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.