The Downbeat Cafe

I went here on 6/25/10 I think.

After a long ride down Pico, I realized that the highway, although very slow due to a dilugue of traffic, is still faster than most street journies. I made it to the Echo Park and Silver Lake area for the first time though, but I had to endure many stop and starts at stop lights, and a hot car.

The Downbeat was not doubt a joint. It was treated by most like there living room, and there was no shortage of nifty on the heads of those who did not hesitate to show them off.

No free wifi though. This is ridicoulous at this. Yeah, I can see you're trying to avoid the whole "everyone just looking at their laptops instead of interacting" thing, but really. As a business you're are trying to compete for business, and this is not standard for any good cafe.

I went to downbeat for a meeting I had scheduled, but I don't believe I will be returning. The coffee was acutally good, but the food lacked any real effort.

Pier 212

The beach was calling me and I answered by heading out to Pier 212 along Venice beach. Another great cafe. I had two dry cappuccinos with a tuna sandwich that came with two sides. The ambiance was antiquated and artsy. Though there was young and somewhat hipster-y folks strolling around with neon green stunner shades and black and white tight-fitting wife-beaters.

I meet a couple that was bike-touring from Santa Cruz to San Diego. I told them about my bike-touring adventures from last summer and told me about their experiences. That trip was so much fun, I must go bike-touring again.

As I left the cafe, I was returning my plate and returned to someone was hoovering over my laptop and bag. I saw the man looking a little emaciated, but did not want to judge. Though I'm glad I did not leave my leave my personal effects for too long.

I will return to Pier 212 for certain.