Review Wild Coffee - Vancouver Island

Great cafe and coffee shop downtown! A lot of tasty gluten-free bakeries, great coffee options including white coffee: barely roasted coffee beans that contains more caffeine. Try it as a latte with the gluten-free banana bread 😃

Absolutely phenomenal coffee shop. Firstly, the staff are something else. I have been going here for nearly three years, and I have never met a staff member who wasn't interested in holding a friendly conversation. Always polite, accommodating, and quick on their feet. The food? Unbelievable. Come here for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee date. You won't be disappointed. My favourite part of this shop is the stunning decor, a very strong west coast vibe with driftwood furniture and beach-themed decor. This is a great spot to study as well, and it attracts a crowd of students, adults, parents with kids, and older folk. What an amazing shop!

Great spot. Had a delicious mocha, great hot chocolate and lots of tea choices. The muffins are as fresh as I've had. The granola parfait is in a full bowl and tasty. Breakfast sandwich was huge and really good. Comfy seating. Couldn't ask much more from a coffee shop.

You come here for the decor, the seating, and the location in town. Not for the food or the drinks. You pay premium for again, location and seating. Super chill, easy groove music. You won't be blown away by the offerings, so don't come here for that. This is prime for meeting, sitting, chatting.

Wild Coffee has very chill hipster vibes. There's a lot of comfy & roomy seating options on the main floor & upstairs.. Assuming that a lot of uni students come here, looks like there's a good study crowd! I ordered / loved my chai latte, it hit the spot perfectly

Stopped in quickly for an espresso boost and it was a great shot! The place itself definitely has that chill, hippie atmosphere especially with the funky driftwood furniture. Can't speak on the food but would definitely recommend the coffee.

Good breakfast options. Great espresso.Great service. Good local vibes. Doesn't feel as touristic as other places in downtown.

Walked in and didn’t expect the lodge type feel. So cute & cozy! Perfect for a quiet place to gather & the staff was SO nice!!

Gluten free food, good taste , kids friendly also. And chairs and tables have their own story which it’s interesting.

Had Salted Caramel Latte and London fog here. The coffee was good and the prices are fair. The staff was very friendly when we asked for some good spots in the city to hang out. The place was very nice and had comfy seating arrangement.

Walked past the Wild today on the way to the Bead shop just down the road. Later my wife and returned to the Wild. You know what it's like when someone says a place has really great coffee?? And you go there and well, it was just okay coffee. Well, the Wild is not that place!! Their coffee was absolutely delicious - just great hot black coffee. Tasty and not bitter. The treats were fantastic too. This was our first visit - we're only visiting Victoria, but we will be sure to re-visit the Wild on our next trip. Thanks to the great staff for making our morning coffee stop very enjoyable.

Terrible, uptight, miserable owner with friendly, warm staff. Come here regularly for coffee and unfortunately have to see the owner in her uptight, unpleasantness. Staff also are not treated with respect.

I'm not angry or anything, but the coffee was overpriced and underwhelming.<br/>  I'm required to write 140 characters, but my mom always said if you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all.

Meh. Went bcs of the high reviews, but this is not my type of coffee shop. Latte was decent, but way overpriced. 75 cents extra for almond milk, really? Service and ambiance didn't wow me. Internet required a voucher too. Not a must stop by.

Terrible restaurant, mean staff, horrible customer service. Ordered a latte that cost me $7.00. Food is boring and basic.  While the place is kind of nice, the staff and supposed manager are so rude and dismissive that it ruins the experience. My service actually shushed me raising her finger to quiet me when I was ordering. What the heck is that all about. Should have left then, but proceeded. It didn't get any better. Why go to a crappy cafe when Victoria offers so many lovely spots. I'll never go back to this place again.

I had a very good experience today at this funky corner Cafe.   Coffee was an excellent dark roast, which I had with a cup of vegan harvest soup.  Homemade soup, delicious, although a tad expensive.  Staff was friendly, and helpful.   I will return to Wild Coffee when I am downtown☕️

Went with some friends for brunch on a Sunday because we didn't want to wait in line at our usual places. We liked the atmosphere, and the food was alright, but the service was dismal. A blond woman (the owner/manager?) who "helped" us actually interrupted my sister when she was ordering, literally "shushed" me by holding up her finger when she couldn't keep up with my order instead of asking me to repeat it like a normal person would and keep belittling a young woman I assume was a new hire in front of customers. (Sweetie, there are so many places that'll treat you a lot better). We weren't in a hurry, but had to wait about 30 minutes from ordering to getting our food for 3 simple breakfast dishes. This place can't seem to keep up with what I would assume was a normal amount of customers on a sunny Sunday morning.<br/>Might have given this place a second chance, but that woman showed us such terrible customer service (and we all work in customer service) that we will not be back.

Terrible customer service. Every time I have been there , it has been a very long wait for drinks and servers also took their time noticing customers.I asked to use the washroom and buy water and was answered with "Uhm..we just washes our floors" to which I replied "You should probably turn off your open sign ;I wouldn't have come in. The server rolled her eyes at me and did not reply.

Scimpy panini. I ordered a veggie panini, mayo, tomatoes, roasted red pepper, mushrooms, spinach and mozz cheese. It came on some kind of dry, tasteless cracker-like bread. Inside there was a thin, sparce layer of tomato, a thin, sparce layer of mushrooms and a thin layer of spinach--no evidence of red pepper or cheese. Two very small, hot melted blobs of something white oozed out which I thought was cheese but couldn't pick up with my fork so I think it was mayo. The tea was good but very weak. Coffee mediocre. Service very slow. Expensive. First time we've eaten here. Last time also.

RUDE Manager!! will never return and will never recommend. Was treated with utter disreapect today, I just got off of work and had had a bite to eat at Freskos next door... Which is amazing, you should try it, and they have amazing customer service, but then...I had horrible customer service. I have bought multiple coffees there in the past and didn't need one today but had to use the washroom badly, I asked politely " excuse me do you have a washroom I could use quickly please? " the girl behind the counter said " yes it's right behind you" and up comessage boss b**ch saying " are you a customer? I said " yes, not today though I've had my fin of coffee just need to use a washroom quickly if that's ok" she goes.. In a rude snooty was with a disgusted look on her face " there's clearly a sign on the door ( a door I had no time to turn around and look at btw because she jumped right in there with her attitude) which ways customers only!) I responded " sorry but I usually am a customer and I don't see why you have to be so bitch like toward me" I walked almost out the door then turned back and said " you know what... I was a customer and no longer am and I'm going to post online to everyone I know about how u just treated me, I'm not a junkie or dirty person trying to do anything bad or make a mess, I asked politely and I can't believe how u just talked to me" she jumped on the phone to call the police as I walked away hahaha I was having a great day and she ruined it. "wild cafe" I see why they call that now...she's a wild lady and not in a good way she needs to learn some manners and Atleast say " sorry we don't have a public washroom" not how she told me. I'm disgusted and hope nobody gives her the manners, decency and respect everyone should give anybody anf everybody in this world. No matter who you are or what makes of life you come from. Always treat others with respect!

Many times, I've come in and waited at the till for minutes waiting for the server to turn around and take my order. They have a tendency to look at you standing there and continue on with whatever they're doing instead of helping you or at least saying hello or "I'll be right with you."<br/><br/>Last time I went, I waited for almost 5 minutes for someone to come back and paid $7 for a small (8 oz) decaf coffee and a gluten free granola that was so hard I couldn't bite it (it cracked in half when I tapped it on the counter....). Will not be returning, which is a shame as the cafe itself is beautiful.

It's not personal. To the person bickering about "personal attacks" on the owner: you don't seem to understand the purpose of a review. The purpose of a review is to report the details of one's experience to prospective customers. If, for example, you were very rude to me, and I turned to my friends and told them you were being very rude to me, this would not be a personal attack against you. It would be an objective observation of a subjective experience. If anything, to be treated very discourteously by anyone is a preemptive attack and deserves a response.

Place to go for amazing coffee & muffins. I love going to this coffee shop every morning for the great coffee & chocolate chip zucchini muffins :) <br/>Always a smile & never felt mistreated or ignored when coming in <br/>I read reviews of other angry customers that seem to be personally attacking the Owner,it is a real shame that this is allowed <br/>Every person I send in there absolutely loves it<br/>I work downtown and have been to many coffee shops ... Hands down the atmosphere,coffee & food are the best in here

Customer service is TERRIBLE. I work pretty close to Wild Coffee so every so often I pop in before work or on my break to grab a small bite and a hot drink. I have been dissatisfied with their service every time. It usually isn't SO bad - you get an unfriendly "What can I get you?" and then you order, pay and get your mediocre food/drink and then you get on with your day. <br/>Today I stopped by Wild coffee before I headed to work to get just a small coffee. I stood in an almost empty shop at the till with my wallet out while one girl (I assume by the other posts is the owner Marla) was making food behind the counter and another girl wiped down counters behind the till. I stood there for 5 WHOLE MINUTES and got ABSOLUTELY no response or acknowledgement from either of them. I briefly made eye contact with Marla but she did not say a word and quickly looked away. After five minutes I left and went down the street to Starbucks where I got friendly service right away. I would only go back here if there was no other option. But I may just prefer to go without my drink and food just so I don't have to support this establishment. I don't see how they are still in business.

WORST customer service in town. NEVER going back.. When this place first opened a few years ago, I really liked it. Great funky decor, and a good menu. Over the past year, I have been avoiding it more and more, even if it is the closest coffee shop to my work. I find that the customer service has been getting worse and worse. They make me feel as if I am an inconvenience to them when I go there. I went for the last time recently. The only reason I went was because all the other nearby coffee shops were very busy. I went in to get a coffee to go, and I had also asked for a splash of almond milk. For the first time ever, they charged me for almond milk, to start, which I thought was odd (that has never happened to me anywhere before, including there). Then, I saw the lady (who I believe is the owner) starting to steam the almond milk. I politely told her I don't want it steamed (which is less work for her anyways) where she started huffing and puffing and rolling her eyes. I then explained myself, since she seemed really annoyed and frustrated with me (which I shouldn't have done, because the customer is always right!) saying that I have allergies to milk and prefer not to have it steamed, since contact with milk can be very dangerous for me. She very angrily told me "Huh, well I am pretty sure I know how to clean a steamer." while being straight out rude and continuing to roll her eyes. I then told her it is because of allergy reasons, and that I have been in the hospital before due to that reason, and she started grumbling to herself being so rude and slamming the cash register. I was straight out appalled how rude she was. I have worked in customer service for ages, and I would never act like that towards a customer. I also work in at a nearby business that deals with customers asking where the good local coffee shops are. I used to send people their way - but not anymore. It would just be an embarrassment of a suggestion.

Rude Owner. I have been a semi-regular to this place for a while. I have always enjoyed the chicken panni. After today's experience I will not be back. The owner was extremely rude.<br/><br/>It started when I mistaken selected a 50% tip, instead of a 50 cent tip. The owner could not figure out how to reverse it. She asked me to sit down until she could figure it out. A few minutes later she called me up, and she tried a few things that did not work. She kept saying she can not give me 5 dollars cash as it would mess up their system. As someone else was waiting, she eventually said "you know what, I will just give you cash" she open the till forcibly and pretty much threw 5 dollars at me and walked away shaking her head and swearing under her breath. As I walked away slightly stunned, I made eye contact with the next costumer and we both shock our heads.<br/><br/>Now I am not someone who feels entitled to be treated respectfully in a private business. It is really up to the owner to decide how to treat people, but she needs to know that people like to go places that they feel comfortable in. I can not see myself going back to this place. I should add that it was a busy boxing day sale in downtown Victoria this day, but at anyone time, there was only one other person in the coffee shop. Other near by coffee shops were full.<br/><br/>Now a few minutes into my panini (which came out half cold), she asked me to come back up to the tell so she could try something else. I really should have refused as a result of how I was treated. I went up and it worked, but she did not apologize for her earlier treatment. <br/><br/>I will not be back.

WORST SERVICE EVER!!. Here is the email I sent to the Manager of the cafe after my FIRST and ONLY experience in their hideous establishment (NB: Marla never responded). I am looking forward to when they go out of business:<br/><br/>Hello Marla,<br/><br/>I am writing to you to share an experience I just had at Wild Coffee. It was my first time in your establishment and I was planning to enjoy your products and surroundings while I studied. The girl who took my order was friendly and I paid for my tea. When she asked if I wanted it to stay or go, I said to stay and she said she would put it in a to go cup, as they were closing soon (in case I didn't finish it). I asked when they were closing and she said in 30 minutes. I apologized I hadn't noticed when I walked in and request my order be cancelled so I could move to a location open later. No tea had been made yet, so she was happy to do so. However, she said she didn't know how to open the till and went to get assistance. A man (tall, dirty blonde hair and blue eyes) came downstairs and said to me "I don't understand why you don't just take the tea to go, I don't know how to open the till". His tone and demeanor was condescending/agitated and I explained that I needed a place to study and didn't realize they were closing so soon. He then opened the till with his hand and thrust the change on the counter. I apologized for the inconvenience and he ignored me. I asked if there were business cards and he told me no. I asked what his name was and who I could direct feedback to. He appeared very angry by my question and he said "don't worry about it! You're not a real customer anyway". I was shocked by the curtness and rudeness of his response.<br/><br/>I requested again the manager's name and he laughed and said "he was the manager". All I could reply was "wow" before he gestured for me to "shoo". I left shaking, I have never experienced something like this and I am distressed to see someone with such poor customer service skills is in a role interacting with the public. This entire exchange was done in front of all the other patrons.<br/><br/>I just wanted share my experience with you, as I hope as the GM of a small downtown business, you can appreciate the impact treatment like this has on a new patron and their personal networks (certainly I won't recommend a spot like this to friends, etc.). <br/><br/>Thank you for your time.

Hipster central go to Starbucks or serious coffee way better!!!!!

Not wild about Wild Coffee. Nice space/location, but they fail to deliver on coffee, food quality and customer service. With so many cafe options downtown, I don't see why I would patronize Wild again.

The owner is not nice. Rude and treats you like all she wants is your money. It's unfortunate because the location and decor is nice. It is the only coffee shop I will not go to.

Good chai. Chai latte is so good. over all i feel the prices are too high.

Love. I have recently become a huge fan of Wild Coffee. As soon as I walked in I noticed the hip/good looking workers they have working behind the counter. Each staff member was extremely courteous and seemed so 'real' and genuinely interested in talking to me as a person. <br/>I was lucky enough to try some of their coffee that they had just roasted themselves! It was delicious and unique. <br/>I was also impressed with the assortment of gluten-free options they had to offer and their awesome looking home-made granola.<br/>I will most definitely be returning to try out new things.<br/>Thanks wild :)

Bad Service, High Prices. The service I received at this cafe was the most passive-aggressive, least helpful of any place I have been to in Victoria. The staff acted like it was a privilege for me to be in the store, I was treated with a sarcastic "Have a nice day" as I left (I'm assuming because I had complained at one point)....and the high prices were not reflective of the poor quality coffee and food. Avoid this place like the plague!

Stay away at all costs. I worked there part time for two weeks. One day the manager's sister went snooping through my bag and saw that I had resumes with me. As I have a young child to support I could not get by as a part time barista. The manager spoke to me about me looking for another job and I assured her that Wild would take priority in my personal schedule. The following week I was given one shift, the next - none. She didn't even have the guts to fire me. Just didn't schedule me anymore. It took me three weeks from then to get paid, and was still shorted on that cheque. If you are in the area and want a coffee, do not be seduced by the awesome decor, go down the block to Serious Coffee. The staff there is awesome and the coffee is better. Thanks for reading my rant.

Just tried the hot coconut white chocolate, and it's way too sweet! :(

Not too shabby. Although it is in a touristy area, I don't mind the ambiance of this place. Decent selection of tea, and decent food. Nothing wowed me, but if I was in the area I wouldn't avoid it. Unfortunately, it's just unremarkable compared to many other coffee shops in this city!

It still amazes me how many different food establishments Victoria has. As I keep walking its streets I keep thinking: I haven't been to that one, nor that one; that one, I don't really want to visit...