I used to like Big Dog but after a while it tends to loose its luster. My biggest pet-peeve is the squatters.
Seating tends to be small since students squat their and push together tables taking up a lot of space. They bring in outside food like subway and nobody says anything to them. It's also a frequent spot for American Eagle corporate employees so it looks like yuppy central. Which makes no sense since they have coffee from Starbucks brought in to corporate and can get it for a dollar.
Speaking of price, I don't think they would have to charge as much if they didn't have people hogging up tables. If I were the owners, I'd just kill the wifi altogether to get rid of them. If you're looking to sit and relax and enjoy some tea, I'd suggest staying at home. The prices are too high and they serve it in a giant mug so it looses heat quickly. pretty soon you're just drinking cold tea.
So if you are out shopping and want a drink I'd suggest you go someplace else for your quirky cool cafe stop. Big Dog has become more of a yuppy overflow room. No thanks.