| rev:text
| - READ THIS FIRST: If you are looking for a high volume, quick place to get a massive quantity of coffee, and a huge indoor space to stretch out and sit for hours using their WiFi, this is NOT the place for you.
For the past 2 years my husband and I drove past the little place at 32nd Street and Shea wanting to try it. However, we were addicted to the green mermaid and her infinite helpings of caffeinated drinks. We could get in and get out without much interaction from the staff or clientele. After speaking to several people who work in the area, we decided to stop in one Saturday morning for a mini-date. It was the best choice we've made with regards to restaurants in a very long time.
This place is small, dark and cozy, with an eclectic menu, music, vibe, and customer base. Now, reading other reviews, we noticed that there was a common theme: people who sat themselves and waited for employees. When you enter the establishment, there is a bar and cashier where all ordering is done. No one will come to your table with a menu. When we entered we were greeted immediately. The menu is behind the bar, so we stood checking out our possibilities. The space is small, so people patiently wait in line inside and outside. We ordered the Mexican Burrito, the Croissant Sandwich, and the green apple and brie danish to split. The burrito was flavorful, as was the croissant sandwich. But the green apple and brie danish blew our socks off. We had two drinks: the hot mocha and a cold white chocolate mocha and lavender freezachino. Yes, I said lavender. It is an incredibly refreshing summer drink.
We sat ourselves and waited for our food. The restaurant was about half full with regular patrons whom the owner and staff greeted by name. Within a half-hour it was packed. People sat both inside and on the outside patio. When the customer migration slowed, we had a chance to talk to the owner. We complimented her food and ambiance. 32 reminds us of some of the coffee places we stop at in San Francisco: great food, great vibe, great people, all local.
The second time we came for lunch. We ordered the Le Grande Tuna and the Juicy Roast Beef. Both great sandwiches, but the roast beef is now a favorite. It is a warm roast beef with melted Munster cheese, creamy horseradish sauce on a Ciabatta roll. To die for! I had the lavender white mocha again and my husband had the caramel freezachino. So far we can say we have not been disappointed with any of the food or drinks. The coffee never tastes burnt! I can't say that about other places. They have a local roaster where they get their coffee and he does a fantastic job. This time we sat at the bar. There were 4 or 5 of us. Pretty soon we were all talking to each other and the wait staff. Human interaction? Who knew it could be that good?
We are now regulars. We have realized that there are limitations to the order and serving process, simply because of the size of the establishment. Once you get past that, you will realize what a little gem this is. 32 also has a drive through. It is nothing to see 2 cars patiently waiting for some one to run their order out. I think the key word is PATIENCE. If you want something quick and snappy, please don't punish this place with your bad review. The second word to consider is LOCAL. If you want the quick menus with prepackaged food, move on. The food is really good and meant to be enjoyed. Why only 4 stars, we have not tasted everything on the menu nor have been there in the evening. Also, it is tiny. I can't really fault them though for that. When we return for an evening date and finish the menu, I will gladly switch my rating.**
So, sit down, relax and stay a while. Order first though and be reminded that good things come to those who wait.
**Added 8/2013 Yesterday was my birthday. With the least amount of personal detail, I shall say that I have a history for sucky birthdays. I have come to avoid them as much as possible. For this birthday, however, we were going to start a new tradition and try make them better. I began my day at 32. Once again, the food was fabulous. The honey, apple and brie danish causes me to have cravings even now. What made me change my star count wasn't the meal itself, but what I experienced. Barista Luke first greeted me with a big "Happy Birthday!" Apparently, my husband told him the day before and he remembered. Then, as we were leaving the owner, Rebecca, and Barista Paul came out from behind the counter and gave me a great big birthday hug. I was so touched. Two of my siblings failed to contact me on my birthday, but I got a group hug at 32. These people have become my friends. They watch out for me. The know my children. Every meal is filled with greetings, good conversation and friendly banter. The food is great, but the people are amazing! If that's not worth a 5th star, I don't know what does.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)