Of the cafes in my neighborhood, I think I like this one best. If only it were open later into the night! Don't be fooled by the narrow facade; take three steps down and you'll find yourself in a cozy half-basement space, complete with couches and tables, magazines and bulletin boards.
I've never once found the place too busy. It's usually just as I like it -- several people enjoying the food and ambiance in different locations, enough so that I and my companions can have some space but never empty.
The coffee here is superb, and you can get a really good bagel lunch for about $2.50 if you use the build-your-own-sandwich menu -- making it a great place to go out to lunch when I don't want to feel guilty about my pocketbook. There are good desserts and pastries here as well, some of them vegan. Blend also uses hormone-free dairy products for their coffee -- better quality for your money, as well as health-conscious.
The music in the space is usually appealing, and the employees are always very nice. The cafe is connected with the GLBT community, but people of all kinds come here for coffee and lunch.
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