| rev:text
| - How do I love SoZo. Let me count the ways.
First, they actively support local music: i.e., there is live music every Friday and Saturday night, they have a monthly Open Mic weekend (that's Friday & Saturday night back to back), a jazz combo plays on Saturday late mornings/lunch time, and they host other local music projects/groups (such as the quarterly Songwriter's Challenge-go to azopenmic.com for more on that).
Second, they have a good sized stage with a permanent P.A. setup and drum set. Plug and play, kids. Oh, and a djembe, too.
Third, there is a kids' playroom in the back, and another room across the hall for smaller meetings/groups. The main area is large, open, and comfortable with a good selection of couches, tables, bar space, bistro seating, wood chairs, cozy chairs. Whatever mood your bum is in, they have a place for you to put it in.
Fourth, the atmosphere is relaxed, inviting, with music playing. It's not too quiet that you can't talk; it's not too loud that you can't think. Also, they have free Wi-Fi.
Fifth, I'm finally getting to the actual product: their coffee. I'm a former Starbucks barista, and this place makes way better drinks. I admit, I put whipped cream on everything, and SoZo does not have whipped cream, which initially was a disappointment. However, after tasting the delicious latte that was made for me (half almond-half vanilla breve), I didn't miss it a bit. The flavors blended beautifully; there was no bitter espresso jab halfway through swallowing. In short, the coffee here is so good that is doesn't need whipped cream. For me, that's saying a lot.
Sixth, their service is personal. When my drink is ready, the barista brings it to me where ever I'm seated. I really love that - versus listening for my name (or drink identifier) to be yelled out, praying it's written and pronounced correctly, and making a mad dash for the bar like a Pavlovian dog.
Seventh, the owners and workers here are the kind of people you want to be around and associate with. You know that they're good folks when they regularly donate proceeds to human interest non-profit groups (both locally and globally). They keep collection bins in their front window area for various organizations that distribute items to homeless, abuse victims, or economically disadvantaged populations. Beyond that, the staff (including management) is friendly, genuine, approachable, and massively cool.
Eighth, they have a frequent drinker card. 'Nuff said.
Ninth, they keep their events page current on facebook. That may not be terribly important to some, but when several musical events are happening within the week, it's reassuring to know that the owners are on top of it and communicating information with their patrons.
Are there any negatives to SoZo? They don't have a drive-thru and they're not directly on the 202. That's about it.
Go support them today.
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