The Anna's location in St. Johns is my spot. You know... where everybody knows your name? And they're always glad you came? The baristas are friendly and funny and very knowledgeable about what they serve. It's comfortable and cozy and very, very Portland. Free WiFi makes it a great place to spend the day and get stuff done, which I often do, and there's a nice room in the back for private meetings or study sessions for the scads of UP students who regularly hang out there. \r
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The coffee is good, the treats and food are yummy and more than anything, it lacks the pretense and ultra hipster atmosphere that permeates most typical Portland coffee shops. The staff is genuine and down to earth, as is the decor, which features various local art that rotates regularly. Kids are welcome and there are plenty of them toddling about with their parents on the weekends.\r
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They're open late all week long, which is more than anyone can say for most Starbucks or most any other coffee houses in the general vicinity, really. And the music is almost always very cool, if not interesting... when they are playing it, but if you're really lucky, you might be there when they turn on The Daily Show or the Steven Colbert Report on the TV over the bar. Then you can share a laugh with the guy next to you and Anna's shines in all the glory of what it does best... creates a sense of community.
Pros: Off-Street Parking, Free WiFi, Friendly Service, Great Ambience
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