I might have to agree, but then again, I'm easily impressed by cute shops offering beautiful and one-of-a-kind clothes and accessories with prices to match. I bought an alarm clock because I felt like I couldn't walk away with anything, ha. The salesperson lets you take your time browsing the different collections and running your hands along the very fine threads.

Very, very chulled out atmosphere which is great for very fearful, very shy people like me. Either hang out upstairs by the bar and watch dogs go by or for more seclusion, downstairs, and mack on your partner. I mean...I heard Wednesdays are big for DJed flamenco, but I've yet to check it out.

The employees seem friendly--well, polite--enough. Good sound, good vibes. Being in a super-cool neighborhood, though, kinda scares me from going in the daytime.

You can imagine the greatest writers of the 20s, 30s in a feisty tertulia (debate/discussion), or perhaps overhear their contemporaries. On some afternoons, a good place to get lost in a book, hopefully with one of their delicious ice cream concoctions. I prefer the dulce de leche shake.

However, it's one of the only stores--well, that I know of--that SPECIALIZES in electronica pop, indie rock, etc., and you can't deny that the staff is knowledgeable. Also a section dedicated to peninsular artists, as can be found on labels like Jabalina, Elefant, and Acuarela. Some vinyl, and stations for listening; they also tickets to select shows (check their notice board). Expect to roughly 17,-EUR for one CD.

Such a favorite with the artsy/literary folk, sometimes you can't get past the cafe to the books, but it's worth jostling the crowd for a look at the carefully-selected titles. Check out the free readings and exhibits (mostly photography and painting), if you're into that, too. Otherwise, stop by just to try their AMAZING hot chocolate (three different kinds at last visit)--at 2,50,-EUR, it's so much better than what you get at San Ginés.

Happy Day is a cute little shop, really. It's decorated in a "super feminine" style, with flowers and butterfly wallpaper; you almost expect Amélie Poulain to make you a cortado and offer you a wonderfully decorated cupcake or a filling bagel a sandwich. Unfortunately, there's only one table, so you might have to take your goods to the nearby plaza.

The atmosphere is laidback, where you can sit for hours with the literary world of your choice. What's really cool about this place are all the events they host, such as language exchanges on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Friday quiz nights.

And, yes, of course, se habla ingles.

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!

Like Juan por Dios, a great concept, but go elsewhere for your cut or cut it yourself.

The really cool thing is that the clothes are available in all sizes; if yours is not in stock, and you really want something, just ask! That said, you're paying for the exclusivity...

I must admit that they overcharge for some products, but to me, it's worth paying 2 euros for a small bag of the beloved peanuts of my childhood, Growers "spicy" flavor. If you didn't grow up (are used to) instant pancit canton mix, banana ketchup, or mango-flavored crackers (or just know of an even better place), then this might not be worth the trip at all. Otherwise, step right in and stock up on Chippys, Oishis, and Milo drinks. Apparently, they also have halo-halo and bangus, but I've not yet verified this. (Note: this is so far the only place I know to stock rootbeer, that most refreshing of carbonated elixirs.)

Try the San Francisco and some nuts at the cozy little bar while you wait for some corner to empty. It's worth it. If there's more than two of you, try the Copa de la Casa, four scoops of different-flavored ice cream. Just don't let it get all soupy.

And the hats! Oh, the hats! Displayed so proudly on the wall. If something doesn't fit well, just say so, and Tito will fix you right up or recommend something else.