Black Bear Espresso is right by my work on Carlton St so I pop in pretty often. Service is really friendly and the ambiance is very welcoming with cute decor and warm wood. There are some bar seats, two tables and a large couch. I haven't ever had problems finding a seat but I usually come in the middle of the day on weekdays.
I've tried their lattes and chai lattes, which are both great. The small size of the chai latte is really small--I would go with the medium as it's not that much more expensive. Prices are about the same as in other similar cafes, about $4-5 for a medium beverage. Overall it's a great spot to hang out with some friends, read or study.