Review content:
I noticed another reviewer's headline ""Relaxing..."" and while that may be the case early in the a.m. or late in the p.m., I've also felt it was a fairly electric, noisy scene, especially when the owner's children are hanging out (some are musicians, too). It's in a word: ""eclectic"" and you never know who will show up and when... the patronage is as varied as the very-diverse menu. Like any place open to the public, the mood here changes with the visitors from time to time.
My best suggestion: bring a friend and snag one of the heavy block tables for the best experience. The staff and service are top-notch (whereas the prices are artist-friendly). This is a very well-thought-out place.
I watched Em and his people build this place slowly with TLC over a 2-year period (it was thoroughly zoned, licensed and and tested by Culver City and LA Country Health Dept. before opening!)... They just had their grand opening July 1-3, 2011, and I've been inside several times for coffee and food (plan to make my 2nd visit today later).
A number of surprisingly talented musicians (one form of artist found here a lot--there are also resident sculptors, painters, etc.--I'm among the musicians, lol) hang out (and occasionally work) here. I'm meeting up with a musician pal tonight (typical).
Dollar excellent coffee on the west side? U kidding? We are so THERE!
They feature a very eclectic partly exotic, full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, with optional non-factory meat (buffalo, free-range something or other [no junk meat available, ask 'em for details], alligator, etc.). Yum!
Everything I've drunk (e.g. the amazing one-dollar small coffee) or eaten here has been EXCELLENT. Really. Try it and see if you vibe with the atmosphere which is varied and mixed ages, you'll see hard rockers, world beaters (I play that), cute young things, and old fogeys (guilty). This joint was built with a glance back at the influential coffee shops of Paris, France, although French cuisine is only a small part of the menu.
Try the big choco chip pastries, among other low-priced goodies (not everything is super cheap, but it's all really good). :) Highly recommended.
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