I tend to prefer locally-owned coffee shops over large chains, and Gold Bar embodies most of the reasons why.
The place is rather small, but most of the time there's still plenty of open seating at tables. (It can get pretty crowded on weekend mornings.) The decor gives it a bit of an "indie" feel, but very warm and enclosed: almost like you're sitting there doing your work in a kind stranger's home (full of other people doing work).
The coffee is above average, as have been most of the specialty drinks I've tried. Their extra-caffeinated "Totti coffee" can be helpful for an extra jolt of energy, especially to the highly caffeine-tolerant. The deserts in the window are generally pretty good, but deceptively sugary and dense- not recommended for the faint of heart. Their quiches (weekends only, I think) are delicious!
It's a great place for working/studying as well. Plenty of outlets, good seating and lighting, free wi-fi!