Culch.ie

Farewell to north inner city Dublin – Part 3: The Coffee shops

For part 3 of my (long) farewell to the north inner city, I’m focusing on the coffee shops. And trying to avoid the franchise ones.

In Cahoots is found a couple of doors away from the wonderful Chapters book store on Parnell street. It opens until around 8 o’clock most days, and has a friendly atmosphere.
The good bits: Dirt cheap. Friendly staff. Fast service. Close to Henry street, the Ilac centre and  Chapters book store. Killer deserts, to do some extra damage to all your problem areas.
The bad bits: Sometimes gets noisy if you’re trying to read a book. Coffee isn’t great, it can taste a little scorched.

Caffe Cagliostro is located in the middle of the fantastic Italian Quarter. It does the best, authentic, Italian coffee in Dublin – in fact it just may be the best coffee in Dublin.
The good bits: Authentic Italian snacks and coffee at reasonable prices. Friendly staff  who tend to burst into song and dance at random moments. Huge outdoor area – perfect for people watching. Not part of a soulless coffee shop chain.
The bad bits: Closes early (shortly before 5.30). Limited daily food stocks. And fyi, there’s a table, furthest away from the entrance, beside the bathroom door: Don’t sit there.  Just.  Don’t.

Chocolate Soup. Climb to the second floor of Debenhams, Henry street and you’ll find this coffee shop hidden behind racks of clothes. Don’t go expecting much healthy food, the name should be a warning.
The good bits: Kit-Kat muffins. Delicious fairy cakes and hot chocolate. The main seating area mostly glass (including the floor) and juts over Henry street – makes for an interesting view.
The bad bits: A little plastic and soulless. The food can be pricey. The great view is lessened slightly by windows that are very difficult to see out of.

Sherie’s Cafe Bar. Located  on lower Abbey street. Useful if you want a bite to eat before a tram or the cinema. Used to be nice, have to be honest and say it’s gone a bit downhill lately.
The good bits: Friendly staff. Good location. Passable breakfast.
The bad bits: Not really coffee shop prices. Portions seem to be getting smaller and smaller, perhaps I’m just getting taller.

Lemon Jelly, Millennium Walkway. Located on my favourite part of the north Inner city, I usually head in to Lemon Jelly if I’m too late for Caffe Cagliostro or I fancy something a little more filling than Cagliostro has to offer.
The good bits: Pancakes & maple syrup. Free Wi-Fi. Lots of seats. Pretty good coffee. Friendly staff (except for one guy who acts like he’d just as soon soak his socks in your beverage).
The bad bits (Apart from the sock guy): Can be pricey depending on what you order. Seating in some parts is a little uncomfortable, and can sometimes feel like you are sitting on your neighbour’s lip.

The hardest part I’ve found about reviewing cafes is remembering their names. I’m sure I must be missing loads – any suggestions?

Honourable mentions: One at the end of Marlboro street, beside the pawn shop, close to Talbot street, great coffee & prices (just keep one eye out for junkies). Another one with a name I can’t remember, but it’s beside Waltons on North Frederick St, good BLT there. Butlers takeaway coffee, for their sugarlicoius white hot chocolate, MMmmm.