Off the Vine is a much needed addition to my neck of the woods. Located in the South Englewood area, across from Swedish Medical Center, this small bistro is cute and full of charm. Patio tables line the outside of this corner spot and the interior is an inviting mish-mash of lacquered wooden table and chairs in purples, greens and yellows.

As a long time patron of Paris on the Platte, one would think I would undoubtedly recommend this well-known coffee house to someone. However, I'm on the fence. If it wasn't for my long standing relationship with this particular coffee shop, and my addiction to the Midnight Express, I would personally never go back and I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Pablo’s might have the best roasted beans in Colorado.  For a coffee fanatic such as myself, there is just no replacement for the smell and flavor you get here.

Indochine represents Thai food at its best: vibrant colors and fragrances and exotic ingredients.  This family-owned restaurant in Parker is located in a comfortable, open space, with dark walls and light wood tables, which they moved to recently after gaining enough popularity with the locals to outgrow their old space a few blocks away.

Terrible food and terrible service pretty much sum up my experience at The Local. After enduring the joys of parking on the tiny, unaccommodating streets on the outskirts of the Washington Park neighborhood, we arrive and seat ourselves at a table on the cramped outdoor patio. We waited a little while to eventually be approached by a ditsy tart of a waitress who informed us she was going to bring us some water to start with. She returned after a bit, sans water, to ask us if we wanted anything to drink.

Everything here is homemade and high-quality coffee is served in big glass mugs. Breakfast is delish, fast, and filling at $7 for a plate of eggs, toast and bacon. Unlike the overhyped and overcrowded Lucille’s down the street, you can actually get a table at Europa on a Saturday morning without feeling pressured to leave as you choke down a latte. Everyone here is taking their time and enjoying each other’s company, temporarily forgetting fast-paced city life.

As a writer, I bound from one coffee bean carrier to the next until I can land in a cozy nook that inspires and offers solace from emo attention seekers and poetry readings. I need a simple, passable nonfat latte and polite service. That's all. It's a simple concept, really.