If you do make a purchase, however, you're guaranteed to come out with something truly unique.The impeccably turned out salespeople at first seem intimidating, but they're quite nice (and multilingual!). This particular branch also houses a cafe, offering salads and sandwiches (one veggie option) as well as "psychoactive" teas.

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.

Love the mango lasse smoothie ($6) and vegan wrap ($5.75). A little overpriced, but super laidback. You're in Boulder, after all.

The ingredients always seem super fresh and the one girl that I always saw there was always seems friendly. I can vouch for the Toscana (on a Parmesan-oregano bagel) and Veggie bagels, but they have eight other sandwiches, too. This is what I wish Einstein's could be. Then again, I'm glad there's only one of these shops.

That said, Diurno is a mellow place to chill out with friends or peruse movies, with equally mellow spatial design for good vibes. It's actually quite popular, so I like to go on weekday mornings/afternoons when most of the regulars are off at work or whathaveyou.

My favorite part is not the actual sandwich, but the name, paying tribute to the area, with monikers like the Colfax Club, the Marion, the Ogden. It's been a while since I've visited, so I think a trip is in order.

You can't walk by without buying anything, nor without salivating at their counter. The dulce de leche croissant (they offer the homemade dulce de leche in a jar, too) is really, to die for, or try one of their empanadillas or hell, if you can afford it (financially, dietetically), try a little of everything! There's also a branch in Salamanca on Principe de Vergara, but this one is homier.

Sometimes the service is a little shoddy, but it definitely beats going to Subway (that's why I give it four stars). The classic subs and super salads are under $5, classic clubs being a buck more, and of course, other extras always adding a little to the final bill. A meat-eating friend recommends the Gold Coast (turkey, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo, sprouts, mustard and cheddar), while I go for trusty and (surprisingly filling!) veggie options. Besides that, the two awesome things worth noting about this place is that they deliver and are open til the wee hours.

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.)

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.

Given its location in the suburb of Arvada, the outside seating is not especially beautiful (unless, that is, you have an intense appreciation of parking lots). Four stars, though, for the excellent mochas (iced or not), though I can't remember if they offer any soy, and also four stars for the extreme hospitality. Probably the best place to peruse your purchase after hitting up the nearby Black & Read.

It's probably a completely false sensation, but I always seem to feel healthier once I come in close proximity to establishments such as these. Three different soups daily--nettle soup is a favorite--and excellent sandwiches on whole wheat bread. Oh yeah, smoothies, too, like mango/orange/lemon/ginger "Mix" at 4,50/5,50-EUR, and even milkshakes (I'm not sure about the avocado one, though). Planbio also offers a variety of lunch combos, depending on your needs, and cute little terrasse where your can sip your Saturday morning away.

Not bad, I guess, for meat-eaters, but I found myself left wanting after just one sandwich. Then again, I suppose you could invest in a few at only 2,-EUR each, and therein lays it main attraction.

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.