My Passport partner and I had scoped out this cafe a few months back, when we'd been on our way to [Sunny] Joe's Cafe up the street. At that time we got the sense that this was an almost formal kind of place, dark and very busy with people who all seemed to know each other.
In the spirit of the Passport, we came back and were delightfully surprised to find Baluchon to be quirky, unassuming and very welcoming. The barista was taking care of a few orders when we arrived, but assured us she'd be with us soon and please just make ourselves at home. We got comfortable in a corner booth and eavesdropped on some interesting arty conversations while we waited for our beverages. We savoured our coffees and got some good info on galleries and exhibitions in the area.
So glad we came back to experience Baluchon and a bit more of the neighbourhood.
Totally worth it.