. . "2"^^ . "2017-10-12T00:00:00"^^ . "0"^^ . . "I love this place, it's great to come here and do some work while drinking a cup of coffee. It's also a great place to meet with friends!\n\nThe Drinks\nThis is definitely a coffee place. They may offer some tea choices but I don't see it on the menu itself. I highly recommend their Promised Land Latte - it comes with honey and cinnamon and the combination of everything is amazing. I've always had it cold but I'm excited to try it hot when the months finally get colder. The Cardamom Bomb is also pretty good (also only ever had it iced) and it comes with, who would've guessed, cardamom as well as brown sugar. I got their mocha today, hot because it's finally getting colder. It's not too sweet and doesn't have that powdery taste or feeling (like Starbucks tends to do - just don't get mochas at Starbucks...). It's not my favorite of their drinks but it's not too bad. I can't vouch for the black coffees or the grinds because I don't drink coffee like an adult (bring on all the milk and sweetener) but the choice of grinds seems to be extensive so you'll probably find something that'll suit your taste.\n\nThey also have various milk options, much more than I've seen at other places, including Hazelnut Milk.\n\nThe Price\nThe drinks seem a bit more expensive than say Starbucks (I figured that was the easier point of comparison that people might be aware of). Not all of the drinks seem to come in various sizes though that may not be the case if you ask. For example, my mocha came as a 12 oz. and was $4.50. A bit more expensive but keep in mind that the quality of the coffee and ingredients are much higher than that of the likes of Starbucks. Furthermore, if you're staying, you don't feel obligated to buy a drink every hour or two. But please feel free to do so because it's that good!\n\nThe Food\nI will say I've never tried any of their food but they do offer a selection of oatmeal and granola as well as cookies, muffins, and scones.\n\nThe Service\nI love the baristas here. They're all very friendly and helpful. I had my mocha at the cafe and it came out on a cute wooden tray with a teaspoon (should I need sugar, I didn't because the sweetness was perfect), and a small glass of mineral water. Lovely!\n\nThe Atmosphere\nI love the atmosphere of this place. The music selection is always nice, a mixture of indie and hip hop (strange mix but it works). The music is definitely audible so if you need a quiet place to study this may not be the place. If you like white noise then it may work for you! There's plenty of seating but without feeling too expansive or too confined. On nicer days they open up their front and the fresh air comes in. It makes people watching easier if you're in the mood. It also looks out to the picnic tables equipped with umbrellas. It's a clean and welcoming environment overall, love it!\n\nThe Parking\nThere's a small lot at the side of the building that houses Rising Star. Otherwise it's all street parking but there appears to be plenty of it so not to worry. This place is near a few other places that you may want to try and is within walking distance of West Side Market and the surrounding area, a great place to walk around on a nice day!"^^ . "5"^^ . "1"^^ .