For 20P, you can get a simple bagel with cream cheese; its upwards from there for a fancier sandwich. The vegetarian version is nothing super elaborate, but sure fills up the stomach. Drinks range from 12-30P. I didn't have much to do except to while away the morning, so I splurged on a delicious hot chocolate and then an even more delicious mocha. Usually a one-person operation, the service can be "relaxed," but also quite welcoming towards locals, language students, and tourists alike.

Because I'm sure there are better places to get bagels. HOWEVER, I AM a creature of habit, so Bagel Co. (formerly Bagel Station, an offshoot of the chain in Vienna), has since become my go-to place for my favorite breakfast item. The staff are used to visitors and so don't think anything of hungry non-German-speaking bagel fanatics such as myself.

At least, this is what my friend and I tried. Between the two of us, we split about 7 blintzes as well as the aforementioned spreads; although our selections were nothing to write home about, we were soon stuffed. The hot chocolate, hand-ground (?) with love, was on the other hand quite delicious, as was the pineapple financier (it's similar to a madeleine). If I were rating it just on service, I'd give the place five stars; perhaps we caught the place on a slow day, but the lady (proprietor?) was more than welcoming and didn't seem to mind going up and down the narrow spiral staircase to take care of us. I'd return just because of the friendliness and the relaxed atmosphere.

I thought of one, in particular, and wished she could share the moment with me, the two of us reading and enjoying each other's company. Those were the feelings invoked in me during breakfast in this oasis of serenity (not including the parrots, of course!), but given that I was there quite early, in the dead of winter, makes me doubt that the Blumencafé is anything if not popular--it's on the main drag in Prenzlberg, of course, and only a jaunt up from Kastanienallee. The service was very relaxed and uninstrusive, and when I left, the cute girl offered me a flower from the shop next door. Nice touch!

"Juice lovers unite!" ought to be the tubularly cheesy yet utterly accurate motto of this miniscule juice bar near the Canal Saint-Martin. Along with a drink (between 3,- to 5,-EUR alone, made from seasonal ingredients), the 7,-EUR formule will get you soup, salad, and ever fresh, ever delicious muffin. (Try apple cinnamon!) And let's not forget the 1,-EUR coffee, pretty much unheard of...everywhere in Western Europe (and certainly not around these boho parts)! Did I mention the pancakes on Saturdays?! Jamba quoi?
Closed on Sundays, unfortunately.

Add five or six years to Harriet the Spy, Claudia Kishi, or Hermione Granger, and they could all work at the Secret Garden, which actually neither as exclusive as the former nor as pleasant as the latter. The antithesis to "classy," "chic" joints in Salamanca and Chueca, this cafe's SO alternative, that you want to look for an alternative, especially because the best coffeeshops, in my opinion, are open for fauxllectual discussions with friends before FIVE in the evening. Then again, you don't want to go that Moby Dick haunt, right? You trudge back in, gloss over the extensive beverage menu, and make your drink last, chortling at the junior-high decor, until the next party arrives.

Why? On the fourth floor of the Escuelas Pias building, Gaudeamus is especially known for its beautiful rooftop terrace with views over Lavapies, but also for its sober chic decor, not to mention the gastronomic offering (including a great selection of black teas). For the atmosphere, the price is not bad, and if you get there just when the cafe opens (around 3 or 3:30 in the afternoon), you can actually just chill out and plunge into a book. There is a bunch of food (eggplant and zucchini, and a slew of salads and sandwiches) that I'd love to try, but there only available after 8pm, when stuff gets cracking. Don't forget to check their site for the latest cultural happenings.

Buzzing at dusk til dawn, I prefer coming here early in the morning, when there is practically no one save for a few early risers (or insomniacs, depending on how you see it). Very good hot chocolate and friendly (if at times, slow) service. Poetry slams on Mondays and weekend shows.

That said, I would almost always get the "Marilyn Monroe," a panini with sundried tomatoes, cucumbers, pesto spread, and goat cheese, and about the only sandwich that can be made vegetarian, if you ask to leave out the turkey. With the paninis, you have the option of getting 1/2 or the whole thing. As far as salads go, you can either choose from their selection, or "build your own." Again, I've never tried this more leafy part of the menu, but the paninis are nothing to write home about; I much prefer Wholly Tomato.

The clientele varies according to day--especially during weekends, quite popular at night thru the wee hours of the morning with young-ish folks who probably idolize Sartre, Ayn Rand, or maybe even some more obscure philosopher of whom I've never heard. When it's light out, it has a more casual, less pretentious vibe. The service (to your table) also varies, but it is usually friendly. Local art decorates the walls, the hummus sandwich is pretty darn good. If it weren't one of the only "cool" cafes open late at night, well, then, I guess we would have other (better?) options, obviously.

Lovers can also canoodle in the cozy interior, over sumptuous crepes and smoothies. With an intimate ambiance and efficient staff, it's no wonder that this a Guanajuato favorite. I'd like to see how the place feels in the morning, though.

Much like County Life or Viva la Vida, you grab as you like and pay by weight, where eating in-house versus taking away will cost you slightly more (per 100g). I twice made the mistake of going to lunch there, but fortunately, I was able to take my drinks (mango lassi the first time, rooibos iced tea the second) and sandwiches out to the bustling Barfüsserplatz. A third visit was made on the second day, in the afternoon, where I downed two mochas, perfectly frothed to my delight (soy milk available). All in all, a wonderful, self-service experience and merits multiple stops while in town.