Review: Athans Bakery and Cafe, Brookline

Athans Bakery and Cafe, Brookline

Coffee/tea drinks: Their coffee is just okay, and their espresso is not great. (I have not ordered their capuccinos after a couple of bad experiences when they first opened). However, you occasionally get a server that does foam pretty well. So, it's kind of spotty.
They do have some very good teas by the pot, however. Some are very flavorful. (I think the tea is imported from Europe).
Food: Their cookies are an acquired taste...(very crumbly and lots of white flour). But I like the fig sandwiches, and one of the double chocolate cookies. I also like their scones (very flaky -- like a buttermilk biscuit crossed with angel food cake). And they have very impressive desserts, chocolates, and gelati.
Internet: Free wifi. (every once in a while it does not work very well, however).
Outlets: Okay.
Bathrooms: Good. They have three brand new bathrooms. Spotless.
Chairs: Nice table chairs.
Crowds: Good. There are usually places to sit, and it is nice and quiet, in part because they have separated the restaurant area from the cafe area.
Music: Fine.
Parking: Okay. Street parking, but I can usually find a spot.
Hours: The hours are great for evenings. 8am? - 11pm More...

Review: Whole Foods Newtonville

Whole Foods Newtonville

Coffee/tea drinks: They just got a new coffee stand in the front. I have only tried their tea, and it is pretty standard for a Whole Foods. The coffee stand also has gelati, however. (see above). They give you free samples if you ask.
Internet: None.
Outlets: Poor.
Bathrooms: Moderate. There are two unisex bathrooms in the back of the grocery store, which makes them inconvenient when you have already purchased your items and are sitting at a table in the front. Additionally, they are frequently occupied.
Chairs: Standard table chairs.
Crowds: Not too bad. People do not seem to stay very long.
Music: None?
Parking: Good. Somtimes it is busy on the weekends, but you can always find a space in their lot within a few minutes.
Hours: 8am - 10pm
Address: 647 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458. (617) 965-2070.
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Review: Starbucks Belmont

Inside:

Starbucks - Belmont, MA (Trapelo Rd.)

Coffee/tea drinks: Starbucks' standard. However, their bag-tea selection is the best of any Starbucks I have ever seen.
Internet: T-Mobile.
Outlets: Good.
Bathrooms: Good.
Chairs: Standard tables and a couple of comfy chairs.
Crowds: Not too bad. I've seen the lines get really long here, but there still seems to be a good amount of available seating.
Music: Standard Starbucks.
Parking: Moderate. There is a small parking lot, and another parking lot beside it that looks like it's permit-only (but I've never tried), and perhaps some street parking around the corner. There is also a bus stop right there.
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