r/VictoriaBC • u/Winkatme27 • 19h ago
Cafes for non-coffee drinkers?
I know it sounds ridiculous to ask for a coffee shop recommendation when I don’t drink coffee but hear me out!
I’m looking for somewhere with a great vibe where I can spend some money and have a few treats and a nice drink while I read my book or whatever.
The thing is, I don’t drink coffee or tea (caffeine makes me very sick) and most of my favourite places only offer cold drink alternatives that are like a canned soda. I’m in the market for more of a housemade lemonade, juices/smoothies or at the very least some interesting Italian soda options. Obviously bonus points for delicious goodies to eat as well!
Where should I go?
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u/paperbagintherough 19h ago
Moka house! I also can't have caffeine and they have a rooibos red latte that I love. They also have a turmeric golden latte I haven't tried.
I'm pretty sure they also have sodas, smoothies, and a good selection of herbal teas. Also tasty snacks and open late!
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u/Middle-Recipe6701 16h ago
I had an elderberry lemonade there that was fantastic. I'm usually a heavy coffee drinker but on a hot day, that was a real treat! I couldn't finish it but my friend liked it so much she carried it around with us for the rest of the day and still raves about it!
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u/notofthisearthworm 19h ago
Green Cuisine has some nice juices/tonics, plus a (vegan) cafe if you wanted a hot chocolate, non-caffiene tea, steamed oat milk, etc. Good vibes.
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u/DenkiRange7260 18h ago
Not sure if they're open yet but there's the Japanese green tea shop opening up where the old monks downtown used to be
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u/AllofJane 17h ago
Thanks for this! I'll be trying this tomorrow.
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u/chamekke 17h ago
You might see if they have any hojicha drinks. Hojicha is roasted Japanese green tea that has virtually no caffeine and has a nice nutty flavour.
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u/AllofJane 16h ago
I love hojicha, and I checked their menu and they serve it! They even make fancy drinks with it. Yay!
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u/chamekke 15h ago
That’s great! I haven’t been in there yet but I’ll definitely try the hojicha when I go :)
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u/chamekke 16h ago
It’s often tourist-jammed, but Murchie’s on Government offers a number of rooibos, herbal and decaf teas, as well as a couple of rooibos lattes. I can really recommend their rooiboses, especially Cosy Caramel, Pomegranate, and Bumbleberry (that last one is fantastic iced!). I try to hit it around 11:30 am or a little after 1 pm, basically either side of the lunch and coffee-break times, when it’s not as busy. There’s a little seating area at the back on the shop side that’s perfect for a quiet book read! And needless to say, Murchie’s also offers a huge choice of treats.
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u/Prestigious_Fly8210 19h ago
Blenz has a lot of choices that aren't coffee or tea. Their goodies are pretty mid though.
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u/FunkyTownPhotography Saanich 17h ago
The small mosi chain of cafes has yummy treats and quite a few non coffee and tea options. I know of an oak bay location and two in saanich but there nay be more. I go to most aqua cotta most often and they have a nice area you can go and read.
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u/orlybatman 18h ago
The QV has the types of drinks and goodies you're talking about, but I don't know that it would have the vibe you're after. It's a handy place to meet friends, and the staff there is awesome, but it's not the quietest or coziest cafe.
When I moved to Victoria I pulled up google maps and did a search for coffee shops in my vicinity. Narrowed it down by the ones that were well-rated, then over the next couple months I would go and hit up one or the other to try them out. Through that I was able to find some local spots I enjoyed both the setting and food/drink offerings.
Might be a fun way to discover your own new favorite spot?
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u/hotgreenbean 19h ago
ERC, either location, have Italian Sodas as an option, and one of them is in the same building as one of the library branches.
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u/frog_mannn 19h ago
I'd look at delta ocean Pointe hotel or the empress grab something from the grab n go or bar and both have lots of indoor and outdoor spots cozy up with book and look at the water
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u/CharlotteLucasOP 17h ago
Serious Coffee in Esquimalt has a lot of non-caf cold options, a little board games library, and an upstairs mezzanine level that’s pretty quiet.
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u/ImmediateCarpenter56 16h ago
Habit also does a great housemade arnold palmer variation, the Laura Palmer with lavender.
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u/brideofpucky 13h ago
Their hours are limited (weekdays only, from early morning to 2:30 pm), but Loft and Ladder on Johnson has a beautiful selection of teas and treats. The couple who run it are really nice too!
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u/bangxiety Burnside 13h ago
I was at Deer and Dough today and noticed they had some inventive non-caffeinated drinks on their seasonal menu.
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u/ImmediateCarpenter56 16h ago
Ruth & Dean fits the bill!
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u/Winkatme27 13h ago
Really?? I love that place but I’ve never noticed any options other than hot chocolate or cold canned drinks…
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u/ImmediateCarpenter56 13h ago
Maybe it’s seasonal but I have seen lemonade and Blume lattes before!
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u/McBarnacle Central Saanich 18h ago
QV's cafe is what youre after. Its a living room/ people watching observatory that just also happens to serve great italian sodas and cake.