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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Vegetarian [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Southwest, Capitol HillContrary to the entire hipster population of Denver, I am not a fan of Watercourse. That being said, I was leery of trying City O' City. Much to my surprise however, it was fantastic, and I can hardly keep myself from coming back again and again. It is perfect for late afternoon lunches, and mid-day imbibing. They have a killer beer and wine selection. Catch them during happy hour for $2 off anything. The brie and apricot pizza is to die for, and I always get cravings for their greek salad with falafel. I can't help myself from loving this place. It's my go-to for good food and drinks in a great environment.
Since there are only a couple reviews for this place I thought I should let you know a little secret.
City O City is the definition of awesomeness.
I have agreed to pay rent for a permanent stool at the bar, and begin with a beverage, have a BBQ Tofu wrap for lunch, maybe the brie plate for a snack, some pizza for dinner, and cupcakes for dessert.
Whilst drinking coffee, beer(with wrap), wine(with brie plate), and what ever floats my boat for the rest.
They have it all.
goodness. gracious. awesomeness.
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I was somewhat surprised upon receiving my menu to see a rather melancholy sentiment at the top. Then my friend (who fittingly answers to the name "despair") mentioned how there was some question about whether Watercourse was dead when it closed (allowing City, O' City to open in that location) or if it would find a new home eventually, and the comment on the menu about "...a lament" was in tribute to Watercourse. Despair thought it was charming they hadn't eliminated the comment in a menu update.
I should mention sometimes my friends like to create new urban legends for fun and this whole explanation may have its spurious origin in despair's imagination. But doesn't it sound like a nice story? It's even got a happy ending.
Watercourse Foods now enjoys a much bigger space elsewhere and I may have to talk more about it some other time.
As a celiac, I gratefully declare that at City, O' City, they "get it".
I've grown accustomed to going through a well worn spiel about being allergic to gluten when I sit down in a restaurant and I've come to expect the typical deer-in-the-headlights look I get when a server has never heard of gluten. Then I explain about wheat, and other grains and how I can not eat anything with them. Sometimes, rather than have to give my Cliff's Notes version of Celiac disease, I'm happily surprised as the server quickly returns with the "gluten-free" version of the restaurant's menu.
At City, O' City, our server responded as though I had just sheepishly asked her if it were possible for their kitchen to produce for me a glass of water with ice cubes in it. And maybe a napkin, silverware, and some salt and pepper shakers. Of course we can. Well, duh! Practically everything they make can be or already is gluten-free.
Our table decided to go gluten-free on everything we ordered so everybody could share everything. There was, of course some speculation that the food wouldn't be as good with the alterna-grains and two of my companions had eaten at City, O' City before so they were ready to complain away, knowing full well how great the food there was when it was contaminated with gluten. I sunk into my chair expecting to have ruined their dinner with my gluten-free curse.
When we ate our greek appetizer platter, they agreed that although our gluten free pitas weren't as good as City, O' City's other pitas, they still put any other restaurant in town's pitas to shame. For dinner we shared a pizza which got no complaints from my City, O' City regulars.
Everybody left happy and full...and I mean, really super mega full. Not just the I-ate-lots-of-rice-but-I' ll-be-looking-for-a-s nack-in-an-hour full. This was the total satisfaction, warm, happy belly, hot-damn full like you get after spending the evening with your Aunt Louise from Chicago. But of course, Aunty L. now just gives you funny looks and keeps saying something ain't right with you city people with all your funny allergies and picky eatin' habits, and muses about how it's a miracle you ain't starved yet.
When your Aunt Louise visits, take her to City, O' City. When she points out the guy with the nose rings or the girl with the full-body tattoo, just remind her her that considering all the crazy things you could have done to yourself in the city, it's a good thing you turned out such a well adjusted transexual. Then say, "Now eat your pizza and leave the other customers alone."
- Silly Ack
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Genny Cream Ale on tap with a buffalo seitan ceaser salad.
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More of a hang out spot than a formal restaurant like Watercourse, City O kept some of my favorites from Watercourse and then expanded the menu in a new, fun direction.
Old favorites are the Seitan Buffalo Wings and the Caesar Salad. New favorites include a variety of creative pizzas (my favorite being the one with fig sauce and capers), some tasty wraps, and frequently changing menu of delicious specials. Seriously, check out the specials. I once had a torta sandwich containing a Chili Relleno stuffed with all sorts of delicious stuff. I can't even begin to explain how delicious it was. Maybe I could just use the word delicious a few more times.
Recently I got a fried plate including some french fries tossed in a champagne sauce, fried yuca and fried artichoke. I split it with a friend and then split a wrap, and even then we still took most of it to go. I nearly passed out at my desk once I got back to work.
The atmosphere is laid back, you seat yourselves and the service can sometimes move at a leisurely pace. The artwork is ever changing, and usually pretty awesome!
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OK, so a friend recommended this sister of Watercourse to me as a quick central spot to meet for lunch. We're both in the wine biz, he sells to them and wanted to support the account. I think he kinda mentioned under his breath that it was a veggie restaurant so I wouldn't back out on him.
Bottom line is, if I decide to give up meat for a meal/week, this wouldn't be a bad place to do so. Had a great greek salad and a seitan pepperoni (gasp!) pizza that was on the money. Beer, small salad, and half a small pizza for $15 after tip. Not too shabby.
Great selection of beers and limited, but solid wine choices. What looks to be a good bakery/cafe as well though I didn't try anything.
Next time I feel like giving up meat for eight hours, I just may head back this way.
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Visited a friend in the Capitol Hill area and needed a walking distance late night place for eats and a drink that wasn't crowded with creepy bro-brahs, and City, O' City was perfect! Really chill atmosphere, even on a Friday night (no drama, yelling, or meat market was in sight), and our server was so friendly and helpful. Had some interesting beers on tap (tried a rice beer) and when I looked over the wine list our server was quick to offer that if we wanted to try something and we didn't like it we could get something else.
Had their pizza special: oyster mushrooms, celery root, peppers, and the most heavenly thing EVER -- cashew ricotta. Delicious! The crust had a very good flavor as well. Didn't get a chance to try their desserts but they look scrumptious, with unique flavors.
A really nice place for a date, hanging out with friends, or even studying or reading (if you get a bar table) with a cold glass of something and a light vegetarian meal. I'll be back next time I'm in Denver.
O' City, why is there no place like you in Boulder?
Ate at the bar last year after free Saturday a the DAM - Great sampler platter, generous wrap & tasty salad. Friendly service & casual relaxed atmosphere.
In the afternoon, place was already full of youngish hipsters, pierced, tattooed; I felt a little out of place in my Boulder garb of Chacos, shorts and crinkly shirt. Definitely an interesting place and crowd not present here in Boulder - I'll be back!
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I absolutely love this place. I'm not a vegan or a vegetarian, but eating dinner here is amazing. I'm in love with Watercourse as well--but the bar & coffee served here really is the icing on the cake.
Staff is usually pretty nice, and I like the atmosphere. Generally it's a pretty quiet place, but the lighting is definitely dim. I'd suggest finding another nighttime reading spot if that's what you're in search of.
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I have to say i'm a lot more likely to go to City than the new Watercourse location. This may have more to do with my comfortlevel than anything else -- you know, 13th street vs., what are they calling it now? "Uptown"? whatev -- but i also just dig the groove at City more. The space feels more organic. Also, though they have the same menu, the food i get from City tastes better, is better prepared, and is better presented. I am prepared to swear to $deity that they put smack in the seitan wings, for instance: they're that good. Whereas, at Watercourse, the same menu item is 100% pure Eh. Lukewarm Eh, with no celery sticks.
Plus hanging around on a cool night in City, O City with a few pints of cider feels a lot homier than it does at Watercourse. (my priorities: let me show you thems)
Again, it's a personal preference. You should try them both.
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The food here is always good and the ambiance even better. Getting to hang out here is one of the many reasons that I'm excited to be back in Denver on a permanent basis. By day, it's a chill coffee hang-out and by night a fun bar/gathering place. They serve vegan baked goods and vegetarian fare, which bumps them up an extra star in my book.
While this is a fun place to hang out, I will say that it's probably not the best place to go and get work done. It's often loud (even when the house music's not turned up, it's usually pretty crowded and the design of the physical space seems to intensify the noise of conversation). The lighting at night is also dark and moody, which would also make it difficult to get work done in that atmosphere.
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Excellent coffee, food, and staff! City, O' City was one of the first coffee shops I visited upon moving to Denver and it by far my favorite. Since this place is only across the street from where I live, I've tried to venture out into the land of Denver coffee shops to find something better only to find myself coming back this place time and time again. Fantastic beer selection as well.
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The first time I visited City, O' City I was meeting some friends. I had had a long day at work, I was exhausted and yet I decided to head out. Great decision. Not only were my friends their normal, hilarious selves, but the service was friendly, food tasty, and they have some of the most scrumptious cookies I have ever eaten. If you add the full alcohol and coffee bars, I am in heaven. Meet some friends, or bring your laptop because morning or evening City, O' City is one of the coolest places to hang out in our fair city.
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I'm from San Francisco and I can't believe people rate the prices at this fine establishment $$. All the 10-inch pizzas, which one person cannot possibly finish, are $9 and under. Last night I had the Olive Tapenade, a light-crusted, tasty pie in its own right that was nicely paired with a Belgian ale.
At 6:30 on Saturday night there was already a big crowd here. For anyone who's been to SF, this place reminds me of a resto in the Mission. The music is loud, the decor is sophisticated, the people are lookers.
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Good people (see water course review) better beer good veggie pizza if i werent such a wondering jew when i lived in denver, i'da been in here spending dollars all the time. This was my brace spot when the world was just too much I'd come here for a couple of beers and some pizza. A couple of deep breaths then off to buffalo for that dollar therapy. Dope star training, reminded me of my hood exept the pinkies were cooler.
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City, O' City- I love you. Your cozy interior, friendly staff, and delicious food makes me wish that I could swing by everyday. The pizza really IS fantastic. My personal choice was the La Michelle with a fig sauce, capers, and rosemary.
The people are cute, the atmosphere is welcoming...it's time for you to go there.
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I havent had the pizza yet, except for a bit of the brie and apricot pie that my friend was munching on, but I hear good things. And the bite I had was good.
The BBQ Tofu wrap with a side salad dressed with the miso tahini is the perfect lunch - one that feels indulgent but is super healthy and yummy too.
Good, cheap wine list. I love this place for its versatility - you can go in for breakfast, a coffee, lunch, dinner, OR go and get tanked. It is truly all things for all people at all times, and for once, such a thing is done well.
Plus the two hottest bitches in town - Marie and Eve - are waitresses there so go and leave them a big tip.
i visited this place while checking out du for a long weekend and i am so glad we went. first off, it happened to be happy hour which was awesome, second, there were a ton of queer and very attractive people there. third, and this sealed the deal for me, cashew cheese!! i thought i could only find this in the bay area. i'll be frequenting this place quite often when i move to denver.
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Two words...cashew ricotta. Even the most devout cheezitarian will give the vegan pizzas at City o City the thumbs up. Of course, they still dish out the cheese if you want it. It is all about their thin crust - the folks at the watercourse know how to bake some bread!!! I can't think of a better atmosphere to go to after work to bitch about your co-workers while chugging on quality brews and scarfing down vegan pizza.
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So this place has enough 5 star ratings already for you to get the point. A great place for beer, coffee, baked goods, pizza, tea, a conversation, scrabble, and all vegetarian and vegan friendly! Open till 2, decent crowd of cute hipster-ish people (a bit overwhelming sometimes...) and a mysterious sandwich special that I got once which I still salivate every time I think of.
Just get off your fat ass and get in there already.
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Wow, a coffee shop with good food and a full bar? Hell Yeah, oh and they are open till 2 am daily. Really if I was still in college they'd have to get the police to drag me out of there.
The Pizza is lovely, the coffee great, fantastic vegan deserts....thanks.
Oh, and bring back the Miso salad dressing that was the best. Ask for it when you're in, beg for it, they'll bring it back
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First off I adore the pizzas- and I especially dream about and drool over the La Michelle (fig sauce is good! Who woulda thunk it?). But mostly I love how it feels like a gathering place ala Paris on the Platte in the old days. A place where things are being discussed deeply or laughed about loudly. There's such an easy atmosphere with a whole lot of, "Hey, how are you"-s. It's a warm, wonderful room, and I don't get there often enough.
YES! Finally, a coffee hang-out / restaurant / funky bohemian dive worthy of the ones I love in Berkeley and S.F., right here in DenCo!
We have tried a few of their pizza's, and I have to say that they are possibly some of the best in town. Haven't hit the other menu items yet, but they have a great selection - all reasonably priced. Vegan too!
Their coffee is excellent, with the usual assortment of java fare. They consistently pour a nice cup. I don't know what they use for beans, but its reminiscent of Pablo's or Lavazza. Never over-roasted.
The atmosphere is very cool, but sometimes a bit noisy (some sound dampening tiles might be in order). The decor is primitive yet appealing somehow, and the staff are always courteous.
It's open very late (I think 2am most nights), has a bar and limited seating. Go there!
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Full bar, great espresso, good food though I wish there was more of a selection and free (slow) wi-fi. Good location, hipster scene and some pretty boys sometimes come out of the kitchen. ( I say pretty cuz theyre likely pretty to each other.)
I walked through Denver with a few co-workers and was ready to give up on food in Downtown. Commercial chain after commercial chain. I thought Denver was supposed to be much more crunchy granola! Taco Bell started to look like gourmet food. Luckily we decided to stop by Starbucks and pull a Rachel Ray on "$40 A Day" and ask a local for advice on a cool local joint that was affordable.
Thank you sage barista for your kick ass advice. City, O'City is a local yokel joint. Sigh of relief, I dodged a tourist trap! The restaurant/bar/coffee shop was filled with hipsters from the community. Very low key cool vibe.
...And then things got better... vegetarian restaurant! What a relief after eating mystery food at my hotel. I started looking at the menu and saw many savory pizza items. I signed. My damn wheat allergy. I fantasized about pizza. Here comes the shocker. I rubbed my eyes b/c I thought I was hallucinating -- gluten free pizza!!!!!!!!!! Let me say it again GLUTEN FREE PIZZA. Holy moly crap-a-moly, this restaurant serves vegetarian and gluten free fare. How did I happen to stumble upon mecca?
We ordered the Mediterranean Plate. The falafel was wheat free. The hummus had feta cheese sprinkled on top. They even brought me delicious gluten free pita bread! The plate of warm brie cheese with an apricot glaze and garlic mixed the perfect flavors of sweet, pungent and creamy. The pizza was fig. I know, fig pizza sounds bizarre-o. Trust me, it's an unsual pizza you just don't want to miss out on. The pizza was one of the best gluten free pizzas ever. While my companions drank beer, I sipped on damn good champagne for $6/glass.
What a perfect restaurant. Eclectic restaurant filled with groovy locals. Gluten free pizza and a glass of either champagne or gluten free beer. Denver, I may love you despite of your bitter cold winds.
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Love this place.
First of all, it was really easy to find; right downtown.
The Americano was fantastic as were both of the vegan pizzas i tried (my favorite was the hummus)
Liked the shadowbox decorations.
Noisy, but it IS a bar, too.
no complaints.
fabulous.
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I love the atmosphere of this place. The lighting is great, you can sit in armchairs or couches, at tables or the bar, and the walls are usually adorned with work by local artists, which you can buy there.
They have a really great happy hour for food and drinks. I think one of their beers is just $1 during happy hour and happy hour is even on the weekends.
The food is really good, but it is pretty light since it is a vegetarian and vegan place. They also have delicious baked goods.
When you are looking for a place to play Scrabble, hang out with friends or have a small, but satisfying bite to eat, City O City is a great option.
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As I stare out my window, I can see the setting sun reflecting off the buildings of downtown San Francisco. The rich metallic tones contrast with the pastels of the evening sky, offering a moment of true beauty in this fierce city ... City, O' City.
City, O' City, I cannot stop thinking about you. I cannot stop talking about you. I can barely sleep at night without you. All it took was one second, one bite, and I was in love.
I was in Denver for all of three hours, maybe less. My friend and I stopped here on our way to Wyoming to satisfy our vegan sweetteeth and I ordered one of everything from the bakery case. But then I said "just kidding," and we took a goodie bag across the state line:
Ho-Ho Cupcake
Lemon Poppyseed Cookie
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Roll
Scout Cookie
Some of the best vegan baked goods EVER, and I've been around. Seriously. I really can't pick a favorite, they were equally delicious in different ways and all were completely, totally mindblowing.
So, go here and gorge. But, if you can't finish your dessert, please mail the leftovers to me in San Francisco, CA. Thanks.
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Their chai tea tastes like cat urine, and their pizza smells like a rotting corpse. That said, its not that bad and after 3 or 4 glasses of wine I was really digging the atmosphere. Their service was pretty good too...I think...I was fairly drunk. P.S. Their bathrooms are rather vile and usually lacking paper towels, toilet paper, or soap.
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Just ate at City O' City with a friend; I had the falafel and it was very, very good. I actually traveled through Israel and ate falafel at least once a day, sometimes 2 or 3 if I was out drinking. My cousins thought I may turn into a falafel by the end! City O City represented for sure, tasty crunchy falafels, great veggies and a super yogurt sauce. My friend had the Med Platter and she loved it, she also had enough for lunch the next day. This place is great and I am one meat eating son of a bitch!! Try it out! I want to go back for the seitan wings, heard they are great!!!
Old Review:
Have not had a chance to eat here yet but any place that has Genny Cream Ale on tap deserves a shout out!!! Growing up in either Rochester or Buffalo you will recognize this brand of beer pretty quick. When I was a kid there was a rumor going around that you had to be at least 60 years old to drink Genny Cream Ale. Does not hold true at this place!!! Happy Hour = $1 Genny Cream Ale, need I say more???? $1.00!!!
The coleslaw deserves your attention. Here is a slaw you can take seriously, and take home to mom, too. It's savory, with a light saltiness and a spicy bite. And it's pretty, with red and white cabbage dancing around each other. I have never had coleslaw this good before ... period.
Other than that, Susan C put it all very well, so I will add only this:
The couch and cushy chairs are a nice place to spend an evening if you're not having a big meal. They have free wi-fi whose first user agreement is "don't be evil." There are plugs by the couch and in the booths (I'm told).
The seitan buffalo wings are great. The caesar salad is great. The seitan buffalo wing w/ caesar salad wrap is even better!
Oh, and Scrabble on Tuesdays!
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I was pleasantly surprised to find such a hip coffee shop/bar that maintains a level of comfort as being in a crowded home. My girlfriend and I enjoyed our drinks and Ho-Ho- Hot Chocolate cupcake surrounded by the friendly Sunday morning crowd. Definitely recommended.
I must say I'm slightly bitter towards City O' City. Not due to lack of quality of food, or service, or atmosphere. In fact, I think City O' City is pretty great, and go there pretty frequently. They have amazing pizza, and even organic options.. Vegan and gluten-free options for INCREDIBLE pastries, as well.
Let me elaborate on my bitterness.
You see, I moved to the Capital Hill area about a year and a half ago. Before that I lived out in East Denver. Around that time, City O' City was... not. It was the famous and most amazing vegetarian restaurant, WaterCourse Foods. During my peak Watercourse days I frequented oh, three and sometimes four nights a week. I slowly stopped coming as much because it was a pain to drive all that way all the time (not to mention my pocketbook was getting awfully light..).
Needless to say, I was elated when I moved to the Cap Hill area so I could frequent the Watercourse more. It would be a mere 5-min bike ride away. Yes! By the time I was settled in and attempted to visit, however; Watercourse was gone. Yes, gone. City O' City had replaced it. You can imagine my dismay.
No offense intended to City O' City. Yes, I understand that Watercourse was so popular it needed more space. I understand it still exists, and is oh-so-far-away in the north-central-denver area. I've been to the new location, too. And City O' City truly is great. But the atmosphere, the location, and the memories I have from when City O' City was Watercourse is simply.. saddening.
But, um, yeah. If you're hungry and want a delicious, inexpensive meal that's also pretty healthy, alcoholic and/or caffeinated drinks, and has a cool dark atmosphere with a very interesting (and rather attractive) mix of people, then City O' City is it!
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City, O' City, O' Slammin coffee shop. Sometimes I want gin...sometimes espresso. Either way, City O' City has me covered! awesome!
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City o City, a bohemian wine bar cum coffee shop, is a fantastic place to meet people, eat wonderful nibbles, read a book, or meet with a large group of friends. Previously the location of WaterCourse, a vegan friendly establishment owned by the same folks, City o City is unique to Denver in that it's a place where I could get a cappuchinno or a glass of wine, eat dinner or a snack, and gather for multiple purposes. I'd feel comfortable going there alone, too.
And, I met a really attractive and alluring individual there!
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Okay, so I parked in a loading zone about two blocks away, left the starving husband inside the car with the keys, ran inside City O' City, grabbed about five different vegan (some were gluten-free) pastries and a chilled water bottle from the bakery (as the diners and waitress stared at me in amazement), got a pat on the back by some homeless guy who came in (I ignored him as I was too busy eye-ing the pastries), ran back to the car, husband and I gobbled up a cookie or two, hurried off to a quick stop at the REI flagship store (awesome!), then reached the airport just in time to board our flight with maybe ten minutes to spare and some goodies to munch on along with the teeny bag of pretzels that the stewardess gave us. We were happy.
Looking forward to trying out the restaurant itself or the Watercourse Restaurant on our next visit.
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Just ran across this place and it is incredible! Part Bar and part coffee shop. Really a great find!
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Meat O' meat, where art thou?
That's a tune you won't be singing at the innovative vegetarian spot, City O' City. It's a community hangout that fills all your restaurant/bar/coffee shop needs. Influenced by the European bistros that cluster around art galleries, this unique joint is located right up the street from both the Denver Art Museum and the Civic Center.
Practically open 24 hrs (it's closed only from 2 am-7 am); you'll be pleasantly surprised, whether you're there for a coffee and muffin, a light lunch or a midnight snack - make that a beer. And there's even a vegan alternative to everything on the menu.... For the rest of this review, go to: http://www.sostyley.co...
Basically, City, O' City is a vegetarian coffehouse/bar, making it a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks. I spent happy hour there on a Friday night and it was a wonderful experience overall. The drinks and food were excellent, the ambiance calming and not too crowded, and the service fast and friendly. The seitan buffalo wings were very special and had a strong and spicy taste that went extremely well with a cold glass of beer. Their selection of pizzas are also very unique and prepared with a perfectly thin, crispy crust and a light mix of well chosen toppings. I asked our waitress if it ever got crowded and she said it frequently does during lunch and later in the evening but never excessively. The price was right as well. I like City, O' City more than Watercourse!
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If you've ever been out with a crowd, some of whom don't drink and want coffee, some of whom definitely want drinks - this is your solution! It's part bar, part cafe, and 100% cool, chill laid back artsy folks, yet very responsive and great service.
Thanks Dara for taking me there! :)
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