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Second Cup
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
5425 Spring Garden RdHalifax, NS B3J 1G1
(902) 429-0883
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Second Cup
18 reviews in English
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Review from Tara M.
Halifax, NS
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! -
Review from Lori M.
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Murray W.
11/29/2011 10 Check-ins Here
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!Listed in: SGR
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Review from Chrissy M.
Halifax, NS
1/4/2012
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 decor could use some updating and the stairs had furballs living in between the railings, sweep, sweep, sweep! -
Review from Heather L.
Halifax, NS
9/4/2011
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! ;) -
Review from Adam S.
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 cafe is slightly underground, with a large window spanning its front. I've yet to mention the cafe to a person who didn't mention how great it is for stranger-stalking/people-watching. Everything about the location makes the cafe 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 cafe 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 cafe 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. -
Review from Lesley-Anne S.
Halifax, NS
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
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.Listed in: Coffee Talk
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Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Laura P.
Updated - 4/7/2010
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.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/4/2010
I enjoy the situation that is Second Cup. Its lower level domain is perfect for catching the city… Read more »
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Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2010
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 Cafe 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. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2009 1 photo
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. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/27/2009
Sometimes all you want to do is sit in a window and watch people's feet as they walk by, and hey, if that's your thang, this is your spot. We all have those days, don't we, where we're too tired to read, to bummed to surf, too fried to write? Perfect day to grab a window seat here and just veg.
The coffee is fine, hot chocolate is tasty. Skip the cappuccino and get a cup of cinnamon hazelnut if it's brewed and just watch the world go by for a while. Good place to duck into if it's snowing out. Dunno why, it just is. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/13/2010
The Second Cup is the home of my second favorite cup of Hot Chocolate in the city. Beyond The Just Us Cafe, 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. -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
5/3/2010
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. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
12/18/2009
I normally do not venture in here, but I was without internet and it was a necessity.
We went in the back area where we had huge leather chairs to sit in. We ordered the hot chocolate and coffee. The hot chocolate was better than my coffee, but overall good.
I was amazed at the amount of people in there with laptops. It is the place to go obviously. We went late in the evening, but the place was still packed. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010
I've only been in to this Second Cup a handful of times, but I'm probably going to start going more. Not because I love the coffee or the service, but because I received a bunch of 'buy-one-get-one' coupons in the mail. Yippy!
The things I'm not really a fan of at Second Cup is that their light roast coffees are usually flavoured. I don't want a vanilla or hazelnut coffee. I just want a regular light roast. I didn't realize that was too much to ask. As well, when I asked for a light roast the lady wasn't too polite about informing me of the flavours.
Another thing that bothered me was that I ordered one of their pre-packaged sandwiches once to take with me. I didn't get it toasted and was reading what was inside. It said the sandwich contained lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, none of which were actually on the sandwich.
If it weren't for that coupon, I probably wouldn't head to Second Cup all the often. -
Review from Aaron B.
Wilberforce, ON
7/11/2010
Neat location to watch people go by on the sidewalk as you are partially below street level.
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/11/2010 1 photo
I spent a lot of time mooching free wi-fi from this coffee shop right after we moved to town. Now that I've got my own internet and know a bit more about the neighbourhood, there are few reasons for me to visit. Drinks are not that great; nothing is terrible, but if I find myself on this block wanting a coffee I'll walk around the corner to Steve-a-Rino's. There's a distinct student vibe going on in here - books out and lots of tables for one. The one thing I do like is that while the place is subterranean, there is seating right along Spring Garden that puts you at perfect people-watching perpective.
