It is very rare that I will devote an entire post to a specific store or restaurant…but this place is worthy.
Knowing I had a full day of work ahead of me today, I got up early and stumbled into the dining room area of the Hostelling International San Diego, opened up my laptop, and began to type.
*BAM* a crash against the wall rattled the windows all around the room. They were doing maintenance.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all for fixing things up, and am not so snobbish as to be offended by their timing. Hammering, drilling, and tinny radio sounds emanating from a DeWalt construction radio don’t create a particularly good focus environment for someone like me.
I decided it was finally time to check out a cafe.
So…I went on Jiwire and typed in the Hostel’s zip code, looking for something close. I had work to do after all, and wasn’t ready for a big adventure.
After a number of less than promising looking results, I came across a listing called Curio’s Cafe. What attracted me to it? Mostly the fact that they didn’t use a chain wifi provider like Starbucks’ T-Mobile/ATT partnership.
With a quick ride on the bus, I was there. The cafe is right on the corner of Laurel and 5th Avenue and was very easy to find.
I walked in and was stricken by the heat inside the small but well-decorated room. Somehow, the girl behind the counter knew this and said “Do you think its hot in here? I’ll turn on the AC!”. She had a cheery voice, and seemed delighted to see me. This had nothing to do with the lack of customers, however, as the available seating was almost completely full.
I ordered an Italian soda and sat down in one of the two areas with access to an electrical outlet. As I opened up my computer, another girl behind the counter started chatting with me enthusiastically, asking me about myself and what I did.
After this quick exchange, she let me on with my work.
After 15 minutes, a thought struck me. I asked “Do you make Italian cream sodas too?”. “Sure” was the response, and instantly she started making another drink. She handed me an italian cream soda with whip cream on top: No charge.
Incredible.
These sort of places, with this sort of people, restore my faith in the human populace, and in small business everywhere.
Curio’s Cafe is, in my opinion, the best cafe I’ve been to so far. Incredible service and incredible value. I couldn’t be more pleased.
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Wow! Wish I was there at the Curio’s Cafe to have a warm drink with you. I checked out their website. Looks like a very inviting place to go.
Thanks for the post.
Enjoy!!!