Timothys Coffees

Ah, nothing like having a java drink with the local characters: young man sleeping slumped over the couch and old street lady angrily sipping her coffee, steely eyes staring straight at you and loudly cackling in your direction.
The layout is wide, open space and several available tables and comfy chairs. It was empty and I am not surprised given the characters inhabiting this location of the coffee chain. At least they have a bar seating against the window, overlooking King St to entertain you.
And their coconut cream frappé? I ordered it served over shaved ice and that is a mistake. The coconut flavouring is immediately watered down and when the ice eventually melts, it is insipid, day old tasting water.

I like Timothy’s. I find their flavored coffees better than Second Cup. And their bathrooms tend to be in good condition. There seems to be some kind of franchise rule with Second Cup that if your store is more than a year old, you’re required to smash the toilet paper roll holder and the towel and soap dispensers. Optionally you’re required to replace the toilet flush lever with a stir stick and a length of ribbon.
In summer this Timothy’s has a nice patio. It’s next to the REI… I mean Mountain Equipment Coop and always great for people watching, if your fetish leans towards people who like to eat organic granola in a tent away from creature comforts like coffee flavored by wholesome and soothing chemicals that simulate German Chocolate Cake. Top me up, sailor. I can’t get enough of the stuff. These MECanoids, fah. I can’t figure out people like that and frankly don’t much care for them. But I like staring at them.
Here it’s a dispense your own line. Grab your cup size and dispense. No problem. Staff is always friendly and über cute. Seating is plentiful. It’s just enough off the beaten path that I think people generally miss this place.

I can’t say I’ve ever been a fan of Timothy’s. I don’t think the coffee is very good and the place itself is an odd cross between Starbucks and Second Cup but smells like cheap stale coffee. The only upside to this location is that it’s a stones throw from my office and a half decent place to have a meeting.
There is plenty of seating and the bathrooms are clean. The staff is generally friendly and attentive. If you have to satisfy your lust for consumerism while drinking coffee you can buy a mug or coffee maker from the display near the cash.
This place isn’t bad but with so many better options in the neighbourhood I’m actually surprised this place stays in business.