be a little noisy, but is a great place to people watch or meet with friends before or after a night on the town.
The Second Cup also has free wi-​fi, which should be a given at any coffee shop, but is surprisingly not as common as you would think in Halifax.
So order up a hot chocolate, sit in the window and laugh at the suckers going into Starbucks, paying a whole lot more for an inferior product.
Go ahead, it feels good! Trust me.

My People Watching Headquarters!
Sounds creepy perhaps, but you know you do it ;) I love Second Cup on Spring Garden Road for quite a few reasons.
1. It is right downtown.
2. Its large windows in the front give people a Birdseye view of who is in the coffee shop and for those inside, you can see everyone walking outside.
3. Free Internet! Come on Starbucks. Why are you charging?
4. Great staff! They are funny, work hard and are very experienced.
They have many, great flavors of coffee and tea. I’m a fan of the Irish coffee but they also have recently added healthy smoothies to their menu. Their prices are a bit cheaper than some other coffee franchises in the general area which is nice because I always order a coffee and a snack when I go there. Other places, its just the coffee because the snacks are far too pricey. I knew I was a fan when I jokingly told my friends that my office is Second Cup and then people started noticing I’m at the «office» every day according to my Twitter updates.
This coffee shop is a franchise but has never felt like one. It has great staff and a great atmosphere. Will I have tire of this Office? I doubt it.