Glad you mentioned AJs and Arabica on Juniper and Algebra Tea House on Murray Hill Road - all core to realneo.

Where else?

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"Miklos (aka Mickey's) Coffee Bar"...

What was it like?

Public input from 360 degrees  is one of the spectacular advantages of the net. 

Through first hand input from all the points of the compass the civic space is intelligently and honestly formed.

Back in the day when I worked at the Stone Oven, John would come in and help us unload the day old pastries. That's a smart idea, because we needed to move them and they were just a good as today's (depending on what it was of course). I think John was the first person who mentioned the speedball to me (available at Phoenix a couple of doors up on Lee).

It's funny being out from behind the counter. I sort of remember what people's cafe habits were, like bartenders remember what scotch you drink, or if it's rum. Many people have met me in another setting and have that funny look like they know me from somewhere, but aren't sure where. And then there are the fun moments when classism is apparent, like in higher caste settings when someone is surely thinking, "that's my coffee bitch from CedarLee... what's SHE doin' here?" I love those :)  There's a woman who always treated me like a servant when I worked at the old SOB, and for several weeks when I was in the Caxton Building and patronizing AJ Rocco's she would pass through (she must work in the building) and give me looks that ranged from, "don't I know you?" to "you're on THIS SIDE of the counter?!" to what in the world could that counter help need down here in "professional land?" Funny, but in all the years that I wiped up after her kids or made it just the way she liked it every freakin' morning, she never has had the common courtesy to introduce herself or offer more words than the items in her order. There were many many pleasant customers at Stone Oven though to make up for the "superior to you" ones.

Be nice to your server; they probably put their pants on just like you do – one leg at a time.  And turn off your cell phone or don’t answer it when you’re being served. Your server will appreciate it.

Love Gypsy Beans and owner Niki Gillota... best quality baked goods, fantastic gourmet sandwiches and other fine foods... if they have the spicy brownies they are amazing.
Three other important coffee houses to mention are Talkies, by the West Side Market - great location, people and setting - Civilization, in Tremont - on beautiful Lincoln Park, featuring my favorite Mocha in town (Mexican cocao) - and Luckys, also in Tremont, with heart warming space inside and out, anchoring a transitioning neighborhood.
Props to all the purveyors and coffee slingers in all of these joints... the more the merrier!
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