As I meandered from my hotel toward the First Friday festivities on Roosevelt Row, this was an unexpected find and just my speed. Meaning under 55 and yielding to faster traffic. I gave Songbird a double-take because the cafe is in a slightly frayed but ultimately charming 1904 bungalow house. There was a young family parked on the front porch (photo: http://bit.ly/2sRXVwP), and I felt like I was intruding as I made my way to the front door. Once inside, I saw the former living room has been turned into a laptop haven (photo: http://bit.ly/2sSdTYb).
Walking toward the back where the converted kitchen was, I saw a plethora of loose-leaf teas in a row of glass canisters and big gold bags of coffee (photo: http://bit.ly/2sUnEVn). It appeared to be a one-woman operation, and the server was very patient as I perused the comprehensive menu. I finally selected the $4 Iced Apricot Rooibos Tea, a delicious summertime treat, unsweetened but packed with intense apricot flavor seeped from real apricot pieces and sunflower and safflower seeds (photo: http://bit.ly/2sUcTlH).
I was thinking of getting cozy on the golden velour couches in the back (photo: http://bit.ly/2rP74q7) but decided to sip it among the laptoppers. Songbird serves local product as their coffee comes from Cortez Coffee Roasters in Tempe and the teas from the Maya Tea Company in Tucson. They even have vegan pastries if you're feeling peckish and health-conscious. By the time I finished, a young girl was rehearsing with her guitar on the porch getting ready to perform a mini-concert in the front yard (photo: http://bit.ly/2rTOMiB). Sounds a bit like Alanis Morissette. I oughta know.
TEA - 4 stars...robust flavor in their refreshing iced tea
AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...casual vibe that attracts the hipsters automatically
SERVICE - 4 stars...she works hard for the money
TOTAL - 4 stars...unique spot for replenishment near Roosevelt Row