I adored Uptown Coffee as a middle- and high-school student, mostly due to its proximity to the school. It is a great, mellow place to hang out for hours. Their drinks and desserts are always delicious, and they used to serve sandwiches. They seem to have gone through a makeover since I graduated, and now it is much better lit, though the much-beloved couch is no longer.
Uptown Coffee is a great alternative to Starbucks and a great place to spend a few hours catching up with friends.