Buzz-worthy coffee shops in downtown Victoria

Caffeine addicts look no further. The city is brimming with coffee shops that’ll please even the most discerning coffee aficionado. Whether you’re after an Americano made with locally roasted beans or a meticulously brewed pour-over, it’s easy to satisfy your caffeine cravings in downtown Victoria.

Buzz-worthy coffee shops in downtown Victoria
Jessica Doyle By

Habit Coffee

1
808 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L8

Located just steps away from historic Fan Tan Alley, Habit is a mainstay when it comes to the city’s local coffee culture. The community-minded coffeehouse uses hand-roasted coffee beans from Victoria-based Bows & Arrows, and supports local artists by lending its walls for exhibits. A beloved downtown hangout, Habit offers a comfortable atmosphere for meeting new people or catching up with old friends.

Shatterbox Coffee Co

2
1-1701 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 0C1

Borrowing from Northern Italian roasting traditions, this Pandora Avenue café takes a simple but inventive approach to its house-blended coffee. Try a beverage you won’t find anywhere else, like the Shatterbox original Miami Vice, which features cold brew espresso sweetened with vanilla and served with sparkling water.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Hey Happy Coffee

3
122-560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C6

Coffee is not be rushed at Hey Happy, where close attention is paid to every cup. Drip coffee doesn’t exist here, so forget about the time and indulge in a meticulously prepared pour-over or a seasonal artisanal latte. Have a seat at the window and watch the city pass you by while listening to the sounds of the café’s vinyl record player. From the first sip to the last drop, these premium brews are well worth the wait.

Discovery Coffee

4
1001 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H4

One of four Discovery Coffee locations, this Blanshard Street spot boasts a specially designed pour-over bar fit for seasoned coffee connoisseurs. Whether you opt for an Americano or cappuccino, every drink is brewed with Discovery Coffee’s very own signature beans, roasted right here in Victoria. Concrete floors and exposed brick walls give this coffeehouse a cool industrial vibe, but the friendly staff and aroma of espresso and fresh baked goods keep it warm and cozy.

Jazz Espresso Bar 2 Percent

5
105-740 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1Z4

Located in the beautifully refurbished Hudson’s Bay Building next to the Victoria Public Market, this local favourite pours the freshest coffee around. The passionate coffee experts at 2% Jazz roast their beans daily in small 10 lb. batches. Watch the magic happen from your table, and breathe in the smell of crackling beans.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Tre Fantastico

6
810 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8V 5B1

Coffee shop by day, bistro by night, this hybrid spot is ideally located directly across from beautiful St. Anne’s Academy, between downtown and Beacon Hill Park. Morning visits with friends or long afternoons studying are fueled by small plates and world-class coffee drinks made from house-roasted beans. Tre Fantastico is one of four distinct Fantastico locations.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Bean Around The World Coffee

7
533 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R3

This Chinatown coffeehouse is wonderfully eclectic, from the art on the walls to the mysterious knick-knacks hidden throughout the space. Grab your favourite beverage and watch the hustle and bustle of Canada’s oldest Chinatown from the sidewalk tables, or wander next door to Fan Tan Alley. Be sure to take a fresh pastry for the road – the almond croissant is a must-have!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Murchie's Tea & Coffee

8
1110 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Y2

A Victoria landmark, Murchie’s is a must-visit for tea and coffee loving tourists and locals alike. Pair your beverage with any one (or two!) delectable European-inspired pastries. You can’t go wrong with a few pretty pastel macarons or a seasonal fruit tart. Served on a tea tray fit for a queen, coffee at Murchie’s will have you feeling like British royalty.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Union Pacific Coffee

9
537 Herald St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S5

Nestled in an old industrial building with wooden beams and brick walls adorned with vintage collectibles, Union Pacific is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Warm up with JJ Bean coffee and enjoy a game of checkers or Snakes & Ladders with friends at a large table. Homemade treats and sandwiches mean you never have to leave.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Ambrosia & R S Events

10
638 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R6

Stop by this trendy lunch spot for a homemade sandwich and a midday pick-me-up. The menu features espresso-based drinks made with 2% Jazz beans (roasted just blocks away) and daily lunch features prepared with fresh, local ingredients, Picnic is the go-to coffee shop for the hungry Locavore in search of a good meal and a quick caffeine fix.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Jessica Doyle Jessica Doyle
Jessica is a content marketing specialist living in Victoria where she covers the city’s best eats, drinks, and shops on her lifestyle blog {OH} Victoria. Her weekends are spent in pursuit of good coffee and farm-to-table brunch, and almost always include yoga and a bike ride to the beach.
Cool spots for a craft cocktail in Victoria

Raise your glass to these masters of mixology

Whether it’s a classic martini or an artisanal craft cocktail you’re after, Victoria’s rapidly growing mixology scene has you covered. Check out these local bars for an extraordinary libation or two.
Delicious and delectable doughnuts in Victoria

Victoria's most delicious and delectable doughnuts

Legend has it that doughnuts are the solution to every problem. Maybe not, but they’re certainly a magical invention loved by all. Treat yourself to the best of the best at these local Victoria cafés. Then indulge again, and again.
Exquisite farm-to-table restaurants in Victoria

Exquisite farm-to-table restaurants

Is the chicken local? Thanks to the city’s thriving locavore food scene, it is. While many Victoria eateries serve up dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, these farm-to-table restaurants are at the top of their game. Dig in, locavores.
Close menu