Victoria cafes that welcome laptops and workers

Whether you're a student cramming for exams or a freelancer tired of the sight of your own four walls, coffee shops have become welcome working destinations. The next time you're craving caffeine, grab your laptop and head to one of these local spots to connect with your community (and free WiFi).

Caffe Fantastico Specialty Coffee

1
965 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 1W7

In the vibrant Quadra Village community, Caffe Fantastico's original location offers free WiFi, comfy retro couches, and high-quality coffees roasted on-site. Be inspired by the artwork in the professional gallery space or catch up on laundry at the adjacent Sparkle Bright Laundromat. Previously expanded, it can still be tough to score a good spot to work in this popular location.

Union Pacific Coffee

2
537 Herald St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S5

The coffee is hot and the WiFi is fast at this friendly downtown spot. The rustic decor, comfy seating and locally made treats contribute to the welcoming atmosphere. When it's time for a break, step outside and enjoy some fresh air on their charming patio in Dragon Alley. Exclusively serving JJ Bean coffee beans from Vancouver.

Cornerstone Cafe

3
B-1313 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 1R9

This is a place for those who prefer coffee with a conscience. Owned by Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group, this sustainable cafe reinvests its revenue in the community through various programs and services. Heated by a geothermal system and serious about recycling and composting every bit of potential waste, Cornerstone strives to be a model of eco-friendly business. Enjoy local Discovery Coffee or Phillips Beer and complimentary WiFi.

Moka House Coffee

4
345 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V 3X8

This bustling Moka House location dishes out quality espresso drinks and a good variety of sweet and savory food items. Open until 11pm daily, it's a handy spot for those who prefer to study or work in the evening. Free WiFi and convenient outlets for plugging in your laptop will keep you connected and a pet-friendly heated outdoor patio offers a comfy place to set up with your pup.

Serious Coffee

5
103-225 Menzies St, Victoria, BC V8V 2G6

Serious is staffed with exceptionally well-trained baristas and serves air-roasted Arabica beans from around the world. Free parking, plentiful seating, complimentary WiFi and operating hours that run from 6:30am to 7/8pm attract patrons who are as serious about their work as they are their coffee. Need a break? Enjoy some tasty baked goods by the fireplace, admire the work of local artists or break out a board game.

Chorizo & Co

6
807 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H6

If you work up an appetite while working on spreadsheets or the next great Canadian novel, try setting up shop in Chorizo & Co. This Spanish delicatessen serves up tasty sandwiches, great cheese and high-quality Discovery coffee to keep you satisfied. Free WiFi and ample seating upstairs makes it a perfect place to chow down while getting some work done.

Koffi

7
1441 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC V8R 2J8

Located in the Haultain Corners neighbourhood, this welcoming cafe serves up Canterbury coffee along with a tempting selection of items from local bakeries, soup from Pagliacci's and a variety of other food items. Be inspired by the friendly service, 90-point single origin espresso and eye-catching art collection in a work-friendly, free WiFi environment.

Starbucks

8
103-3995 Quadra St, Victoria, BC V8X 1J8

Okay, it's a Starbucks. It may not be oozing with character, vegan snacks and poetry slams, but it's convenient, consistent and dependable. This location offers adequate seating and free WiFi for working on the go. It is also one of the few Starbucks in the city to offer The Clover® Brewing System touted as a more complex, single-cup brew.

You don’t have to travel to Vietnam to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in Victoria. So put away your passport and visit one of the Vietnamese restaurants below. Soon you’ll be sipping on savoury broth, seasoned with traditional Vietnamese spices and full of tasty meat and veggies. Close your eyes and you might forget you’re in Canada!
Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive – and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste just to get a good deal. Luckily for us, there are a number of Victoria eateries that offer satisfying meals for less than $10. Drop in, fill up, and leave with the energy you need to make it through the rest of your afternoon.
Student life can be hectic, so you need food that’s tasty, quick and, most importantly, cheap. Here are some of Victoria’s most student-friendly off-campus restaurants. Some are just down the street; others are a short bus ride downtown. But all of them have cheap eats that’ll keep you fuelled from frosh week to finals.
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