Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Carytown Bistro and Coffee House

1/26/13:

Stars: 4.9 out of 5
Pros: Service, Coffee, Seating, Atmosphere
Cons: No website


     Coffee... People thrive on. People love it. It's what gets them up in the morning and keeps them going all day. I personally can't stand it. Never have been a fan and never will be. But hot cocoa, now that I love. Always have and always will be. As I mentioned in my last post, AC and I walked around Carytown Saturday morning. All of that walking made us parched so a quick stop at Carytown Bistro and Coffee House was determined necessary.

     I will start off by my addressing my complaint, as it is minor and in no way a reflection of my experience. I'm annoyed that Carytown Bistro and Coffee House doesn't have a website. It's 2013 which means that there is no excuse NOT to have a website. The world is on-line now and as a business you have to get with the program. Like I said, that didn't influence my experience at all, it just bothers me a touch.

     The first thing I noted about Carytown Bistro was the large outdoor seating area they have. While Saturday wasn't a great time to utilize it, I still appreciated it. I can see myself sitting out here during the summer after a brief jaunt around town. Especially because Carytown Bistro serves wine and beer. And why not enjoy one of those on the patio?



     Carytown Bistro has your normal range of coffee drinks and pastry's  They also have sandwiches, wine and beer. I saw that they had a chalkboard with their wine list written on it. Unfortunately, I didn't really pay much attention to it. Shame on me as I should have snapped a picture. I did note that they had 2 taps behind the counter, one of which is a Legend beer. Local serving local, I like it. The staff greeted us right away when we walked up to the counter. The two girls were very friendly and joked with us while we ordered. They also made a few recommendations, which was great. They were also very quick making our order. Nice to see a happy motivated staff.

     AC got a coffee while I went with my customary "big-ass" hot chocolate. It was really good. Not gourmet, but good. It was rich and just the perfect temperature. I will not say I'm an expert on cocoa, but I drink enough of it to know good cocoa when I taste it. Enough about the cocoa, on to the coffee. AC said her coffee was very good as well. Now, I can't tell you what blend she had as I have no mind for that. All I know was that she had 2 cups. I always take that as a good sign.



     The seating inside is what you expect from a coffee house. Benches, tables, couches and pillows. Everything comfortable and pleasant to sit in. We sat at a table in the middle of the restaurant. We chatted and listened to the excellent music they had playing. It was like listening to the hits of the 90's, a personal favorite of mine. The music wasn't overpowering either. It was at an acceptable volume for both regular table conversation or doing work.



     I liked pretty much everything about Carytown Bistro and Coffee House. It's a place that has all the charm and comfort of your home with the quality of a Starbucks (but not the prices, thank god). If you need a place to study or just a brief recharge on a day of shopping, swing into Carytown Bistro and Coffee House. You'll be glad you did.

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