Gypsy Beans and Baking Company: an addendum

Gypsy Beans: #1 coffee shop in Cleveland (according to me)

It has been three months since I started this blog and thus three months since I first wrote about Gypsy Beans and Baking Company. My initial review of Gypsy was positive, but I wasn't entirely sold at the time. After spending 3 consecutive weeks, from open till close (seriously 7:00-9/10:00),  I feel the need to add an addendum to my review and to also note that Gypsy is by far my absolute favorite coffee shop in the Cleveland metro area. I would even go so far as to say my favorite coffee shop in the Cleveland and Boston metro areas combined.

You are probably asking yourself how can I possibly make such a dramatic statement. OK, you may not be, but I'll tell you anyways. As I mentioned, I spent all of my waking hours every day for three weeks at Gypsy studying for a really huge and important exam and not one of those days did I dread the 25 minute drive nor the fact that I would be sitting in one location, literally the same seat at the same table, for 10-14 hours. After visiting many of the local coffee shops over a period of two months, I'll confidently say that Gypsy has the friendliest, most hospitable, and accommodating staff around. I had wonderful conversations with every employee from discussing local fresh farmed eggs to the recent concert we had both attended to deep philosophical conversations that I'm still not sure I actually understand. Gypsy has an extensive menu and over those three weeks, I tried at least half of what was offered. My favorite and something I still constantly crave are the peanut butter bran muffins. Everything is baked in house and everything is delicious. I previously mentioned that the music selection was hit or miss and that is still the case. Generally though, the music is awesome. The same qualms I had about the seating still stand, the outlets are rare, and the lighting could be brighter, but I managed to find my favorite seat and have managed to sit there every single time I stop in. No, I won't tell you because I worked hard to determine which was my favorite and I can't risk having it become everyone's favorite...

Gypsy Beans definitely ranks #1 on my list of coffee shops in the Cleveland area. From a friendly and diverse staff, a welcoming owner, delicious food, awesome music, and a fun atmosphere, I can't imagine frequenting anywhere else.

April 10th 2012 review:

Gypsy Beans and Baking Company

Gypsy Beans and Baking Company

I’ve been talking about it for long enough and I think it is finally time that I put my words into action. For all of my friends who have had to politely put up with my restaurant reviews, food reviews, and endless commentary while dining out with me, and I do genuinely appreciate it, you now have an entirely new venue to hear about them!

I’ll begin with a review of Gypsy Beans and Baking Company. Due to my short attention span and need to constantly change where I am working, I’m constantly looking for new coffee shops where I can study. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time at the coffee shops closest to me, so I ventured out of my usual 3 mile radius to check out Gypsy Beans. I don’t usually just stumble upon locations to work, so I did all the necessary research before heading out.
The Basics:

• Free wifi-yes
• Free parking lot-yes
• Decent hours-yes
• Electrical outlets: few
• Price of a medium latte: $4.04

I’ll start by saying that Gypsy has the best music of any coffee shop that I have frequented. Ever. The XX, The Blow, Tegan and Sara, Gotye, Black Keys, Stars, etc.* The extensive coffee list is only augmented by a fabulous variety of food options. A full menu plus a beautiful pastry case (I didn’t eat anything, so I’m not going to comment on the quality). I’ll try something next time since everything appeared to be made in-house. I was happy with my latte, though it was on the expensive side. Obviously coming here with my computer, I searched for a table near an outlet. This was the only real problem I encountered. It appears that there are only two available outlet options, so you must be strategic when looking for a seat. There is plenty of natural light, which I found to be a nice feature that also helped keep me alert. I already mentioned the music, which was great, but there was also a lot of background buzz. It wasn’t anything that specific, so it didn’t bother me too much. I definitely plan to return. The distance is a slight impediment, but it is always nice to have new study options.

6425 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 939-9009 http://www.gypsybeans.com

When driving west, turn left on W. 65th and the parking lot is directly on your left.

*The music started to change as I was leaving. I still plan to return…but maybe with headphones.

Panera Bread

I'm currently studying for the really really really big exam that shall not be named, so blogging is not really at the top of my priority list. I drank a bit too much coffee and am now too scattered to focus, so I will review my current location.

Panera

I've worked hard to frequent local, non-chain establishments for the past few months rather than the big chains. I take pride in supporting local businesses when I can, even if it means I can't use the Starbucks gift card my generous sister gave to me. I needed to be over on the East Side later in the day, so I settled myself at the Panera near I-271. Since I really do need to be studying, this will be a very quick review with only the important information. I'll note here that I am now studying exclusively with the aid of magic little ear plugs, so I can't comment on any music that may or may not have been playing.

The Basics:

• Free Wifi: Yes! 
• Free Parking Lot: Yes! and quite plentiful, this is the suburbs...
• Decent Hours: Yes
• Electrical Outlets: Hit or miss depending on where you sit. I suggest you do a walk through before choosing a table to only discover that there isn't a nearby outlet.
• Unique Features: Huge menu (expensive for a student budget). Large coffee is $2.00 with free refills-at least that is what I decided (mixed blessing since I now realize that I definitely drank too much). 

I don't know if its the new location, the plentiful coffee, or using my ear plugs, but I've had an incredibly productive day. A helpful tip, if you plan to be here during the lunch rush, either wear ear plugs or don't plan on getting work done because it is very noisy.

Algebra Tea House

Algebra Tea House


I chose to work in walking distance from home today because, quite honestly, driving to many of these coffee shops is starting to cost me a lot in gas money. The walk over also gave me a chance to enjoy the sunny sky and hurricane like winds (seriously windy, the glass door to my apartment building literally cracked due to the wind). I was last at Algebra over a year ago and for some unknown reason, didn't make the 2 minute detour while walking home from school at any point since. 


The Basics: 

• Free Wifi: yes! no password required
• Free Parking Lot: no and there is limited street parking. There are some meter spots along Circle drive, but realistically you need to either walk here (perfect for most students) or get lucky with a parking spot. 
• Decent Hours: yes! Open 10am-11pm every single day, including Sundays
• Electrical Outlets: incredible. Every seating option has a 4 outlet electrical box next to it. 
• Unique Features: a few tables outside and a middle eastern non-perishable grocery section.

Algebra has a very alternative vibe compared to most other coffee/tea shops that I've frequented. Perhaps its the eclectic furniture or the lack of artificial light or the incredible green and purple painted tin ceiling or maybe it is all of these things. Algebra has an extensive tea menu, coffee menu, and food menu that would allow anyone to easily spend their entire day here and not starve. I ordered a simple cup of coffee ($2.00) that came in what appeared to be a handmade ceramic mug. The way mass industry works these days, I have no idea if its actually hand made or mass produced, but it had a good heavy feel to it. The furniture at algebra is very diverse and is quite possibly from directly out of a yard sale. I originally chose to sit by the front window at a high table because I spotted a very convenient outlet and it had the feeling of a small nook within the larger shop. That plan did not work out very well because I quickly learned that the tables were too high or the chairs were too low...all I know is that the table was at shoulder level for me. Not a very ergonomic space. Next I tried out a table in the back. There is one "normal" table in the bad with four semi-comfortable wooden chairs that is situated next to a window and, you guessed it, an outlet. The only draw back of this seat is that its next to a speaker for the entire shop, so it is a bit loud. The music has ranged from middle eastern to classical to jazz and was only slightly bothersome after several hours.

 Front Entrance

This is the first coffee/tea shop where I've actually had a meal. I went with the Iraqi Kebab Sandwich ($6.50) without tomatoes. Damn it was good. The kebab had a great flavor and there was plenty of it. I thought it was a bit too salty, but nothing I couldn't handle. All of their sandwiches looked really good and I look forward to trying a few more. 

Seeing as though this place is so convenient for me to walk to and is frankly, quite different compared to many of the other options in town, I'd say I'll definitely be back. Plus, its only a block away from the Washington Inn, where I can satisfy my cocktail happy hour craving. 

2136 Murray Hill Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106

(216) 421-9007

Latitude 41N

Guest post by Erin!

A friend recently told me about Latitude 41N, a great brunch spot (you know what
brunch means) down in the Gordon Square area. Coming from someone who had
recommended both Big Al’s Diner (go on Sunday at noon to see the hats!) and
Happy Dog (possibly one of the only gourmet build-your-own hot dog joints in
the northeast Ohio area), I felt that I had no choice. It was bound to be tasty, and I
should probably bring a wheelbarrow to be transported out of my seat when I was
done. So last Saturday (kfine, it wasn’t Sunday brunch), a group of 11 of us braved
our Saturday morning hangovers to seek out a delicious carb and bacon filled
brunch (I know YOU know what brunch means).

First, the location. It’s along Detroit (5712 Detroit Avenue), close enough to the
Gordon Square area to be somewhere, but far enough away to be nowhere. They
have a small lot, which was filled when we got there, but there was plenty of street
parking right there. Inside, there were plenty of tables (and big enough for 11
people), and even some comfy chairs if you were just looking for a cup of coffee and
somewhere to sit, and they even have wireless if you wanted to get some work done.

Second, the service. Excellent. I’m really not one to judge the finer details of service,
but I didn’t notice anything bad, so it must have been good.

Third, the food. OH MY GOD, THE FOOD. They specialize in “creative comfort food,”
and it is both creative and comforting. Their coffee was self-serve, which made
it possible to consume as much coffee as humanly possible in order to nurse said
hangover. Plus it was great coffee. We technically didn’t have the “Sunday brunch”
menu, but instead had their regular breakfast menu, although it’s pretty much
the same thing. I ordered the Southwest Quesadilla. Being from a land far away
where Mexican food is considered sacred, I’m usually hesitant to eat it anywhere
out of a 200-mile radius of actual Mexico. But it had avocado. And CHORIZO, oh
the chorizoooooooooo. Pretty much a massive breakfast quesadilla, filled with
scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage, black beans, avocado, tomato, and cheese, served
with salsa and sour cream. I highly recommend it, and I’ll probably try to make it at
least once at home. There wasn’t a single dish that came out to our table that looked
unappealing. Several people got their famous Menage a trois breakfast special,
which is pretty much a massive amount of food for $5. Plus you can add on sides
for $1, so if there’s something else on the menu that you’d just like a taste of (ahem,
cinnamon roll French toast), you can add that on. And if you’re ready for a big-boy
breakfast, go for one of their breakfast pizzas (the “Cure for a Hangover Pizza” or
the “Pizza for Benedict,” obviously with the ribeye). “Rocky” theme soundtrack not
included.

In summary: go.

5712 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102

(216) 961-0000

Mon-Sat 8 am - 10 pm

Sun 8 am - 2 pm

Wifi-yes

New favorite dish in Cleveland

I tried out Lolita's happy hour last night. Fantastic decision. I last dined at Lolita during Parent's Weekend of my freshman year and just haven't made it back, until last night. Fantastic happy hour, great prices, small yet diverse selection, and beautifully crafted cocktails.

My over eager dining companion had eyes bigger than his stomach, so we ended up trying almost the entire happy hour menu.

• Margarita Martini - vodka, sauza, triple sec, gran gala, sour mix,

dash of cranberry $5

• Beta - vodka infused with ginger, fresh lime juice, soda, rocks $5

• Fried Brussels Sprouts - capers, anchovies, walnuts x2
  

• Mussels - chorizo, garlic, parsley

• Lolita Burger - bacon, fried egg, aged cheddar, onion

• Charred Eggplant Dip - feta, lemon, chili, toasted cumin, flatbread

I would, without hesitation, order the Fried Brussels Sprouts. These are seriously my new favorite dish in all of Cleveland. Yes, this is a very extreme statement to make. I really enjoyed the flavors and texture; they made the dish very unique, yet simple. I'd avoid the mussels, they just weren't anything special.

900 Literary Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-771-5652

Hours:

Tuesday - Thursday 5-10

Friday and Saturday 5-12
Sunday 4-9

This blog is becoming really expensive. I think I need to move away from lattes and start ordering regular coffee.

A. J. Rocco's

A. J. Rocco's

On recommendation from a friend, I came to A. J. Rocco’s on a Tuesday morning. I had previously sent out a request that if anyone knew of a coffee shop that served beer or a bar that felt like a coffee shop, to please notify me. A.J Rocco’s is literally a bar and coffee shop in ONE space. Seriously, why are there not more of these awesome hybrids?!

The Basics:

• Free Wifi: Yes!
• Free Parking Lot: No. There is a parking lot around the corner that costs $5 for the day, unless there is an event at Progressive Field or the Q. Plenty of lots in general and there is always metered street parking.
• Decent Hours: LATE, but then it becomes a real bar…so maybe not the best for working.
• Electrical Outlets: Enough to be able to get work done, but could be better.
• Unique features: This is a bar and coffee shop in one! Also a patio and $1 14oz. drip coffee on Tuesdays.

I really wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived at A. J. Rocco’s. I honestly felt strange walking into a bar at 10:30am, especially when the first thing I saw was a middle aged man drinking a pint of beer and a shot of liquor. Luckily, I quickly noticed the bakery case and coffee side of the bar (left half is BAR and right half is COFFEE). As I mentioned, Tuesdays is $1 drip coffee. It was fine, nothing to be that excited about…but you can’t beat the price. I sat at a fairly large table in the front corner where I had easy access to an outlet and was able to avoid the constant foot traffic. I was mostly the only customer for the better part of the morning, except for the occasional downtown employee running in for a coffee to go. It was quiet and the music was awesome with some Fiona Apple, Elliot Smith, Radiohead, Andrew Bird, and a ton of stuff that I didn’t recognize.

Noon brought in the lunch time rush, which slowed to a minimum by 1:15pm. A. J. Rocco’s has a full lunch menu and is obviously a popular spot for many people who work in the area. This obviously brought up the noise level and the smell of grease started to permeate the air.

Tables and chairs are pretty comfortable/standard. There is a faint hint of old beer and cigarette smoke, which is really the only thing that reminds you A.J Rocco’s is also a fully functioning bar at night. I’m surprised by how productive I was during my entire stay here. May be due to it being an entirely new location or the fact that I was the only person here for the majority of time. Either way, I really like it here and am excited to come back. Maybe I’ll put in an update once I have a beer. What, you thought I wasn’t going to have one?

816 Huron Rd E
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 861-8358

http://www.ajroccos.com *Don’t come here on the weekends if working is your goal. Open at 5pm on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. TUESDAY
$1 regular or large brewed coffee
WEDNESDAY
$2 12 oz espresso drinks. additional for syrups.
COFFEE BREAK!! 2:30 - 3:30p WEEKDAYS
$1 regular brew
$1 espresso shot
THURSDAY
.50 cents of 12 oz whole beans bags of Cleveland Coffee Company.