Java. Cup of Joe. Mud. No matter what you call it, if you're like most Americans your morning or afternoon routine involves consuming some sort of coffee beverage. And if you're like me, you often prefer to have that coffee drink in a café, where you can shamelessly people-watch and let someone else do the work of brewing. Each of Tucson's innumerable cafés has its own idiosyncratic ambiance. Herein we cover four, but plan to continue the caffeine quest throughout town.
What would Che Guevara drink? Perhaps a double Cubano from Revolutionary Grounds, 606 N. 4th Ave., where the activism is as important as the coffee. Formerly Rainbow Planet, this smallish space is part leftist bookstore and part coffee shop. I was able to hear myself think in this quiet, information-oriented environment. Before I left (no pun intended), I ended up purchasing a copy of Persepolis 2, the continued graphic autobiography of Iranian author Marjane Satrapi. Revolutionary Grounds plays host to regular get-togethers of groups as diverse as the Radical Knitters, the Marx Study Group, the Desert Girls and the Not Burnt Out, Just Unscrewed improv comedy troupe. If your community organization needs a meeting place, look no further. Join the revolution online at www.RevolutionaryGroundsOnline.com. Popular with: communists, anarchists, do-it-yourselfers.
Down the street at Chocolate Iguana, 500 N. 4th Ave., I got a large cr'me br'lée-flavored coffee. Here one can peruse a charming collection of candy and gifts, while ice cream, soup, salads and sandwiches are also available. An eye-catching array of magnets, buttons, air fresheners, rubber duckies and lawn gnomes may remind you about a special someone's upcoming birthday. I know I've often coveted the "I Always Wanted To Be Somebody, But Now I Realize I Should Have Been More Specific" pin. A full menu and hours can be seen at www.ChocolateIguanaon4th.com. Popular with: high school students, sweet tooth addicts.
Shot in the Dark Café, at 121 E. Broadway Blvd., is a favorite of mine for their funky, punky anything-goes atmosphere and round-the-clock hours. That's right. They're open year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, last Christmas Eve I watched Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" projected onto a sheet draped over the windows at good ol' S in the D. Two slow but functional computers for public use, an enclosed smoking area, live music, wall space for local artists, free Wi-Fi and extremely broken-in (but not broken) couches all lend to the communal living room vibe. A substantial menu of wraps, sandwiches and burritos may save you when the munchies attack in the dead of night! Their web home is at www.MySpace.com/thecafe. Popular with: insomniacs, smokers, downtown residents.
At Café Passé, 415 N. 4th Ave., my drink of choice is an incredible concoction dubbed the Felix F4. With sweetened condensed milk and four shots of espresso, this one is not for the faint of heart. Formerly ITL, Passé just added new tables. A copy of the day's New York Times is always available for patron reading. During my visit, I noticed an amazing array of fresh scones, with flavors including bacon/basil and lavender/parmesan. A peaceful patio out back offers respite from the street scene. www.MySpace.com/itlcoffeeshop. Popular with: musicians, artists, 4th Avenue shop employees.
Caffeinated craziness continues next time with trips to Safehouse, Bentley's and more!
