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Bad Ass Coffee - CLOSED
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Bad Ass Coffee
Review Highlights
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"A big screen TV and sofas." In 5 reviews -
"I buy the 10% Kona for home." In 13 reviews -
"...donuts and bear claws, free internet (if you're a customer..." In 7 reviews
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Tamie B.
San Jose, CA
8/25/2009
Love this coffee! I buy the 10% Kona for home.
We just returned from the Palm Desert and visited the Bad Ass Coffee shop. They had more merchandise than the Santa Cruz location, however they did not have the Vegan specialties. -
Review from Shanna K.
6/4/2008
Should be renamed..
Slower Than The Second Coming Of Christ Coffee
or
What... Is Juan Valdez Himself Out Back Picking The Beans For My Coffee
or
Jesus ... Who Do I Have To Blow Around Here To Get Some Coffee
LORD. -
Review from Veronica V.
San Jose, CA
1/20/2008
Aside from all of the children/obstacles in the entrance and aside from the fact that the ATM once took 20 dollars out of my bank without dispensing any cash, Bad Ass Coffee is a god place to get caffeinated on Pacific.
If you have ever spent any time in this area you know bathrooms are a bit of a commodity and Bad Ass has the cleanest, no hassle restrooms in the entire area. As for the coffee it is good and strong. My favorite thing about this place is that the ice in the iced coffee is frozen coffee not water. Simple genius I tell you. -
Review from Daniela A.
Fremont, CA
7/8/2007
I as so excited to see the familiar little donkey sign while I was walking down Pacific Avenue with my friends, and even more excited when it was confirmed that they had indeed opened a Bad Ass Coffee in Santa Cruz- Yay! I have such good memories of hanging out in the hot sun on Ali'i Drive and drinking iced coffee after iced coffee at Bad Ass Coffee (as well as all the other cool little Kona coffee shops) back when we were in our late teens.
I was pleased to see that this new shop had a lot of vegan friendly things to choose from, including vegan teacakes, and soy versions of all their drinks. I ordered the soy iced mocha, as this used to be my absolute favorite drink at the original Bad Ass Coffee in Kona. It tasted the same!
I will definitely get my coffee from here instead of Starbucks next time I visit Santa Cruz. :)Listed in: Santa Cruz Restaurants and…
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Review from pat b.
New York, NY
1/4/2009
Best.
Coffee.
Ever.
Free internet, big screen TV. Too bad theres a playscape for rugrats in the front. at least its close enough for someone to steal them off pacific. -
Review from Cris L.
Sweden, ME
2/4/2008
Not bad espresso. But not good either. And they only serve it in paper cups. Which is the lamest thing you can do to espresso.
There's complementary computers with web browsers, that you can use if you buy anything, but had a queue of people waiting for them.
The place itself is pretty cool, with couches and various other comfortable seating options. There is a playing area out front, which means you have to dodge kids to get in, but I guess it's pretty cool if you're a parent.
The most redeeming thing about Bad Ass Coffee is the freshly made tiny little doughnuts, which were very tasty until they cooled down. Eat them hot!
By the way, they claim that "Bad Ass" stands for the donkeys that used to bring coffee down from the mountains in Hawaii. These donkeys used to complain loudly, hence them being "bad". I don't know if this is a bullshit story or not, but it sounded kinda cute at the time.Listed in: Road trip to Santa Barbara
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Review from Ryan H.
Oakland, CA
2/12/2008
I dunno... this place rubs me the wrong way. Somehow, despite having loose leaf tea, lots of room, and free internet, it just doesn't go down.
First of all, the place reeks of being a chain. It has no charm. It's like being in a kitschy gift shop. There's like a big plastic wave in the corner. I'm not sure what that's about. For being called "Bad Ass," it has a distinctly family-friendly, TGI Fridays-esque vibe. My hot chocolate was also kinda gross -- too sweet.
But then the staff were friendly, and the iced coffee has ice cubes made of coffee! I want to say three stars, but my gut says two. -
Review from Grace K.
Palo Alto, CA
5/14/2007
I've got mixed feelings about this place.
It's cute, you have no choice but to notice that it must be a chain based on its incredibly gaudy and space-wasting decor (really... do I need to see a plastic replica of a surfer man while drinking coffee? I'd rather have a place to sit), but the coffee is decent and the folks taking orders/making coffee were sweet. However, I have a SERIOUS issue with coffee places that add a bunch of sweets to their coffee in order for it to taste "good." I'm sure their blended drinks are delicious but I'd rather have the coffee speak for itself.
I went to Bad Ass by recommendation of a friend who said their blended drinks were good but their manager had a serious stick up her rear and was extremely rude to all of the Latino/Black folks he was rolling with. (MAJOR low. Based on this, I would've given this place 1 star just because they actually gave him his coffee and eventually let him use the restroom... but I'm trying to be fair.) I didn't want anything crazy expensive or complicated, but since it was a hot day, I opted for an iced coffee w/ space for cream.
The coffee itself was... decent. Nothing earth shattering and definitely not up-to-par with the Kona beans they claim to sell. Overall the coffee itself was fairly "boo boo" as a friend of mine would say. The only thing that stood out to me but gets huge kudos for is the coffee ice cubes they use in their drinks. YES! Diluted coffee no more! If only the rest of the coffee places in the world would follow suit!
Bad Ass gets -4 for the manager being not-so-nice, +1 for free wireless, and +1 for coffee ice cubes. If this was a place I could see myself spending hours on end (which I can't), I'd probably take off some more points for that irritating plastic surfer. I'll probably just stop in for some coffee ice cubes and peace on out. -
Review from Tracey W.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/12/2006 1 photo
My kind of place. There are plenty of people who will dislike it in Santa Cruz simply because it is a chain. I really like it. The coffee is good and the people are friendly. They have a bathroom that you can use with a token when you are a customer. There is a couch and two comfy chairs. One thing they have here which will be contraversial I'm sure is a big screen T.V. I went in the morning, so I watched the Today show and Ellen (I love Ellen, so sue me) The young lady who works there told me that they usually have on sports. Ick.
There was a woman in the chair next to me, a guy with a laptop in the other chair and a kind of cute guy next to me on the other side of the couch. It was like being at home, only with strangers for company. If my dog had been on the couch next to me it would be perfect.
So give these nice people some business. But do me a favor. If you hate T.V. don't go in there and complain about theirs. There are plenty of other coffee places to go to that don't have it. -
Review from Delicia S.
Newark, CA
8/11/2008
Bad Ass is a touristy+hippie-ish chain coffee shop that's not afraid of being tacky.
Their coffee is overpriced but I enjoy the taste. Their Hawaiian Kona coffee is not bad and I loved their "special of the day" hazelnut coffee. It's an interesting experience to look at all the donkeys on the wall when you are sipping coffee. I also appreciate the couch in front of the wide screen TV. You can sit back, relax, take your time with your coffee while watching USA channel rerunning movies.
I admit the place is kind of corny, but I am a sucker for corniness. The staff is friendly and pretty efficient. I just wish their donkey could look happier. -
Review from Megan M.
Aptos, CA
7/27/2008
Coffee is not stellar and uber-beyatch owner (?) is just obnoxious.
Went there a few months ago. Place is trying hard to be cool but the coffee (supposed to be Kona???) was nothing to get excited about.
Yesterday, had an engagement nearby and was running a little short on time, so didn't have time to hoof it over to Lulu's. So the hubbie and I decided to try it again.
People have parked their bikes on the metal fence outside. Hubbie starts to lock his bike to the metal fence when someone I guess is the owner takes her skanky cigarette out of her mouth long enough to blurt out in a French accent "Go away. Don't do that here. This is private property." She even made a shoo-ing motion. HA!
I'm thinking... 1. uh, there's a bunch of other bikes here. What's one more? 2. This is Santa Cruz and you're anti-bike? 3. Are you supposed to be smoking within 20 feet of the public entrance to a business (city ordinance here)?
I'm saying, loudly, "So hun, how about Starbucks?"
I know, an evil chain, but served up without a skanky-ass-ho-beyatch attitude, and served it up fast! -
Review from Chuck W.
San Mateo, CA
5/12/2008
I stopped in here mainly due to the name. I freely admit it... I'm all about supporting businesses with kitschy, goofy, and/or ribald names. If they opened up a coffee shop called "Tits In Yer Cups" then I'd be first in line. I'd probably end up disappointed, but that's another story.
Anyway, it was early in the morning and I needed my daily jolt, so when I saw the name "Bad Ass" I thought to myself, how can I lose? Well, the coffee itself was fine, some kind of 10% Kona blend that was thinly brewed but somehow managed to retain a lot of flavor. So that's a plus. Also, as many people here have already mentioned, the bathroom is clean. That's something my folks would be sure to mention.
I took home a bag of the same beans ($8 for a half pound) and promptly fired up a shot in my eXpresso machine, and I was not unimpressed. It's not as good as the Blue Bottle you can get up in SF (not by a long shot) but it's definitely serviceable, although I'm not a fan of the lack of dating on the bag (I like "born-on" dates on my coffee beans, personally).
Three stars because I didn't get a chance to check out any other amenities on offer, and the experience was solidly above-average. -
Review from Robert J.
Dana Point, CA
2/15/2009
This place was a-okay... I was looking for a coffee fix and DID NOT WANT TO GO TO STARBUCKS!!! We were visiting a friend who goes to UCSC and she recommend this place. I will admit it was a tad expensive especially for a college town. However, it wasn't bad. I recommend ordering your beverage with half the sweetener they put in cause it is WAYYYYY too sweet. And their espresso had grounds in it. The overall taste was good but i am sure there is better.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a place for a quick mediocre cup of coffee or caffe latte then go here. -
Review from Cecile C.
Santa Cruz, CA
1/24/2007
Despite its name, it has a nice play area for children in the front, and I can't complain about the ambiance inside. They did a great job with the decor -- complete with surfer, surfboard table, big-screen TV and comfy couches, and free wireless (big plus for that!).
It is a chain, but the staff is very friendly. -
Review from Rex P.
Menlo Park, CA
12/4/2007
I just went there for the first time. I had a double cappuccino with half & half... and it was amazing. I don't know about any of their other coffee, but that was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it.
Maybe the decor isn't 5 stars, but a bunch of Mac desktops you can use for free? Awesome. A big screen TV and sofas? Awesome. Free Cruzio WiFi? Awesome.
On a side note, I went on a tour at Bad Ass in Kona when I was around 10. I even came back with a bag of roasted beans 'cause I loved the smell so much. -
Review from Vicky T.
3/17/2007
All I can say is WOW! After seeing the Donkey guy outside and me having an off day-- shooooooooooot might as well give this place a try.
The decor should be tacky... but it all works out. A place for the kids to play, tons of Bad Ass gear (shirts, shot glasses, mugs, stickers, key chains etc.), and some kick arse coffee.
Wide screen TV (which was blaring NCAA bball tournament) and a comfortable couch in front of it. Tons of internet space, neat set up over all.
Coffee was reasonably priced and there were tons of options. I bought a half pound of Menehune Kreme (which smells delicious) and it came with a bag clip (which is a plus).
Then I bought a Kona something Kreme (Mocha, Caramel and some other flavoring) with soy.. the guy definitely knows what he is doing. Perfect foam, perfect blend of flavorings... and he stirred it before serving it to me.... yep found a new place to grab some espresso.
Place was extremely clean, nice breeze flowing through and the customer service was excellent.Listed in: Coffee and Confection Goodness, Central Coast Classics
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Review from Kelly S.
8/18/2008
The name alone draws you in right?
I mean how many people could say, psh, I had Bad ass coffee this morning and mean it literally.
They have a large array of Lattes that are unique to the establishment,
most consist of sugary syrups mixed with a form of chocolate.
Hawaiian Sunrise-- Dark chocolate and Orange with soy milk, $3, it was pretty good.
I opted for a Sugar free Latte
Haole's Menehune- White chocolate (BLEH) and Raspberry with NF milk and it was less than extraordinary. Plus is was expensive, for serious? $5.00 for a 20 oz?
The joint itself was cozy and there are about 5 MACs with internet in the back for the patrons. I'll probably return to try the regular coffee before i call it quits.Listed in: Crack in a cup, Santa Cruz
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Review from Mike R.
Saint Louis, MO
2/11/2008
Pros: free internet (on Macs, no less)
Cons: entrance resembles a Gymboree; seemed more focused on selling Bad Ass merchandise than serving really good coffee.
OK, OK -- the coffee was far from terrible, but also incredibly thin for a place that isn't 7-11. Passable, and it did the trick, but I'm not so sure I'd return. -
Review from Russell S.
Carmel, CA
3/22/2008
This place is awesome
1. very clean
2. exceptional customer service with genuine conversation
3. a good variety of foods for vegans
4. free internet
6. the coffee was great
go here, the next time you need a cup of coffee in santa cruz -
Review from Ms. Shari Z.
Boston, MA
8/14/2008
I love this place because they have all the tackfied glory a touristy area coffee shop needs, plus nice people who work there, and bathrooms that require a coin. (they just let you in though if you're a customer:-))
The coffee is tasty, the macs are free for use, and I still love the fake surfer dude. He kind of makes my day.
Good buzzzzz, bad ass. -
Review from Amy S.
Stockton, CA
9/11/2008
Interesting drink flavors, and friendly service.
They have normal sizes (S,M,L) which is good for not confusing people. The prices a bit more than what I'm used to at starbucks.
It was ok, and I'd go back to try a different drink, but I probably would still just keep going to starbucks. -
Review from Mommy G.
Morgan Hill, CA
7/22/2009
Was interesting decoration, but it does say right on the wall Hawaiin coffee, so the tiki theme kinda works dontcha' think?
I wanted to go to SC roasting but had 2 girls in tow and wasn't to excited about going too deep in the mall to find it. So this was next to PCC, so I stopped.
The iced coffee was great, a little high priced for the size, but they had COFFEE "ice" cubes! I left my drink in the car while I was on the wharf for over an hour, still tasted the same when I got back! Though I think it may have been sweetened, because I put in some pink "sugar" and was astounded at that sweetness. If they DID, sweeten before, THAT is not cool, I can't have tons of sugar (the PCC cookies were not for me) and people need to know if drinks are sweetened!
Either way, it was pretty good, but then I don't drink the froo froo ones, and those seemed way overpriced for me. -
Review from Amber U.
Hempstead, NY
10/29/2008
This place has the most intense coffee I've ever had. The first time I had it, I swear I could actually feel the caffeine pulsing through my veins... LOVE IT. They also have REALLY good frozen blended drinks.
They have awesome flavors, like banana, mint, hazelnut, etc, with cool Hawai'in sounding names. They also have yummy mini donuts and bear claws, free internet (if you're a customer), and really cute merchandise.
Even though I don't have kids, I love that the place is kid-friendly. They have cute decor (once you get over the giant donkey, its cute. Promise) and actual couches to sit on! And a TV! Awesome when you're just hanging out before work or on your break.
The owner is really nice. Some of the other staff can have an attitude, but I find that they're usually nice if you just smile. They do have what looks like an overwhelming menu, but they have smaller menus to look at that are actually easier to read.
Hands down, this is my favorite coffee place ever.Listed in: Places to check out
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Review from Darrin K.
San Jose, CA
7/6/2008
Remove the "Ass" and then you'd have some truth in the name, at least when it comes to their premium product.
For a place that purports to serve and sell 100% premium Kona coffee, it's a let-down. The coffee lacks the buttery aroma or the rich flavor that one associates with pure Kona beans. I've given both the Dark and Medium roasts a try in the Bodum, with unimpressive results. -
Review from Wesley H.
Santa Clara, CA
8/14/2009
I came here last night after doing a comedy show and in want of some coffee. Badass Coffee really is what it says, badass! They have so many different signature lattes that they can make with a variety of flavors, just looking at the list of choices was amazing. (Same goes for tea) I ordered what was called "Snickerlichous" which included Dark Chocolate, Caramel, and Hazelnut. It was very good.
The place also has computers to use with internet access in the back, which is cool as well, especially if you happen to be a tourist.
Service was friendly as well. Definitely would go back here again! -
Review from Shradha A.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2009
Good coffee!! Big variety too!
And free Internet! Cool Macs to use with Internet!
Really enjoyed just chillaxing here for a couple of hours! -
Review from Yuchi C.
Chicago, IL
7/30/2008
Yuck....so many hippies and homeless hanging around, and that's why they charge you 25 cent for the restroom.
OK coffee and snacks.
I like the Bad Ass sticker that comes with the coffee.
Oh I can't get rid of the smell of homeless people.... -
Review from Will C.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2008
Meh, nothing too special about Bad Ass. I've been here a few times so far, and by now I've come to realize that the one thing I actually like about the place is the coffee beans they sell are quite different from those you get at other places like Peet's. The Hawaiian blends make nice dessert coffee, but the price is a little steep considering how much you get.
Likewise, the actual drinks are pretty expensive. Even if it IS 100% Kona (sure doesn't TASTE like it), $2 for a small cup of coffee is ridiculous. It'd be one thing if it was the best coffee I've ever had, but it's not even that great! Never tried the snacks, so I don't have any comments about that.
The service is decent, but the few times I've been here they seem a bit aloof, like they didn't really care. That's fine with me, I guess, since I'm usually in and out pretty quick.
Can't say much for the atmosphere. It's dark, cluttered with faux-Hawaiian stuff, and it's generally not a very relaxing place to hang out. Atmosphere is a big deal for me when it comes to a cafe, and Bad Ass has some of the worst on Pacific Avenue.
Ultimately, it's just really not worth going to. There are tons of other, better places downtown, and although they try to set themselves apart with Hawaiian blend coffee, they don't make it well enough to justify the high cost. -
Review from rachel v.
San Diego, CA
12/23/2008
Downtown was dead that evening and Pacific Avenue was a treacherous place, full of street performers and yard-long hippie dreadlocks whipping in the chill wind. I smelled death and patchouli. Which is why, during a nostalgic trip back up to my old college town recently, going to Bad Ass Coffee seemed like such a good idea.
As I neared the point of hypothermia, my previously unknown survival instincts kicked in and I ducked inside the cafe for hot cocoa and to watch a bit of news on the big screen tv. The place was incredibly tacky, which was expected, but the guy behind the counter was nice and my cocoa fortifying. It's no dimly-lit, quiet cafe for working on your poetry chapbook or collection Lord of the Rings erotica, but it does the job. Serviceable, I guess, is what I'd call it. Some place to stop for a drink or snack, not a place you linger. I probably won't ever be back, but (to be sentimental) Bad Ass Coffee will live in my heart forever as a cafe that provided me a perfectly adequate time. -
Review from Alan M.
Santa Cruz, CA
12/19/2009
CLOSED
and everything up for sale at auction -
Review from michelle h.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009
Like the Bad Ass coffee.
The internet is a bit dodge.
Its way pricy, the people who work there can be a bit rough. -
Review from tristan c.
CA
10/17/2008
I was a regular patron on this location until recently when I was treated VERY rudely. I was waiting on my laptop for a friend for FIVE MINUTES at a table so we could order together, and was told "If you don't order anything you have to leave." I responded with "I'm waiting for a friend to arrive." The worker replied "You can't use the internet for free."
Ooooook. Way to lose my business, forever, jackasses. -
Review from Tatyana D.
Manhattan, NY
3/5/2009
So I had originally been against Bad Ass due to their flashy, bright, decor and the fact that their coffee is only mediocre, but my friend worked there and another friend really liked it so I gave it a chance. I gave it several chances in fact and while it was far from my favorite it was not bad.
Tonight, when we got tea at Asana and discovered the place packed, we went over to Bad Ass with our drinks. I bought a fruit cup and my friend bought a muffin, and we sat down to do our homework. About 4 other people were inside, pretty dead, and a jazzy singer was singing. I finished my fruit cup and tossed it but my friend still had her Bad Ass muffin and our cups from Asana were still on the tables. I was really enjoying the tunes and getting into the homework groove when the owner came up to me and we had this conversation:
Her: Excuse me but you can't just come here and not buy anything
Me: Oh I actually got a fruit cup, I finished it already
Her: Do you have a receipt?
Me: No, didn't save it but you can ask the girl at the counter. I just threw the fruit cup out *point to trash can*
Her (clearly not believing me...although why would I lie if she could just ask the girl at the counter): this is a coffee shop and coming here and not buying anything is rude
Me: well see I DID buy something, a fruit cup, but don't worry I'm leaving and I don't intend to come back (thinking to myself: because really why would I stay at a place with such a bitch for an owner)
Then I walked over to the bar area and asked if the girl at the counter could please tell her fucking manager that I bought a fruit cup. The evil owner bitch took great offense at me calling her the manager and not the owner and said "I'm the fucking owner, and don't come back here" which seemed slightly entertaining since I had just stated I would never come back.
Yes. Anyways. I don't normally go around getting into bitch fights with small business owners, in fact I try to be very nice to them, but really? There's four people in the place and you are going around demanding receipts? And then actually not believing people when they say they threw theirs out? What a C You Next Tuesday!
I need some negative stars for this place. -
Review from jen t.
Newark, CA
10/23/2007
The only reason I stopped here was because I needed coffee bad and it was the first shop I could see, annnd I had my son with me. He is 7. There were about 5 other boys in the play area and I don't think the play area could handle all the kids! I was worried they would hurt each other bouncing and throwing those block things. The play area is by the door too and I ended up watching the crowd of children because the other parents were inside. The coffee was good though and I like the name~ the sign was bright enough for me to spot in my caffeine depraved state. I didnt see any seating outside and no smokers that I could smell.
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Review from Kristen T.
Los Altos, CA
2/26/2009
For all of you non-coffee drinkers out there: Bad Ass Coffee also has pretty bad ass tea.
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Review from Donna Y.
San Jose, CA
9/8/2009
Cute place to come and hang out and chill. I end up having a Berry Ice Tea. It was good since I wanted something Fruity. They have a huge selections of Ice Tea flavors to choose from.
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Review from Vivian H.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2008
I knew that I'd like this place the moment I step my feet in to the shop. The decor is cute and the atmosphere is relaxing. We happened to be there at the time when they have live music. Although the kona au lait wasn't as amazing as I remember having them in hawaii, it was still decent and satisfied my kona craving.
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Review from Jowin C.
6/28/2008
Friendly customer service and the atmosphere is nice! They offer free internet service.. but that's after you purchase something and you get about 10 minutes worth. I guess it's not FREE. It's a cool place to hang out if you're waiting for people to arrive to downtown.
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Review from Stephanie R.
San Jose, CA
11/26/2008
this place is pretty cool.. they were really helpful.. since we didn't know what to order.. i got some fruit smoothie.. it was pretty okay.. they got it wrong, since i didn't order it.. but i didn't say anything..
eh, maybe next time i'll order some coffee since i totally didn't the coffee menu when i went last time.. boo! -
Review from Stephanie S.
Burbank, CA
6/9/2009
bad ass? i dunno, that might be a sliiiight exaggeration. maybe more like mildly-alright-ass?
negative things first:
-need token/employee to (not happily or willingly) unlock bathroom
-2 dollar min. purchase for computer use
-children... just... children. probably attracted because of the mcdonald's-esque play pen in the front
-$$$!! plz, i aint got that kinda cash for a mocha! 4.55 for a double.
-somewhat interesting crowd given its central location on pacific
pros:
-well, the macs ARE nice, despite the regulations.
-italian sodas = cool and refreshing
-specialty lattes are sooo rich, they almost dont taste like coffee. i actually dont know if that is a pro or con.
-10% discount on a different specialty latte/coffee each day.
i dunno, it's alright to study for a bit, and the coffee is good if you're willing to splurgeListed in: On the Caffine Scene
