Due to its close promixity to the university, A.'s caters mainly to the student budget (around 8,-EUR for a meal) as well as the student schedule, which means no weekend service. During the week, however, the chic cantina really does serve as a center of respite for anyone with--forgive me--a lot on their plate and offers small reductions to that effect. The vegetarian selection is limited: two sandwiches, a salad, and a lasagna-type Armenian dish called soubeurrek filled with feta and parsley. The cucumber-and-beet gazpacho isn't half-bad, and certainly won't leave you complaining at 3,-EUR. Superb teas, too.

, but nonetheless retains that cozy, nonpretentious neighborhood coffeeshop feel. If I lived in Bergen, I'd probably frequent this place just for the carrot cake and hot chocolate and if I had kids or a dog, I'm sure they'd feel just as welcome.

Owners are very friendly and serve Ethiopian coffee for either walk-in or drive-thru customers. Yes! This is one of the few non-Starbucks I know with a driver-thru. After all, the cafe has been converted from a garage, which adds to its charm. Outdoor seating popular on sunny weekend afternoons. The only negative is that the cafe is not open too late (til 6 on weekdays, I believe).

The service wasn't bad and you're able to linger over your 2,3-EUR crème (cheapish, I'm guessing, for the 'hood) for as long as you want (1,-EUR at the bar). Right near the Mouffetard market, so if you get tired of shopping, or even smelling, here's a nice place to relax your wandering feet (nose). I'll have to come back for brunch.

' Surely, I can get bagels at Best or City Bagels, but I like hanging out with my dear cousins a little bit more because they're very nice, and always have the time to have a pleasant chat. 6,-EUR bagel lunch specials will have me coming back for more, along with the carrot cake, the "love cake," the milkshake...I could go on. Note: it's easy to pass by the storefront, so if you can't find it the first time, try again; it's across the street from the blaring orange of Nathan Coffee. You'll be richly rewarded, though go after noon if you don't want to be suffocated by the crowd.

), but it's owned by the Watercourse folks (and located in the old space), so it should be ok, right? The preliminary reviews were pretty much on the dot; City is really more of a bar that happens to serve coffee (and veggie pizzas), a stylish nook that's kind of like a Cheers for the indie/creative community. Having said that, I was kind of intimidated about dining here, but the servers are in that friendly but unobtrusive Mathlete/A.V. club fashion, and the ambiance on one Saturday afternoon rather low-key. Perhaps I'll give it a second (or third) round.

EDIT: I went here four times in one week. Go for the #3 pizza with seitan!

The "eplemost," apple juice with cinnamon and whipped cream, is most exquisite, and made me want to tear off my reindeer-patterned sweater when I imbibed it in all its glory. During the summer, I like to go sit outside to enjoy excellent iced coffee, and watch other customers pour in.

El Azul is easily a contender, with helpful staff and hands down the best, most scrumptious slice of carrot cake I've ever had in my entire life. (A slice can be shared by two people.) Apparently quite intimate on weekday nights, we'll have to see what the vibes are like for breakfast and lunch (two menus: vegetarian and not). It doesn't hurt that the place is tastefully appointed either, with hazy sky blue and creamy tones and comfortable furnishings.

and more," so the site says. I first popped by to check out Acuarela Records' 15th anniversary party, and was pleasantly surprised by the intimate setting. Upon entering you first notice the register/cafe area in the middle, surrounded by shelves of fiction, design/art, poetry and autobiography. La Buena Vida also sells the odd CD and DVD selected, I'm sure, by personal preference, so you really get the feeling of love put into the entire endeavor. Perhaps if I were ever to open up a shop, it would be quite similar to this one.

Where else can you linger over a 1,50 cafe con leche and a little biscuit with a friend, and be left to your own devices? That's not to say that the service is careless, only that it's discreet. I'll come back again, for sure!

You almost step into a time warp and forget the neighboring tower blocks, as your olfactory senses are awakened by lavender, cayenne, and...Rocky Mountain Heat, a mix of wasabi and jalapeño. The pace here is slow and helpful, and the usually lone salesperson will go to great lengths to assist you in whatever you may need. Sweet finds for your foodie friend or the foodie in you.

A great gathering place that serves Pablo's coffee and offers innumerable nooks and crannies for working (DU is close by), chatting, or just lounging with your canine friend. The service can vary widely, from the quirky to the laidback to the super-friendly to the downright mean, but of course, this never deters the regulars, whether it's people from the surrounding neighborhood or stressed DU students. I'm giving it three stars only because I don't go often enough, and when I do, it's always packed. Take what you like from that assessment. I'm sure I'd frequent it if I lived closer.

Nice foreign language section and cafe, and the fact that it's all mere steps from Twist & Shout is an added plus.

Since the Cherry Creek closing and relocation to East Colfax, the LoDo branch is now the oldest, installing itself in the beautiful Morey Mercantile warehouse in 1994. Exposed interior framing and cozy, antique furnishings lend a rustic touch to your exploration of two floors of books, so like a Borgesian paradise, that you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave. All TC branches offer literary events, from readings (kids' storytimes are especially popular), signings, and community discussions, as well as coffeeshops and newsstands (non-English press included).

EUR), I'd probably eat here every day. As it stands, I "splurged" here twice, because the people were so friendly, and well, I could eat all that I could! If coming during the warmer months, do take advantage of the back patio seating; it's quite lovely to enjoy your food and listen to rustle of the leaves and watch the myriad shades of light. I heard that it's vegan-friendly, but as there no specific labels, you'll have to inquire with the helpful staff. Try the veggie takes on traditional Portuguese dishes as well as the lemon sorbet!

but no matter! It's the kind of place Francophiles who've never been to France--and some who have--simply fawn over, describing it as "lovely," "charming." and variations thereof. It's THAT popular, so be prepared for a wait at either the bistro and recently-opened wine bar, À Côté. Both menus (using organic ingredients) change daily but if you're at all familiar with traditional French cuisine, you'll be aware that it's not exactly vegetarian-/vegan-friendly. You might be relegated to the crêpes (wonderful) and soups, though for our omnivore friends, I've heard good things about the house meat plate. As mentioned, the place is usually packed, but the service is always warm and friendly, and that's perhaps the no. 1 reason why worldly Denver-ites clamor for more.