If I had written this review on THE EXACT DAY that I had been there for the first time. It would have been a raving review about how great their barista was and how great the shot of espresso I had was. Unfortunately, since then it's been mediocre shots at best with the barista nowhere near as good as the guy the first time I was there. He was in agreement with me, it's all about the barista and nothing has driven that point home more than the ongoing experience I've been having at this place.
A lot of people like to hang out in this place and do absolutely nothing, but seem productive on their netbooks. I'm not a fan of the 'netbook' movement in cafes, it's lame, stupid and irritating that I can't find a seat because someone is chatting on msn amongst society to feel at one with humanity. Harsh, sure, but I don't like to read low-ball reviews on places just because they won't allow you to sit there for 5 hours writing your thesis or chatting on msn when I can't even find an easy spot to sit for 10 minutes for a drink and a chat.
They sell 49th parallel coffee and espresso and also some auction lot stuff which is very cool. They've stopped siphon due to the length of time it takes to prepare...sad because they even have a halogen burner!! They have a really nice elektra on the shelf they keep their products which is a nice touch.
Nice place, GOOD coffee.