Bruce "Not as hip as he thinks he is" R.'s Profile

FOUR Stars for the Milano crew

1 - Local and Independent
.5 - Decent coffee
1 - Free WiFi
.5 - Plenty of table, need more outlets
1 - General Vibe

As I am known to do, I try local cafes as i travel. Milano was located near to the hotel where I was staying so I too a chance on this small cafe hidden on the corner of a strip mall.

Most of my good feeling was the vibe from the place. The barrista is apparently the daughter of the owner and she was quite friendly and bantered a bit with the customers, including the mailman.  My coffee was fine, but it looks as if they have a great selection of coffees and teas for the locals folks.

The place was really bright with a clean feel. There needs to be more power outlets, but I am glad there was free Wifi and plenty of room.  On another occasion, I might also try sitting outside in the small outdoor table section.

Good stuff!

Giving From the Ground Up FOUR stars:

1 - Free wifi
1 - Power outlets and plenty of tables
1 - Good lattee
1 -  Local feel and flavor

On a recent trip to Denver, as I usually do, I try to visit a local cafe or two. I found this one near to the location where I was to have a meeting, but drove by it a few times. Not only is it tucked away in a strip mall, but the sign on the outside does not say "Fro the Ground Up" but "Coffee Shop" . . . no worries, I found it and have had lovely morning.

The latte was quite tasty, the service was prompt and the conversation around me where amusingly eclectic. I could see myself coming here again the next time I find myself in Denver.

In  many ways I simple love places like Gasser. A few of the workers seem a little rough around the edges, slighty quirky and all about true photography experience.  Think the staff from the movie High Fidelity, except for camera support.

In my most recent visit, the repair guy was great. He was honest about what he would need to do and the risk I would agree to take. I would def take my equipment there for repairs.

As for buying stuff, they are simply too high end for my needs and the selection is sparse to say the least. Seems as the best thing they offer is equipment rental and repair.

I have walked by La Taza many times, but never ventured in. The other La Taza on 18th is one of my semi-regular spots so when I found myself with some extra time, I figured I would stop in.

Free wifi
Plenty of tables
Local vibe
Good food
Good coffee

Other than the parking, which is not their fault, not much wrong with this place. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner foods along with a full coffee selection, this is an ideal cafe to work.  The staff was helpful and friendly and the roast beef sandwich that I had was quite tasty.

Really want to give as many 5's to local places, but just can't do it for Lucky Ocean. While the Thai Tea and Vietnamese sandwiches are not bad, this can't be seen as a hang-out place, much more of a stop, buy and leave establishment. That's cool, just not what see as valuable in a cafe in San Francisco.

Two stars off for:
Wifi is never on. You have to ask them to turn it on.
No outlets at all and the one that they have open you are not allowed to use.

As one who buys from and hangs out in Cafes all the time, this will one will remain on the "cafe of last resort" list.

If you are a snobby hipster . . . oh wait minute :-|

Okay fine, I can be one too, but despite that fact, I have a soft spot for the scruffy and quirky that San Francisco offers in its neighborhoods, people and yes, cafes.

I actually stumbled upon this place because a cooler cafe down the street was too crowded and was sans power outlets. Terra has tables, outlets, great bagels and decent coffee. I parked here for a few hours and it was splendid. I guess I have some of the negative reviewers to thank for scaring off the competition ;-)

And did I mention it's a little scruffy around the edges. Some of the critiques are right on about the chaotic feel, odd service and lack of a particular vibe . . . but you know, that vibe of not being the cool chrome and wood cafe that I do in fact like, is a tad bit refreshing.

I rarely give 1's as I prefer to follow the, "If you can's say something nice . . ." way of life. Not this time.

One start because, if you are really, really, really drunk it might taste okay?

Bleh.

And salt to the culinary wound is that this is also WAY overpriced. So many other options even on Bourbon Street.

10 bucks for an Irish Coffee seems a little steep, but hey, you're on Bourbon Street and there is only one drink per set required.  

That said, if you want some serious jazz and not some booty shaking cover band or twangy country, this is the place to be. The space itself it right on the corner so you get a good breeze when it gets crowded. The sound isn't too bad with the other establishments blasting their bands out into the street and there is not pressure to get schnookered.

Def for the more laid back type and Sunday is not very crowded.

A bibliophile's fantasy come true.

Apparently fire codes are optional, nevertheless the feel of this place is simply awesome. As you wander through the tight spaces making sure not to get stuck down an aisle by a fellow customer, wandering this used books store has a comforting feel about it. Despite the stacks and stacks and stacks, the books are surprisingly organized.  The owner and helper were extremely helpful.

I did find one thing, but wish I could have found more. If you happen upon this place and don;t want to lug a stack of books home, he will ship.

Last week, a few of us accompanied a friend to get a tattoo as she marked a significant milestone in her life.  After stopping in at a few places in the city and talking with some friends who have far more ink than I, we were directed to BullDog.  

Obviously Gauge is the top tog at BullDog, but were were extremely pleased with Michael: his demeanor, creativity and his awesome selection of itunes were truly a gift.

As soon as we walked into BullDog, our entire group just knew that this was the place. There was nothing wrong with the other places we visited, but the vibe at BullDog was relaxing, creative and personalized.

But back to Michael . . . after looking at the design my friend wanted, he was great at going back and forth until she found a design that she was willing to place permanently on her body.  He helped explain why some colors and designs were better, but never came across as pressuring her into something she was uncomfortable with. It was clear he wanted her to find the best design in all regards.

During the actual tattooing, Michael was extremely focused and caring. Knowing the reasons for the tattoo he spoke some profound words about what my friend would remember about not only the tattoo, but the act of getting it done.

Some of the nitty-gritty:
- Be ready to stay for a while, so parking could be an issue if you do it during the day. Walk-in to leaving was about 3 hours.
- This is not a cheap endeavor, but when it comes to a tattoo, the whole "getting what you pay for" is probably true. Totally worth it.
- Be sure to tip.
- Don't try to out pop-culture reference Michael. You will not win ;-)

I have a very small tattoo at this point, but if I ever dive in again, I will definitely be going to BullDog.  Thanks Michael for such a great experience.