Steve O Reno's Cappuccino

3.5 star rating
12 reviews Rating Details
Hours:

Mon-Sat 7:30 am - 6 pm

Sun 8 am - 6 pm

Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Loud
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

12 reviews in English

  • Review from Krista R.

    • 5 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Lower Sackville, NS

    4.0 star rating
    3/23/2012

    I have had nothing but great experiences from Steve-O-reno's and would go back anytime. It is a nice break in my day when I can go and get a nice cup of exquisite hot chocolate or cup of yummy herbal tea (although I really wish you could get back the African sunrise herbal infusion again) That was my favorite to date.

    The atmosphere is great and no wonder the people love coming back. Cheers to keeping up the great service. You will always get a tip when I drop by!

  • Review from Ben B.

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/13/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    I finally snagged a seat at Steve-O's over the weekend and got a proper visit in to this downtown coffee stop. Like I said in my last review, the bright and artsy vibe is a refreshing alternative to the industrial-style chain cafés - it feels like you're hanging out in the Haight-Ashbury of San Francisco.

    My cappuccino was easily one of the best I've had in the city for sure. You could tell some serious love goes into every single one of those and it was lovely to get to enjoy it in one of their proper cups instead of the to-go, paper variety.

    They had *great* internet speeds while I was there on an unlocked wifi network. No pushing back through the line in hopes of snagging a password here! That was super convenient.

    I still didn't really feel hip enough to hang with this sort of a crowd, so Steve-O's won't replace my usual haunts. Still, it'll be at the top of my list for impressing West Coast visitors as a spot with its own special flare.

    Listed in: Coffee Shop Stops, Outsourced Workplaces

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/4/2011

      Lovely coffee, friendly staff, and an interior that's a stellar break from the industrial coffee… Read more »

  • Review from Lesley-Anne S.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here ROTD 3/4/2012

    Inside is small and always kind of crowded, but I do like it a lot. Steve-o's serves some of my favourite coffee in all of Halifax. Maybe even in my top five coffees of all time. I love their Americano and Canadianas, but usually go for a straight up black dark roast. I will sometimes go out of my way for their coffee.

    Their baked goods aren't really my bag. I've only had the oatcake and it was a bit on the seedy side for me (literally. It has seeds in it) and not quite sweet enough. But that's just my oatcake preference.

    FYI: I do believe it is cash only. On the plus side, I find it reasonably priced for such delicious coffee (I could be wrong, but I believe it is cheaper than Starbucks and the coffee is better).

  • Review from Crystal H.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    It's official. The good ol boys at 49th Parrallel Coffee have made their way from coast to coast. Not that I can make much fault in any coffee shop owner wanting to purvey the west coast beanery. They're good. So good in fact that I marveled as I drank down my single shot americano in full, sans cream or sugar.

    The blueberry muffin was a tough pick with a number of choices before me. It was dry, but still tasty. The only boo-urns moment I could see was that it's cashola only folks.

    It's feels like the type of coffee shop where everyone knows your name and can count on you to order "your usual" to go. Definitely something I can get behind!

  • Review from Alison I.

    • 2 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Mississauga, ON

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2011

    I stumbled on this place when I was visiting Halifax for my friend's wedding.  I was walking to meet up with her when I passed by Steve O Reno's.  I gotta say, I wish there was one in Toronto - however, I fear that if there was one here, it'd slowly turn into just another pretentious coffee joint.  I ordered a cafe latte and it was so nice to see soft brown sugar on the milk and lids table.  I always consider it a special treat when brown sugar is available.  The staff were nice and the coffee was creamy and delicious.  It was a great start to my bridesmaid duties for the day.

  • Review from Sue A.

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    10/12/2010 16 Check-ins Here

    Steve-o-reno's is a sunny and warm, if a bit small, well known coffee shop. The store on Brunswick Street with loads of natural light and its funky purple upholstered chairs reminds me of a garden filled with sunflowers. The friendly alternative, hipster baristas happily serve up your favourite hot and cold drinks without any attitude.

    I will disclose that the only hot drink I get from Steve's is the mocha, specifically a regular skinny mocha with a bit of whip. For the whole first sleep-deprived year of my daughter's life, I felt like the baristas were saving my life with my daily mocha. They quickly started to recognize me and started my order without prompting.

    The espresso shots at Steve's are hand pulled, meaning each mocha has its own distinct character. Despite the possibility for a wide variance of taste with different people making each drink, the mochas are consistently uniform, nice and hot with a not-too-sweet chocolate flavour and without a bitter, burnt flavour. I find the regular size portion to be perfect and the $3.30 price tag is a lot less than many other coffee places in town.

    In the cold drinks department, the mocha is just as satisfying in its iced version. My daughter is a huge fan of the delicious and healthy smoothies. For example, the strawberry smoothie contains no sugar and has all natural ingredients.  

    The fresh baked goods (chocolate chip cookies, lemon squares, and assorted muffins) are very tasty. I will say to stay away from the croissants. They are pale imitations of their Two If By Sea counterparts, but definitely go for anything else. The Egg-o-renos are also delicious and good value at between $4-5 depending on ingredients.

    Another sign of quality is that you will frequently see Steve himself there. I always think that's a good sign when the owner has an active interest in his business--delivering supplies, etc. He keeps the staff on their toes which in turn means good service!

    Do remember that it is cash only at Steve's. You don't want to be deprived of your drink for lack of a couple of twoonies!

  • Review from Benoit C.

    • 8 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Moncton, NB

    3.0 star rating
    11/8/2010 1 Check-in Here

    A very nice little coffee shop with very good coffee and ambiance to spare. The bright colours and lighting make this a cheerful place to visit. From my experience, it can be a bit difficult to find a spot to sit, but kind patrons on their way out will usually direct your attention to the soon to be vacated seat. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and makes the visit that much pleasant.

    My wife commented that the cappuccino was excellent, and the barrista who made it even artfully created a heart with the milk on froth on top of the cappuccino: cute little touch!

  • Review from Laura P.

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    4/3/2010

    Steve O Reno's is A-Ok. To me, its vibrantly coloured interior speaks to summer months and a playful state of mind. Note: With a cash only policy, its important to leave the plastic at home. And I'd say that Its sweet and surely vibe makes it worth the extra cash stop.

    The summertime patio offers a great view of the downtown hustle of Spring Garden and Brunswick at a distance. I've found the service to be pretty efficient, as staff maintain a friendly and low-key consistency.

    I'm not a huge coffee/ cappa girl, so I can only wage so far on the java fix. I've gotten good reviews from fellow frequenters, but I do like to stick to my tea. (Which is standard.)

    Its generally pretty full, lots of people like this spot. Loads of Dal kids and a varying eclectic mix. I like Steve O's to get a little work done or go on my own... although I'm not entirely devoted. I find its location to be at an interesting spot to people watch, but there are definitely other spots around the city I'd prefer ahead of this one.

    All around great place to sip a lil somethin' and enjoy some good vibes.

  • Review from Deirdre L.

    • 35 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    3.0 star rating
    9/28/2010

    I was going to the downtown Steve Os even before I started guzzling mochas (back then chai latte was what I sought out).  I'm also partial to their breakfast cookies - it's like a bowl of granola in a delish portable form!  Who says it's wrong to crave cookies in the a.m?  And if you're craving something with a little more protein, the egg-o-reno is one of my top three breakfasts sammies.

    It's almost always busy, and can be difficult to find seats, but I usually drop in on my way somewhere else so I don't worry about that.  If you can snag a spot, it's a great place to meet with friends and a good launchpad for a coffee-fueled downtown adventure.

    I can't speak for the quality of all their beverages, I will say that the chai lattes are generally yummy, and the mochas are as well ... except when they are not.  There can be a big difference depending on who is making it, which is mostly okay.  However once or twice it's just been not very good.  Doesn't stop me from stopping by if I'm in the hood and hankering for some caffeine, but I never assume it's going to be great.

    With Steve Os it's good to keep an open mind ... which is never a bad idea in coffee shops or in life!

  • Review from Joshua Y.

    • 22 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    10/2/2009 2 photos

    Not sure what the fuss is all about.

    The coffee is good. Mind-blowing? Nope. But good. Their snack selection is a wee-bit lacking when compared to other places. They are so healthy, at times the food ends up not having much taste or overall appeal.

    Here is the good side to it all. I like the seating. It sort of forces you to break a personal barrier about space by having a large table in the middle of the room where everyone sits side-by-side. Its intimate and fun. They have a cool outdoor patio so you can people-watch. Its quite small though so getting a seat out there on a warm day is difficult. They are also on Brunswick street, very close to Spring Garden, one of the busiest streets in the city. This is good because you aren't far from Spring Garden but not close enough to get all the noise a major street has to offer.

    The staff are alright. Once again, not mind-blowing and not quite consistent as far as friendliness goes. I have had great experiences with very friendly staff there, and not-so-great experiences. Never rude staff though and I should make note of that.

    Steve O Reno's is an average coffee shop. It definitely attracts regulars so there may be a few more positive things about it that I've missed. But overall its not the most comfortable, roomy spot when compared to other coffee shops in the city. Their food selection isn't amazing and doesn't have a lot of taste. Its okay in a pinch, but there are literally three or four coffee shops within a three minute walk of Steve O Reno's. I suggest, if you can, walk for a few minutes and try one of them. Check out my favorite coffee shops in the city list for some suggestions.

  • Review from Anna H.

    • 20 friends
    • 251 reviews

    Halifax, NS

    4.0 star rating
    12/3/2009

    I can. not. finish one of their croissant. It's astounding. Ordering one for myself is always a mistake, but I've made it a few times. And, frankly, they're not the best I've had. But I do admit to being a pastry snob. (Full disclosure: I have finished one of the croissant by myself, once, and I regret it. I felt foul. Damn you, hungry eyes!)

    The carrot cake though, my friends, I can finish. Steve's iced mochas are great in the summer time, or winter if you're really living on the edge. Nice and chocolatey, which is what I'm looking for.

  • Review from Lacey H.

    • 51 friends
    • 505 reviews

    Berlin

    Germany
    3.0 star rating
    2/16/2010

    I'm not too sure about Steve O Reno's. I've been there on a number of occasions and have had their coffee at the Halifax market as well. The staff are always pleasant and the service is quick and efficient; however, the end product is nothing to write home about. I'm a soymilk latte type-a-gal, and every now and again have been known to order a soy cappuccino, but I'm always left with a desire for something better after having a beverage from Steve O's. I find the soymilk brand overpowering, or perhaps it's that the espresso itself isn't bold enough. They don't seem to differentiate between the latte and the cappuccino, as my cap this afternoon was very much lacking in the foam department. I just don't know what to do! I want to go to Steve's. I want to love Steve's. I want to support local, independent business (and to not go to Starbucks which is the closest other shop that serves espresso bevies). But what's a gal to do when the coffee just ain't up to scratch!?

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...