It's a classic case of supply and demand--of space, at least, clocking with three (and a half) tables. As there's nothing too spectacular on offer (vegetarian salad, shrimp ravioli, and of course, spring rolls), you surely don't have to trek all the way out here. However, I must say that this is hands down one of the--nay, THE--friendliest Vietnamese eatery I've been to, and I'm not just talking about the proprietors, either. At 3,- to 6,-EUR/portion, you'd probably want to save room for a little of everything, though you might want to pass if you really want to fill yourself up.

Well, it still SORT of is, though there's logic behind the decorative choice: once upon a time, the Folies played host to some legendary chansonniers like Chevalier and Piaf (she's from the hood, and born just up the street). It's another one of those neighborhood places where you can just nurse your drinks and talk...forever; the folks who run it don't seem to mind even when they're brimming with customers. Open at 6 on weekdays and Saturdays, 7 on Sundays.

You might convert--and lose your mind--as soon as you step inside, astounded by the sheer selection of titles and assorted memorabilia. Mull over potential purchases (Rutu Modan? Argentine comic history? limited edition Tintin print?) upstairs over a cup of coffee, which can be free upon registration for a loyalty card. Only minor con: the service can sometimes be slow, but at least it's always with a smile.

" You really only came here for the history, for the nostalgia (you love Bill Cosby), before or after a show, because let's face it, you probably don't live in the neighborhood, and there aren't very many things on the menu you can actually eat. The homemade veggie chili IS vegan (large a little over $5), with TVP and you can add cheese (for vegetarians) and onions for a little extra. Breakfast is served until around 11, but, given the shop's reputation, it's mostly crowded any time of the day!

You order your coffee at the bar (2E, if I remember correctly) and then you take it to your little coin and no one bothers you; nothing too special. Perhaps it picks up when the afternoon classes get out, but it's a calm place to psychologically prep myself for said classes. If you're into meeting random people, informal language exchanges take place every Thursday at 8PM.

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.

They have since grown from popularity and opened up a restaurant next door, and the fancier Grill just down the street. I love coming in the take-away shop/café and munching on their very filling empanadas ($1.75) each. My favorites are the spinach and cheese, while meat-eating friends have enjoyed the chicken margarita and spicy beef. You have 30+ types of pizza to choose from, either tomato or olive-oil based, all very creative. Try the Humita (corn, onion, bechamel), Belgrano (blue cheese, hearts of palm), or if you're feeling literary, the Borges (spinach, tomato, bechamel)! Their gelato is also very wonderful, with three types of dulce de leche, and the fruit mixes are A-mazing! I love this place so much I could live off of just the bread and chimichurri spread they serve dine-in patrons. To top it all off, the service is quite friendly and enthusiastic, happy to answer any questions you may have.

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).

Wander not even a block down to this cafe, where you can hook up for the mere price of a coffee and enjoy Michal Gabriel's bronze horses across the street. For those wanting a snack, I heartily recommend the croissants, always excellent whether morning, noon, or night.

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.

So far my favorite coffeeshop in which to relax during weekday afternoons, with a book or with friends or just staring off into space listening to music that I always seem to enjoy, though I might not necessarily know who is playing. On the weekends, it can be sometimes tough to find a spot because it's a rather "well-known secret." Really good but kind of expensive (2EUR) tea.

Although we made the staff wait for the rest of our huge party to trickle in, without reservations, on a Saturday night, service was still with a smile. That said, there's not much on the menu for vegetarians (let alone vegans), and although the two cheese (cantal and I forget what other cheese) sandwich was quite filling, I could've bought it elsewhere for much less or made it myself. There's also an appetizing-looking "Basque-style" soup and the very hearty Boyarde.

Although the pricing is not super friendly to the student budget, I made it a point to stop by at least once a week to take in if not this very spicy concoction, then the equally tasty kung pao tofu with peanuts or eggplant in garlic sauce. Such is my love for this place! The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, and didn't mind me ordering practically the same meal each time I visited for lunch.

This is the one of my adolescence, so I have very fond memories of it. Local art, local musicians--shoo, even the Hills (Clinton) stopped by many moons ago. I went by recently and while they still have the same cozy seats and the same tasty drinks, it had a very different vibe, lots of upper middle-class folks at their laptops. Well, the change is in both me and the neighborhood, so I shouldn't complain, and Common Grounds has seen a lot over the years.

This location is the main branch, housing five public floors in the including the world-reknowned Western History & Genealogy collection. This Michael Graves-designed building offers a multitude of nooks and crannies in which to peruse any literature of your choice (5th floor is my favorite on which to get serious studying/reflection done, as it is the least populated). The library also offers free internet, though there is usually a queue. Sometimes, special exhibits are shown on the 7th floor, often worth checking out. In the basement, they host the (free) film series. If you get thirsty, there's a(n) overpriced cafe just to the left of the Broadway entrance.

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.

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.

Gourmet or not though, it's still my favorite place to get a cheese and onion treat. The spinach and bechamel empanada is not too shabby, either. At 1,80-EUR each, you can't go wrong, though you'll surely want to eat a couple more after each delicious bite. If you're really hungry (or are having a party), consider a dozen and get it delivered to your door. Ugh, just looking at their new glossy menu makes my mouth water! (Note: There's also a branch at Pza Cuzco on Calle del Pensamiento and also one in Alcobendas.)

Don't expect exemplary service, just (relatively) fast food. The lunch specials ($5) are a good deal.

One time I tried to order a pot of tea but didn't have enough money--she just let me give her what I had (not even half). They also have very good muffins and gelato.

This particular one may beat even Berthillon or Octave of Paris. Los Alpes has been in the family for three generations and while they don't have much in the way of seating, they make up for it in the delicious offerings. Be sure to take a loyalty card as I guarantee you that you'll be back sooner than you know it! My personal favorite is cream with pine nuts.

At roughly two years old, the House of Commons is indeed an "oasis of calm," dare I say, even a HAVEN OF SERENITY. Usually I am the kind of person who's too nervous to step into places with which I'm not familiar, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable and enjoy my pot of imperial gunpowder and a good book. (However, I'm giving it only three stars, because my scone was stale, the last time I went there...)

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.

My stepdad was really into the posole, but I can't remember much else. Another place to retry in the immediate future.

When I lived in this neighborhood, I practically lived off of the cheesy burritos, topped with cubed tomatoes and dashes of lettuce (around $3), but I've since found concoctions that my taste buds prefer. Good chips, though.

The few times I've been here, I always order the fixed-price lunch menu, and when there's nothing vegetarian to eat, the same server always checks with the chef to see if they can't cook me up an alternative. They always do AND they still charge the same price! Now, THAT'S service! I keep coming back because of the relaxed atmosphere and the employees are friendly without overdoing it, know when to leave you alone to enjoy your food. Try the very exquisite crepes!

It's a low-key place to converse with your friends (when you can hear them) and where you can hear a variety of music and enjoy people letting loose but in a non-aggressive way. The toilets are unfortunately not too clean, however.

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.

There's currently only one official server, but the service isn't at all slow; relaxed is the preferred term at this neighborhood spot. The salads also look interesting; I'll have to come back for either that, or the language exchange that the owners organize, among other things.

I've only eaten at two--Meskerem and Zed's, both in DC--so those previous experiences will be my guide in reviewing their Lyonnais counterpart. I'm also totally ignorant of the Ethiopian population in Lyon itself, though I figure it must be substantial to warrant a public celebration of their national food. That said, friends and I ordered a large platter and for about 15,-EUR, contented our stomachs with injera with vegetarian messabi: samplings of lentils, carrots, and spinach. The service was welcoming, the atmosphere relaxed, but if you yourself are a connoisseur, it's probably best to hold out unless you're wanting a "different" experience or you're really craving alicha watt and honey wine.

My friend and I split a "charhecoal burner's" which featured either seitan or some mock meat and a bunch of veggies...so tasty! The appetizer with the toast and eggplant spread was fabulous, though the four seasons salad looked less than inviting. We would've tried out the appetizing desserts, but we were still so full from the pizza. Our server was also quite nice and efficient.

) tables, usually occupied by waiting customers. This is a nondescript, family-run, neighborhood place where although not everyone knows your name, you certainly feel like they'll eventually get to it. Wontons and soup are enough to fill you up.

Spanish only, service sometimes slow and dubious, but products, prices, and ambience as though you were in a small village.

Walking back up the street, she saw a sign for Paraiso Chino out of the corner of her and eye, and after scanning the menu (cheap and veggie options), we decided to try it out. Got there right at lunch time, efficient and friendly service, nondescript decor (although they have tablecloths and cloth napkins!) though nothing really above the ordinary. The two fixed-price lunch menus (at 7 and I believe, 10,-EUR each) are only available during the week, but we spent about 10,-EUR each, anyway. Be careful with the wontons, though, as they apparently have pork and not the cheese ones. The spicy tofu is really good, as is the veggie lo mein. The desserts look mighty delectable as well; I shall have to find out next time.

The first thing you see upon entering the seemingly barren parking lot is the Viet Hoa supermarket at the south end. Pho 99 is actually one of a string of smaller shops located on the eastern end of the lot, between a nail salon, and fish market, if I remember correctly.

Unlike other pho joints I've been to, there's actually something (besides boba) for veggies, though nothing too substantial. That is, unless you want to fill up on their delicious spring rolls (and specify vegetarian WITH TOFU). I did this last time, and also asked for a side of steamed white rice. Not too shabby at less than $4.

While the Inn, reconceptualized as the VI beats Sam's in the 50s throwback diner decor, you can find a healthier cross-section of the local population trying to decide between huevos rancheros (available in vegetarian chili), classic burgers, or burritos. Comfort food for the rushed downtown set (weekdays lunchtime usually sees a crowd) and easy on the pocketbook, too.

Nice staff, good blended drinks (try the Black Forest mocha), and free wifi. Very convenient to public transport either on your way to or from downtown.

Un/fortunately, friends and I just conversed over coffee and extremely delicious banana walnut cookies in the area seating right past the coffeeshop. Next time, I'll for sure take time to browse through the collection of novels, comics, and local history tomes.

This relative also happens to be a good cook. You relax in one of the wooden booths, gazing at various photographic anecdotes of Mexican history, grabbing some fresh, homemade chips here and there. Even when the restaurant is busy, your enchiladas rojas or tacos albanil come out almost as soon as you ordered, sometimes served by the super friendly owner himself, or one of the other equally welcoming family members. So cozy, you just might end up eating all your meals here.

At $8, however, I was thinking that there were other area vegan restos that deliver much more bang for the buck. Then again, maybe I ordered the wrong thing. The service was notably relaxed but not unfriendly.

Additionally, Mr. Chen (I'm assuming he's the owner) speaks English and is quite nice about helping you out. Extremely generous portions for the price: I was full just on the spring roll and was able to eat my tofu and veggies for lunch AND dinner. Some folks might not appreciate the plastic dishware or the distance from the center, though I'd say that it's totally worth the venture.