Great Place...For The Most Part. With so many generic Starbucks-like places out there, I get tired of the seeing the same thing everywhere I go. It's over-produced and boring. As a writer who often gets my best work done in coffee shops I like to be inspired by my surroundings.

That being said, FairGrinds is a great place for inspiration. I love the worn bluish walls, the funky fans rotating above. I love the colorful wooden chairs that won't break my bum when I'm nearing my third chapter and second pot of tea. I love the art on the walls and the diverse group of people funneling in and out.

I also appreciate the technical things like the plethora of plugs in the place, the multitudes of flyers for local events, and local magazines.

As for the drinks I am a tea lover, and the iced green citron is GREAT (it tastes like fruity pebbles or fruit loops) and they offer free refills. My favorite hot tea is the Green Jasmine Pearl and for around two bucks you can get a whole pot, which blows my mind.

I haven't tried much of the food but it always looks and smells wonderful. Plus, even though I am rather carnivorous, vegan baked goods entice me. I once had a strawberry peach muffin and just about died, it was so good and fresh and moist. Today I stopped by and had one of their roasted red pepper/sausage quiches for breakfast. It was great but full of fat...it could definitely have fed two... but I ate it all ;]

Now for the bad. The people behind the counter aren't always so nice. At first I figured that since my hair isn't a unique color and I don't have any visible tattoos or piercings and I like to wear lace, that they just didn't like my type. Then I saw some other reviewers talking about their rudeness and just assumed these people just enjoyed having bad attitudes. After coming here for two years I have come to realize that, while rude, the ladies that work here have their days. Like once the barista gave me chalk for my little cousin to play with outside and she even smiled while she did it. Then another time I spent 2.29 and gave the woman 2.30 and she didn't give me my penny back. I didn't need that penny but it made me furious that she decided that for me. Money is money, learn how to do business. That, friends, is how you don't get a tip.

Anyway, I love this place, just not the people who run it...with exception to the nice little guy with curly brown hair - he's sweet. It's family friendly but also a great place to study. I'll come back until it closes...though I hope it never does!

Not the best coffee I've ever had but the snacks are tasty and the atmosphere is relaxed. A nice place to unwind.