Balzac's has a certain nerdy charm to it, and there's something about having a coffee right at the foot of the reference library that stimulates wonderful conversation, or so I like to think.
But the pastry I had (almond chocolate croissant) was tasty but too buttery.
The cappuccino was borderline revolting the first time I had it, decent the second time. I won't be ordering it a third time.
So overall, Balzac is more ambiance than appetissant. But still charming in a passing way.