Redeeming features to BG Urban Cafe (Metrotown)

Some places have an awful location but are great (e.g., BETA5 and Audrey's Moment). Some places have a great location but are awful.

OK, BG Urban Cafe at Metrotown isn't exactly awful. But it's not ace. It does, however, have good things going for it.

Good:

It's big. You can fit a lot of people in there (which you can't say for just about every other chain cafe that comes to mind, right?), or easily find seating. Plus it's long so there's a long patio-ish sidewalk seating.
It's got parking. Tons of mall parking just around the corner.
Price is OK now that we have been thoroughly conditioned by Starbucks.
Free wifi. And since there aren't tons of people, you'll probably get a great connection.

Questionable:

Their "large" Dixie Cup drink size is wider than Starbucks but not by much. So it looks small because it looks short, but probably you are getting a Grande sized portion.
Inconsistent. I ordered their current promo, a cold red tea rooibos with five times the antioxidants of green tea. (Yay!)

Lemon: Lots of ice. But lemony. OK.
Mango: Chilled, but hardly any ice (so I guess I got more tea!). But where's my mango? Not OK. And even without ice, it tasted watered down. Hmm...

Not so okay:

It looks like staff went AWOL. I've been there twice and each time it looks like there's just one person. In this huge store. Working in the back. Once I had to lean over the counter to catch a glimpse of her and wave frantically (no, I did not want to holler and draw too much attention).

If you are a foodie and are looking for a dining experience... what are you even doing in a chain cafe? If you are looking for a quiet place to relax, study, or work; moderately priced drinks and snacks while you are passing the hours; easy parking; free wifi... Give this place a try.

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Life in the Lower Mainland (BC, Canada)

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