In this issue About Town continues a tour of the Twin Cities coffeehouse scene.
Looking for a quiet place to study? Near the West Bank of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis campus and across the street from the latest Pizza Luce location you will find 2nd Moon Café. From the outside this small, urban café seems like a generic hole-in-the-wall coffee stop, but after stepping through the door your first impression will change. I liked the decor, which was naked brick juxtaposed with tin siding, along with artwork and a few humorous labels such as "music" next to the speakers. Another endearing part of the café is the "Free Books" shelf. According to 2nd Moon's rules, you may take a book as long as you contribute a book to the collection. Sound good? Trade a book in and sit down with your latte and snickerdoodle cookie. Also, 2nd Moon is air-conditioned and has Internet access.
I never really considered coffeehouses to be places for refreshment. To me, they were always havens for brooding over books midst the clouds of clove cigarette smoke. Brewberry's Coffee Place introduced me to a new atmosphere for coffeehouses. The spring green and bright blue walls promise inspiration and creativity. Here, the air is fresh and the lattes are delightfully strong. All ages of clientele can enjoy the coffee, scones, and cookies. Brewberry's is one of the best neighborhood cafes I have visited.
Can you think of any coffeehouses that cater to children? If you have given up racking your brain, come relax with your sons, daughters, nephews or nieces at Ginko's on Thursdays in the play area. Hey, they even have air conditioning and ice cream! If the kids are extra fussy, you can buy them some little plastic bugs and snakes. Oddly enough, this coffeehouse appeals to students and other adults as well. Ginko regularly promotes artwork, poetry, and music. Their Open Stage is available for self-expression on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Stop by to indulge your actual or inner child.
I remember when I first moved to the Twin Cities in 1994, Caffetto was a little nook for coffee, coziness, and candlelight. Since then, Caffetto expanded into a lively and unpretentious Uptown coffeehouse gallery. Vegan coffee-lovers can get their caffeine and sugar fixes here along with the rest of us dairy-consuming folk. (Apparently Caffetto is one of the few coffeehouses that regularly offer soy and dairy-free foods.) Also, Caffetto is wheelchair accessible, and outdoor seating is available. At Caffetto, your mental and physical appetite will be satiated.
© 2005 by Jesmia Avery.