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This review is long overdue. I used to frequent this place quite often as a study spot back when I attended CSUF in 2015-ish. Service was always amazing and friendly. There’s a few small tables, booths, and large table seating options with outlets. It’s comfortable, but seating can be limited. When I first started coming here, there were always plenty of tables available- fast forward to today and now it’s almost impossible to find a seat. Last time I was here, there was a baby shower so it was quite loud (back around April 2018). I sadly no longer come here to escape the world in quiet peace and to study, but I come for a light brunch and some ‘catching up’ with friends. On a positive note, I’m happy that the business is doing so well! I always order the Tranquil Tea Trio w/ half roast beef sandwich (5/5- I ordered this like 100 times), the mixed greens- the vinaigrette is great and refreshing, and Tea For Her- which is a light, floral tea. All is enjoyable and very filling, and I appreciate how they always refill your hot tea when it’s low. I’ve also had the white chocolate lavender scone that I recommend trying, it pairs really well with tea if you opt out of a meal. If I lived nearby, I would probably frequent Tranquil on a weekly basis, but I only come here now whenever I want to have a brunch date to catch up with friends. Wait times are slightly longer now, but quality and service is always consistent. I look forward to coming back again in the future whenever I’m in the area.

MavRec Café – Menu with Prices – 6001 Dodge St, Omaha

I enjoy coming here to study. Most of my friends now this is my second home on Saturdays. I wish people would be more respectful of the quiet study on the 3rd floor. Especially when there are 2 other floors with work space dedicated to those who want to talk to one other, work on group assignments or however else people choose to study. I appreciate UNO Criss Library’s effort in creating a space to accommodate multiple study and learning styles, but I wish there was a way to enforce the quiet space on the third floor.

Cafe Auburndale – Menu with Prices – 192-10 Northern Blvd, Flushing

I’ve been here a couple of times now and I have nothing bad to say about this place. The first time I came here was just to check out the place and catch up with a few friends and it’s a perfect place to do that. There’s even outside seating in the back, which I thought was also really beautifully decorated. I think it would be perfect to sit back there once the weather starts cooling down! The interior is beautiful and super sleek. It’s very modern, decked with marble/granite table tops in the front and wood in the back (if I’m not wrong). The bar-style seating in the front with stools is where it’s at because that’s where their outlets are located. I assume the pieces at the Cafe are handmade by local designers because there are business cards by the cashier. I thought this touch was great because it allows these designers to showcase their work. Perfect spot to study and work because of how much light the place lets in and because the interior is mainly white and light woods. The wood decoration in the back section is also really cool! It’s meant to be a photo zone, but there is a small table in the corner so it’s kind of hard to really take any “instagram” or whatever photos you want since the seat may be occupied. As for the menu, I’ve tried their Iced Americano and Iced Hazelnut Latte (once with soy and once with almond milk). I must say that the americano was great and was not too sour, as I’ve had in some places. The hazelnut latte was also delicious both times I got it. A tad too sweet for me, but I’ll just tell them to go light on the syrup next time. I’ve yet to try their bingsoo (which many people get because I see the machine churning out ice very often when I’m there doing work), but will give it a shot next time! I’ve also had their blueberry muffin, which was alright. It was a little dense for me and not as moist as I would have wanted. Side note: my Hazelnut Latte with almond milk did come out to be around $7 bucks? It is a bit on the pricier side (I know my almond milk is at an additional cost), but I understand different factors go into the price, as well as the expenses it costs to run a nice cafe like theirs. The staff are also all super friendly and nice. And this place is very clean, which is a great environment to study in (in my opinion). The bathroom is big and clean as well. It does get a little chilly in here so if you are here for a while, make sure to bring a light cardigan or something to keep you warm! Great atmosphere and will be back! This place has become a nice study/work spot that’s not too overcrowded.

Fairmount Coffee Company – Menu with Prices – 3815 E 17th St N, Wichita

I am not a coffee aficiando, but I do enjoy a good cup of coffee. I’ve been to most of the coffee spots around Wichita and spend most of my time and money at Starbucks since there is one very close to my house. It’s also where I study. I saw this place as I was leaving campus after my Tuesday evening class. I stopped in and tried the Cafe Miel which was a smooth and flavorful drink. Most of all I loved the ambiance of the place. The tables look to be made of refinished/reclaimed wood, and the wall colors were light. There looked to be an adjacent room that had couches and other seating which is great for coffee and conversation. Overall, a great place to chit chat over coffee or get some studying done. Another place to add to my list of study spots!

Strawberry Alley Ale Works – Menu with Prices – 103 Strawberry Alley, Clarksville

A little over a year ago- I wrote a not so great review about Strawberry Alley. Fast forward to this morning a friend of mine sent me a text asking me where the best brunch was in Clarksville. I responded back in 20 seconds- Strawberry Alley. Obviously it was time for an update. After I wrote my review- the owner responded to me privately and publicly asking me to return. It was a very nice gesture, but I didn’t feel like returning for quite some time. It took me a few months to decide to go back. Honestly- I was takin against my will by friends during a Happy Hour. They were telling me I was crazy and the food was actually fantastic. They were right. Please don’t tell them that. I’ve been back several times since. Happy hour is M-F 4pm-6:30pm. They have great deals on food/booze. Much cheaper than having dinner here. Also- the beer selection is great! Brunch is from 10:30am-2:30pm The brunch buffet is literally genius. The brunch bar has fresh fruit, deviled eggs, pasta salad, chocolate chip cookies, and other snacks. When I do brunch, I usually skip “breakfast” which I normally eat at 7am. Please note: I have definitely been here before when they opened late. I waited outside until about 10:40 before they opened their doors a few weeks back. I was so annoyed that I almost left…. but again- this really is the best (or only) brunch option in Clarksville.

Albina Press – Menu with Prices – 4637 N Albina Ave, Portland

Great coffee shop! I’m always on the hunt for a good place to study as a graduate student. This place is one of my go to places to study. Prices are reasonable, not too loud, and lots of natural lighting, parking, and outlet access. Their menu is pretty simple and they do have tea pots. I usually get their chai latte. They don’t have any actual meals on the menu, but they do have pastries (cookies, muffins etc). There’s several tables here and lots of comfortable sofas. They have 4 sofas which is amazing! It might be hard to get tables next to outlets or even table seating when it gets crowded. I usually would just chill on the sofas until a table becomes free. Overall great place to chill out to get some work done or catch up with some friends. Joanne’s cafe rating for studying: Seating: 3.5/5 Wish there was more seating and bigger tables. Most of the tables are pretty small (2 seat table) and a couple of bigger tables (3 seat table). Comfortable sofas! Outlets: 3/5 Some outlets along the side of the wall. There are outlets next to the high table window seating and in the back room with the sofas. Parking: 4/5 There is free street parking for several hours. It is close to some neighborhoods so I think you can get some free parking a little further. There is also a small lot for parking. Lighting: 4/5 Pretty bright which is great for studying. Lots of natural lighting in the front room. It is darker in the backroom with the sofas. Price: 4/5 Pretty reasonable. Noise: 4/5 Not too loud and they play some pretty chill music. It can get a little loud when there are big groups of ppl chatting. Most ppl come here to get work done. Menu: 3/5 It would be better if they have sandwiches or meal items. Hours: 4/5 Great! Closes later than most coffee shops in Portland so you can get more hours of studying in the day.

Brennan’s Irish Pub Menu with Prices 1108 20th St S, Birmingham

Brennan’s is the new home of Sunday Drag Brunch (second Sunday of every month, I believe)! I came to Drag Brunch on Easter. This bar has a great vibe. If you know me, you know I can’t stand places that are over-lit. Brennan’s has some great natural lighting coming in the front windows, and is low-lit everywhere else. Perfect for me and my light-sensitive eyes! I started my experience with a fabulous, strong Irish Coffee. My friends and I also split a pitcher of Miss Sharon’s Mimosa (which I was not able to finish – not because it was not delicious, but because it was quite strong :). I ordered the fish and chips with tartar sauce and mashed peas. Mashed peas sounds about as unappetizing as it can be, but it was quite good! The fish and chips was a generous helping – I ordered the large, but probably should have gone for the larger size. There was also a brunch buffet available that I did not partake in. 4 stars since the food was a-ok, but definitely not mind-blowing. The drag show was fabulous! I would recommend it to anybody. Make sure you bring singles to tip the ladies! They work for their money.

Honey Moon Coffee Co. – Menu with Prices – 612 S Weinbach Ave, Evansville

Big fan of their coffee, food, and atmosphere inside! Their dark roast drip coffees are good quality, and I loved the Purple Ace Latte I tried (espresso, milk, vanilla, lavender). The Purple Ace Latte has a wonderful soft sweetness to it that made it super easy and smooth to drink. My go to food option is the Savory Waffles, which has egg/cheese on top of a sweet waffle (with bacon, which I didn’t order because I’m a vegetarian). Try this with syrup and Sriracha Aioli on the side and you’ll be very satisfied. Love the little orbs of light hanging from the ceiling and the soft music selections. Gets a bit cold at times and is slightly pricey for non-coffee items; those are probably my two big critiques. I like coming here to study and do work, but I see groups and friends socializing as well. Great place overall and one of my faves in Evansville!

Live Oak Restaurant Menu with Prices 1603 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria

Live Oak brings Farm to Table dining to the Del Rey, Virginia area. Live Oak sources their ingredients from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, and other farms in the Mid-Atlantic area. As a party of two, we arrived for Brunch and were seated immediately! To make effective usage of the space, Live Oak is set up with bar seating, two person booth seating, 4-6 person booth seating, and large group table seating. Live Oak offers classic Brunch adult beverages (ie. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s) and specialty cocktails to match the season. Live Oak has a small wine list but the list includes well known varietals from well established vineyards (better than your $10.99 grocery store bottle). The Brunch menu is concise with options to add additional sides and proteins as desired. Our waitress was punctual, attentive, and provided wonderful customer service. The coffee and waters on our table never went below 25% full and she filled our wine glasses when she passed by (we purchased a bottle of the Dry Rosé). Due to the quality of the ingredients, the menu items were fresh, light, and balanced when paired together. Between the quality of the food, the responsive customer service, and the country kitchen environment, we will be returning to Live Oak to explore their dinner experience! Note: Their ambiance/design is wonderful, even down to the restroom decor!

Basecamp and High Horse Dinette – Menu with Prices – 1221 W Riverside Dr, Burbank

To say I’m obsessed with Basecamp is an understatement. It’s become a joke between my friends and me that whenever I say I’m going to brunch, they just say, “Basecamp”, not even as a question, but more of a statement because they know how much I love it. Local girls’ brunch? Basecamp. Friends from out of town? Basecamp. Early afternoon happy hour? Basecamp. Coffee by myself so I can sit and read a book? Basecamp. Yes, folks, it’s good for all occasions. My favorite items are definitely the breakfast burrito and breakfast tacos. Both are the perfect size with the perfect ratio of eggs to potatoes in the burrito and eggs to spinach in the tacos. The only item I ever had that I was disappointed by was the croissant breakfast sandwich, although it could have been because I got it without bacon and that’s where the flavor was supposed to be coming from. *shrug* That said, they have a ton of great vegetarian options and their black coffee is refillable, which is great when you just want to chill out on their patio. There is tons of seating too, both inside and outside on the two patios. Their parking lots are small, but it’s not a problem because there is tons of street parking. The only complaint I have is they’re not open late enough in the week (they close at 6P) to continue enjoying happy hour! ? Basecamp is truly a Burbank hidden gem and I’m so glad that I found it!

La Perlita Bakery – Menu with Prices – 3116 San Bernardo Ave, Laredo

service is excellent even when they are busy. looking forward to coming back with my friends. the bill was decent for the quality. feeling here is similar to a cafe in san jose i liked.

Arcade Coffee Roasters – Menu with Prices – 3672 Chicago Ave A, Riverside

One of the gems of Riverside! I heard about this coffee shop from more than a few friends, and I knew I had to check it out. I am happy to report that Arcade Coffee did not disappoint! The first thing that struck me when I walked in was the openness of this space. There are a variety of seating options (communal tables, private tables, standing bar, benches, and even some outdoor seating), which I love! There was even enough room for a kids’ storytime session (in Spanish, no less). I love that Arcade hosts community activities like this. There are also a good amount of outlets along the walls for the studious cafe-goer. Arcade is also open in the sense that it is very transparent about its coffee-making process. I love that they roast their own beans, and the roaster is sitting out in the main area for all to see. The baristas are also happy to answer any questions you may have, and even let you sample certain drinks like the on-tap draft latte. Now on to the coffee itself. I got a regular latte with oat milk, and it did not disappoint. The espresso came through bright and clear, while the oat milk provided the warmth and roundness to the drink that I’ve come to love. I did also try the draft latte, which was a little sweet for me but would be perfect on a hotter day. I definitely want to come back and try their pourovers and brunch items! All in all, I think I’ve found my new favorite coffee shop in Riverside! There’s free street parking everywhere so it’s easy to spend a few hours here without worrying about meters or time limits. My only complaint is that the shop closes so early, but I think they are expanding the hours. Looking forward to my next visit already!

Angela’s Cafe Eagle Hill – Menu with Prices – 131 Lexington St, Boston

Wow did I have a spicy brunch here on Saturday! We had to wait a little bit for a 4-person table, but the restaurant is very small (about 8 tables). Service was pretty quick and we got many water refills. Angela’s has a brunch menu in addition to a lunch menu (brunch items come with free coffee which is nice) but my friends and husband and I all opted for lunch items. We started with a shared bowl of guacamole which was very good and came with free refills of chips. For lunch, I got the chicken enchiladas with green sauce (my go-to in most Mexican restaurants) but it was fantastic and super spicy. Most places wimp out a bit on spice, but not Angela’s! The consistency and flavors were all great – just enough sour/tart bite to the sauce. Our mouths were all happily on fire. I had a tasty mimosa to wash everything down – my husband had a bloody mary, one friend had a regular margarita, and her husband a mango margarita. (Everyone said their drinks were great, too). Definitely glad we trekked over to this spot for brunch and dealt with the small wait outside. Food was excellent and I’d definitely recommend it as a lunch or brunch spot. If I lived nearby, I’d be in trouble!