dailyrhythm

You’ll never meet a friendlier coffee shop owner. Brian seems to know everyone who walks through door — and strangers are just friends he hasn’t met yet. Tougo Coffee is welcoming, relaxing — and yet lively at the same time. It’s easy to catch snatches of conversation about the local experimental music scene, upcoming art & poetry events, and mostly, the general stories of people’s daily lives … “family coming to visit,”“working on the house this weekend,” “going for a walk along the lake.” Did I mention that they make a brilliant cup of coffee?

This cappucino-lover loves Victrola’s most of all. Fabulous art, and an easy place to run into people you know. Tips for the wise: 1) parking is tricky, usually requiring a loop or two around the block in the neighboring streets — better to walk, bike, or bus; 2) for coffee-to-go, don’t be in too much of a rush — there’s often a line at the counter and the drinks are made with care; 3) no wifi on the weekends — bring a book or a friend.

This is a wonderful restaurant to have a meeting in — quiet, spacious, tasty low-cost food, and you’re welcome to stay and drink creamy chai (or beer) for hours. I’m vegetarian, and I order the same thing there everytime — the vegetarian platter — but it’s delicious and feeds many.