Second Cup Café

463 reviews

153 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N8, Canada

secondcup.com

+16132326921

About

Second Cup Café is a Coffee shop located at 153 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N8, Canada. It has received 463 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday7AM-8PM
Tuesday7AM-8PM
Wednesday7AM-8PM
Thursday7AM-8PM
Friday7AM-8PM
Saturday7AM-8PM
Sunday7AM-8PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Second Cup Café: 153 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N8, Canada

  • Second Cup Café has 4.0 stars from 463 reviews

  • Coffee shop

  • "I have been a regular customer for almost 10 years (for their hot chocolate); and so far I have had a great experience until one Friday (last winter) I went to order as usual my hot chocolate hoping for a warm evenings"

    "A few days ago I'd entered to purchase a coffee and needed to use the washroom facilities before doing so"

    "It was a nightmare"

    "I didn't buy anything this time,but I have"

    "I like studying in coffee shops"

Reviews

  • I

I have been a regular customer for almost 10 years (for their hot chocolate); and so far I have had a great experience until one Friday (last winter) I went to order as usual my hot chocolate hoping for a warm evenings. There were two ladies, one who was taking orders & payment, and another who was serving. The lady who took my order was very friendly; and after I paid, she went to search a cup they were going to serve me in. The problem, is that before placing it on the line, she was chatting with her colleague; and I realized that unconsciously she was touching inside of my cup with her whole fingers; at some point she even scratched her hair and touched again inside of the cup (and this was during the pandemic!) I was afraid they were going to serve me in that cup; so I followed it with my eyes. When it was my turn, I politely asked the other lady who was preparing the orders to change the cup for I have seen that her colleague had touched inside of that cup. She ignored me, and went on to pour the hot chocolate in the dirty cup, explaining me that they wash their hands every 30 min; and that they are even exhausted after a long shift!! I told her that I was not still confortable with that; literally she did a shoulder check (I guess to see if someone was listening to our conversation) and arrogantly told me that there was nothing I could do about that. I was appalled, but as I had already paid, I insisted on getting another cup. She literally transferred the hot chocolate from the dirty cup into a new one. I told her that I couldn't take it as I considered it already dirty. Rather than preparing me a new drink right away; she first served two people who came after me and who were the last on the line. She finally deigned to prepare for me another drink. I was very frustrated; so a few min later I called their number to speak to the owner, but I got to speak to the supervisor. She was understanding and apologetic; but then I thought that she could be the woman who served me (there was no way to verify). She told me that if I wanted to speak to the owner, there are certain days she comes at the cafe. I called the following day, and asked to talk to the owner; they told me to leave my number. I was never called back, and no longer need it tbh. But what an easy way to lose a long term customer!

  • Norman Quenneville

A few days ago I'd entered to purchase a coffee and needed to use the washroom facilities before doing so. I went to enter the men's washroom and was locked. A Woman who was in the maintenance room located between the two washrooms says "you need a key". So I go see the barista and ask for the washroom key and she says "you must purchase a coffee first". I then tell the barista that I've been drinking their diuretic beverages all day and must urinate first. She then went on to say I needed to purchase my coffee first. I should've returned the humanitarian actions by pissing on the floor in front of the cash.

  • Peppur A

It was a nightmare. Something out of a horror film experience. All the employees there were rubbing snot on their hands, when they weren’t busy coughing in the air, touching their faces or hair while, making peoples drinks. They were also very rude when they messed up our drink orders. Tried to say we have to ask for caramel in a caramel corretto. Need new employees that believe in hygiene and customer service. We tried to stay positive but in the end it was too much. We had to toss our drinks so we wouldn’t get sick. Yikes!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

  • Sally Thomas

I didn't buy anything this time,but I have. More expensive than Starbucks. Cost $12 for a tea & sandwich! There are too many things on the counter for someone in a wheelchair to see the menu....in every Second Cup I've ever been in! Grateful the staff at TOH kind of know me.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 2
Wheelchair accessibility
There are far too many things on the counter at ALL Second Cup locations! The baristas can't see me and I cannot see the menu on the wall.

  • Cam

I like studying in coffee shops. I came here to study today afternoon. Coffee was fine but the kinky boots musical album was BLASTING with the 2 girls singing along noisily. Followed by the legally blond musical album. Between the terrible music and the 3 employees talking, laughing, and singing obnoxiously loudly, I could not hear my own thoughts. Even with my sound cancelling headphones and lofi playing. I was so annoyed. Awful awful ambiance.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10

  • Azadeh Maroufmashat

Great place! But the internet is too slow and staff are very nice but they do not listen sometimes to what you want exactly!  For example, i said coffee with milk, they served me coffee with cream and i did not have time for waiting more to change. for sandwiches for lunch, they are ok, but not so delicious! If you come to this store, definitely try some treats. I suggest butter tart
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

  • Samia I.

I don't understand why there can't be any kind of consistency with their hours?!? The door says 9pm but they routinely close a half hour early! Really? It took long enough before the hours shifted past 7pm and now they can't even maintain their own posted hours. Very frustrating to show up and see they're long gone. Your losing your customers to Starbucks down the street, especially since they've extended their hours and actually have the decency to follow it.

  • Marsha Creagh

While I didn't make a purchase this time, I have in the past. It's worth noting that the prices here are slightly higher compared to Starbucks. I found it a bit expensive, as I paid $12 for a tea and sandwich. Another point to consider is that the counter has too many things, making it difficult for someone in a wheelchair to see the menu. However, I'm grateful that the staff at TOH (The Ottawa Hospital) kind of recognize me. Overall, it's a mixed experience.

  • Jay B

Place is fairly accessible. The place is busy since its close to university of ottawa but line is moving quick. Lots of table and chair with charging port for long time stay. The place and washroom is clean. Price is within affordable price and the quality is amazing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Iced Vanilla Bean Latte

  • J Mal

Blonde worker with the ear piercings this morning was extremely rude. I paid for a cream cheese bagel and she accidentally gave me the wrong bagel. I went in very politely and asked for the right bagel and she was very nasty about it and snatched it out of my hand, then later returned with the right bagel and tried to explain to me how it was my fault she gave me the wrong bagel. Extremely rude, especially after I was trying to be so nice about it.

  • Adam O'Neill

Been going here for YEARS...It's a wonderful location. Second Cup Corporate bought it back some time ago from the franchisee...but the staff that work there are great.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Add Espresso, Iced Vanilla Bean Latte, Vanilla Bean Latte Vanillatte, Mochaccino & Lemon Cake

  • Andrea Franche

I really like second cup. This location is basically right on campus and the staff is nice. Unfortunately there is not enough seating here so it's usually not possible to grab a coffee and enjoy it here. Would definitely recommend if you're looking to grab a coffee to go but it's not worth your time to stop in if you're hoping to stay. There's a location a few minutes away on Rideau street that always has seating.

  • gigi petion

I love this second cup, for a student operated coffee shop, they are always quick, nice and make me feel welcome. The batista always go above and beyond. If you come here often the will even have your drink prepared for you before you arrive.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Cam

Nice coffee shop with good coffee and nice staff, located near the UOttawa campus. The place is a little small but there are many tables and chairs by the windows. They make a great use of the space. The coffee is cheaper than Starbucks and even better quality. A small coffee was around $2.50 which wasn't too bad.

  • B R

Although this location is showing its wear and tear the service is still consistently great and the location is quite Central. One of the few second cups in the city that stays open later than the others. And like all second cups their coffee is really good and the food items are definitely better than Starbucks.

  • Allan and Pochia

Friendly staff, good coffee and cake (tried their chocolate coconut cake - the cake body is moist and had a good balance of sweet/bitter, but the frosting and the coconut stuffing are too sweet for my taste. The portion is huge also!). Overall, a cozy place to work and won’t leave much smell on your clothes.

  • Darth Vader's Toe

I used to love coming here but the quality has gone so down over the years its actually sad. There are barely any outlets to charge your laptop. You need a code to get onto the wifi that expires in an hour which is the dumbest idea considering its ON CAMPUS. So why dont they have campus wifi!?!

  • Paige Maskell

Ordered a drink and a flatbread, was given the wrong flatbread (ordered one without meat and was given one with meat which i can’t eat). took about 15 minutes to get my drink despite there being 4 staff members, and I had to ask twice before getting it. flatbread was smushed in the bag.

  • Asif A. Ali

It's been a while, and the place hasn't changed. A bit deserted, but that's the pandemic life. It's still open for indoor sitting, and the patio seems to be open as well. Got my favourite cafe mocha. Ah, how I missed this place. It's good to be back here long after graduated. ☻

  • grace

I feel like the matcha tea latte is not very good just because the matcha powder itself came with sweetener and the iced drink didn’t taste like matcha at all- but their pastry is pretty good and so is there service.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10

  • Liz White

Friendly and helpful staff, everything about this Second Cup location is great and that's why I keep coming back to this location.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Larry Shamash

A good location with very friendly service. Did is fresh, and the location is always busy with students and other visitors. I wish there was more seating as it is hard to find space at times. Other than this, a well run location of Second Cup. Thanks!

  • Noots To Roots

The absolute f’king worst 3$ + cup of coffee I’ve ever had… irrelevant of the price actually… FYI your not making up for anything by over filling a coffee cup which by default was designed to leak… I will never step foot in a second cup ever again

  • Alex Laxton

Mixed customer service. The manager is wonderful. Just ordered a Hot Chocolate but pretty sure it's just hot milk. Gross! Lacks consistency in their product. Always double check the quality before you leave and learn the hard way, as I just did.

  • Rod N.

Access to toilets restricted. Locked with keys. I asked for the keys once and all staff ignored me. They said they don't have any clue about where the key is!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

  • John D'Costa

Went for a quick grab. The location is excellent. It was a morning rush so I didn't spend too much time there. Coffee was okay, nothing special.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

  • Eric “Dams” Dampierre

Ordered an Americano with 2 shots, tastes and looks like drip coffee. Quite expensive IMO, but fair enough. Employees are friendly and reactive.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

  • Evangheline Sirbu

It was horrible! I ordered a moccacino and got a drink that tasted nothing like what it should have, I'm not even sure it was coffee...please avoid if you care about your health! Don't know what they put in their drinks!

  • Brianna Gill (Reddwren)

I ordered a slice of cake and only a sliver. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sliced a pre-cut piece in half to purposely give me a tiny piece…
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

  • Deny Trudel

Second Cup is my favourite of the bigger box coffee chains. Coffee is decent and decently priced, its canadian, rewards program (though admittedly really stingy). Good coffee at a good price. Can't complain about that.

  • Gabby CB

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff aswell as convenient location. Nice spot to sit down and chill with your friends (or by yourself) more than to study as it is not as quiet as some other coffee shops in my opinion .

  • Hans Gretel

Cute shop, nice staff and cheaper than Starbucks. Good for students looking for a slightly cheaper cup of coffee, cold brew or smoothie. Located close to Uottawa campus as well, making it super convenient.

  • Faridath Glawdis YESSOUFOU

The service varies depending on the staff. Sometimes your smoothie is made with care and the cup is full. Other days they just do whatever they like. And please! Bring back the golden coconut smoothie

  • Maria

Might possibly be better than the campus Starbucks.... Would be nice if their gluten free options were not cross contaminated / "may contain gluten" because then I would be there all the time!

  • Allured'or

I don't drink coffee but their hot chocolate is very tasty. The place is also cosy, but it was very overcrowded. We left pretty quickly cause my friend and I gave our seats to an old couple.

  • Nazila T

Very disappointed, went there to enjoy a cup of coffee and relax yesterday afternoon but one of the baristas kept shouting at a customer! Unprofessional and rude. Never going back …

  • Maria Gavrilova

Nice quiet place for the morning coffee break.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Majed Alowaidi

This cafe is a place that deserves to spend sometime releasing any stress every morning !! Love it a lot. Forgot to say that Maple Latte is a new coffee that is awesome :)

  • Bibek Gautam

Overall it was okay, staff were friendly. More waiting time. The atmosphere was a bit messy.
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

  • Mahmoud Abdelmotalib

They have a nice outdoor setting where you can have a nice conversation or do your work. However, the wifi isn't open and you have to ask for a passcode every hour.

  • Daniel Mehdizadeh

terrible music choice. needs to change. softer, less intrusive music. ambient lounge music would be preferred if any music at all. otherwise I'd give it 5 stars.

  • Sean C Dwyer

Simply the best! Better than ALL the rest! Except that cute place I was at one time forget the name...
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

  • Milan Potkonjak

Good coffee, but unfortunately for some reason there are less and less of Second Cup stores... Starbucks, is it you killing them?? Bad monkey, no donut...

  • Jesse Guo

I enjoyed my London fog, but the raspberry mini donut thing was possibly one of the worst things I've ever put in my mouth
Price per person
$1–10

  • David Guitard

Coffee ground fresh some time taste like old. Tea iced tea no problem. I am tea guy some time have coffee but caffeine is reduce. Tea not a problem.

  • AM B

Good coffee, located before the food court. They have some yummy treats and sandwiches. You can even sit to have your coffee. Staff are very nice!

  • Derek Manzi

Very Unprofessional!! Ordered 3 scones, a hot chocolate and a muffin. Received NONE of those things except a cold latte! Smh very disappointed!!!

  • كنان ناصر

The worker today is very rude she didn’t even open the door or answer my question if they’re open or close. On map it says they open at 6:30 .

  • liam kennedy-macdonald

I go here many times every week. It can get busy and they can be quite slow but during the quiet times, my favourite coffee shop in Ottawa.

  • Omojo Joe-Atodo

Love their coffee and pastries; polite customers who work quickly to give you a perfect order at good prices. Open for over 12 hours 24/7.

  • Lou Rowat

to be honest, probably my favourite place in general update: whoever picks the music here has good taste
Price per person
$10–20

  • Eric Joyner

The mochas here are excellent. Kind of busy in the mornings. Weirdly, this one takes AMEX while the one a couple blocks north does not.

  • H B

The wifi is not consistent and temprature is too cold. Some of the staff are fantastic, but others don't care about customer service.

  • Anastasia Telishevska

I loved the hot chocolate
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Summer Khánh Hạ H.T (Summer Ho)

Fast and friendly service. I like their croissant with cheese and ham :) But their fruit shake was a bit tasteless. And pricey!

  • Nas O

They didn't have a great selection of desserts compared to other locations. The atmosphere was great,clean and friendly staff.

  • Andrea Olivares

Good beverage variety. The lemon cake is not too sweet and fresh, so it was great. The sitting area was a bit dirty, though.

  • Dyno Dsouza

Loved the place! I just wished they had a tip option on the machine instead of having only cash tips
Service
Dine in

  • Sam Godding

I went here once 8 years ago. It was good. I had a meeting with someone and it went like 15 minutes too long, so 4 stars.

  • Ming ChAn

Good service i go there every time i take rideshare to montreal
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

  • Noel Shaf

Good coffee friendly service if you like swearing baristas while enjoying your coffee it is the place for you .

  • Viktoriia Piddubna

The toilet is locked every time. You literally can not use it.
Price per person
$10–20

  • NIBRAS Kamil

Very good location Good customer service WiFi is free but you have to get PASSKEY first!

  • Khadija A

Amazing takes less than a minute to get a medium iced coffee
Atmosphere: 5

  • Marjorie Gómez

Busy place on UOttawa, nice stop to drink a good coffee and chat with friends...

  • nima javanbakht

Peaceful coffeeshop with friendly staff
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

  • Koojoh

Never had a warm iced Americano before

  • Татьяна Сивец

delicious coffee and brownies …

  • JAMG

Good place and nice environment

  • Michelle Bedon

We love it! I love FROCHO ♥️

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