Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse

Nice place, but just watch out for decapitation cause by giant trucks coming through the front door...! They tend to muss your coifure and Birkenstocks....

Posted 04/01/09 | Report Abuse

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I can't really say that I would call the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse much of a coffeehouse at all, considering that 85% of it consists of a very large collection of books. However, if I were in the mood for a good book and a cup of joe, I'd prefer to come here than one of the bigger bookstore chains that have a Starbucks or Coffeebean in them. It might be the artist, indie-person in me that just prefers to go to the more local shops...but it isn't just that in this case. I can definitely say that this place has a very comfortable, calm feel to it... and if you are a student.. or a writer.. or you just want a quiet place to sit and surf the web, this is the place to go. Even more, if you like books and coffee, the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse will satisfy your needs.

I found the staff here friendly and helpful. Albeit, I had to go find someone to make my cappuccino (they were at another register ringing up someone who wanted to purchase a book), they immediately came to my assistance. And while ringing up my coffee, I actually learned something about Visa regulations - apparently on page 9 of the "Visa Rules" manual that is given to merchants once they agree to start accepting any card with the Visa logo on it, no merchant can ask for any sort of minimum if the card has a Visa logo on it. Who knew!

Anyways, the "coffeehouse" portion of the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is on the smaller side with only five, 4-seater tables available. There is a patio with a bit more seating and a place to smoke, if you so desire.

Now one of the first things I look for in a coffee shop is free wi-fi. I feel that if I am buying something that I should be entitled to at least a couple hours of free wireless internet. Luckily, I can proudly say that the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse has free Wi-Fi. Such a wonderful thing, I tell you...

Anyways... I probably would have given a higher rating if I were more of a reader myself.. but I'm not. Plus, one of my favorite things about a cafe is that it is comfortable. I like the big squishy chairs and couches. This one, unfortunately does not have any of that. Not that the chairs are uncomfortable... I just can't comfortably cross my legs in these chairs. Not a biggy, but it's important to me as a frequent coffee-shop goer.

Overall, if you are a student, writer, or whatever... just looking to sit in some quiet place with a good cup of coffee and a book... or free Wi-Fi, I can say that I would recommend the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse.

Posted 11/17/08 | Report Abuse

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Whoever chose the books for this medium-sized bookstore did a GREAT job! There's a broad selection of very high quality books, and they're categorized and displayed in a way that makes them easy to find and discover. The staff is quite helpful, and the atmosphere is very warm. I can't wait to see some of the authors and musicians they plan on showcasing!

Posted 06/21/07 | Report Abuse

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This new store provides great customer service with an aim to please. Their staff is well-trained, and the coffee service is exceptional. While not the size of a big-box store, they still provide a great selection of books to choose from as well as many book-related and gift items. I hope to see good things from this store in the future. It seems their goal is excellence, and they are making a great start in that direction.

Posted 06/17/07 | Report Abuse

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