Katy's Corner Cafe

4.5 star rating
48 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

2000 E Union St
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Central District
(206) 329-0121
Hours:

Mon-Sat 6:30 am - 7 pm

Sun 8 am - 6 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"The baristas are so nice and cheerful." (in 7 reviews)
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"...reminds me of a small town cafe because you definitely get..." (in 2 reviews)
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"I always get an iced vanilla latte, which I've been pleased..." (in 7 reviews)
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48 reviews in English

  • Review from Andy Y.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Central District, Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Such nice baristas. Quaint cafe. Great breakfast bagels :D

  • Review from im j.

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    • 0 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    9/23/2011

    Group On deal. OK Place but small. everybody has to speak on top of each other to be heard. the barista got my oder wrong since I did not yelled loud enough.
    On my way out with my togo latte, the barista clearly said she hates these restaurant deals.

    Well, don't do them then. Would I give up my star buck? No.

  • Review from M S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2012

    I live near Katy's and I frequently go here to write. It's got a great environment for writing. The coffee is good, the baristas are nice, and the quiche is fantastic. And for a good price!

    Now usually this place is pretty packed, especially on the weekend. And some of the regulars get quite loud. So if you're looking for some quiet time with your computer and a coffee, maybe come during off hours. Other than that, I love Katy's!

  • Review from Laura B.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    8/8/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I had a bagel and cream cheese.  

    There were at least 5 people in line at 10 am on a Monday morning.  Popular place!

    The owner's child was running around jumping up on high chairs which made me a little nervous.

    People's dogs were snapping at each other which was a little awkward, too.

    The customer service was excellent and so was the bagel!.

    I'll be back for coffee and an update.

  • Review from Lily S.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/5/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Oh Katy.  How I heart your little corner coffee shop!  It's super cute, everyone is friendly, it's in a great location, and have I mentioned it's super cute?  Cuz yeah, IT IS.  

    Katy (I'm assuming the person running the show that morning was Katy) is super sweet and she offered vanilla soy as well as plain soy for my latte (who does that?!  oh wait, Katy does), which I loved and the breakfast pastries - holy crap - we got some banana coffeecake & some spice muffins and basically took bites of each.  DAMN.  They were so good!

    I'm totally coming back here.  It's a great place to drink coffee, read the paper, and just chill out.

  • Review from Rainy R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    I went on a Groupon deal and I think I'm going to become a regular at this place. The barista was friendly and the space warm and inviting. I went in the afternoon, and had the place almost entirely to myself except for one other couple doing some talking/studying.

    The smoothie I had was awesome - they use frozen fruit instead of ice, which results in a much more smooth and flavorful drink.

  • Review from Clover A.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2010 1 photo 3 Check-ins Here

    I want to go to there.

    I don't come often enough, but when I do, it's like stepping into a friend's kitchen, hey, can I get you something to drink? We chat while she makes me some delicious coffee, toasts me a bagel, I pet the dogs, I chat with the other people around the tables.

    I love living in the city especially when a place like this gives me all the comfort of a small town coffee shop.

  • Review from Shirley F.

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    • 20 friends
    • 155 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/24/2010 1 photo

    Randomly stumbled onto this little charming corner cafe 3 blocks away from a friend's place.  This is how I've imagined cafe in Seattle would be like - friendly service, fresh pastries, and solid java.  No frills.  Just plain goodness with really laid back attitude.  

    The place is cozy (translate small) but it has a lot of foot traffic with folks from the neighborhood dropping by with their dogs or on their way to work.   But there are a few tables with stools if you need to sit down to write your yelp reviews, or just get reconnected with yourself in peace over a cup of coffee.  Definitely a neighborhood gem.

  • Review from Mark S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2010

    They remember your drink. This is good. Their Chai is powdered. This is bad. They have Brunch. This is good. The close early. This is bad.

    Katy's is my neighborhood coffee shop, and I shall defend it's honor in a joust, should it come to that. Some of THE nicest people work here and it's always great to have someone smile and say hello in the morning, as I am always angry in the morning.

  • Review from kelly c.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Portland, OR

    4.0 star rating
    5/17/2007

    Katy's is a truly wonderful neighborhood coffee house.  

    The baristas greet eager caffeine junkies (or weekends-only half-caf junkies like this reformer) with the kind of sweetness I have been searching for in my hood.   The vibe that Katy's puts out into the universe is enough for me to feel truly transported away from reality back to the indy coffee house I worked in in small town Minnesota before work and life obligations were even a glimmer in a college girl's eye.  Sigh.  Back to Katy's: the drinks are fairly consistent (hence the 4 stars), the space is welcoming and they have an all-you-can eat brunch one Sunday a month.  Can't beat that!

  • Review from Victoria T.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    6/30/2008

    I like the space and like the free WiFi.

    I love the quirky local art for sale.

    The barista was friendly.

    The service was a tad slow, but I don't mind that when I have an interesting space to occupy.

    The coffee wasn't the best I'd ever had.  It wasn't the worst either.

    The douche who thought it was cool to berate the barista and talk loudly about himself did not color my review.  He did, however, lower my opinion of douches.

  • Review from Jim D.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Ottawa, ON

    Canada
    5.0 star rating
    6/22/2011

    One of the best coffee shops I've ever been to.

    The staff and patrons are friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is very casual and laid back. People sit with their dogs and bring their kids.

    It's on a bright corner, with big windows.

    The vanilla soy latte is great, and the club sandwich is scrumptious and cheap.

    Free wifi. Highly recommended. I *love* this place.

  • Review from sue s.

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    • 10 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    7/7/2010

    Katy's has a sunny and friendly-but-quiet atmosphere. The baristas are so nice and cheerful. The few times I've been there, they helped me pick drinks and offered free samples of baked goods. I also witnessed a barista going out of her way to concoct smoothie drinks that were not on the menu for some picky kids. If I lived closer to Katy's, I'd definitely hang out and work there more often.

    I admit the coffee is not the best, but it's good. Like the other reviewers have mentioned, I do wish Katy's had longer hours.

  • Review from Reilly P.

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    • 4 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2011

    It was a wonderful accident that I arrived at Katy's one day and after my experience there I'll be returning again and again.

    Ordered a mocha and a chocolate chip cookie both were DELICIOUS!  The mocha wasn't too sweet and the cookies were freshly made.  If you're in the area:  RUN, don't walk, to Katy's.

  • Review from Kimberley D.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/16/2009

    Update: They now offer white coffee! Other than Sureshot in the University district, this is the only place I know of in Seattle that offers it. It's beans that aren't as fully roasted, so they have significantly more caffeine.

    The flavor is much more mild, though, so if you order it make sure you get it with flavored syrup or it'll be really bland. I remember Sureshot having mentioned that but they only offer it in conjunction with syrup and I forgot, so I ordered one without syrup and it was like drinking heavily caffeinated soymilk.

    Listed in: Central District fun and…

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      8/7/2007

      Update: I keep coming here occasionally because the people are friendly and I like supporting the… Read more »

  • Review from Lauren J.

    •  
    • 44 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Jacksonville, FL

    4.0 star rating
    4/16/2009

    I've been here a couple of times. I'm not going to lie, I don't really remember how my coffee was. This was before my yelping days.
    What I do remember is the excellent customer service I received!
    Katy was super nice, and it kind of took me by surprise how genuinely interested she was in the mundane details of my day. That's enough for me to recommend it to people who actually do go out for coffee. :)

    Sidenote: My friend visits often now due to my recommendation, and says the coffee is great.

  • Review from AK J.

    •  
    • 29 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/18/2009

    Katy's is a great local joint and a nice little addition to the Central District.  Just some notes:

    1. White coffee takes some getting used to. Actually, I am enjoying one right now. . .kinda. Its got an earthy, almost tea-like flavor.

    2. Katy's is small. There is a loveseat and a couple of tables for wi-fi. That being said, if you are there by your lonesome - great place to work and study with welcoming baristas.

    3. Katy just had a baby! Congrats!

    4. There is a brunch deal on Sundays from 10:30-12:30, where Katy (yes, the real Katy) offers homemade pastries, eggs, coffee, etc. All you can eat for $12/$14 (the price difference is based on whether you have drip or espresso). I will be back for this once Katy is back from maternity!

  • Review from Matt R.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/14/2009

    Katy's is about a 20 minute walk from my place, and since I moved here a month and a half ago, I've come several times a week.

    The coffee is good.  I always get an iced vanilla latte, which I've been pleased with every visit.  It is reasonably priced, as well.  At Tougo, which is just a block up, you'll pay a dollar more for the equivalent size.

    I haven't tried any of the food, though I intend to one day.  The last time I was in, they were baking some blueberry walnut wonderful sugary thing that smelled up the whole place and filled my mouth with saliva.

    It's a comfortable place to sit and relax, enjoy your coffee, flip through a book, a Stranger, or Seattle Weekly (the latter two publications can be found right outside the cafe).  During the hot spell the other week, they had the large windows pulled open, the ceiling fan on, and a very nice breeze circulated through the building, making it--when one considers the coffee, as well--a perfect pit stop on a scorching day.

    One of the biggest draws is the friendly staff.  I've had several different people serve me coffee, and all of them have been friendly.  Beyond friendly, actually.  If you believe that you've been treated rudely, it's probably because you're a bastard.  I'm that sure of it.

    Stop by for a coffee.  Maybe I'll see ya there.

    Edited to add:  I have managed to grab a bite at Katy's once or twice since writing this review.  I've had the tuna sandwich and the turkey club, both of which were good and very fresh.  My companions seemed to agree.  And I'm still coming back nearly every day for the coffee, so they must be doing something right.

  • Review from Sara A.

    •  
    • 24 friends
    • 136 reviews

    Baltimore, MD

    4.0 star rating
    5/28/2009

    Katy's is the closest coffee to my workplace since the Starbucks in the Safeway closed, so I am here pretty frequently now. It is a very cute shop, with friendly service. It is usually not very busy when I go in, so the service is prompt. The coffee is ok, sometimes a little bitter or burnt tasting. They have the best chai ever, though (disclaimer: I drink it with soy), super creamy and tasty, and you get your choice of sweet or spicy.
    They also have fresh, homemade baked goods, sweet and savory, every day.
    With free wi-fi, comfy couches, and tall stools in the window, its a great neighborhood place.
    My only complaints are that the espresso isn't the tastiest, and they seem to close too early on weeknights.

  • Review from Ben R.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 63 reviews

    Portland, OR

    5.0 star rating
    7/30/2009

    Katy's is the neighborhood living room. I'm mad at myself for not being better about visiting her more often! After Starbucks chose to close their location inside the Madison and 22nd Ave. Safeway, I began making more of an effort to go to Katy's when I need an afternoon pick up.

    I have to agree with some of the other Yelp reviews that say the coffee beverages can sometimes be inconsistent, but I would also say that you are more than welcome to ask a barista about remaking it. I've ordered a Chai in the past and when one of the employees wasn't sure it was "up to standard" offered to re-make the drink for me, just like Starbucks corporate policy.

    Anyway, I like Katy's because it helps me feel connected to my community. If I come in on a Saturday or a Sunday morning, the crowd is eclectic and you'll see a dog or two along with young parents and children, a few neighborhood old timers and also Katy herself works the morning shift behind the counter. She remembers my name, even when I haven't been in for a few weeks. It's really nice that she knows her customers so well.

    I haven't tried the white coffee, but it sure seems popular. My favorite drink is the caramel latte, which can be made with the indulgent caramel sauce instead of your standard flavoring syrup. I also like the quiche, savory muffins and sweet coconut cookies and coffeecake that are all baked right in the shop.

    In the past I've tried the brunch and the breakfast sandwich, which I really like. It's a good value at $4.25.

    If you are using a credit/debit card, be warned there is a $5 minimum or a small charge. Most people do not seem to mind.

    Katy's also includes tax in all her prices, which I like so much as they are nice rounded numbers and make figuring out your total,etc. easy. No penny hunting!

  • Review from Jennifer M.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/19/2010

    I love working in coffee shops. Katy's is one of my favourites and I come here often. In fact, I wrote this review from within the shop.

    They are the perfect distance for me and my dog to walk to get coffee, work for a bit and walk home. The coffee when we get there is fantastic. My dog is welcome to hang with me, which he does quite happily. As I write, he's curled up under my table.

    Their brunch on Sundays smells fantastic, though I've not indulged yet.

    Katy's has all the right elements of a neighbourhood coffee shop. All the right pieces and parts Last time I was in I met Katy's baby. I have to say he is pretty darn cute. Bonus!

  • Review from Mo P.

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    • 182 friends
    • 224 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/3/2008

    + 3 stars because Nick is/was the best barista on the planet,
    + 1 star for free wifi
    + 1 star for an awesome location, friendly and adorable staff, mmm-mmm good coffee made perfectly, and a yummy in my tummy muffin.

    This place brought me out of my Seattle rain induced blues.....yay for Katy's Corner!!!

  • Review from Jessie A.

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    • 5 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/25/2010

    The friendliest staff in our neighborhood, to be sure - so cheerful! They really enjoy their work!

    Cozy and full of light. Bottomless coffee. Dog friendly. Nice homemade baked treats. Only downside is that sometimes it's a little too cozy for settling in to work; not much room to spread out.

    Much love to Katy's!

  • Review from c p.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 28 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/26/2009

    Just went an hour ago and got the brunch to go. Katy's has earned 5 stars! Fantastically cheesy quiche, bacon, potatoes, fruit, savory cheese muffin and blueberry coffee cake - yum! Plus orange juice & coffee - all for $12. Can't beat it. It also doesn't hurt that the staff is super-friendly and it's easy to park outside.

    Go this morning if you can!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      3/29/2009

      I went here this morning with my boyfriend on our way to a hike for coffee & a muffin. I was… Read more »

  • Review from Margaret S.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2010

    Katy's is my destination of choice for my daily walk with my 2 dogs for a latte.  They remember your drinks, have a punch card, and I always walk out with a smile on my face.

    The friendly staff, tasty homemade pastries and tasty coffee make for the perfect place to hang out and meet other locals.

  • Review from Adam M.

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    • 18 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/7/2011

    Neighborhood java stop with espresso and drip, pastries. Avoid the drip, it's invariably weak and cool. Otherwise a four star place.

  • Review from Tristen W.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2009

    I love this tiny cafe. I went there the first time after the free plant exchange.
    Seriously this cafe is small always has a few people in it, super friendly barristas and great drinks.

    Katy's reminds me of a small town cafe because you definitely get a sense of community when you go in there.
    I'm glad I live close enough to walk, my husband and I are planning to more often!

  • Review from Anni A.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2010

    I pop into Katy's often for lattes as it is next door to my office.  I must say I am never disappointed!  The baristas know my drink & are always friendly which makes me happy :)  Usually the foam is perfect (bonus).   Also, they are always baking some delicious smelling cakes.

    I enjoy the lovely large windows & the chance to see Katy with her cute new baby :)

  • Review from Ross M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/13/2011

    When I lived in Seattle, this place was on my way from my apartment to the bus stop I took to work.  I stopped there every morning, and even in the gloomy winter it started my day off with a ray of sunshine from the great baristas.  They create an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, they'll remember your drink, and make a great latte too.  If you want a place that is too cool for school, go further up into capitol hill.  This is a place to let down your guard and just relax.

    Also - the sandwiches are great and cheap!

  • Review from Srta l.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    9/4/2010

    Very Cozy Cafe. We ordered Tuna Pita (fresh, and light), Bagel (Ham, egg and cheese), Chai And Mocha Coffee. Everything was soooo awesome. BTW, you are able to choose between vanilla chai or spice chai. I chose the spice, it was better than Starbucks.

  • Review from Michael O.

    •  
    • 157 friends
    • 50 reviews

    Bothell, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/23/2010 13 Check-ins Here

    The best Latte's this side of the Mississippi :}

  • Review from Scott N.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/15/2008 2 photos

    Katy's is a marvelous little neighborhoody coffee shop that serves up consistently solid bean. The clientele is entertainingly diverse: Stroller-pushing moms, web startup geeks (e.g. me), a few unfortunate folks who sometimes skip their meds and Capitol Hill hipsters in skinny jeans and Urban Outfitters hats. The lovely Katy and the other baristas are relaxed, funny, conversational and in control. Katy's feels like a true place, an honest and friendly place, The burner on which a wonderful melting pot simmers.

  • Review from Rebekah D.

    •  
    • 27 friends
    • 20 reviews

    WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/14/2008

    Katy's Corner is my neighbor and oh what a great neighbor it's been. Katy, the adorably cute and friendly owner has set up a really cool neighborhood coffee shop with delicious sandwiches and smoothies but something happend to me here that is nothing short of remarkable. You see I hate coffee. Although I do like the smell of roasting coffee the taste of coffee is bitter barfalicious to me and I've never been able to stand it. Nevermind that coffee turns me into Steve Carrel's character from "Anchor Man" because I always end up bumping into walls and  saying things like "I love lamp". Katy got me hooked on white coffee and it's great. It's nutty, smooth and be careful because it actually has MORE caffeine than roasted coffee. Try it!

  • Review from DeathandFood b.

    •  
    • 86 friends
    • 237 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/20/2007

    ok I would love this place anyways because it is literally a 100 feet from my new seattle home but seriously it's a great little place.
    1. lots of window+lots of heat= people watching and being warm in Seattle
    2. drink and food-i drink hot chocolate  and they make it good, sounds easy, believe me it's not
    they also make a mean turkey club and have lots of treats
    3.free wi-fi, considering NO ONE in Seattle seem to leave thier servers open, this place was a godsend before my own DSL was set up.
    4.the people that work there are so freaking happy and nice I was wondering for a while if they were really robots (they aren't), just really nice folks.

  • Review from Samantha G.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    I'm starting to check out my neighborhood cafes and I really love the living room atmosphere this place provides. I also love how I was comforted with the smell of bacon and coffee when I came in. The barista was very friendly and her baby was so adorable. I'm definitely coming back.

  • Review from Leaf W.

    •  
    • 159 friends
    • 166 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/14/2010

    The salads and everything else i have had here is also amazing and very fresh. Sometimes weird people come in-it is in the dividing line to Central District. But i believe this just makes it more interesting.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      11/1/2009

      Coffee here is great. The barristas are nice. And the vegatable sandwhich
      Is one of the best samiches… Read more »

  • Review from Lindsey L.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2009

    This coffee shop is a great place to come get a good cup of coffee. It is a fun atmosphere with quirky pictures everywhere. Katy herself is there all the time and has a fun and perky attitude. Clearly the people there love what they do. It has wifi for free and is a great place to get out of the house and work on the computer. I highly recommend it! :)

  • Review from Sophie J.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/3/2007

    Small, friendly neighborhood coffee shop.  I think they handwrite "Katy's" on all the to-go cups.  I'm a sucker for little things like that.  Good coffee.  Minus one star for playing Star 101.5.

  • Review from Jen S.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 107 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    8/26/2009

    I used to go a few times a week, when it was on my commute route. I have always had a pleasant experience with the baristas. They chat with you; they remember you, if you come by often. My one favorite guy always made me good coffee and cheerfully chatted with me, which I like a lot in a neighborhood place. Their prices are right, too. I haven't tried their food.

  • Review from Bob S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    5/4/2010

    I'll start by saying I have a mixed review here. Been there twice. First time, I was impressed. Second time, disappointed. Not sure if there will be a third.

    It's a cute, local neighborhood cafe. I can say that much.

    Pros:  Good atmosphere, friendly staff, good location.

    Cons:  The service was very slow both times I was there - and I mean ridiculously slow. Even when not that busy, it was over 15 minutes before they'd even started making my breakfast sandwich. And they're not even fast making the coffee. What irked me was that the staff, who I think may have actually been Katy herself, was putting a lot more energy into chatting with her friends who were there, than preparing the orders. And her friends were helping themselves behind the counter, and touching stuff. That just seemed unprofessional. I know it's about having a neighborly feel. But there's certain standards I expect. The food is nothing great, with the pastry being especially bad - as in, worse than Safeway pastry.

    In summary... I'll walk the extra distance to go to Cafe Presse or try to find some other cafe in the neighborhood.

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