When I was a kid, we wall enjoyed hanging out at a house where the parents didn't mind a mess; that way, you felt "at home." I think this is a coffee shop where 20-somethings feel at home in the same way. It's the living room of students rooming together. Brick walls painted grey, no paintings, old tables and chairs from second hand shops, sharing tables with people you don't know who are also on apple computers -- what could be a nicer place to meet someone to chat a bit and do some work (ie catch up with email). It's... a commons!
As an Beacher, I would say it's distinctively west-end vibe. Great coffee (espresso only) and tea; would be nice if they featured fair trade.--wayne roberts