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
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.