The Queen Anne Fiore has been open only a few months but has slipped right into place in the neighborhood. Who knew we always needed a coffee place in exactly that spot? Despite being only a couple of blocks from maybe 7 other coffee shops on QA Ave, it is always well-populated (so you can interact with other humans if that's what got you out of the house)--but not overcrowded (there always seems to be a free corner where you can sit with your coffee and toast and read your newspaper in peace). Plenty of south-facing chairs outside too--so any little bit of sun we have can be enjoyed on nice days.
Another reviewer dissed the pastries; I think this Fiore (don't know about the Crown Hill one) has one of the better selections on QA hill with items from Essential and several other worthy places. and TOAST. Good bread = good toast.
It's a tad more expensive than some but if you're already paying two or three bucks for a cup of coffee what's a few cents more for organic fair trade beans and really nice baristas? (they even refilled my coffee for free when I spilled a full cup running for--and missing--my bus!)
The mix is a comfortable melange that seems slightly more diverse than QA usually feels--stay-at-home moms and little kids, serious-looking hipsters with their laptops, business types having business-type meetings, dog-walkers, middle-aged girlfriends catching up, students, guys on break from construction jobs in the neighborhood--a range of ages and styles. All are welcome.
You can even share my table.
and did I mention the toast?
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