Location(s): 9078 Baltimore Ave., College Park, MD
Time of Day/Length: mid-morning, two hours
Cost: $
Recommendation by: Nicole Hudgins
For sleep hygiene reasons, I don't do a lot of office work at home. So, I'm always looking for a cozy coffeehouse where I can fire up the laptop or grade student papers. Since hours at the New Deal Café have been reduced to the weekend only, I had to search for a new spot. Starbucks in Greenway Center is okay, but they keep the place freezing and there's no free wireless. So, I turned to the College Perk (tel: 301-982-0587) just near the intersection of Rt 193 and Rt 1.
Not only is the coffee at College Perk superior to that of Starbucks, but they offer real food and free wireless. The new tapas menu is served up by the chef with a surprising amount of artistry and care. Items range from $3-$7, including tenderly seared tuna medallions and a wonderfully refreshing cucumber salad. There are also loose-leaf teas, excellent desserts, and pastries too.
At first, I feared that College Perk was strictly a student hangout, but I soon found out the owner and employees make adults and families feel welcome. Coffeehouse lovers of all ages will enjoy the bohemian atmosphere and the consistently excellent soundtrack playing in the background. I haven't been there at night yet, but I think the place transforms into a local music venue, complete with a small, friendly bar.
The only reason to go to Starbucks now is in case you need an early morning place (during the week, the Perk opens at 11am). Otherwise, you'll enjoy supporting this lone non-corporate haven.
1 comment:
I occasionally go to College Perk at night for "girls night out" and have enjoyed their new menu quite a bit. Reasonable and tasty! In the evenings it can get a bit loud if you want good conversation, but I still love going there!
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